#GuiltyandProud

WHO run the world? Girls! Haha! So, I’ve always wanted to channel my inner Beyonce and say that with a couple of snaps with my fingers and a little sass. I believe in today’s modern day, strong, independent woman who slays dragons (show of hands ladies!).

We all agree that women have taken a strong forefront in slaying and taking on amazing leadership roles around the country and world. Snap, snap!

Coincidentally as we talk about women, we observe Women’s Month and the International Women’s Day this month. At the same time, we observe Fire Prevention Month and Rabies Awareness Month. All three are quite lethal, I must say. Fiery and with a bite sometimes?

In time for the International Women’s Day celebration on Wednesday, I had the chance of meeting some fiery, strong and fierce women last week for a special Women’s Day campaign. I never really thought I’d find myself at a photo shoot with amazing women.

When I stepped into the room, I wanted to snap my fingers and call Beyonce—the room was buzzing with empowerment and fierceness.

My friend Bea launched the #GuiltyandProud campaign through her Queen City Plus (check it out on Facebook!) initiative. It is one of the three cities in the Philippines that responded to the International Women’s Day team to initiate campaigns and programs that aim for a better working world—“a more inclusive, gender equal world.” This year’s international theme is #BeBoldforChange.

Cebu’s #GuiltyandProud campaign talks about our flaws and imperfections, but more importantly, it highlights how we own our bodies, embrace ourselves, take pride in our flaws, and love ourselves.

While we are made to feel guilty about our flaws, we should be the first ones to embrace ourselves and take pride in our imperfections.

The campaign had us talking about our #GuiltyandProud stories. We took pride in our imperfections because these are part of us and make us more awesome than we already are. Love yourself, ladies. The #GuiltyandProud campaign is an incredibly inspiring idea. When I went there, with my zero modeling skills (no matter how many episodes of America’s Next Top Model I’ve watched through the years), it was empowering to be in the presence of some of Cebu’s strong, independent women.

You could practically hear Beyonce sing “Who run the world?” Flaws be damned—I love myself.

Society does not define us. We define ourselves and we are fabulous, strong, independent, empowered women ready to run this world.

Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about your flaws. Take pride in them and love yourself.

What are you #GuiltyandProud of?