#kasarian speaks

[kasarian]

yeah sorry im gonna keep self reblogging my art until it gets noticed by other people. yeah im not going to stop even if im fucking mortified that i make up most of the reblog counter. it doesn't matter. yeah, its going to go on like this until someone's finally interested in my art enough that people actively want to know who my ocs are. hell, maybe i'll still do it after then.

#kasarian speaks #im busy dealing with stress thats genuinely crushing us down #but no ine ever tales me seriously when i say that #shrugs #idk i wanna be seen #i feel like im being left behind #shit sucks #host has had a breakdown in the middle of class our 2024 has not been going well at all

[kulay-ng-banaag]

As the saying goes, "the personal is political." I think it perfectly encapsulates the meaning of "kasarian" from below the surface.

SOGIESC* Headcanons for HWS Philippines

CW: mature language, mentions of hate violence

*Sexual Orientation + Gender Identity & Expression + Sex Characteristics

If SOGIESC was a new term for you, don't worry, it was relatively new to me as well! SOGIE as an acronym was already cemented into the PH-based lexicon, much of it thanks in part to what would evolve to become the SOGIE Equality Bill. The inclusion of SC I first encountered in my copy of an anthology of PH queer studies (which I opened at last to write this very post out of spite). In retrospect, the intersectionality of the LGBTQIA+ movement and feminism was undeniable.

I intended to solely write on my gender identity & expression (GIE) headcanon for Piri, but further reading led me to realize that within a Philippine context, it was interchangeable with sexual orientation (SO) — and to a degree, sex characteristics (SC). In addition, I did not intend to challenge Western notions of queer theory & its spectrum of labels, only that the framework they provided simply did not fit neatly for the postcolonial conditions that shaped the framework within which the Philippines is situated.

In layman's terms — bakla, gay, and bisexual were all situated within the same spectrum, even if by all Western definitions they should not. It's very messy! But hey, it lived up to the dictionary definition of "queer" (though it must be reiterated that queer as strange/odd/peculiar started out as a pejorative).

All that being said, we would have to temporarily set aside our Western understandings, if not completely unpack and let go altogether, in order to accomplish meaningful PH queer studies. I'm also going to admit that this ended up being so hard to explain in English.

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Speaking of unpacking!

Not me unironically using this iconic GIF of MCU Captain America, of all people!

This should have been a GIE headcanon post but it became more than that. I never felt the need to back my thoughts with academic jargon because, at the end of the day, an individual's gender identity was to be accepted, because the opposite choice was dehumanizing.

But far too often I would swim around the Piri tags only to come out shaking my head in disbelief at the implied iron grip on the gender binary. I understood and wholeheartedly accepted that this was the mere product of our conservative educational upbringing that aimed to uphold a certain image of an ideal society, which, unfortunately, included normalizing the concept of the gender binary. (Cue me side-eyeing my own alma mater.)

It must be understood that it was that very social environment that shaped the characterizations of the fem!Piri OC lore of yore. I entered the fandom in a different creative circle and was not as invested in fanfics (BECAUSE I WAS BORING FOR CARING TOO MUCH ABOUT MY STUDIES) and roleplaying. I could certainly vouch, however, that none of us had the depth of gender discourse that the high-school teenagers of today had.

In fact, much of (Western) queer theory was developed in the 90s — smack when we were born! Aside from the sorely obvious fact that none of us would be capable yet of comprehending such information, it was discourse deemed a threat to the sacred and predominant power structure that was the Roman Catholic Church. Believe me when I say their eagle eyes came with sharp talons.

At that time as well, the internet was at most in the stage of testing the waters as a tool for information dissemination. Facebook/Meta as the social media website we knew it today did not happen until 2008, and that was just the public beta! I still remember my sixth-/seventh-grader batchmates making accounts (read: lying about their age), and most of us (yes, me included) did it so we could play Pet Society. I would argue that this was the moment when the internet began its exponential growth into the daily necessity it evolved into now.

My point here was that none of us — including the creators of all these "Maria Clara" ("Mary Sue") fem!Piri OCs — grew up under the same conditions as did many of you kids today. Chances are, a lot of us had since unpacked all the "problematic characterizations," much of which we only realized at a later point in our lives. It's great to see that some of you had a good grasp on why this and that was nasty, but trust me, just as we had a lot to learn when we were young, so did you youngins of today.

So let me be that person that you found annoying bumped into in the tags telling you that it’s not just perfectly okay to unpack everything you understood up to this very point about gender, but also you ought to because it's the good choice to avoid developing a mindset that echoes sexist lines of thinking. By all accounts, I would be treating sexism as an umbrella term to include misogyny, misandry, and transphobia.

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I was never a fan of hypersexual relationship dynamics between the Philippines and Spain, America, and/or Japan. In addition to the bare minimum of the fact that I simply had different perspectives, people were also free to build their own safe corners for their kinks, fetishes, NSFW delusions, whatever they want to call it. While on the topic of kinks, forced feminization was precisely that (a BL kink, if I understood correctly). Neither was I a fan of it, to be perfectly candid here.

What baffled me was how Piri as canonically female was automatically an act of forced feminization, an enactment of a (BL) kink. If that really was someone's thing, then okay cool. As long as you never clashed with my circus, I literally would not care about what went on in yours. By "not care," I meant to say that I had nothing to offer that would be of any benefit to your welfare (saying this because people ironically weaponized the phrase so carelessly).

Bluntly, I was taken aback by the implied belief that existing as a woman, AFAB or otherwise, automatically guaranteed that you were nothing more than an object of carnal pleasure to the opposite sex. I could see the rice grain of truth to the fandom's concerns because we still very much lived that reality up to this day of age. I hate it too!

We could accept an ugly reality and condemn it. If acceptance was acknowledging that there was a real, ongoing problem instead of continuing to pretend that it did not exist, then the condemnation of that problem was the outright declaration of why we must all act to put an end to the problem.

My primary concern was that the repetitive claims of female Piri as fetishistic seemed to imply not an underlying condemnation of the sexist conditions against Filipino women, but rather a tragically apathetic approval of it. As a Filipino woman myself, that scared me as much as having to live my daily commutes constantly on alert for any cishet men out to do whatever God/Allah/Buddha/Brahma/etc. had forbidden us to do to one another (funny how most of these higher beings were male).

On the other hand, I would quip that the fandom was a microcosm of the gap in women's history (herstory, if you would).

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I hoped you noted by now how I typed "AFAB or otherwise" earlier. This was where I spoke not just as a Filipino woman, but also as a queer Filipino woman.

I once had to see someone in the fandom respond to another explaining English-language pronouns as how "that's so Liberal American." We put them in our bios to prevent violent reactions the likes of what happened with Jennifer Laude. 🕯🏳️‍⚧️

Neither was I a fan of the strange implication that men, AMAB or otherwise, were perfectly immune to the negative implications of toxic masculinity and the patriarchy at large. They were not, and all the more if they fell within the queer umbrella.

Sex, consensual or not, knows no genitalia boundaries. In other words, your sex characteristics will not stop the possibility of sexual harassment by other people, regardless of their gender, assigned or not. If I were to go into further detail, I would have to explicitly discuss trigger topics.

The initial, (emotionally) violent reactions over the teased reveal of canon Philippines proved disappointing but not surprising. Jokes on y'all, the fem Piri OC y'all grew up with was just his dragsona all this time. Or heck, Piri was trans (FTM). I'd rather not say more, but what ended up pushing my buttons was the implication that men were only valid if they liked men things.

As a queer Filipina, I was dead scared of TERFS, and some of y'all would sound like one. 😭💔

I hoped by now you understood how misogyny, misandry, and transphobia intersected. If the shoe happened to fit, let me also be the one to tell you: you don't have to keep it.

Go write down on a piece of paper everything you knew about girls vs. boys (how they should behave or not, what they should wear or not, whatever stereotypes you can think of). Then tear that paper into shreds. Or visualize in your head that gender is a balloon that you’ve simply let go to float away to the endless void beyond our skies (don’t actually do this in real life because those balloons would go somewhere, namely the stomachs of marine fauna).

Even if you picked up on the funny-because-it's-true adage that gender was a social construct, you should do whatever you could to unpack the centralization of the gender binary into how you lived your life and how you treated others. Even if this Hetalia bruhaha was all fiction at the end of the day, sometimes the diction utilized in explaining headcanons (not exclusive to gender identity, but far too often it toed that line) ended up implying that certain beliefs and mindsets were not just the status quo, but also a status quo not to be challenged.

I hated that. All the more as a queer Filipina myself, which not only shaped my life experience in this beautiful and damned archipelago but also in how I portrayed Piri.

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Well, you better, because I would rather you not proceed with reading the rest of this post until you did!

The good news was that we were coming up to the headcanon talk itself. Coming up because I felt that I would have to explain first the intricacies of SOGIESC in the Philippines before I could explain where I headcanon Piri to fit.

As I also shared way back up, it entailed shelving all Western notions in the meantime. In the hopes that I would make this easier to digest, we would follow a bottom-up approach of sorts.

Let's start with the all-too-familiar male/female (assigned) gender dichotomy. In Tagalog (and I would be primarily referencing Tagalog because it's my mother tongue): lalaki/babae.

Some of you might already be acquainted with the third gender bakla. A popular theory was that bakla was a compound word of the Tagalog terms babae and lalaki. Other local equivalents included bayot (Cebuano), agi (Akeanon, Hiligaynon), and bantut (Tausug).

In line with the Sikolohiyang Pilipino concept of the loob/labas dichotomy ("inner/outer behavior," colloquially speaking), the loob of the bakla was female while his labas was male.

Btw, the "o" sound in loob is like in "bob. You don't read loob like "boob."

A theory posited was that the bakla was, borrowing Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick's trope, the inverse of the lalaki. Was there an inverse for babae? Yes: tomboy. Acknowledging any unwitting ignorance, tomboy would be translated from Tagalog to tibo.

And so we have the four horsemen of the apocalpyse genders: lalaki/babae/bakla/tibo. Was this hierarchically arranged? At least a couple of scholars whose studies I read would argue so.

For headcanon purposes, our focus would be on the lalaki/bakla "binary."

SC: If my drawing him male-assigned tattoos and enough muscle to make him very masc-passing was not enough of a visual explanation, then yes, Piri was AMAB. May panlalaki na katawan siya, ngunit ano naman ang kasarian niya?

A bakla was, by all technicalities, an AMAB individual who exhibited effeminate behavior. I would argue that it was dissimilar from:

Genderfluid. Bakla was in itself a singular, unchanging identity.

Nonbinary. Bakla as an inversion was not as straightforward as equating it to being at least an extension of, if not completely separate from, the gender binary.

Bigender. A Tagalog equivalent for loob was kaluluwa ("soul;" sometimes translated as "psyche" but kaluluwa had a psychospiritual dimension). To translate bakla to a Western audience as being two "loobs" was self-contradictory.

Transgender. In a Philippine context, sexual orientation, or the object of sexual desire, was defined by the labas and not the loob. Arbitrarily speaking, a couple consisting of a trans woman and a cis man would be perceived as an (outwardly) heterosexual relationship, but if it were a bakla and a cis man, the relationship was homosexual. (A case study of an agi made explicit use of "transgendering" as a descriptive term, but this could also imply an additional linguistic difference.)

If it meant something, that last bit was acknowledged to be problematic in a study on Pinoy bisexuals. Bisexuals came in because, despite being a sexual orientation by Western definition, it had a place in the lalaki/bakla dichotomy. Even the latter contained its own masculine/feminine spectrum, such that the arrangement would be lalaki - bisexual - bakla / gay.

Yes, bakla and gay were interchangeable around these waters. Even if bakla were not necessarily exclusively homosexual AMABs, there were often stereotyped as such because of the sociocultural understanding of effeminacy.

A separate study published in 1995 revealed that an individual's sexual activity was not a direct reflection of their sexual orientation. Sexual relations between two bakla were viewed with contempt because they were, apparently, akin to a lesbian relationship. The penetrated one *coughs* the bottom was understood to be the feminine role in MSM (men having sex with men) relations. While not stated anywhere in the paper, it could be inferred that at least some participants acknowledged sex work as nothing more than work.

In that same study, many of the bakla participants expressed a preference for "straight" men; "hypermasculine" might be more apt by today's sensibilities. Hence, the bakla, as a female loob looking for a male loob partner, was understood to be gay (I would like to add that I had yet to encounter studies of "T4T" relationships between a bakla and a tibo).

Meanwhile, bisexual AMABs were typically stereotyped to fit the hypermasculine mold. There was also, unfortunately, the common (mis)conception that bisexual AMABs were just closeted gays; that was to say, bisexuality was a myth (yikes indeed). In the aforementioned study on Pinoy bisexuals — inferred via data extracted from user profiles on a certain dating site — there was a clear ostracization of the bakla as a (sexual) partner through the use of community lingo to express hiding all traces of effeminate behavior as a “requirement in a (sexual) partner.”

Put another way, these bisexuals expressed sexual interest only for more masc-passing AMABs. The choice of taking up the bisexual label, despite the lack of express sexual attraction for AFABs (within the study's sample size at least), was a tragic case of internalized homophobia and effeminophobia. Nonetheless, the author made it clear that the study aimed to set the initiative in challenging these problematic notions.

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Pardon the information overload! I hoped it would explain how I depicted Piri's struggle with his identity (In more ways than one? Absolutely.):

GIE: Aside from showing off art proof, if you asked me, I could see the token bakla mannerisms in some of the manga panels and sketches.

If audiovisual examples were of further help, let me share a few personal favorites: 01 (FB) || 02 (FB) || 03 (TWT).

