When conducting sociometry exercises in my classroom, I not only ask students to arrange themselves based on social dimensions but also draw attention to those who are not represented in the group. I encourage them to reflect on which regions, genders, sexualities, religions, and socioeconomic statuses are lacking representation. It’s not always obvious to notice who is being excluded. For instance, in a predominantly Catholic country, we often forget to provide space for other religions to pray or acknowledge that certain laws favor Catholic values over others. We also tend to overlook the fact that many of our spaces are biased towards men. Despite having two female presidents, we cannot claim gender equality with only two out of seventeen presidents being women.
The Filipinas entering the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time showcased unprecedented athletic possibilities in our country. Their ability to win against experienced opponents was a David vs. Goliath moment. It reminded me of a statement by EJ Obiena, the world’s No. 2 pole vaulter and the first Filipino athlete to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, when he explained why he stays with the Philippine team despite facing numerous obstacles: “I took pride and glory in seeing our flag where it was not meant to be there.”
As Asians, we often adhere to the saying “not to make waves.” In other words, we are expected to conform, assimilate, and remain unnoticed to avoid becoming targets of hate and discrimination. However, keeping our heads down has allowed others to assume that we don’t deserve space. Certain spaces are withheld from us as Filipinos. Some politicians advise us to maintain good relations with other countries, even at the risk of conceding sovereignty over our territories. In professional settings, we are encouraged to simply imitate practices from other countries without realizing our own unique strengths in fields like medicine, nursing, and psychology. The world of sports can also be unforgiving, with some believing that the Philippines has no place in certain sports.
As my partner and I watched the Filipinas’ games in the FIFA Women’s World Cup as newcomers to the sport, I warned him that his heart would be shattered several times. We had watched football games on TV before, but this time we were fully invested. Seeing the Philippine flag on the screen and hearing Filipino fans chanting their support in New Zealand was an unparalleled spectator experience. In a country where men’s basketball takes center stage, these women have proven that other sports deserve our attention too. Women’s sports often struggle with inadequate funding and sponsorships compared to male sports, yet they tend to excel in international tournaments. Why isn’t athletic talent and potential enough to receive the necessary support? It’s because traditional views don’t consider sports as suitable spaces for women. When we think of strength, speed, and agility, we typically associate these qualities with men, not just in terms of winning but also as a source of entertainment.
However, our first Olympic gold medalist was a woman, Hidilyn Diaz. The Filipinas made their mark in the FIFA World Cup, and the Philippine Blu Girls reached the playoffs in the Softball World Cup group stage. I am in awe of our female athletes and their determination to carve out space for themselves on the world stage, even when it’s not readily given to them. Let’s learn from these trailblazers: don’t be afraid to occupy space. This lesson extends beyond sports and gender. Raise your hand. Raise your voice. Notice whose voices are unheard and whose faces are unseen, and create space for them. Once we realize that we deserve to occupy space, we can achieve new heights.
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