“Raised Pinay” to Raise Awareness on Roots of Health
/March 9 2016, New York, NY Roots of Health proudly presents "Raised Pinay," a community-centered benefit production based on original stories & performances by an all-Pilipina cast. There will be 3 shows: Thursday March 31st 6p at the Philippine Consulate, April d, pm at NYU Palladium, and April , 6 pm at NYU Palladium.t is a major collaboration between Roots of Health, Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro), NYU International Filipino Association (NYU IFA), The Journey of a Brown Girl, Philippine Consulate General in New York, and Synergy Production & Marketing Inc. Proceeds for this event will benefit Roots of Health (Ugat Ng Kalusugan), a 501c3 nonprofit organization providing free reproductive clinical and educational services to wom*n and girls in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Through original story submissions, an all-pinay cast will perform stories of Pinayhood that have formed their identity. The process brings together a group of intergenerational pinays who want to share unique and powerful stories to collaborate, relate to each other’s struggles, celebrate these experiences, and share them with the NYC community. Pinay stories will be showcased through monologues, dialogues, poetry, visual art, song, and movement which embrace the cultural nuances of our authentic experiences.
The show is directed by JL Umipig and is produced by Roots of Health Board of Directors, Justine Ang Fonte and Rachelle Peraz Ocampo. The diverse group of writers and performers include stories and performances by pinays Glorietta Ang Fonte, Gigi Bio, Grace Bio, Kristina Bustos, Zarah Cabañas, Anjelica M. Enaje, Twinkle Ferraren, Justine Ang Fonte, Rachelle Peraz Ocampo, Karen Joy Pangantihon, Aurerose Piaña, Krissy Reyes, Maria Rubio, and Joanne Fe A. Talingdan Dolman.
Philippine Consul General Mario de Leon Jr. shares, “We are happy to partner with Roots of Health for “Raised Pinay’ which celebrates the Filipinas’ own and unique stories in commemoration of International Women’s Month. I welcome the second generation Fil-Ams’ contribution in community building and this original production which further elevates the profile of Filipinas in the mainstream American society.”
“Raised Pinay” was the brainchild of Justine Ang Fonte and Rachelle Peraz Ocampo who share interests in public health and wom*n empowerment. Justine, Director of Health & Wellness at The Dalton School, shares, “As wom*n of color, our stories are often told by those who are not like us. As pinays, we learn to silence our stories at an early age. This production is the first of what we hope to be many that brings us out of that silence to decolonize our narratives, experiences, and our worth. It's time for us to tell our own stories now.”
Rachelle, Associate Director of Health Education at Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, learned about Roots of Health last year and views the organization as “the ideal connection for me to the Philippines.” She learned that “the challenges of reproductive health is way more than providing comprehensive clinical services and health education. It is a social justice issue that involves severe poverty, food insecurity, joblessness, and inadequate infrastructure for providing these resources to the wom*n and their families of the Philippines.”
Kirklyn Escondo, President of Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro), states “UniPro is dedicated to supporting local artists and community members who showcase the Pilipino American experience through the arts. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are proud partners for the “Raised Pinay” benefit production, supporting reproductive justice for wom*n in the United States, the Philippines, and across the world.”
Grace Labaguis, Marketing Director for Synergy Production & Marketing, Inc., a multicultural marketing company states, "I would like to congratulate the producers of Raised Pinay for taking a grass roots approach to helping girls and women back home, who lack access to health care and essential health information. It is very important to have this program in our community to raise awareness. Hats off to the entire cast for sharing their time, talent and story for this fundraising event. I'm happy to collaborate with the whole team in this amazing and worthy project!
Silent Art Auction items from community artists will take place on April 2nd, while ongoing raffle prizes is occurring before and during the shows including Grand Prize winner of one (1) free Round trip Ticket from JFK to MNL sponsored by Philippine Airlines. Check eventbrite below for up-to-date details.
For more information, visit: http://raisedpinay.strikingly.com/
To purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/raisedpinayabenefitproductiontickets21139853872
Sponsors: GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, GMA News TV International, Western Union, Philippine Airlines, Asian/AsianAmerican Research Institute, Ugly Kitchen, and VC Eats.
About Roots of Health:
Roots of Health empowers wom*n and girls in the Philippines to secure their right to health and freedom from violence. ww.rootsofhealth.org