Still, I wouldn't describe Piri as a "true-blue" effeminate bakla 24/7, although that part of him definitely "came out" more when he was in the company of people he trusted. ;) More specifically, he was a bakla capable of being discreet — a slang term for hiding your effeminacy. Alas, not even Amang Bayan was immune to social pressures — all the more when they literally shaped him.

As to the question of pronouns, I typically used he/him for Piri. Pronouns in the Philippine languages were gender-neutral — though I might be wrong in being ignorant of noteworthy exceptions!

By the time the Western language discourse reached his shores, Piri would shrug and admit that any pronouns would work just fine, but not without unconsciously re-enacting this meme first.

SO: In all honesty, Piri definitely had a strong preference for masc-leaning AMAB sex partners. Truth be told, he was gay (homosexual). He had his handful of girl crushes, but he would rather be the woman than do the woman. Still, he had his moments of "maybe I do like girls as well," so to play it safe, he would tell other people that he was bisexual. And if we were really going there, very well. Vers bottom.

When I also wrote up the talents & hobbies headcanon post, the vast majority of it had nothing to do with Piri's sex or gender. People were and should be allowed to enjoy things for the sake of it, and not because boys and girls are supposed to do this and that.

Something I really would like to depict in the precolonial arc: Indo was a major inspiration for Piri to explore his femininity — the product of brainrot that burst forth from encountering similar Indonesian gender identities. Yes, I drew Indo with a relatively more masculine body type than Piri, but let me tell you all that Piri upped his makeup game BECAUSE OF ABANG INDO. ✨ SLAY! ✨

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In defense of the conflation of bakla and gay, bacla was an Old Tagalog word for "confusion," "uncertainty," and "indecisiveness." Confusion was apt to describe the early colonial ethnographies of local shamans, written by the Spaniards that clutched on their evangelizing pearls in trying to make sense of the sexual activities of the natives on which they kept their tunnel vision. The established fact of their biased writings did little to prevent the retrospective interpretation that precolonial Philippines was an egalitarian society in gender discourse alone. Nevertheless, no meaningful PH queer studies would be achieved if the postcolonial and neocolonial power structures that introduced and/or sustained the gender binary as the status quo were never taken into account.

Despite the neocolonialist roots of national identity formation, anti-heteronormativity was an undeniable force of “anticolonial ‘national liberation’” that heeded the Fanonian thinking of “the nation [being] as much located in the past of a people struggling to bring itself into and keep itself in existence as it is in their present and, certainly, their future.” There was an "interesting overlap between postcolonial and anti-heteronormative discourses" in applying Judith Butler's theory of gender identity as performativity to national identity as well, to which Sedgwick proposed a habitation/nation system as the matrix within which national identities were negotiated. Coupled with Benedict Anderson's comment on treating nationalism "as if it belonged with 'kinship' and 'religion,'" it matched well with the inherently psychospiritual loob that constituted gender identity — and therefore national identity. To quote J. Neil C. Garcia, "we might say that being a Filipino is not what one is, but what one does."

While Sedgwick specialized in literary criticism, her theory’s cross-cutting into a sociological analysis conformed to the etymology (at far as Sedgwick was aware of it) of queer as transverse. I wish I could go further down the interdisciplinary inquiry, but I deadass semi-abandoned my academic obligations just to get this out into the online wild. In light of certain Twitter disk horse, a separate deep dive into the nuances of concepts adjacent to Pilipinohiya, Sikolohiyang Pilipino among them, was now in the cards.

Truth be told, this headcanon happened at all because — hopefully! — it would explain big time why I drew/wrote Piri the way I did (read: I'm obsessed with the conformity and subversion of roles). That and a sense of "indecisiveness" honestly defined numerous moments throughout Piri's history…

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Some Annotations

Because I do not want randos squaring up on me as if I uncritically subscribe to everything I read:

The most recent publication in the list of sources below was an anthology of studies published within a decade of assembling the book itself. It was intended to be an introduction to PH queer studies. Any later nuances developed since their initial, individual publication should be expected. Most existing PH queer studies were done by native Tagalog speakers, who therefore relied on the Tagalog-centric "Filipinizing" framework. The cited studies below on the bayot and the bantut — Visayas and Mindanao — were by white Americans educated in America. As of this post going up, Hart's study was published 55 years ago, while Johnson's was 28 years ago. Hart did not indicate if the quoted testimonies were his translations or if his interviewees had indeed spoken in English. Just as Butlerian performativity borrowed from earlier gender/sexuality studies built on biological anthropology ( a very...Western thing!!), so did Hart's emphasis on the testimonies that validated a hereditary basis to the bayot identity. Nonetheless, he concluded his study for further research to corroborate (or not) these statements.

Sources

Alcedo, Patrick. "Sacred Camp: Transgendering Faith in a Philippine Festival." In More Tomboy, More Bakla Than We Admit: Insights Into Sexual and Gender Diversity in Philippine Culture, History, and Politics, edited by Mark Blasius and Richard T. Chu, 303-337. Quezon City, Philippines: Vibal Foundation, Inc., 2021. Baytan, Ronald. "Crazy Planets: Notes on Filipino 'Bisexuals'" In More Tomboy, More Bakla Than We Admit: Insights Into Sexual and Gender Diversity in Philippine Culture, History, and Politics, edited by Mark Blasius and Richard T. Chu, 211-247. Quezon City, Philippines: Vibal Foundation, Inc., 2021. Garcia, J. Neil. “Performativity, the bakla and the orientalizing gaze.” Inter-Asia Cultural Studies 1, no. 2 (2000): 265–81. https://doi.org/10.1080/14649370050141140. —. "Knowledge, Sexuality, and the Nation-State." In Performing the Self: Occasional Prose, 3-15. Quezon City, Philippines: The University of the Philippines Press, 2003. —. “Philippine Gay Culture: An Update and a Postcolonial Autocritique.” In More Tomboy, More Bakla Than We Admit: Insights Into Sexual and Gender Diversity in Philippine Culture, History, and Politics, edited by Mark Blasius and Richard T. Chu, 53-91. Quezon City, Philippines: Vibal Foundation, Inc., 2021. Hart, Donn V. “Homosexuality and Transvestism in the Philippines: The Cebuan Filipino Bayot and Lakin-On.” Behavior Science Notes 3, no. 4 (November 1968): 211–48. https://doi.org/10.1177/106939716800300401. Johnson, Mark. “Transgender Men and Homosexuality in the Southern Philippines: Ethnicity, Political Violence and the Protocols of Engendered Sexualities amongst the Muslim Tausug and Sama.” South East Asia Research 3, no. 1 (1995): 46–66. https://doi.org/10.1177/0967828x9500300104. Sedgwick, Eve Kosofsky. "Nationalisms and Sexualities: As Opposed to What?" In Tendencies, 143-153. London: Routledge, 1994. Tan, Michael J. "From Bakla to Gay: Shifting Gender Identities and Sexual Behaviors in the Philippines." In More Tomboy, More Bakla Than We Admit: Insights Into Sexual and Gender Diversity in Philippine Culture, History, and Politics, edited by Mark Blasius and Richard T. Chu, 195-209. Quezon City, Philippines: Vibal Foundation, Inc., 2021.

#hws philippines #hcs: sogiesc #cw mature language #cw mentions of hate violence #long post

[rantaccla]

Pride Confessions pt. 1

Hello, Badet!

I'm sorry that you've been feeling that way. We could not imagine what you are going through right now but you probably already know this but sometimes — its okay not to be okay. 

I know it seems rough at times but you have to trust yourself on this one. There's no guide book on 'How To Be A Good Queer'. It can be difficult to be natural in a society that frequently tries to categorize people, but it's important to keep in mind that you are special and admired. 

I just wanna leave you a gentle reminder that every person's journey is different and that there is no "right" way to be a queer. It's normal to experience elation and feelings of discontent at times. It's also okay to admire others as much as possible, try to prevent yourself from comparing yourself to other people and strive to be more confident instead. 

A little goes a long way but keep in mind that building confidence and establishing self-worth takes patience and dedication, but you can carry it out with persistence and effort. Everyone is their own person so you don't need any approval from anyone but yourself. Ponder more about embracing and accepting yourself for who you are. Embrace your uniqueness and don't be afraid to express yourself freely. You are capable of having a life that feels true to you. 

You don't have to be afraid because you have all the colors of the rainbow by your side. 

- ad

Hello fellow Demi! Thank you for writing <3 I would like to express my happiness upon finding a fellow demi like you who also has troubles when it comes to romantic topics. If I had a chance to meet up with you, I would listen to you, maybe even become besties and rant all about our circumstances. Gusto ko lang na malaman mo hindi ka nag-iisa at okay lang yang nararamdaman mo.

I have been there too, madalang lang din ako magkaroon ng crushes and love interest, sa totoo lang akala ko hindi ako normal o minsan ay naguguluhan din sa kung ano nga bang kasarian ko. Pero upon realizing and finding out about my sexual orientation, I accepted it na even though there is always a misconception that I am in dominant or common gender or sexual orientation.

So in this blog, I would like you to know na you’re not the only one suffering, marami pa tayo, although there is no really known established community for us, there are struggles talaga na hindi natin maiiwasan.  Isa na ang nararamdaman mo, madalang magkaroon ng crushes or love interest at if ever na hindi ma fulfill, ang bagal mawala ng feelings. For me it took at least two and a half years to forget a 3 month relationship from my previous lover. Time will heal ika nga. You maybe wondering…Bakit? Bakit ang tagal mawala? It’s because demisexuals have this trait on them na nakabase ang romantic interest or attraction sa experience na kasama ang taong nagkakaroon sila ng damdamin. Demis develop a sense of loyalty only to that person we feel attracted to kaya mahirap mawala yung feelings even if konting oras lang ang pinagsamahan ninyo. In this sense demis like us are easily misunderstood because nacoconfuse tayo when it comes into romance, we want to take things slow but that doesn’t mean that we are being cautious or that we don’t really love our current partner and most certainly we aren’t afraid of intimacy. We just want to spend quality time with our love interest and actually make the most out of it. That’s why the more genuine memories we have with our lover, the more bond we have with them, the more it hurts, na gusto mo nalang lamunin ka ng lupa. We invest our time and effort for that person we feel attracted to, that’s why we feel defeated or it’s the end of the world. Imagine having to put a lot of effort into something but it just all goes to waste? I am speaking about this based on what I have experienced too.

There are undoubtedly different kinds of Demis, some who seek skinship but no attraction and some who're really close to being an Asexual. So what can we do? Bipbipbip sabi ng jeep, chariz. Nothing, we just need time to heal and accept a broken relationship because the more we dwell on it or overthink it, mas lalo lang tayong mahihirapan magmove on. If we fall down, the only way is up, although healing is a really slow process, we will eventually get through it and find someone that we can truly be with. As for crushes? Bipbipbip I agree na madalang lang din ako dyan XD except sa mga virtual husbandos and senpais. Hui! De pero, when it comes to crushes, we really strive to get to know them or that even if nagbond na, when we face rejection, ansakit din at ang tagal mawala. Kung ikukumpara, once in a bluemoon lang ang demis nagkakaroon ng attraction sa other person. That’s why those who currently have a Demi partner or you feel that you are attracted to, take time to understand them as they understand you too.

-Tiks

Dear blink forever,

Thank you for writing. It really takes a lot of courage to admit to wanting something and from that, I am proud of you. You are taking a good step. And I assure you, the lacing doubts from your confession is completely understandable for it roots to our common upbringing in the society. So, I hope the following response will reach you and somehow be a help to your predicament.

First of all, it's 100% okay to be confused. I get it that you are experiencing uncertainties about your sexuality and gender identity despite wanting to date women. So, I tell you dear, you are in the process of questioning. That's why, you may frequently find yourself asking what you have expressed in your confession: "is this may be only a phase?" or and "can I commit to the idea of dating women?". This early stage can be frightening but don't feel bad about it, you are just getting started.

Only you can determine what your gender is. So, trying things out for yourself would be your best shot. Because the fact that you know to yourself that you want to go and date women, it might be a sign for you to solidify the doubts about your sexual orientation. You are getting there, dear. It is your own right to explore the things you are interested in. And remember, nobody else should take that from you. 

Moreover, your fears are heard, dear. Your feelings are completely valid but the scare should never dictate your actions for eternity. These are instilled misconceptions about LGBT community in the conservative and patriarchal society, resulting in fears you actually feel. Because nothing is "just a phase" to your sexuality and identity. It isn't a situation where you just woke up and realize you wanted to date women. It's not as simple as that for anyone; it's just the system that deprives us.

I guarantee you that gender is fluid and it is enough reason for you to explore your sexuality and be able to discover what would make you happy and content. You may never know but you are already committing to the idea of wanting to date women– it's already a progress. So, why not try? Only then you can find out. It's your happiness that matters, dear.

And always remember, you have a community fighting alongside you in this journey. We are rooting for you.

-eka

Ola, Hello Kitty!

First of all, it comforts me to know that you are loud and proud to be a woman. I love that you know the power and extent of being a woman, especially in this patriarchal society that continues to view us – women – as a form of fragile and powerless human beings. Although significant progress has been made in the fight for gender equality, it makes sense that you still get to ask about the existence of these gender role expectations because we are still in the long run combating society’s bigotry. I hope you find this response as a companion and an encouragement to carry on standing for each and every woman. 

Yes, I totally agree that society created these expectations on women; to be conservative, to be able to do household chores, to dress traditionally, and to be feminine in all ways. It’s dumb, right? As someone has shared with me before, these were all results of society’s fear of seeing a woman stand fiercely in front of them. The increasing societal repression of sexuality over the centuries has produced a world that belittles the capability of being a woman. They are afraid to see what more we can do. That we are able to uncover the will to knowledge, to fight, to be strong, and to act collectively against the repression they implicated. 

