Angel Locsin and Ian Veneracion on Becoming Better Allies

We live in progressive times, with a generation that no longer tolerates what’s wrong and bravely call out the injustices in the world. With a lot of people becoming more open and vocal about social issues, there have been positive changes when it comes to championing equality and a harmonious relationship as a community.

One topic that’s often talked about, more so in recent times, is social acceptance. As an effort to contribute to educating people on this matter, global life insurer Manulife staged the webinar called “Becoming Better Allies to Each Other.”

The company understands the need to highlight the importance of fostering diversity, equality and inclusion, so they invited speakers with different backgrounds and advocacies to share their thoughts and experiences with a virtual audience.

“Being an ally means listening to, learning from, and seeking to understand one another, so that we can reach out, build bridges, and grow together,” Manulife’s Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Henson remarks. “We need better allies, because this is one way by which we can ensure and create safe spaces for each other and foster true inclusion.”

As part of the speaker lineup, actors Angel Locsin and Ian Veneracion imparted lessons on their journey as an ally. Below, we compiled their meaningful statements.

Be your own person. During the webinar, Angel, undeniably an empowered woman, inspires many for acting on her own will and owning her decisions. “Women should always be true to themselves,” she says. “A successful woman, for me, is capable of choosing her own path. We only have one chance, one life, and one shot. Sayang naman kung sasayangin lang sa kung anong opinyon ng ibang tao. Do what is right and what is best for you.”

Extend love to others regardless of your differences. As an actress who portrayed the role of Darna before, Angel knows how important love and compassion are. “To be an ally to a community driven by love is an honor. It is about being one with others, and making them feel na hindi sila nag-iisa,” she states.

Learn to embrace acceptance. Ian, whose daughter is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, talked about the significance of parents accepting their children no matter what they identify themselves as. “We have to avoid judging and putting each other in boxes. We have the capacity as human beings to expand our consciousness and progress forward—to see with fresh eyes the beauty and uniqueness of everyone,” he points out.

Be a good mentor. Regardless if you’re a parent or not, it’s important to educate people, especially the youth, on how to become a true ally. Ian shares, “We have to teach our children to be responsible for their thoughts, words and actions. Their self-respect must have a good foundation and must not depend on external validation.”

Be kind. Finally, Angel emphasized one thing to help people be more accepting, understanding, and a better person: show kindness. “If you put others before yourself, may pagmamalasakit ka sa kapwa, may kapasidad ka to be selfless, at tumutulong ka sa mga naaapi, then you are a hero.”

Lead photos from @therealangellocsin @ianveneracion1