Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou / BenCab Museum paintings

Today we went for a long drive to Baguio city in North Luzon, Philippines and while we were there, we dropped by the museum of Ben Cabrera also known as the BenCab museum. 

It is such a hidden gem of a place where you find much inspiration about the beauty and glory of women. I have featured here my favorites from his current collection and mashed it up with my favorite poem by Maya Angelou, Phenomenal Woman.

I have always loved this poem by Maya Angelou, and the paintings I have chosen, for me, reflect what the poem tells about women. The poem talks about the beauty and grace every woman regardless of her color, size, or shape (Because we are definitely more than that!). It encourages a quiet yet graceful bearing of oneself and it radiates an appreciation and acceptance of who we are and confidence in what we can bring to the world. 

Painting by Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,

They think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Painting by Aman Santos

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It's the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Painting by Yao Sampana

Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them

They say they still can't see.

I say,

It's in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Painting by Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera

Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It's in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

The palm of my hand,

The need of my care,

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

I hope you loved reading the poem and visualizing those paintings as much as I did!

Do you have a favorite painting? How about a poem? Hit me up in the comments. xx

Cheers!

Jacq