Despite these gender norms engraved in our patriarchal culture, I am proud of you for voicing out what needs to be heard. I want you to know that you are not alone in standing up for women, so continue doing the things you want to explore and being you regardless of how the world may look at us because WE are not the problem. 

I want to thank you for writing this letter, but I also want to give a big thank you for standing up for yourself as a woman, because in doing so, you are standing up for all the women in the world. Abante, Babae! 

-kj

#lgbtq #lgbtq community #lgbtq positivity #pride #pride month #pride month 2023 #rant accla #things i left unsaid #lgbtqia

[sarilaya]

Unveiling Sarilaya: Embracing Truth, Celebrating Identity, Empowering Lives!

Sarilaya derives from the word (kaSARIan+ maLAYA).

In this world full of judgement and misunderstanding, we, the Sarilaya team are here in creating a safer place for those who belong in the rainbow community.

We understand, we embrace their community and not just like that, we exist to educate teenagers that unveiling your identity is okay and we are here to support you. We also want to educate parents that these are normal, parents need to understand and support their child.

Sarilaya is here to be the rainbow portal for some young queer individuals. an escape, a safe place made through social media platform. "Dawat ka namo" is our official tagline, it means we accept you, no matter what is your true identity with no judgement. Sarilaya also highlights young queer individual story to give inspirations to others.

Our aim is to be the safe place, to encourage young queer individuals to speak up, come out, and embrace and love their real identity because we, Sarilaya believe that you are unique and Dawat ka namo.

#Sarilaya #BeBoldBeYou #DawatKaNamo #lgbtq community #lgbt history #lgbtq positivity #lgbt pride #lgbtq #lgbtqia #lgbt #lgbtq rights

[babywarg]

Filipino/English Ironstrange fic: “Gantimpala/Reward”

So a while back, I asked for Filipino/Tagalog MCU fic prompts (could be ironstrange, could be not, as long as i could write it)...and @crimsonheartstuff​ responded with a LOVELY prompt about Libulan/Bulan. I just now finished writing and translating the prompt fill, and here it is.

Filipino version first, then English. Scroll aaaaall the way down for some important end notes 😃

Teasers:

"Hindi po kami mag-kahit ano, Panginoong Libulan," ang mahinahong sagot. 

"Pero may feelings po ako sa kanya."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Tony at napatitig sa kasama.

Nag-ahem si Stephen. "Dapat nga pala nasabi kong hindi ka puwedeng magsinungaling sa kanya. As in...physically hindi mo kaya."

Napa-ahem na rin si Tony. Hindi niya alam kung dala ito ng hiya o pagkataranta.

--

“We’re not anything, my Lord Libulan,” was the calm answer. “But I do have feelings for him.”

Tony’s eyes went wide and fixed themselves on his companion.

Stephen cleared his throat. “I should have mentioned that you can’t lie to them. As in…you physically can’t.”

Tony cleared his throat in turn. He did not know if it was due to embarrassment or panic.

++++++++++++++++

Gantimpala

Sa unang pagkakakita pa lang ni Tony kay Libulan, ang naibulong niya’y:

“Pucha ang ganda niya.”

Hindi nagulat dito ang kasama niya. Ito rin ang una niyang nasambit sa unang beses niyang masilayan ang diwata ng Buwan.

“Sa lahat ng dimension at mundo, maganda siya,” paliwanag ni Stephen. "Isa siya sa mga nilalang na kayang manatili sa higit sa isang realidad nang sabay-sabay. Sa alinmang planeta, alinmang dimension, basta't may buwan, naroon siya."

"Ganoon siya kalakas?" Pabulong nitong dinagdag: "May sira rin ba ito?"

Sa dalas ng pagsama-sama ni Tony sa mga misyon ni Stephen, nalaman na niyang habang mas makapangyarihan ang isang nilalang, lalong mas may kakayahan itong mabuang.

Gaya ni Stephen. Pogi sana pero may sayad.

“Basta wag ka lang magpaka-sarili mo,” bilin ni Stephen, “walang mangyayaring masama.”

Sa pakiramdam ni Tony, kaya niya ito. Hindi nga siya siguradong makapagsasalita pa siya habang lumalapit ang diwata.

Si Libulan, gaya ng maraming diyos ng multiverse, ay walang tiyak na porma at kasarian. Kaya’t kaya niyang magmukhang kahit ano, o kahit sino. Sa madalas na pagkakataon lang, nagpapakita siya bilang isang napakagandang tao, na hindi mawari kung babae o lalaki o anuman sa pagitan at ibayo.

"Stephen Strange," bati ng diwata ng Buwan sa isang tinig na wari’y mapagsikretong halakhak ng mga rosas. "Musta na, madir?"

Bumaba sa isang tuhod si Stephen. Sumunod si Tony kaagad.

“Wala naman pong reklamo,” sagot ni Stephen. “Salamat po sa pagtatanong.”

Masusing sinipat ni Libulan si Tony. "At ito? Bago mong jowa?"

Naibulalas ni Tony, "Hindi kami --"

"Hindi po kami mag-kahit ano, Panginoong Libulan," ang mahinahong sagot. "Pero may feelings po ako sa kanya."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Tony at napatitig sa kasama.

Nag-ahem si Stephen. "Dapat nga pala nasabi kong hindi ka puwedeng magsinungaling sa kanya. As in...physically hindi mo kaya."

Napa-ahem na rin si Tony. Hindi niya alam kung dala ito ng hiya o pagkataranta.

Nakasisilaw ang liwanag ng ngiti ng diwata ng Buwan. "So ano'ng maitutulong ko sa inyo?" tanong nito.

"Kailangan po namin ang tulong ninyo sa pagmanman." Tuloy lang sa pagsasalita si Stephen. "May isang mala-multong nilalang na nagpapakita lamang sa liwanag ng buwan. Nagpapalipat-lipat siya sa iba-ibang dimension, kaya't nahihirapan kaming tuntunin siya. Kung maibabalita po ninyo sa amin ang mga aktibidad niya, maaaring matunton namin ang patterns niya at malaman kung saan siya susunod na lilitaw."

Tiningnan muli ni Libulan sina Tony at Stephen. Pagkaraan ay pinagkiskis nito ang hintuturo at hinlalaki: isang muwestrang kilala sa buong multiverse bilang senyales ng paghingi ng pera/padulas.

"Ang lagay eh..."

Napakapit si Tony sa braso ni Stephen.

"Seryoso ba 'to??"

Marahan lamang na tinanggal ni Stephen ang kamay ni Tony mula sa pagkakakapit, at ibinaba ito.

"Ano po ang maibibigay namin bilang kapalit?" tanong ni Stephen kay Libulan.

"Simple lang. Kailangang sabihin ng friend mo kung ano ang nararamdaman niya tungkol sa iyo."

Hihindi na sana si Tony. Pero isang sulyap lang sa mukha ni Stephen at naalala niya kung gaano kahalaga ang lakad nilang ito. Kung hindi nila makukuha ang tulong ng diwata ng Buwan, maaaring hindi nila mahuli ang nilalang na tinutugis ni Stephen.

Narito siya para tumulong. Kaya hindi siya maaaring humindi.

"May paghanga ako sa kanya," maingat niyang sabi sa umpisa. "Pero...hindi lang paghanga. Tuwing nasa paligid siya...parang gumagaan ang pakiramdam ko. Parang mas nakakaya kong gawin ang mga dating di ko kaya."

Ayaw sana niyang tingnan si Stephen. Nakakahiya ang mga pinagsasasabi niya. Pero walang kahirap-hirap ang paglabas sa kanyang bibig ng mga salita.

"So nagulat ako nung sinabi niyang may...feelings siya...para sa akin. Kasi all this time akala ko, ako lang. Ngayong alam ko na, hindi ako sigurado kung ano talaga ang nararamdaman ko.”

May humawak sa kamay ni Tony. Kamay pala ni Stephen.

Napatingin siya tuloy sa mukha ni Stephen at nakita ang kakaibang ngiti roon. Isang ngiting parang kahit kailan ay di pa niya nasisilayan.

Isang ngiting puno ng pagmamahal.

Nagpasirku-sirko ang puso ni Tony, at nagtambling ang mga salita papalabas mula sa kanyang mga labi.

"Pero habang iniisip ko siya...hindi ko alam for sure pero...parang nagiging mas okey ang pakiramdam ko sa idea na yun. Parang magiging tama na ang lahat. Ngayong alam ko na."

May mga gusto pa sana siyang sabihin. Pero napatigil ng mahinang tawa ni Libulan ang lahat ng mga salita.

"Daldal pala ng friend mo, no?" sabi nito kay Stephen.

Tumungo si Stephen, nang hindi binibitiwan ang kamay ni Tony. “Ganyan na po siya ipinanganak,” sagot nito.

Wari’y nasiyahan naman ang diwata ng Buwan sa kanyang mga narinig. Kumumpas siya, at ang kanyang kamay ay napaligiran ng liwanag.

Nilapitan niya si Stephen at pinatayo. Tumayo na rin si Tony. Itinuro ni Libulan ang brace na suot ni Stephen sa ibabaw ng kamay na nakahawak pa rin sa kamay ni Tony.

Ang brace naman ang napaligiran ng liwanag. Na nawala rin sa isang iglap.

“Hayan," masayang ulat ni Libulan. "Basta may matuklasan ako tungkol sa hinahanap mong nilalang, mailalagay diyan sa kagamitan mo. Ikaw na ang bahala sa ibibigay ko sa iyong impormasyon."

"Utang na loob ko ito sa inyo, Panginoon," sabi ni Stephen.

"Wala kang utang." Tiningnan ng diwata si Tony at nginitian. "Nagbayad na ang friend mo. Pero…maaari ko ba siyang makausap sandali?”

Nagtinginan sandali sina Tony at Stephen. Tumango si Stephen. Kumibit-balikat si Tony at sumama sa diwata.

Nang makalayo na sila kay Stephen, bulong ni Libulan kay Tony: "Naglalaro lang ako kanina. Tutulungan ko rin naman kayo kahit na hindi ka nagsabi ng totoo sa akin." Puno ng kapilyuhan ang ngisi nito. "Pero ngayong alam nyo na, di ba bongga?"

Super bongga, isasagot sana ni Tony, pero bigla siyang inakbayan ni Libulan.

Nasubukan mo na bang maakbayan ng isang diyos? Nakakapanindig-balahibo.

Tumaas na lang ang mga kilay ni Stephen habang pinapanood ang mga pangyayari.

"Ito kasi, bro," patuloy na bulong ni Libulan, "Maaaring hindi ito alam ni Stephen, pero ang bawat katotohanang inuusal sa harap ng Buwan ay may kapalit na gantimpala. In short, may gift ako sa inyo."

“Ano’ng gift?” tanong ni Tony. Nakalimutan na niyang magbigay-galang at mag-“po.” Pero hindi naman ito ininda ng diwata.

"Basta." Kinindatan niya si Tony. "Secret."

***

Nagdaan ang mga araw, at nawala na sa isip ni Tony ang “gift” na ito.

Naalala at naunawaan lamang niya kung ano ito nang minsang magkahiwalay sila ni Stephen. Nasa misyon si Stephen, samantalang siya ay nasa kanyang penthouse, nagpapahinga pagkaraan ng isang mahabang araw ng pagkalikot sa mga makina sa kanyang lab.

Napatingin siya sa labas ng kanyang bintana at nakita ang buwan. At naramdaman niyang parang may humawak sa kanyang kamay. Tumingin sa kanya nang puno ng pagmamahal.

Napakuyom ang palad ni Tony sa paligid ng pakiramdam na ito, at naunawaan niya:

Tuwing titingin siya sa buwan, maaalala niyang hindi na siya nag-iisa.

At sa oras ding iyon, sa ibang mundo, sa ibang realidad, may isang sorcerer na tumutugis sa isang mapanlinlang na nilalang na nakikita lamang sa liwanag ng buwan. Bago pa man niya ito makatagpo, napasulyap ang sorcerer sa langit, sa buwan na naghahagis ng liwanag sa lahat ng kanyang nakikita.

Naalala niyang may naghihintay sa kanyang pagbabalik – isang taong minsan ay nagsabing sa wakas, ngayong alam na nila ang nararamdaman nilang isa’t isa, magiging tama na ang lahat.

"Habang panahon," wika ng sorcerer sa buwan.

“Habang panahon,” wika ng kanyang irog.

++++++++++++++++

Reward

  The very first time Tony saw Libulan, what he whispered was:

“Shit they’re pretty.”

His companion wasn’t surprised by this. That was also the first thing he said upon first laying eyes on the Moon deity.

“In all dimensions and worlds, they’re beautiful,” Stephen explained. “They’re one of the beings that can stay in more than one reality, all at once. In any planet, any dimension, as long as there’s a moon, they’re there.”

“That’s how powerful they are?” He added in a whisper: “Are they insane, too?”

In the many times Tony has gone with Stephen on missions, he had come to learn that the more powerful a being is, the more capable it is of losing its sanity.

Take Stephen, for example. Handsome but a bit touched in the head.

“Just don’t be yourself,” Stephen instructed, “and nothing bad will happen.”

Tony felt he could do this. He wasn’t even confident that he could speak as the deity approached.

Libulan, like many of the gods of the multiverse, has no exact form or gender. That is why they can look like anything, or any one. It’s just that a lot of times, they appear as a very beautiful human, which cannot be identified as male or female or anything between or beyond.

