BY RYDE RENDELL PONSARAN & HAZEL P. VILLA
ILOILO City – “Kada bayi may lain-lain nga gina-agyan (Every woman goes through something),” reflected Dr. Deb Palmes, president of Soroptimist International of Iloilo (SII), during a private screening of the Ilonggo short film “Isa ka Pungpong nga Rosas” (A Bouquet of Roses) on March 22, 2025, at the UP Visayas Cinematheque.
The screening was not just a celebration of Women’s Month 2025 — it was a platform for reflection, inclusivity, and deeper understanding of contemporary womanhood. The voices of those in attendance echoed a shared theme: that women’s stories — complex, personal, and often untold — deserve to be seen and heard.
The film follows Gemma [Yan Cortum], whose birthday takes an unexpected turn after being abandoned by her boyfriend. In the company of Claire [Taw Muhammad], a newfound friend, Gemma discovers empathy and connection through the sharing of past traumas and hopes for new beginnings.
Dr. Palmes emphasized that the film, adapted from the Palanca Award-winning short story by Ilongga award-winning writer Alice Tan-Gonzales, served as a mirror to society. “What we wanted to really show is, what is really happening? What are the contemporary issues? Because reality is different from what you read and what you just hear about,” she said. “Despite what they go through, women have to go for resilience.”
The film, a directorial debut by UPV Assistant Professor Julie Prescott — herself a member of SII — was chosen for its powerful storytelling and its alignment with the organization’s mission to uplift and showcase women’s creativity.
“To all women here, never underestimate your creativity, kindness, leadership, and resilience,” Dr. Palmes reminded attendees during her opening remarks.
The screening also served as a space to explore inclusivity. Prof. Rosario H. Asong, who gave a short talk on historical Ilongga figures before the film, underscored the importance of visibility for queer experiences. “They have always been boxed, stereotyped. Let’s give them the respect — they have rights too. They are human beings, too, with feelings and experiences.”
Among the audience was Lorlie Noblezada, a social worker and mother, who attended with her daughter. She reflected on the film’s themes through the lens of parenthood: “As a mother, it’s very challenging because what you used to think the situation would be is now different. So, it’s important to be observant… you must listen to what’s really happening with your children.”
More than just a cinematic experience, the event also served a philanthropic purpose. Public screenings on March 26 generated proceeds in support of SIL’s ongoing projects for women and girls across Iloilo City and the province — initiatives that empower through education, livelihood, and advocacy./PN
