By: Nicole Llanderal
Photo from: Colegio De San Juan De Letran
Last February 21, 2025, students gathered at the SC Auditorium for a special film showing as part of the gender and development activity series. The event aimed to ignite conversations around fighting for freedom, equality, and women’s empowerment.
“The main goal of organizing the event at Colegio was to raise awareness about women's struggles and resilience during the Marcos regime, especially since the film was shown before the anniversary of the EDSA Revolution,” Ms. Audrey Joyce Valderrama, a faculty member from STEM Area Senior High School Department. She emphasized the importance of empowerment, equality, and remembering history, highlighting the vital role women can play in serving their country and fellow citizens.
The featured film, Ka Oryang, directed by Sari Lluch Dalena, tells the story of a young woman named Oryang that is portrayed by Alessandra de Rossi, who becomes a medical volunteer amid the chaos of martial law in the Philippines. The film highlights the struggles and resilience of women, often overlooked contributions in revolutionary movements especially during the Marcos regime.
Ka Oryang’s storytelling of women fighting for freedom challenges traditional norms of femininity, showing women as strong, independent human beings who bravely confront military abuses and protecting those imprisoned by the military.
The film showing of Ka Oryang aligns with Letran's broader mission to promote gender and development goals through activities that encourage critical thinking and social awareness. “Events like this film showing help the whole Letran community by fostering discussions and programs that advocate for freedom, equality, and women’s empowerment,” Ms. Valderrama noted.
For many students, including John Vincent Mendoza, a student from ABM 12 C, the event was an eye opener. “It really opened up my eyes to what issues we were facing back then until today, that sometimes we, youth, are forgetting,” Vincent said.
Furthermore, Vincent also reflected on a poignant dialogue from the film, "‘Pag tinitignan ko ang iyong mata, ay masasabi kong marami kang nakikita. Pero hindi lahat ng nakakakita, namumulat.” He realized that awareness alone is not enough; it requires action and understanding to truly see and address societal injustices.
Amelia Mignonette Pereda, a student from STEM 11 B, highlighted the empowering effect of the film, stating, "It helps us feel empowered, especially the women, making us feel independent on our own strength." She also emphasized the importance of recognizing the experiences of activists who fought for their beliefs and that they deserve respect rather than punishment.
Ms. Valderrama stated that the audience was expected to reflect on the historical struggles of women and draw connections to present-day issues. This approach not only honors the past but also inspires future generations to engage with pressing topics such as women in politics, gender-based violence, or the role of women in social movements.
For future events, Amelia suggested topics such as LGBT issues, while Vincent proposed human sexuality or gender roles. Amelia noted, “Many people are still close minded about these topics.”
As the film ended, the journey of reflection and action sparked by the courageous stories of women who defied the shadows of history was put into spotlight. Through the lens of Ka Oryang, the Letran community must be reminded that empowerment is not just a goal, but a collective responsibility that requires us to see beyond the surface, to awaken to the injustices of today, and to build a better tomorrow where every voice is heard and every strength is celebrated.