“Stephen Strange,” the Moon deity greeted in a voice that resembled the secretive laughter of roses. “How are you, my dear?”

Stephen dropped to one knee. Tony quickly followed suit.

“I have no complaints,” Stephen answered. “Thank you for asking.”

Libulan studied Tony closely. “And this one? Your new squeeze?”

Tony blurted out, “We’re not --”

“We’re not anything, my Lord Libulan,” was the calm answer. “But I do have feelings for him.”

Tony’s eyes went wide and fixed themselves on his companion.

Stephen cleared his throat. “I should have mentioned that you can’t lie to them. As in…you physically can’t.”

Tony cleared his throat in turn. He did not know if it was due to embarrassment or panic.

The Moon deity’s smile was blindingly radiant. “So how can I help you?” they asked.

“We need your help with surveillance.” Stephen kept right on talking. “There is a ghostly entity that only shows itself by the light of the moon. It travels between dimensions, which is why we are having difficulty tracking it. If you can let us know of its activities, we may be able to trace its patterns and find out where it will appear next.”

Libulan looked at Tony and Stephen again. Afterwards, it rubbed its forefinger and thumb together: a gesture known throughout the multiverse as a sign of asking for money/a bribe.

“Here’s the thing, though…”

Tony gripped Stephen’s arm.

“Are they serious??”

Stephen only gently pried Tony’s grip off his arm, and brought his hand down.

“What may we offer in exchange?” Stephen asked Libulan.

“It’s simple. Your friend must say how he feels about you.”

Tony was about to say no. But a mere glance at Stephen’s face reminded him of how important this excursion of theirs was. If they could not get the help of the Moon deity, they might never catch the entity that Stephen is pursuing.

He was there to help. So he could not say no.

“I have admiration for him,” he carefully said at the start. “But…it’s just not admiration. Whenever he’s around…it’s like I feel lighter. Like I can do things I couldn’t do before.”

He didn’t want to have to look at Stephen. He was saying humiliating things. But words left his mouth without any difficulty at all.

“So I was surprised when he said he had…feelings…for me. Because all this time I thought, I was the only one. Now that I know, I’m no longer sure of what I really feel.”

Something held Tony’s hand. It was Stephen’s hand.

Tony couldn’t help but look at Stephen’s face and see the unusual smile there. A smile that was like none that he had ever seen.

A smile full of love.

Tony’s heart did cartwheels, and the words tumbled out of his lips.

“But the more I think of it…I don’t know for sure but…I feel more okay with that idea. It’s like everything will be set right. Now that I know.”

There were more things he wanted to say. But all words were stopped by Libulan’s soft laughter.

“Your friend sure is a blabbermouth, isn’t he?” they said to Stephen.

Stephen bowed, without releasing Tony’s hand. “He was born that way,” he answered.

The Moon deity seemed pleased with what they had heard. They waved a hand, and that hand was surrounded by light.

They approached Stephen and made him stand. Tony stood as well. Libulan pointed to the steel brace worn by Stephen over the hand that was still holding Tony’s hand.

Then it was the brace’s turn to be surrounded by light. Which disappeared in a flash.

“There,” Libulan happily reported. “As soon as I find out anything about the entity you’re looking for, it will be placed in that device of yours. You can do anything you want with the information I will give you.”

“I owe you a debt, my Lord,” Stephen said.

“You owe nothing.” The deity looked at Tony and smiled at him. “Your friend has already paid. But…can I speak with him for a moment?”

Tony and Stephen glanced at each other. Stephen nodded. Tony shrugged and went with the deity.

When they were a good distance from Stephen, Libulan whispered to Tony: “I was just playing earlier. I would still have helped you even if you didn’t tell me the truth.” Their grin was full of mischief. “But now that you know, isn’t it just fab?”

Super fab, Tony was about to answer, but Libulan suddenly threw an arm around his shoulders.

Have you tried having a deity’s arm around your shoulders? It’s hair-raising.

Stephen’s eyebrows only shot up as he watched what was going on.

“Here’s the deal, bro,” Libulan continued whispering, “Stephen may not know this, but every truth uttered before the Moon has a corresponding reward. In short, I have a gift for you.”

“What gift?” Tony asked. He’d forgotten to be courteous and use “po.” But the deity didn’t mind this anyway.

“Just trust me.” He winked at Tony. “It’s a secret.”

 ***

 The days went by, and this “gift” faded from Tony’s mind.

He only remembered and understood what it was when once he and Stephen were far apart. Stephen was on a mission, while he was in his penthouse apartment, resting after a long day of fiddling with machines in his lab.

He glanced out his window and saw the moon. And he felt as if someone held his hand. Looked at him full of love.

Tony’s hand closed around this feeling, and he understood:

Every time he looked at the moon, he would remember he was not alone.

And at that same time, in another world, another reality, there was a sorcerer in pursuit of a deceptive entity that could only be seen by the light of the moon. Before it was time for him to meet up with it, the sorcerer glanced up at the sky, at the moon that threw light onto everything he could see.

He remembered that someone was waiting for him to return – a person who once said that finally, now that they both knew how they felt, everything would be set right.

“For all time,” the sorcerer said to the moon.

“For all time,” said his beloved.

++++++++++++++++

NOTES!!!

 1. Pronouns in Filipino have no gender. So I’ve used both “they” and “it” where I felt either was applicable. Also, this may mean I’ll mess up in translation. Feel free to point out any of my lapses!

2. “Ang lagay eh…” is so very hard (but fun!) to translate. It literally means “The thing is…” but it’s a play on words because “lagay” means both “thing/object” and “bribe.” The figurative translation is therefore “The bribe is…”

...And, er, “lagay” is also slang for male genitals in Visayan 😅 That does not in any way apply here.

3. I had a bit of trouble deciding what Filipino word to use for “deity”. My upbringing made me choose “anito” initially, but it didn’t really feel right? After a bit of googling, I think “diwata” may be more widely used as a general term for spirits, so I ended up using that.

“Diyos” just doesn’t work even if technically, Libulan IS a god - it’s just that “diyos” is derived from the Spanish “dios”, which I feel doesn’t quite capture the old deities’ importance to our ancestors.

4. I mentioned Stephen having an arm brace at some point. It’s because I imagined him wearing his skintight black armor from the recent Waid/Saiz run. He has some kickass forearm braces there. I love them. You could also imagine him wearing something else AND the braces, if it suits your fancy.

And as for Tony, I imagined him not wearing the armor. So maybe just his sexy black underarmor from the comics in this one. Or his sexy black shirt from Endgame. IDK. Anything sexy 😺

5. “Po” or “ho” is an expression used by many Filipinos to convey respect. There’s no direct translation.

6. Libulan = ancient Visayan god of the moon. There are many creation myths all over the Philippines, and some oral traditions may pin them as A god of the moon, and not THE god, while some may identify the moon deity as a woman or a genderfluid being.

In recent years, they became part of a controversy about a fabricated love story. But even if nothing seems solid, one thing’s for sure: Libulan has fueled Filipino creativity since time immemorial.

I’m grateful to the moon deity, and to @crimsonheartstuff, for the inspiration for this piece. It was immeasurably fun to write and translate 💖

#ironstrange #filipino #tagalog #tony stark #stephen strange #iron man #doctor strange #strangeiron

[estellelunei]

Pahabol po kasi naitulog ko. . Challenge #13 . Ito yung isa sa mga EZ na challenges for me kasi alam ko na isasagot ko. Pero shet mahirap din pala mag-compose ng ganitong shit az a tamad person. Taka pa kayo bat di ko matapos-tapos thesis ko? So ayun na nga. Queer Hero of the decade. Bale, bakla ng dekada. Charot! Magsulat daw tungkol sa queer hero mo. Ito kasing si Rostum kung anu-ano mga sina-suggest. Char! Bago ko sabihin kung sino, story time muna. Sabi ko nga sa earlier Challenge posts ko, sobrang hirap ako mag-fit in, or pag nag-fit in man ako, sobrang anxious ko sa maraming bagay. Hindi oang naman siya sa usapin ng kasarian at sekswalidad, pero that's a big one. December 2017 nang pinadala ako ng APC sa Cebu for Pasigarbo sa Pagkatawo. Andami kong na-meet, mostly mga bagong tao sa akin pero matagal na sa ganitong larangan. Nakita ko din si crush, so siya lang ata yung knows ko dun. Wala lang gusto ko lang siyang banggitin. Char! So ayun, I met a fellow Gemini na babago ng aking life. Mga pota hindi lahat ng gemini indecision lang ang inooffer sa mundo. Char! I loved their style, una sa lahat, pero the moment they spoke, yun talaga. May Umphhh. I wished na I had confidence. Tapos when they said that they were non-binary and that they preferred to be addressed as "them," I felt so so so validated. I've said nga previously na those have been my Gender and prefered pronouns na sa facebook for years, pero I only had rhem there because I thought it was safe. Kasi nga I didn't really know myself back then. Tapos everything I do felt wrong kasi nga I was not fitting in. People didn't like how I wore things, how I speak, how I love. Mej kumportable ko in my own skin, pero everytime inaask ko pa rin sarili ko if I'm doing the right thing. And that person is like the big "YES!" I've been waiting for. Hindi ko man lang siya nakamayan that time tho. Andami kasing ganerp tsaka siyempre shy-type ako. Cheret! Sobra ko na kasing kumportable dun sa mga kasama ko sa plane kaya di na ako masyadong lumayo pa dun. Gulo ko ba? Patawarin niyo na ako. Gemini season naman. At dahil nga Gemini season, siyempre ang Queer hero ko ay si mumsh Floyd Tiogangco [FB cont] #IDAHoTB2020 https://www.instagram.com/p/CAdrNRXBafZ/?igshid=1ixztajst1ed0

#13 #idahotb2020

[nikkifilm]

#1 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Entry: The Panti Sisters, dir. Jun Lana (2019)

I. Face Value or Surface Level Analysis

NICOLE: Looking at the film's face value, they've put extra effort on this, especially in terms of the props, costume, and makeup. 'Yun talaga pinakanagstand-out sakin sa buong movie eh. Just by looking at it, you'd know na hindi basta basta mga ginamit nilang props and costume; it's not cheap and it's been consistent throughout the movie. I also love how each of the character has their own distinct identity. Talagang may kanya-kanya silang personality at hindi lang 'yung gender identity nila ang nagdedefine noon. You can easily distinguish who is who despite them sharing one common ground. Technical and aesthetic wise, I adore the way the movie was color graded. The way they used vibrant colors yet visually pleasing strikes and generally makes the film more entertaining to watch. Masarap siya sa mata, kumbaga. It's not your typical gay comedy film, hindi lang siya puro punchline, talagang nandoon pa rin yung message na gustong iparating nung direktor.

PETER: At first, the film felt like your typical filipino slapstick comedy, with a side of stereotypical representations of how lgbt people are portrayed, but really shows that they're more than just looking pretty and more than just what society thinks they are, it shows how each sister cares for something in their life, and as characters develop mas nagkakaroon sila ng gaan ng loob sa isa't isa so dahil dun, they started to care for one another. Per character sa film, may kanya kanyang traits and you'd think na "ay malamang may di ako magugustuhan sa mga 'to" pero hindi eh, the more I watch, the more I get hooked, mas nagugustuhan mo sila, kasi per character well established ang origins, kahit na sa mabilisang paraan makikita mo yung pinagmulan nila and that kind of justified din kung bakit ganun kilos nila. Story wise, yung buong film in face value, for me, was your classic family problem themed movie but told in the eyes of 3 siblings who were separated by their parents' morals and beliefs. It tackles the struggle of acceptance in a family, in gender and in blood. All in all, masaya siya panoorin, even with those moments na merong sad parts, may heated arguments, napapalitan kaagad ng something good or something to make you laugh and it's a genius way of mixing laughter and drama.

II. Film Language

PETER: In a personal standpoint I do see the film residing with neorealism because of how the problems in the film can be seen in some parts of the country, for example, may mga mindsets din ang ibang mga kalalakihan na porket bakla o porket nagdadamit babae, mahina na.  May representasyon din ng pang aabuso sa mga kababaihan. Speaking of mindsets, naeemphasize din yung toxic masculinity within the film, doon palang sa part ni Don Emilio,  makikita na agad kung pano niya tratuhin ang mga anak at especially asawa niya and that really speaks for itself lalo na sa kultura ng bansa natin.

NICOLE: There's not much to point out on this part, at least for me kasi the entire film was more on narrative than style or technical. However, what I did notice is the way they break the fourth wall by directly speaking to the audience. It's as if they really are aware and they want to talk address the audience of what they want to say. In a way, it's a neorealism film because yes, it is set to be realistic in a way that it's what at least some of the LGBTQ+ community are struggling with family-wise, but at the same time it's modified in a subjective way, in a way that we all wish it would be in real life where they aren't simply tolerated or belittled but also truly accepted, not only within the family but also with the church. Personal belief and religion is still a huge factor that plays in the film. Nagkakaroon pa rin ng debate in the real life context, pero dito ipinapahiwatig 'yung side ng LGBT community patungkol sa kung ano ang gusto nilang iparating sa mga tao at sa simbahan. The way the characters narrate the film, especially in the last few parts spoke louder in terms of that. Kumbaga naging instrumento 'yung mga characters para sabihin sa mga manonood yung underlying message ng film which has been prominently asserted throughout the movie.

PETER: My partner tackled the story's fourth wall break which I agree with, maganda for me yung fourth wall breaking ng film dahil it doesn't do it just for the sake of having the 4th wall breaking element, it blends well into the story itself, subtle and in a way it's something never seen before (or atleast for my standard) it stands as being a narrator for the movie itself, hindi lang siya for a comedic purpose, although yes that is there but as a way to have a continuous flow that most audience can easily follow through or in a way a guide for us to understand what's going on during the film.

