I found this article from one of the Philippines' leading dailies, the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The article discussed a study conducted by Wonders of Women (WOW), a magazine which is circulated in seven countries in Asia including Philippines. The study is all about modern Asian women and how a modern Filipino woman differ from her neighboring Asian women. I want to post it here to share with my fellow Filipinas and obtain their opinion and conduct a survey.

~ Is a Filipino woman today no longer a Maria Clara? ~

Filipino woment in general are strong-willed and independent. They percieve a career as a measure of achievement and self-worth. They decide for themselves. Is this the modern Pinay?

Based on a study by OMD, Filipino women today are modern in terms of thier outlook on gender equality but tend still to be conservative particularly in relationships. Their focus remains to be on relationship with their parents and the welfare of their children. This situates today's Pinay as part of the evolving woment group in Asia. Most Filipino woment percieve themselves to be part of a growing trend - a sense of liberation in career and society.

The Asian study showed that the WOW women in all 7 markets are clearly more independent, know what they want and are not afraid to speak their minds. They may still hold dear to their traditional values such as filial piety, respect of the family and performing their duties as a good wife and mother but many have breakthrough to see the importance of personal fulfillment and self actualization through their career and social work.

We are seeing across markets that women are enjoying being a woman and thinking about what they want to get out of thier lives. HK, Taiwan and Singapore women are most advanced in terms of their status and postition as women in their societies. Chinese women are fast catching up and the evolving groups of women are those from Philippines together with Thailand and Malaysia.

WOW findings revealed that Philippines have the highest number of women earning more that spouses(38%), followed by Singapore with 29%. Filipino women agree that even if married, they should have savings of their own. They see that financial independence guarantees one's independence. However, they believe that money does not dictate who wears the pants inthe relationship.

Women in the Philippines(together with Malaysia) are most positive about marriage. 62% of Filipino women believe that marriage will last forever compared to a low 8% in Thailand. Likewise, only 18% of Filipino women think that premarital sex is acceptable compared to Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong's numbers nearing to 50%.

When asked which a Filipino woman would prefer- a great body or beautiful face - preferences are more even. For a Pinay, inner beauty counts more than physical appearance. Beauty is equated with confidence and intelligence.

Whilst women on the surface may appear to share common traits and interests in shopping, they are not homgenous. OMD WOW further reveals more in-depth insights into women by segmenting them to reflect the variations in product consumption and their media and lifestyle preferences.

~ What Cluster of Pinay Do You Belong? ~

• Modern Day Darna --> these Pinays aim to balance career and family life. Their career gives them pleasure and a sense of achievement but they feel that it is still the family that matters most.
• Classic Maria Clara --> embodies a more subdued personality and outlook in life. They tend to be family-focused and live a more laid back life.
• Cosmo Girl -->the go-getter type that tends to live for the moment/enjoys life to the fullest, and they have a modern outllok in life and on relationships.
• Priviledged Carefree --> who belongs to a better income family and is leisure-seeking.
• Life Seeker --> who is free-spirited and independent.

I believe I'm a combination of a Modern Day Darna and Life Seeker. I love to become independent and do things that I think its good for me. Well, thats my characteristic as a single Pinay but once I got married and raise a family, I'll be a Modern Day Darna. I believe I can manage to be a mother and wife and still maintain a career like other Pinays do. How about you?

hi salva!!! musta na? spammed nga tagboard mo. ako, delete na lang pag meron, hehe... eniwei, pareho tayo, combination of modern day darna and life seeker din. i am free-spirited kasi pero at the same time, family pinaka-impt sa akin. take care lagi! good luck sa job-hunting and God bless!

Hi Salva, when I was single, I would've considered myself a modern day Darna since I have a career but at the same time was hoping for a family of my own. Now that I have my family, I'm clearly a Classic Maria Clara. I have no regrets giving up on my career to raise my kids, every moment is well worth it. No, I didn't give it up because of day care costs since we can afford it; but hubby and I want to give our kids the best care possible and who else can give that but me? I love being a SAHM. :)

I'd consider myself 30% Modern Day Darna, 30% Cosmo Girl, 30% Life Seeker and 10% Classic Maria Clara. I'd like to be Privileged Carefree though

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