Press release from SexAndSensibilities.com
There is a saying that goes: I’m a single parent. What’s your super power?”
That is probably one of the better ways to look at solo parenting—with optimism, with spunk and just the right amount of attitude.
According to the National Statistical Coordination Board, there are about 3 million children in solo parent homes (children of migrant parents, widows and single parents) in the Philippines. However, even with this number, there are limited resources where solo parents can go to for support. Books on the topic are written by foreign authors and do not take into consideration the nuances of solo parenting in the Philippines: the social stigma of not being married or no longer married and the cultural premium placed on traditional families.
“Happy Even After” is a forum for solo parents defined as those who were married, once married, widowed or are raising other people’s children as their own. During these talks, a guest speaker shares their own experience about surviving and loving solo parenthood. Experts who provide advice on a range of topics from the serious like legal and financial concerns—to the essentials of looking good on a tight budget are also invited.
“Happy Even After” was started by Ana Santos, a journalist and the founder of Sex and Sensibilities.com who has herself been a solo mom for close to a decade.
Risa Hontiveros
The next “Happy Even After” workshop will be on May 22, 2011 at Powerbooks Greenbelt 4.
“I’m thrilled to have as our next speaker, Risa Hontiveros of the Akbayan Party List. Risa is a journalist, environmentalist, much-loved legislator and women’s rights activist. All these are known facts about Risa, but what not many people may not know is that Risa is also widow raising four children on her own,” says Santos.
In 2005, Risa became a widow after her husband Frank, a police colonel, suffered a severe asthma attack. She and Frank have four kids between the ages of 18 and six: Kiko, Issa, Ianna, and Sinta.
A devoted mother, Risa sees to it that she personally brings her kids to school in the morning and makes time in between appointments to run errands for them. She takes them to Sunday mass and is also active in their school PTAs.
Santos hopes that having women like Risa Hontiveros speak on solo parenting will de-stigmatize the issue.
“People think that ‘real’ solo parents are only those who have never been married or were once married. It boxes people into labels that are focused on the circumstances on why they became solo parents rather than how they can do to be the best parent they can be even without a partner,” Santos explains.
Leyende skin care will also host a portion about multi-tasking when it comes to skin care. A Leyende skin care expert will discuss different ways to make easy and effective skin care that can easily be squeezed into any schedule no matter how jam packed with meetings—PTA or otherwise–and soccer practice.
The next “Happy Even After” forum for solo parents will be on May 22, Sunday at Powerbooks Greenbelt 4, from 2 to 5PM. Registration of P200 covers snack and donation to the H.E.R.O Foundation (Help Educate and Rear Orphans of soldiers killed in action) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Please call or SMS 0927.307.9608.
Media coverage is requested:
Contact Person: Ana Santos
Mobile: 0917.886.4862