III. Social Relevance in the Philippines

NICOLE: First off, nakakatuwa lang na marami ang tumangkilik sa pelikulang ito, lalo na't kabilang pa sa Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. I think bihira lang na umabot ng mahigit isang buwan sa takilya 'yung mga local films, especially yung kabilang pa sa mga ganitong annual celebration ng local films o mga independent films. Like I said, this isn't your typical gay comedy film. Hindi lang puro comic relief yung LGBT characters in the film, at lalong hindi sila stereotyped into a single purpose. Hindi lamang ang sexual orientation o gender identity ang nagdedefine sa kanila as characters, may sarili talaga silang personality at identity. That being said, this film isn't the first yet has largely contributed to the gay films that have good representation of the LGBT community especially in the Philippine cinema. Not to mention na pang-masa ang audience nito, they really broke the convention of how LGBTQ+ people act within a comedy film. Hindi siya puro patawa lang at yung essence ng message niya doesn't stray away from the comedy factor of the film which is good considering its audience. It's a good turn in terms of mainstream films, na oo pang-masa siya, but its deeper context isn't. Given the current situation of the stance between the LGBTQ+ community, there's no denying that mas marami pa rin talagang ang mga religious who are not in favor of the LGBTQ+ community considering na composed pa rin talaga ng more than half of the population ang Catholics. This film, however, became an instrument to LGBTQ+ community, to be able to voice out what they're fighting for — 'yung maging pantay sa paningin ng mga tao at ng simbahan at mabigyan sila ng karapatan, 'di lang bilang miyembro ng LGBTQ+ community, kundi bilang tao rin. At ako, bilang parte rin ng community, I find it quite fascinating na nabibigyang pansin 'yung mga ganitong klaseng pelikula, especially since relevant siya sa issue natin ngayon on the SOGIE bill wherein marami ang hindi sumasangayon kesyo tanggap na raw naman ang LGBTQ+ community yet ayaw naman nila bigyan ng pantay na karapatan bilang mamamayan. Sana nga pinipiling tangkilikin ang mga ganitong klaseng pelikula di lamang dahil pag sinabing “gay” film, alam nilang good vibes at puro katatawanan kundi dahil sinusuportahan talaga nila yung LGBTQ+ community. Regardless naman of whatever belief or values they have, this film can help address the bigger picture with the underlying issue and hopefully the Philippine cinema would push through these kind of mainstream (indie) films.

PETER: As mentioned earlier din, the film breaks the normal thought of an ordinary Filipino sa mga bagay-bagay at ibang social issues, and for me eto yung naging defining factor ng film, saying na hindi porket eto ang nakasanayang kaisipan ay eto dapat lagi ang tingin niyo sa gender na 'to o sa ganitong klaseng pamilya. Nagbabago ang panahon pati na ang mga tao. With this in mind, it applies din with other stereotypical views that the film offers and binabasag nito yung normal na pag-iisip ng masa. As a Filipino living in the current generation, mas napapansin ko na may ibang tao parin na gustong ipilit kung ano yung nakasanayan or yung tradisyon, especially sa religion, in regards to LGBTQ community, hindi sila tanggap or they are seen only as the sinners. Again the film breaks this thought saying na hindi porket dalawang kasarian lang ang unang nilikha sa mundo, hindi ka na nakikita ng panginoon pag part ka ng LGBTQ. It explains na you are seen so long as you believe in the religion (specifically in Roman Catholic) and I do see it as the film sending a mesage to people or to members of the church even, to try and accept them more and to see them as people as well, not just as sinners. Speaking of the church, in the film, discrimination also takes its place here as well, although not implied but it leaves a big impact to those who noticed, sa film, yung boyfriend ng isa sa mga magkakapatid said na wala namang bisa ang kasal nila dito sa Pilipinas and Daniel (isa sa mga magkakapatid) said na hindi importante ang bisa, mas importante ang seremonyas. I do see this as one of the film’s highlights because it is subtle but it leaves the audience with something to think about.

IV. Opinion and Remarks

NICOLE: Personally, I liked the part in the hospital where Chiqui had her miscarriage, because it's where Samuel realized na hindi naman talaga mahalaga 'yung mana na makukuha mula kay Don Emilio, at mas pinahalagahan niya yung morale niya, yung pagiging makatao. Doon din kasi nagstart din na marealize nila Gabbi at Daniel na 'di rin na mahalaga 'yung pera na makukuha kapalit ng hiling ni Don Emilio dahil produkto lamang ng pangangailangan ang batang dinadala ni Chiqui at hindi pagmamahal. Gusto ko na nagkaroon ng development in a way you'd expect na someone would finally inherit the money but they all had that realization na ang mas mahalaga pa rin ay totoo ka sa sarili mo at wala kang ibang tinatapakang tao. From that moment on, kita mo talaga yung pagprogress ng development nila individually and then as siblings or sisters. I also love the ending, kahit na it felt a bit rushed. The scene where Don Emilio had a change of heart since Daniel's death and confronted his two daughters about him not being accepting of them and Gabbi saying that they forgive him. The wedding scene of Gabbi and Kat was more than powerful to me, although it may seem a bit controversial to others, I love how they implied that marriage has nothing to do with your sexual orientation and gender identity and should be with someone you truly love and whom you see yourself living and growing with. Although what I didn't like was that a few of the dialogues felt forced, especially the punchlines. But I do commend that the jokes made aren't offensive and also funny, I just find some of the lines unnecessary, especially at times where the scene is either heavy or serious. Another one was Daniel's death was unnecessary to me in a way that it felt like there was more to her character than what we saw on screen. Although the characters did progress from the moment she died and it definitely made the message they wanted to address more powerful. Maybe it all felt so fast and sudden that it became as a shock to me as an audience. Regardless, it there was still enough closure to lift back the atmosphere of the entire movie.

PETER: Personally for me, the film itself was the whole deal, every scene was made with purpose,but one of the scenes that I loved the most was at the ending parts where they met up again (spoiler) near Daniel’s grave, the remaining family members sees each other with much tension while the father apologizes for everything he did and for mistreating his children, he finally accepted who they really are, for what they are, nakita ko sa scene na yun yung isang despite sa mga pinagdaanan, handa parin magpatawad sa isa’t isa, yung acceptance of both sides is what got to me kasi it is hard for a person to accept someone especially if that someone or group of people go against your morals and what you believe in and at the same time it is hard to accept a person that put you through hard times and not knowing what your worth is and only looks at you from face value. It actually shows how we are as Filipinos as well, despite through the troubles, we see to it that we make amends to our family members who we hurt or who hurt us (so long as they apologize) kasi at the end of the day, pamilya parin sila.

V. Conclusion

NICOLE: I love the film, in a way that I would watch it again and recommend it to other people. It didn't only represent the community well but have also empowered it through the messages they delivered within the movie. Sobrang meaningful and at the same time, sobrang feel-good family movie siya. It tackled the toxicity and the conflicts within a family, especially those of the LGBTQ+ community na kung saan pinaparusahan sila kapag nahuhuling nagpapaka-“bakla”. However, napakinggan naman both sides which was also a plus point to me, na kung saan the father, who is an epitome of toxic masculinity only wanted to protect them from judgment. Although it seemed ironic kasi he resorted before to abuse, it was a good shot for me kasi in the end, he realized his mistakes and is apologetic of his bigotry. With all that happening in one movie just feels good and hopefully it would pave the way para mas maging mulat ang masa pag dating sa pagkilala ng LGBTQ+ community 'di lang bilang comic relief kundi bilang tao rin.

PETER: In conclusion, the overall film was something to think about, the film itself progressed in such a way that you kept on wanting more to the story, and it actually gave you more, hindi lang siya yung normal slapstick comedy or feel good movie, at first, you’d think that the movie won’t have any sense of seriousness when it comes to portraying the social issues it presented, it looked as some film that would just be about its characters, it was quite an experience to actually look at these issues in this kind of light, a modern take on problems that seem to stick. It did a great job of elaborating on its characters, hindi mo makikitaan ng butas yung backstory na pinapakita sa film, kahit with the short amount of time, it still gave the viewers the idea of who these people are and what role they play in the story, kahit nga yung supporting actors malaki ang part to move the story forward. It’s cinematography was simple yet effective, nothing mind blowing and wala masyadong magarbong transitions. It did a great enough job to set the scenes and what messages it wants to portray. Aside from these, the film represents great morals as well, I think the film was effective with this because, again it does look like a typical slapstick comedy, it suddenly changes its appearance as it paces through the story, it’s sudden dramatic scenes and tense atmosphere will get you at times, especially when the story needs to.

VI. Recommendation

NICOLE: Ang sa akin lang naman, sana hindi nila masyadong pinagsiksikan sa bandang huli yung development ng characters. Mas maganda siguro na may nakikita kang gradual improvement throughout the movie, para hindi rin siya overwhelming pag dating sa dulo. Another one is that masyadong direct yung mensahe na gusto nilang iparating, although I get it naman na masa ang audience at gusto rin nilang makasiguro na hindi mamimisinterpret yung message ng film. I guess to me masyado lang maingay yung movie in a way na madalas through dialog ang means of telling the message of the film and I hoped na maybe they thought of another way to express that without letting the characters do all the talking. Moreover, it was an overall excellent film na despite comedies being stereotyped with narrow plots, this movie went the extra mile.

#2 Cinemalaya Entry: Pandanggo sa Hukay, dir. Sheryl Rose Andes (2019)

I. Face Value or Surface Level Analysis

PETER: Pandanggo sa Hukay at face value seems to create somewhat of a mysterious atmosphere,  from its settings the film indicates poverty and struggle, the color grading for the film creates a dark and dead toned ambiance that suits the theme and story of the film.  The scores in the film did help in creating the desired feel or vibe in each scene, whether it's a fast paced action scene or a suspenseful one it helps invoke the audience in a certain way. 

NICOLE: The film is about a mother's love, especially to the single mothers, where in it implies how they sacrifice and strive to give the best life they can to their children. It takes a different perspective on mother-love, as it is a crime, suspense film. The characters on this one are naturally realistic, especially Iza's character, Elena. She's a very simple mother with also a simple lifestyle who works as a midwide in Cavite and is seeking to work abroad in Saudi in order to have more income enough to be able to support her son, EJ. Technical wise, the setting feels realistic and you'd really feel for it in a way that you think you are in the film. It's as if you're not watching a film but rather in the actual point of view of Elena. What's more is that, the long pauses or intervals in the film, watching Elena either do the chores or her doing her daily routine. They're simple and have no underlying meaning but it speaks to the audience to some extent. Narrative wise, the storytelling in the movie was slow-paced, I have to be honest with that. Though the ending really did seem pretty much like a cliffhanger in a way that I was expecting something where everything gets resolved and perhaps we might even see her finally work in Saudi or at least get to see EJ, but none of that where shown anymore. It's more of an open-ended ending, but I do think that I get what the director was trying to tell on this one.

II. Film Language

NICOLE: This felt more of a formalism film, yet of course, it is neorealism as it's always a modified take on reality. It's alarming, and the suspense in the movie doesn't just take place within the screen but also in real life, how possible it can happen to anyone and you wouldn't even know. Films that make you feel like that are what really builds up the suspense factor, especially considering how the crimes shown in the film are really prominent in the Philippine setting. The dialogues of the film at least seemed all realistic like it wasn't even gotten from a script. It all seemed so natural and that's what's traumatizing. I love the camera movements in the film and the use of the angles that depict whether something may be happening or something is important. Especially in terms of the sound design. You know how they want to subtly imply what they want to push through in the movie when a certain dialogue or sound effect is being emphasized or prolonged. This applies to the scenes or cuts where it's either long or prolonged. I haven't observed as to what film theory it may be with this film, but it is heavily influenced or implied that it has something to do with POV or Point of View Theory, as the character may reflect as to what the director want to tell the audience. 

PETER: The characters in the film was well utilized as well,  it have the main character life in a way the audience know how her personality affect her decisions and how these decisions affect the story. The etibak gang in the film were the ones who further determined how far Elena would go in order to survive for her son, naipakita dito kung agno din kabilis mag isip ang bida, with one wise move, she outsmarted the bandits by making one of them kill the remaining three.  I think that the story was written in a simple way, and just in the right complexity in order for most people to understand what was going on in a fly rather than just making it hard for them to process it. Each goal for the characters were so different but each of their needs were too convenient, not easy to get to, but conveniently placed and it felt a bit rushed.

III. Social Relevance in the Philippines

PETER: Pandanggo sa hukay was filled with social issues, some were said in subtle ways and some were explicitly told through scenes,  and  dialogues. One of the issues tackled was about being a single mother and how hard it is to be one as the main protagonist goes through different struggles and sacrifices in order to provide for her child. The sacrifice of a single mother is more than two parents as she's the only one providing for the child's needs. The film elaborates on this in a deeper level as the mother undergoes into a series of unfortunate events. It also tackles another issue regarding the pay of laborers in the country and how unfair it is to get less of what you worked for, filipinos tend to work abroad as the pay there would be higher but would be in a lower position compared here in the Philippines.  It was implied sa film na gusto lumipat ng bida sa ibang bansa dahil mas malaki ang kita kahit assistant lang ang magiging posisyon nito.  The film also elaborated on the poor justice system in the country, it showed how slow the police are in terms of catching the crooks.

