“The Future is Looking Bright For Girls.”

by Cyan Leigh Dacasin

The International Day of The Girl celebrations wrapped up the month as a triumphant success. This year’s theme, “Girls Defining the Future”, was a time for inspirational stories and endless possibilities which was spearheaded by SPARK! Philippines, in partnership with the US Embassy in Manila, Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, J. Amado Araneta Foundation – JAAF, Girls Got Game, Quezon City Government, and the Taguig City Government.

The month-long celebration started on October 11, 2023, the date of the International Day of the Girl Child celebration, at the US Embassy in Manila, where 40 public students of Quezon City participated in the “Girls Defining the Future of Diplomacy” workshop. Esteemed panelists included US Ambassador HE MaryKay Carlson, British Ambassador HE Laure Beaufils, Dutch Ambassador HE Marielle Geraedts, and French Ambassador HE Marie Fontanel, who shared not just their diplomatic expertise but also their wisdom, nurturing dreams in the hearts of the girls.

Mayor Joy Belmonte’s closing remarks are a blanket of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of every girl’s voice in shaping a brighter tomorrow. After lunch, US Ambassador HE MaryKay Carlson led an Embassy tour herself, wrapping up the day.

Fifty young girls were pre-selected to join the volleyball camp at the “Girls Defining the Future of Sports” Quezon City event in partnership with Girls Got Game and the Quezon City Government. Throughout the event, the girls not only had a great time learning the basics of volleyball under expert coaching by Girls Got Game but also actively engaged in a thrilling scoring game. Their participation showcased their athletic abilities, teamwork, determination, and passion for sports. The day ended with a gift from Nike, providing the girls with top-tier cross-trainers.

Photo: Girls from public schools of Quezon City, Girls Got Game Coaches, Teachers, Quezon City Department of Education and SPARK! Philippines ED Maica Teves.

The “Sine Niña” docufilm premiere screening was a heartfelt tribute to the International Day of the Girl Child and Girls’ Month 2023.  On October 18, 2023, with over 140 students from Quezon City High Schools and audiences, Cinema 6 at Gateway Mall became a canvas of unfolding stories by SPARK! Philippines in collaboration with Sony Music Philippines through Sony Music’s Global Justice Fund. Projected inspiring stories, capturing the hearts of the audiences, directed by the talented Carmen del Prado. It vividly portrayed the journeys of remarkable young Filipino women from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including Maricar Santos Roque, Robyn Camille Mijares, Caith Polinar Aniñon, and Irish Trixie Miras, showcasing their individual challenges, triumphs, and contributions to society. “Sine Niña” beautifully wove music into the narrative. The emotive musical scoring and theme songs from Sony Music Philippines’ female artists created a harmonious fusion of the auditory and visual, resulting in an unforgettable cinematic experience for everyone present at the premiere.

Photo: Girls Got Game Coaches, SPARK! Philippines ED Maica Teves, Youth Uprising ED Robyn Mijares, Mayor Lani Cayetano and Jennifer Goldstein of the US Embassy in the Philippines.

In the heart of Taguig City, on October 21, 2023, the “Girls Defining the Future of Sports” opened its doors to 50 students from Taguig. The event was graced by the presence of Mayor Lani Cayetano, Jennifer Goldstein of the US Embassy in the Philippines, Jessica Constantino from Girls Got Game, and SPARK! Philippines Executive Director, Maica Teves. The event was hosted by the Executive Director of Youth Uprising, Robyn Mijares.

The basketball clinic kicked off with the distribution of high-quality shoes donated by the generous sponsor, Nike Philippines. Mayor Lani Cayetano and Jennifer Goldstein actively participated in the girls’ warm-up session and engaged in a painting activity during the event. The clinic concluded with a scoring game, where the girls showcased their confidence, teamwork, and enduring passion for sports.

As the month draws to a close, the dreams, voices, determination, stories, and aspirations of every girl linger on. SPARK! Philippines extends heartfelt gratitude to all involved, recognizing that within each girl lie the rights, capabilities, and boundless potential to define the future.

For more on Spark Philippines and their latest projects follow: www.sparkphilippines.org