PRESS RELEASE
WDC-77-2025
26 November 2025
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippine Embassy marked the observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women on 25 November 2025 through the screening of the film “Chocolates and Roses”, an ethnographic documentary on domestic violence against women and girls in the Philippines, its impact on suicidal behavior, and issues on annulment and divorce.
In his Opening Remarks, Deputy Chief of Mission Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon Jr. stated that the film “serves as a mirror – reflecting the realities many women face and the struggles they often endure silently. But it is also a window – opening our eyes to the systems of support available.” DCM Ascalon encouraged not only understanding but action, as ending violence is not the job of women alone. “Each act of awareness, each conversation, each moment of courage helps build a society where women live free from fear” he added.
The film was created by Dr. Erminia Colucci, Professor of Visual Psychology and Cultural and Global Mental Health of the Middlesex University London with funding from The University of Melbourne. It was carried out in collaboration with Dr. Dinah Palmera P. Nadera, fellow of Philippine Psychiatric Association and Head of the Mental Health Flagship of the Ateneo Center for Research and Innovation, School of Medicine and Public Health.END
PHOTO RELEASE
WDC-344-2025
26 November 2025