NICOLE: I would say that this has changed the game in the Philippine cinema crew wise, as they did have an all-female crew in the making of this film. That alone is something that I wish could be applied to all the films that have the same theme, plot, or set of characters, especially since the cinema in general consists mostly of men. Representation matters most, and through these, you as a viewer are able to comprehend the film more. There have been prominent social and moral ills that have been shown in this film that is occuring in the real Philippine setting. It had tackled about the single parenthood, where there is this unspoken thing that mothers, regardless if they are being supported by the father of the child or their family, their initial response is to do everything it takes to give their child a better life. No matter what the status in life is, there's that drive within mothers that nothing can be able to hinder their love for their child, even if that means sacrificing their lives for it. It also implied how underpaid our local laborers are, regardless of what position you are in or what kind of job you are working for. It depicts the the Filipino mindset of how we aim to work hard only to be successful in another country. It's sad, but also very alarming as it is still prominent in the real life society yet no underlying solution. Lastly, is the poor justice system. It wasn't directly implied but it can be seen through subtle ways, like the news being shown on the televisions in the movie. The prominent news on crime depicts how everyday there are endless crimes yet little justice for the victims who have suffered. Another is when it has been particularly implied in the news about how many victims of the EJK have died since President Duterte.

IV. Opinion and Remarks

PETER: The expectations I had was on par from what was happening in the film, it was satisfying but in the story’s case, it was dark and it was a little too much at first, but helps keep the movie’s flow and in a way it developed the character, making her stronger. In a way pandanggo sa ilaw was straightforward, but how the film presents its story and issues was clear enough and it wasn't hesitant to show what it needs to show. The film itself was actually straight forward although you wouldn't know what the film is about at first or going into it with an open mind. In my opinion the film was slow paced, it was at times hard not to doze off or turn your attention into something else inside the theater. The film’s closure was a bit lacking and even if the filmmaker’s intention was to leave the audience with a cliffhanger, it felt as if they were, again rushing although Maganda yung pagkakalatag ng storya all the way to the end in a way na tumatatak talaga siya sayo, all emotions I felt sticked to me even after an hour after watching it, mabigat siya and it really shows na effective ang story sa gustong iparating ng writer at director.

NICOLE: There's not much to point out on the parts where I disliked any of the scenes. Perhaps what I did dislike in general is the pacing. I liked the way the storytelling was executed throughout the film, though. It's simple, vague, yet it's enough for you to be able to understand what the deeper context is in the movie. But going back to the pacing of the movie, it was really quite short or at least felt like it as it was happening slow. I kept on waiting for whatever conflict that was implied to all have its resolution and closure, like if she got the work she's been applying for, if she ever get to reunite with her son, or if she get the justice for what happened to her. I thought it lacked a lot of resolution with all the plots, characters, and conflicts that they have introduced. From the moment that she was introduced, the town she lived in, her son, her friends and co-workers, her job, the clinic she works at, and her boss. I think they kind of dwelled too much on that that I think the conflict or climax where she gets hostaged by the Etibak Gang felt rushed and all so short up to the moment she got back home.

V. Conclusion

NICOLE: I both liked and disliked the film. As mentioned, I liked the portrayal of the social and moral ills, along with the realistic approach towards its representation. I also liked the message they want to tell the audience, and how they took a different perspective on single mothers. The delivery of the dialogue, acting, and the overall concept of the movie is also commendable. It's all natural, and less staged. I also love it in a way that the characters are really alive. Each one of them are unique, regardless if they're the main or supporting character only. It's one thing that I have noticed throughout the film and also why I truly admire the film. Not only that, but also each of the character has their own story and personality, which makes all of them memorable. The reason why I dislike it is only in terms of, again, the way they paced the film. Moreover, it's all good and still a great local film in general. It's not stereotypical or cliche. It's also a unique choice of what profession they wanted to show the audience. Lastly, it's also unconventional, yet something very relatable and relevant regardless of what you are and where you live. 

VI. Recommendation

NICOLE: There's nothing much as to what I would like to recommend to the filmmakers, besides the pacing and resolution part. I wished they prolonged it in order to have  closure, especially considering how heavy the conflict was. Although if it was intentionally that way, perhaps I would better understand. Regardless, I have nothing to complain about the ending and the plot. It's just how I wished it happened, but then again not all films are close-ended and have a bright or happy ending.

[fedjiebenitez-blog]

Finals Essay

Finals Video Essay

#1 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Entry: The Panti Sisters, dir. Jun Lana (2019)

I. Face Value or Surface Level Analysis

NICOLE: Looking at the film’s face value, they’ve put extra effort on this, especially in terms of the props, costume, and makeup. ‘Yun talaga pinakanagstand-out sakin sa buong movie eh. Just by looking at it, you’d know na hindi basta basta mga ginamit nilang props and costume; it’s not cheap and it’s been consistent throughout the movie. I also love how each of the character has their own distinct identity. Talagang may kanya-kanya silang personality at hindi lang 'yung gender identity nila ang nagdedefine noon. You can easily distinguish who is who despite them sharing one common ground. Technical and aesthetic wise, I adore the way the movie was color graded. The way they used vibrant colors yet visually pleasing strikes and generally makes the film more entertaining to watch. Masarap siya sa mata, kumbaga. It’s not your typical gay comedy film, hindi lang siya puro punchline, talagang nandoon pa rin yung message na gustong iparating nung direktor.

PETER: At first, the film felt like your typical filipino slapstick comedy, with a side of stereotypical representations of how lgbt people are portrayed, but really shows that they’re more than just looking pretty and more than just what society thinks they are, it shows how each sister cares for something in their life, and as characters develop mas nagkakaroon sila ng gaan ng loob sa isa’t isa so dahil dun, they started to care for one another. Per character sa film, may kanya kanyang traits and you’d think na “ay malamang may di ako magugustuhan sa mga 'to” pero hindi eh, the more I watch, the more I get hooked, mas nagugustuhan mo sila, kasi per character well established ang origins, kahit na sa mabilisang paraan makikita mo yung pinagmulan nila and that kind of justified din kung bakit ganun kilos nila. Story wise, yung buong film in face value, for me, was your classic family problem themed movie but told in the eyes of 3 siblings who were separated by their parents’ morals and beliefs. It tackles the struggle of acceptance in a family, in gender and in blood. All in all, masaya siya panoorin, even with those moments na merong sad parts, may heated arguments, napapalitan kaagad ng something good or something to make you laugh and it’s a genius way of mixing laughter and drama.

II. Film Language

PETER: In a personal standpoint I do see the film residing with neorealism because of how the problems in the film can be seen in some parts of the country, for example, may mga mindsets din ang ibang mga kalalakihan na porket bakla o porket nagdadamit babae, mahina na.  May representasyon din ng pang aabuso sa mga kababaihan. Speaking of mindsets, naeemphasize din yung toxic masculinity within the film, doon palang sa part ni Don Emilio,  makikita na agad kung pano niya tratuhin ang mga anak at especially asawa niya and that really speaks for itself lalo na sa kultura ng bansa natin.

NICOLE: There’s not much to point out on this part, at least for me kasi the entire film was more on narrative than style or technical. However, what I did notice is the way they break the fourth wall by directly speaking to the audience. It’s as if they really are aware and they want to talk address the audience of what they want to say. In a way, it’s a neorealism film because yes, it is set to be realistic in a way that it’s what at least some of the LGBTQ+ community are struggling with family-wise, but at the same time it’s modified in a subjective way, in a way that we all wish it would be in real life where they aren’t simply tolerated or belittled but also truly accepted, not only within the family but also with the church. Personal belief and religion is still a huge factor that plays in the film. Nagkakaroon pa rin ng debate in the real life context, pero dito ipinapahiwatig 'yung side ng LGBT community patungkol sa kung ano ang gusto nilang iparating sa mga tao at sa simbahan. The way the characters narrate the film, especially in the last few parts spoke louder in terms of that. Kumbaga naging instrumento 'yung mga characters para sabihin sa mga manonood yung underlying message ng film which has been prominently asserted throughout the movie.

PETER: My partner tackled the story’s fourth wall break which I agree with, maganda for me yung fourth wall breaking ng film dahil it doesn’t do it just for the sake of having the 4th wall breaking element, it blends well into the story itself, subtle and in a way it’s something never seen before (or atleast for my standard) it stands as being a narrator for the movie itself, hindi lang siya for a comedic purpose, although yes that is there but as a way to have a continuous flow that most audience can easily follow through or in a way a guide for us to understand what’s going on during the film.

III. Social Relevance in the Philippines

NICOLE: First off, nakakatuwa lang na marami ang tumangkilik sa pelikulang ito, lalo na’t kabilang pa sa Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. I think bihira lang na umabot ng mahigit isang buwan sa takilya 'yung mga local films, especially yung kabilang pa sa mga ganitong annual celebration ng local films o mga independent films. Like I said, this isn’t your typical gay comedy film. Hindi lang puro comic relief yung LGBT characters in the film, at lalong hindi sila stereotyped into a single purpose. Hindi lamang ang sexual orientation o gender identity ang nagdedefine sa kanila as characters, may sarili talaga silang personality at identity. That being said, this film isn’t the first yet has largely contributed to the gay films that have good representation of the LGBT community especially in the Philippine cinema. Not to mention na pang-masa ang audience nito, they really broke the convention of how LGBTQ+ people act within a comedy film. Hindi siya puro patawa lang at yung essence ng message niya doesn’t stray away from the comedy factor of the film which is good considering its audience. It’s a good turn in terms of mainstream films, na oo pang-masa siya, but its deeper context isn’t. Given the current situation of the stance between the LGBTQ+ community, there’s no denying that mas marami pa rin talagang ang mga religious who are not in favor of the LGBTQ+ community considering na composed pa rin talaga ng more than half of the population ang Catholics. This film, however, became an instrument to LGBTQ+ community, to be able to voice out what they’re fighting for — 'yung maging pantay sa paningin ng mga tao at ng simbahan at mabigyan sila ng karapatan, 'di lang bilang miyembro ng LGBTQ+ community, kundi bilang tao rin. At ako, bilang parte rin ng community, I find it quite fascinating na nabibigyang pansin 'yung mga ganitong klaseng pelikula, especially since relevant siya sa issue natin ngayon on the SOGIE bill wherein marami ang hindi sumasangayon kesyo tanggap na raw naman ang LGBTQ+ community yet ayaw naman nila bigyan ng pantay na karapatan bilang mamamayan. Sana nga pinipiling tangkilikin ang mga ganitong klaseng pelikula di lamang dahil pag sinabing “gay” film, alam nilang good vibes at puro katatawanan kundi dahil sinusuportahan talaga nila yung LGBTQ+ community. Regardless naman of whatever belief or values they have, this film can help address the bigger picture with the underlying issue and hopefully the Philippine cinema would push through these kind of mainstream (indie) films.

PETER: As mentioned earlier din, the film breaks the normal thought of an ordinary Filipino sa mga bagay-bagay at ibang social issues, and for me eto yung naging defining factor ng film, saying na hindi porket eto ang nakasanayang kaisipan ay eto dapat lagi ang tingin niyo sa gender na 'to o sa ganitong klaseng pamilya. Nagbabago ang panahon pati na ang mga tao. With this in mind, it applies din with other stereotypical views that the film offers and binabasag nito yung normal na pag-iisip ng masa. As a Filipino living in the current generation, mas napapansin ko na may ibang tao parin na gustong ipilit kung ano yung nakasanayan or yung tradisyon, especially sa religion, in regards to LGBTQ community, hindi sila tanggap or they are seen only as the sinners. Again the film breaks this thought saying na hindi porket dalawang kasarian lang ang unang nilikha sa mundo, hindi ka na nakikita ng panginoon pag part ka ng LGBTQ. It explains na you are seen so long as you believe in the religion (specifically in Roman Catholic) and I do see it as the film sending a mesage to people or to members of the church even, to try and accept them more and to see them as people as well, not just as sinners. Speaking of the church, in the film, discrimination also takes its place here as well, although not implied but it leaves a big impact to those who noticed, sa film, yung boyfriend ng isa sa mga magkakapatid said na wala namang bisa ang kasal nila dito sa Pilipinas and Daniel (isa sa mga magkakapatid) said na hindi importante ang bisa, mas importante ang seremonyas. I do see this as one of the film’s highlights because it is subtle but it leaves the audience with something to think about.

IV. Opinion and Remarks

NICOLE: Personally, I liked the part in the hospital where Chiqui had her miscarriage, because it’s where Samuel realized na hindi naman talaga mahalaga 'yung mana na makukuha mula kay Don Emilio, at mas pinahalagahan niya yung morale niya, yung pagiging makatao. Doon din kasi nagstart din na marealize nila Gabbi at Daniel na 'di rin na mahalaga 'yung pera na makukuha kapalit ng hiling ni Don Emilio dahil produkto lamang ng pangangailangan ang batang dinadala ni Chiqui at hindi pagmamahal. Gusto ko na nagkaroon ng development in a way you’d expect na someone would finally inherit the money but they all had that realization na ang mas mahalaga pa rin ay totoo ka sa sarili mo at wala kang ibang tinatapakang tao. From that moment on, kita mo talaga yung pagprogress ng development nila individually and then as siblings or sisters. I also love the ending, kahit na it felt a bit rushed. The scene where Don Emilio had a change of heart since Daniel’s death and confronted his two daughters about him not being accepting of them and Gabbi saying that they forgive him. The wedding scene of Gabbi and Kat was more than powerful to me, although it may seem a bit controversial to others, I love how they implied that marriage has nothing to do with your sexual orientation and gender identity and should be with someone you truly love and whom you see yourself living and growing with. Although what I didn’t like was that a few of the dialogues felt forced, especially the punchlines. But I do commend that the jokes made aren’t offensive and also funny, I just find some of the lines unnecessary, especially at times where the scene is either heavy or serious. Another one was Daniel’s death was unnecessary to me in a way that it felt like there was more to her character than what we saw on screen. Although the characters did progress from the moment she died and it definitely made the message they wanted to address more powerful. Maybe it all felt so fast and sudden that it became as a shock to me as an audience. Regardless, it there was still enough closure to lift back the atmosphere of the entire movie.

