This episode is a continuation of our discussion on the sex trade in the Philippines.  Last episode, we provided an introduction about the role of U.S. occupation/militarization on the sex trade in the Philippines.  Our in-house herstorian, Emma, provided a connection between the U.S. occupation/militarization and the sex trade.  For this episode, we will discuss sexual objectification and hypersexuality of Asian women, its connection to U.S. occupation and the sex trade, and to the work of Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity.  For this episode, Lata D’Mell ..read more

For this episode, our kumares, Mira, Rochelle, and Emma, will explore the role of U.S. occupation/militarization in the sex trade in the Philippines.  There have been several studies and documentaries on this issue, but this does not mean that this issue ended or has gotten better for the individuals who are part of the sex trade. Credits: Background music: "Hard Fought Victory", https://www.purple-planet.com Featured music: "Base Militar", Inang Laya (Becky Demetillo Abraham, Karina Constantino David) Audio clips: "Under the sun : Olongapo Rose", BBC-TV production in association with Art ..read more

In this episode, we are in conversation with Moro People’s CORE or MoroPCORE, a Mindanao-based organization that NAPIESV is supporting under our Bersama-sama Project. Moro People's Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment is a non-profit organization working for community empowerment and peace through education, organization and mobilization. Its mission is to reach out, educate, organize and mobilize the community for empowerment. It believes that through grassroots efforts, a genuine peace can be realized through dialogue, mediation, negotiation, consultation and meaningful tal ..read more

This is the second part of our discussion on Ending Rape Culture in the Philippines. At our last episode, we discussed in detail and dispelled the different rape myths which, even to this day, are still largely accepted as truths by a lot of folks and institutions here in the Philippines and around the world. This time, we will talk about what exactly is rape culture, its roots, and how women, throughout our history, persistently and fiercely struggle to overcome it.  Music Credits Hard Fought Victory -- https://www.purple-planet.com "Babaylan" -- composed by Tony Palis and performed by T ..read more

In this episode, we will discuss sexual violence, but specifically the rape culture in the Philippines.  This is the first of the two-part episode that we’re having for this topic: what it is exactly, why it exists and persists, and how do we end it as women and as a society that wants to realize genuine equality and development as a nation.  ..read more

In this episode, we will discuss the plight of women workers in the Philippines. We’ll be hearing from Liza, a contractual worker at a factory producing luxury bags for big brands like Michael Kors, Coach, Louis Vuitton , as well as Tin and Din, tenacious women labor leaders from the province of Laguna. “Kumusta, Kumare!” is Bersama-sama Philippines Team podcast and a way for our team to discuss issues facing women and girls in the Philippines.  Music: https://www.purple-planet.com ..read more

TRANSCRIPT [music] Rochelle: Hello, everyone! Welcome to the second episode of Kumusta, Kumare!, NAPIESV - Bersama-sama Project Philippine Team’s podcast. Mira: Kumusta, mga kumare! I’m Mira Yusef, based here in Iowa and can’t wait to do a lot of stuff when we can safely travel and be with other folks! Rochelle: I’m Rochelle Aguilar, literally hot and bothered here in Angeles City.  [laughter] Emma: And I’m Emma, locked down but my mind, heart and spirit still roam wild and free here in South Luzon.  [laughter] [Music] Mira: NAPIESV or the National Asian & Pacific Islan ..read more

Kumusta, Kumare? Episode 01 In this pilot episode of Kamusta Kumare, Mira introduces NAPIESV, the work that they do with the API communities in the continental US and the Asia Pacific region. Rochelle Aguilar and Emma Rubio, members of NAPIESV Philippines staff, share their thoughts and experiences on the impact of the coronavirus lockdown on women in the country.  Kumusta is, of course, "How are you?” while Kumare (pronounced koo-mah-re) is a borrowed term from the Spanish comadre literally translated as co-mother. Technically, Filipinos use kumare or its shortened form mare in addressin ..read more