PETER: Personally for me, the film itself was the whole deal, every scene was made with purpose,but one of the scenes that I loved the most was at the ending parts where they met up again (spoiler) near Daniel’s grave, the remaining family members sees each other with much tension while the father apologizes for everything he did and for mistreating his children, he finally accepted who they really are, for what they are, nakita ko sa scene na yun yung isang despite sa mga pinagdaanan, handa parin magpatawad sa isa’t isa, yung acceptance of both sides is what got to me kasi it is hard for a person to accept someone especially if that someone or group of people go against your morals and what you believe in and at the same time it is hard to accept a person that put you through hard times and not knowing what your worth is and only looks at you from face value. It actually shows how we are as Filipinos as well, despite through the troubles, we see to it that we make amends to our family members who we hurt or who hurt us (so long as they apologize) kasi at the end of the day, pamilya parin sila.

V. Conclusion

NICOLE: I love the film, in a way that I would watch it again and recommend it to other people. It didn’t only represent the community well but have also empowered it through the messages they delivered within the movie. Sobrang meaningful and at the same time, sobrang feel-good family movie siya. It tackled the toxicity and the conflicts within a family, especially those of the LGBTQ+ community na kung saan pinaparusahan sila kapag nahuhuling nagpapaka-“bakla”. However, napakinggan naman both sides which was also a plus point to me, na kung saan the father, who is an epitome of toxic masculinity only wanted to protect them from judgment. Although it seemed ironic kasi he resorted before to abuse, it was a good shot for me kasi in the end, he realized his mistakes and is apologetic of his bigotry. With all that happening in one movie just feels good and hopefully it would pave the way para mas maging mulat ang masa pag dating sa pagkilala ng LGBTQ+ community 'di lang bilang comic relief kundi bilang tao rin.

PETER: In conclusion, the overall film was something to think about, the film itself progressed in such a way that you kept on wanting more to the story, and it actually gave you more, hindi lang siya yung normal slapstick comedy or feel good movie, at first, you’d think that the movie won’t have any sense of seriousness when it comes to portraying the social issues it presented, it looked as some film that would just be about its characters, it was quite an experience to actually look at these issues in this kind of light, a modern take on problems that seem to stick. It did a great job of elaborating on its characters, hindi mo makikitaan ng butas yung backstory na pinapakita sa film, kahit with the short amount of time, it still gave the viewers the idea of who these people are and what role they play in the story, kahit nga yung supporting actors malaki ang part to move the story forward. It’s cinematography was simple yet effective, nothing mind blowing and wala masyadong magarbong transitions. It did a great enough job to set the scenes and what messages it wants to portray. Aside from these, the film represents great morals as well, I think the film was effective with this because, again it does look like a typical slapstick comedy, it suddenly changes its appearance as it paces through the story, it’s sudden dramatic scenes and tense atmosphere will get you at times, especially when the story needs to.

VI. Recommendation

NICOLE: Ang sa akin lang naman, sana hindi nila masyadong pinagsiksikan sa bandang huli yung development ng characters. Mas maganda siguro na may nakikita kang gradual improvement throughout the movie, para hindi rin siya overwhelming pag dating sa dulo. Another one is that masyadong direct yung mensahe na gusto nilang iparating, although I get it naman na masa ang audience at gusto rin nilang makasiguro na hindi mamimisinterpret yung message ng film. I guess to me masyado lang maingay yung movie in a way na madalas through dialog ang means of telling the message of the film and I hoped na maybe they thought of another way to express that without letting the characters do all the talking. Moreover, it was an overall excellent film na despite comedies being stereotyped with narrow plots, this movie went the extra mile.

#2 Cinemalaya Entry: Pandanggo sa Hukay, dir. Sheryl Rose Andes (2019)

I. Face Value or Surface Level Analysis

PETER: Pandanggo sa Hukay at face value seems to create somewhat of a mysterious atmosphere,  from its settings the film indicates poverty and struggle, the color grading for the film creates a dark and dead toned ambiance that suits the theme and story of the film.  The scores in the film did help in creating the desired feel or vibe in each scene, whether it’s a fast paced action scene or a suspenseful one it helps invoke the audience in a certain way.

NICOLE: The film is about a mother’s love, especially to the single mothers, where in it implies how they sacrifice and strive to give the best life they can to their children. It takes a different perspective on mother-love, as it is a crime, suspense film. The characters on this one are naturally realistic, especially Iza’s character, Elena. She’s a very simple mother with also a simple lifestyle who works as a midwide in Cavite and is seeking to work abroad in Saudi in order to have more income enough to be able to support her son, EJ. Technical wise, the setting feels realistic and you’d really feel for it in a way that you think you are in the film. It’s as if you’re not watching a film but rather in the actual point of view of Elena. What’s more is that, the long pauses or intervals in the film, watching Elena either do the chores or her doing her daily routine. They’re simple and have no underlying meaning but it speaks to the audience to some extent. Narrative wise, the storytelling in the movie was slow-paced, I have to be honest with that. Though the ending really did seem pretty much like a cliffhanger in a way that I was expecting something where everything gets resolved and perhaps we might even see her finally work in Saudi or at least get to see EJ, but none of that where shown anymore. It’s more of an open-ended ending, but I do think that I get what the director was trying to tell on this one.

II. Film Language

NICOLE: This felt more of a formalism film, yet of course, it is neorealism as it’s always a modified take on reality. It’s alarming, and the suspense in the movie doesn’t just take place within the screen but also in real life, how possible it can happen to anyone and you wouldn’t even know. Films that make you feel like that are what really builds up the suspense factor, especially considering how the crimes shown in the film are really prominent in the Philippine setting. The dialogues of the film at least seemed all realistic like it wasn’t even gotten from a script. It all seemed so natural and that’s what’s traumatizing. I love the camera movements in the film and the use of the angles that depict whether something may be happening or something is important. Especially in terms of the sound design. You know how they want to subtly imply what they want to push through in the movie when a certain dialogue or sound effect is being emphasized or prolonged. This applies to the scenes or cuts where it’s either long or prolonged. I haven’t observed as to what film theory it may be with this film, but it is heavily influenced or implied that it has something to do with POV or Point of View Theory, as the character may reflect as to what the director want to tell the audience.

PETER: The characters in the film was well utilized as well,  it have the main character life in a way the audience know how her personality affect her decisions and how these decisions affect the story. The etibak gang in the film were the ones who further determined how far Elena would go in order to survive for her son, naipakita dito kung agno din kabilis mag isip ang bida, with one wise move, she outsmarted the bandits by making one of them kill the remaining three.  I think that the story was written in a simple way, and just in the right complexity in order for most people to understand what was going on in a fly rather than just making it hard for them to process it. Each goal for the characters were so different but each of their needs were too convenient, not easy to get to, but conveniently placed and it felt a bit rushed.

III. Social Relevance in the Philippines

PETER: Pandanggo sa hukay was filled with social issues, some were said in subtle ways and some were explicitly told through scenes,  and  dialogues. One of the issues tackled was about being a single mother and how hard it is to be one as the main protagonist goes through different struggles and sacrifices in order to provide for her child. The sacrifice of a single mother is more than two parents as she’s the only one providing for the child’s needs. The film elaborates on this in a deeper level as the mother undergoes into a series of unfortunate events. It also tackles another issue regarding the pay of laborers in the country and how unfair it is to get less of what you worked for, filipinos tend to work abroad as the pay there would be higher but would be in a lower position compared here in the Philippines.  It was implied sa film na gusto lumipat ng bida sa ibang bansa dahil mas malaki ang kita kahit assistant lang ang magiging posisyon nito.  The film also elaborated on the poor justice system in the country, it showed how slow the police are in terms of catching the crooks.

NICOLE: I would say that this has changed the game in the Philippine cinema crew wise, as they did have an all-female crew in the making of this film. That alone is something that I wish could be applied to all the films that have the same theme, plot, or set of characters, especially since the cinema in general consists mostly of men. Representation matters most, and through these, you as a viewer are able to comprehend the film more. There have been prominent social and moral ills that have been shown in this film that is occuring in the real Philippine setting. It had tackled about the single parenthood, where there is this unspoken thing that mothers, regardless if they are being supported by the father of the child or their family, their initial response is to do everything it takes to give their child a better life. No matter what the status in life is, there’s that drive within mothers that nothing can be able to hinder their love for their child, even if that means sacrificing their lives for it. It also implied how underpaid our local laborers are, regardless of what position you are in or what kind of job you are working for. It depicts the the Filipino mindset of how we aim to work hard only to be successful in another country. It’s sad, but also very alarming as it is still prominent in the real life society yet no underlying solution. Lastly, is the poor justice system. It wasn’t directly implied but it can be seen through subtle ways, like the news being shown on the televisions in the movie. The prominent news on crime depicts how everyday there are endless crimes yet little justice for the victims who have suffered. Another is when it has been particularly implied in the news about how many victims of the EJK have died since President Duterte.

IV. Opinion and Remarks

PETER: The expectations I had was on par from what was happening in the film, it was satisfying but in the story’s case, it was dark and it was a little too much at first, but helps keep the movie’s flow and in a way it developed the character, making her stronger. In a way pandanggo sa ilaw was straightforward, but how the film presents its story and issues was clear enough and it wasn’t hesitant to show what it needs to show. The film itself was actually straight forward although you wouldn’t know what the film is about at first or going into it with an open mind. In my opinion the film was slow paced, it was at times hard not to doze off or turn your attention into something else inside the theater. The film’s closure was a bit lacking and even if the filmmaker’s intention was to leave the audience with a cliffhanger, it felt as if they were, again rushing although Maganda yung pagkakalatag ng storya all the way to the end in a way na tumatatak talaga siya sayo, all emotions I felt sticked to me even after an hour after watching it, mabigat siya and it really shows na effective ang story sa gustong iparating ng writer at director.

NICOLE: There’s not much to point out on the parts where I disliked any of the scenes. Perhaps what I did dislike in general is the pacing. I liked the way the storytelling was executed throughout the film, though. It’s simple, vague, yet it’s enough for you to be able to understand what the deeper context is in the movie. But going back to the pacing of the movie, it was really quite short or at least felt like it as it was happening slow. I kept on waiting for whatever conflict that was implied to all have its resolution and closure, like if she got the work she’s been applying for, if she ever get to reunite with her son, or if she get the justice for what happened to her. I thought it lacked a lot of resolution with all the plots, characters, and conflicts that they have introduced. From the moment that she was introduced, the town she lived in, her son, her friends and co-workers, her job, the clinic she works at, and her boss. I think they kind of dwelled too much on that that I think the conflict or climax where she gets hostaged by the Etibak Gang felt rushed and all so short up to the moment she got back home.

V. Conclusion

NICOLE: I both liked and disliked the film. As mentioned, I liked the portrayal of the social and moral ills, along with the realistic approach towards its representation. I also liked the message they want to tell the audience, and how they took a different perspective on single mothers. The delivery of the dialogue, acting, and the overall concept of the movie is also commendable. It’s all natural, and less staged. I also love it in a way that the characters are really alive. Each one of them are unique, regardless if they’re the main or supporting character only. It’s one thing that I have noticed throughout the film and also why I truly admire the film. Not only that, but also each of the character has their own story and personality, which makes all of them memorable. The reason why I dislike it is only in terms of, again, the way they paced the film. Moreover, it’s all good and still a great local film in general. It’s not stereotypical or cliche. It’s also a unique choice of what profession they wanted to show the audience. Lastly, it’s also unconventional, yet something very relatable and relevant regardless of what you are and where you live.

VI. Recommendation

NICOLE: There’s nothing much as to what I would like to recommend to the filmmakers, besides the pacing and resolution part. I wished they prolonged it in order to have  closure, especially considering how heavy the conflict was. Although if it was intentionally that way, perhaps I would better understand. Regardless, I have nothing to complain about the ending and the plot. It’s just how I wished it happened, but then again not all films are close-ended and have a bright or happy ending.

[filipinogroup1-blog]

POSISYONG PAPEL

Anti: Same Sex Marriage

Ano ba ang same sex marriage? Ang same sex marriage ay ang pagpapakasal ng dalawang tao ba magkaparehas ng kasarian. Ito ay nagdudulot ng diskriminasyon sa ating lipunan sapagkat nawawala na ang respeto sa batas ng panginoo. Ang mga taong gumagawa nito ay kamalian lamang.

Marami ang di sumasang-ayon sa same sex marriage katulad ng mga opisyal ng simbahan at mga taong rumerespeto sa batas ng Diyos. Bakit may ganitong klase ng kasarian ng tao? Wala talagang makakapagsabi sa saktong dahilan. May nagsasabi na ito ay inborn at made that way. Ang iba ay dahil sa pagkakasunud-sunod ng mga anak at kalagayan ng sanggol habang ito ay binubuntis. May nagsasabi na nasa dugo ng pamilya o kinakalakihan nito. Hindi na mahalaga kung saan man sila nanggaling, nirerespeto sila ng mga tao ngunit may iba talaga na ayaw sa mga kasariang ito.

Walang masama kung bakla o maging tomboy ang isang tao. Walang masama ang pakikipagrelasyon sa kapwa kasarian. Matagal nang tanggap ang ganitong klase uri ng relasyon at normal lang naman ito sa panahon ngayon. Tinatanggap sila ng lipunan at sana hindi nila ipagpilitan na ikasal sila. Ang kasal ay para sa lalaki at babae lamang. Ang ganitong uri ng kasal ay kinakasanayan na sapagkat ito ay matagal na tradisyon sa lipunan. Ang ikinakasal ay tinatawag na Groom and Bride, Husband and Wife, Man and  Woman. Ang kasal ay karapat dapat lang sa lalaki at babae.

Ang pagpapakasal ng magkaparehong kasarian ay lumalabag sa batas ng natural law “ Marriage is not just any relationship between human beings. It is a relationship rooted in human nature and thus governed by natural law”

 Ayon sa Balita Online, ang same sex marriage ay ipinaglaban ni Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez . Hindi siya nagkamali na maraming tao ang tututol sa kanyang hinaing. Kabilang dito sina Quezon Rep. Vincent "Bingbong" Crisologo, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte at Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco na may kanya-kanyang paliwanag. Ayon kay Rep. Crisologo, "I have been an advocate of the word of God". Ayon naman kay Rep. Villafuerte, unahin muna ang Divorce Bill bago ang same sex marriage. Para naman kay Rwp. Tiangco, ang pagpapaangat ng mahihirap bago ang ganyang bagay.

Maliban sa mga opisyal ng gobyerno, tutol din ang simbahan. Katulad ng tatlong obispo na sina Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, Lipa Archibishop Ramon Arguelles at Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros. Ayon kay Bishop Ongtioco, ang kasal ay tinatag para sa lalaki at babae. Iginalang ni Bishop Ongtioco ang opinyon ni Speaker Alvarez ngunit dapat unahin ang turo ng simbahan. Ayon naman kay Archbishop Arguelles, ang layunin ng pagpapakasal ay ang magkaroon ng sariling pamilya ngunit kung ang mga magulang ay same sex ang maapektuhan ay ang mga anak sapagkat ito ay di normal. Para naman kay Bishop Oliveros, "It is not a matter of rights but rather a matter  of what is contrary to the nature of marriage".

Ayon naman sa batas na It Defeats the State’s Purpose of Benifiting Marriage” marriage provides the normal conditions for a stable, affectionate, and moral atmosphere that is beneficial to the upbringing of children –all fruit of the mutual affection of the parents …homosexual marriage does not provides such conditions its primary purpose objectively speaking is the personal gratification of two individuals whose union is sterile by nature. It is entitled, therefore to the protection the State extends to true marriage”

  Ang same sex na mga tao ay nakakatulong ito sa lipunan. Hindi ito pinagbabawalan na makipagrelasyon sa kapwa parehong kasarian, hinahayaan itong lumigaya at magbigay aliw sa lipunan gaya ng pagpapakitang gilas ng kanilang mga talento sa iba’t-ibang larangan. Sa usaping pagpapakasal ay maaaring lamang ito sa mga huwes, mayor, kapitan, abogado at iba pa maliban sa simbahan. Ang pagpapakasal sa simbahan ay maaari lamang sa babae’t lalaki na siyang tradisyon na sa mundo simula’t-sapol pa lamang.

-Michelle Capua

Posisyong papel

PRO: Giyera Kontra Droga

Pagnanakaw. Rape. Murder. Araw-araw na naririnig, nababasa at nakikita ang mga krimeng ito sa balita at mga pahayagan. Tumataas ang bilang ng mga krimeng nagaganap at isa sa mga nakikitang puno't dulo ay ang pagkalulong ng mga tao sa ilegal na droga. Ang mga ilegal na droga ay nakapagbabago sa takbo ng isip at katawan ng tao. Paano ba binibigyang aksyon ng pamahalaan ang napakabigat na isyung ito? Sa pag-upo ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, agad nang umarangkada ang kampanya laban sa mga ilegal na droga, ito aya ng "War on Drugs" o Giyera Kontra Droga. Sa pagpatupad ng kampanyang ito, mababawasan ang mga krimen na kinasasangkutan ng mga drug pusher at users.

Bago pa man napatupad ang Giyera Kontra Droga, ipinagtibay na ang Dangerous Drug Act of 1972. Nais nitong tugonan ang mga problema ukol sa ilegal na droga ngunit hindi ito tuloyang sinunod at maraming lumabag. Hindi sapat ang pagpapatupad ng batas na ito kaya naman ang Giyera Kontra Droga ang nakikitang solusyon upang kontrolin ang problemang ito.

Totoong malala na ang kaso ng paggamit ng ilegal na droga, dahil na rin ang Pilipinas ay popular bilang transit hub ng droga dahil ito ay pagitan ng mga kontinente. Ayon sa Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), mahigit 3,000,000 mula sa 100,000,000 na Pilipino ay nakadepende sa droga. Bukod pa riyan, umabot sa halos 196 na pulitiko at 283 na mga empleyado ng gobyerno ang naaresto.

Ang kampanyang ito ay naglalayong sugpuin ang ilegal na droga at ibunyag ang mga opisyal na may partisipasyon sa pagpapakalat ng shabu (Feliciano, Remate). Walang pinoprotektahan ang pangulo sa kampanyang ito, opisyal man o kasapi ng Philippine National Police (PNP) at Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Umaani man ng mga batikos ang Giyera Kontra Droga dahil nilalabag nito ang karapatang pantao ng mga "kriminal," ngunit binibigyang tuon lang naman ng kampanyang ito ang kapakanan ng nakararami. kung hindi susugpuin ang ilegal na droga, mas maraming karapatan ang malalabag.

Maraming mga benepisyong hatid ang Giyera Kontra Droga. Base sa rekord ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na pinamunuan ni Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, 600,000 sa mga drug pusher ang sumuko sa polisya at nangakong magbagong-buhay. Nababawasan na rin ang mga tumatambay sa pagsapit ng gabi dahil maraming mga tauhan ng PNP at AFP ang nag-iikot at nagbabantay sa bawat sulok ng pamayanan upang masigurado ang kaligtasan ng bansa.

Ang kampanyang Giyera Kontra Droga ay nagbibigay ng pag-asa sa mga mamamayang Pilipino na manirahan  sa iasng "drug-free" na bansa. Totoong droga ang sanhi ng karamihang nangyayari sa bansa at nararapat lamang na gamitan ito ng mas mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng batas. Sa pagkakaisa ng mga mamamayan at pamahalaan, hindi malayong masosolusyonan ang mga isyu ukol sa droga at maghahatid ng kapayapaan sa bansa.

Trisha Mae Bahande at Esmail Calaw

Giyera Kontra Droga

Ni: Yeltchin Gonzales at Christian Marie Daria

 Sa termino ni Pangulo Rodrigo Duterte nais niyang sugpuin and drogas sa bansa na nagdulot sa pagimplementa ng “Giyera Kontra Droga”. Ito man ay nagnanais sa kabutihan para sa lahat, hindi pa rin natin makaligtaan ang mga magiging epekto nito sa sangkatauhan at sa mismong bansa.

           Mahigit sa 7000 na ang napatay kaugnay nito simula noong Hulyo 2016 ayon sa Human Rights Watch. Malimit na tinukoy ni Pangulong Duterte ang kanyang “Giyera Kontra Droga” bilang pag-target sa mga drug lord at drug pusher ngunit bakit may mga sibilyang kinikitil na walang kaugnayan nito at kung meron man ay bakit kadalasang mga mahihirap ang pinapaslang? Sa pagiimbistiga ng Human Rights Watch, ang mga biktima ng pamamaslang na konektado sa droga ay halos lahat ay walang trabaho o nagtatrabaho sa mababang uri ng hanap-buhay kabilang ang tricycle drayber, konduktor at mga naninirahan sa iskwater area. Mga sibilyang katulad nila ay pinapatay agad-agad, paano na yung mga taong nakakataas na may koneksyon sa drogas?  Paano nga ba matatapos ang “Giyera Kontra Droga” kung ang mga tinutuonang pansin ay ang mga “sundalo” at hindi ang kanilang “lider”?

           Sa pagsagawa ng patakarang ito, kasangkot din ang mga polisya na nagsisilbing puwersa sana sa pagsugpo o tigil ng droga sa bansa ngunit sila na rin ay nagsasagawa ng extrajudicial killings sa pinaghihinalaang sangkot sa droga. May ilang polisyang umaabuso sa kanilang kakayahang pumatay sa mga kasangkot sa droga at ang mismong nagtatanim ng droga sa lugar upang ipatunay na kasangkot nga ang biktima sa droga. Ayon sa 117-pahinang ulat, “License to kill: Philippine Police Killings in Duterte War on Drugs”, ang polisya ng Pilipinas ay pumapalsipika o gumagawa lang ng ebidensya upang mabigyan ng katwiran ang mga pamamaslang ba labag sa batas sa ilalim ng “Giyera Kontra Droga”.

           Sa mga nangyayari sa ating bansa ngayon na sa araw-araw na balita ay nakikita natin ang mga napaslang, namatay, nakulong, at iba pang masamang kaganapan, ano na ang maiisip ng mga kabataan ngayon? Nakakasanayan na nating marinig o makita ang mga namatay, nasaktan, nakulong ng mga mamamayan na naging normal na ito sa atin. Sa paglaki ng mga kabataan ay maaaring maimpluwensyahan ang kanilang pagiisip at kilos dulot nito.

           Mga isyung pagpatay at pagsikil sa karapatang pantao ay nakakahadlang sa kpagunlad ng ating bansa. Hirap na ang Pilipinas na akitin ang mga turista at mamumuhunana sa bansa ayon sa Department of Tourism at Pagcor. Nababawasan ang mga turistang dumadayo sa ating bansa dahil sa panganib at takot dulot nito.

           Sa pangkalahatan, ang ninanais man ng patakarang “Giyera Kontra Droga” ni Pangulong Duterte ay para sa kabutihan sa lahat hindi pa rin makakaligtaan ang mga masamang epekto nito. Malaking sugal ito sa kinabukasang walang kasiguraduhan.

[salakoooot]

god im so fucking glad the FOMO didn't get me when i played FF14 . good lird. i played it but it was SOOOOO not worth it. not at all.

#its not fun. #imo. #and think if i spend fucking 60 usd on it. thank fucking god i did Not. #its just another online grindy open world game. worse if your acquaintances never actually play either #kasarian speaks #besides the friends i made at the time just do not actually talk to me and i dont understand them sksbdndbnd #<- they do not have either adhd or autism swag + their interests no longer align with my own #it felt like when people back in junior high trying soooo badly to make me read h-pee #shrugs

[kasarian]

mush rambling but yeah... you know i really do make things to be genuine, and not really for clout chasing anymore. im trying not to be obsessed with numbers. i make things because i enjoy it. i hope you can find what i enjoy, enjoyable for you too! i make things genuinely and true to myself, so i hope i can invoke a genuine response from people too.

i know i can sound fake over text (i.. think?) but i promise i fucking hate faking interactions. i am genuine all the time, when i give compliments especially, and i promise you i will tell you if i am uncomfortable if i am, out loud. (if you've been following me long enough, you've probably seen it happen)

i just got to thinking... about a post i will reblog after this babble, and i just wanted to say; i hope my works invoke some sort of genuine, interested feeling within you all. i hope its not... fake weird parasocialism.

i plan on sharing story plots because this year, despite me already like... super rushing and almost burning, i think i found a point where i know how to balance things!! and hopefully know how to finish what i promised to myself id finish.

#this is nonsense with no good flow but tldr i hope all responses have been genuine to my art because #i am tired of people faking it. faking trying to be friends to just be mutuals for the '''connections''' #brotha i just wanna be friends with people #kasarian speaks #mm. #ah but i doubt anyone's gonna read this much less see it because i post at weird times... #one can hope tho. #idk i dont truly know if someone's read it JSKAKSJS

[kasarian]

chuan needs to be built like a boxer. like. he needs to be built with some fat and not all muscle.

#....mmm its yun chuan yearning hours as i work through exam materials again send help #kasarian speaks #canon who? who cares! i like making my own content #also that one piece redraw is still a wip on my ipad LMFAO #not the franchise i mean. sorry that tag looks CONFUSING i mean an old art redraw piece

[kasarian]

hi!! hello so erm. i think i have a small countable on one hand new followers but you will see me self reblogging my art often!! and i am anti a.i. !!! do not shove my shit to those slog machines !

also this is a very trans positive (i am also trans nods), fat positive space. also a man tiddy, monsterfucker safe place www

#yeah i contain multitudes #just a fair warning #skndkhjd #anyway i really liked the booping thing. i wanna boop and bap my mutuals. #kasarian speaks

[kasarian]

i dont fucking care if you're a super popular edgy horror artist, put a fucking content warning on your shit lest you trigger a goddamn episode

#sincerely a mentally ill dumbass who can't help but fall into paranoid anxiety driven spirals #ergo making me feel unsafe in the only place i feel safe (my house) #kasarian speaks #dont be an asshole. accommodate people. #i can try to stop it yeah. but that literally takes hours. and spoons.

[kasarian]

okay, so the shit tumblr ai move news is something i woke up to, and now that i am. slightly more clearer in the head and well into evening, i thinks that we will still be posting here but all art moving forward will be glazed and nightshaded i suppose. i will probably be rebljogging more than posting, but lets see how well glaze can be done because my PC aint powerful.

#kasarian speaks

[kasarian]

i hope i can actually get somewhere on bsky posting my stuff... blehhh.

cohost is cool but its somehow more isolating if you dont have friends/acquaintances who are there too

(anyway go follow me there my username is the same as usual)

#i like hyping people up.... if not commenting on their art as best as ur energy allows :'> #kasarian speaks