ARTICLE | Core Memories of Celebrating New Year in the Philippines

New Year in the Philippines is a grand celebration filled with traditions, nostalgia, and the warmth of family and community. As I reflect on my core memories of this festive occasion, I am reminded of a tapestry of vivid sights, sounds, and flavors that make this time of year truly special. Here’s a look at some of the moments that stand out most.

MOVIE REVIEW | Top 10 Iconic Filipino Actors Who Played Gay in a Movie or Series 2020-2023

There is an undeniable allure in male actors who confidently embrace their roles as LGBTQ+ characters. Gone are the days when society castigated men for portraying gay characters, as this shift has led to a more inclusive and authentic depiction of gay men in the world of film and television. This transformation has played a pivotal role in fostering acceptance among Filipino men struggling with their own sexual identities, particularly in a country where the stigma faced by the LGBTQ+ community remains a significant challenge. 

It's perplexing that, in the Philippines, a nation that espouses being gay-friendly, the long-awaited SOGIE Bill still languishes in legislative limbo, with many lawmakers refusing to endorse this essential legislation aimed at protecting the rights of gay individuals. The reality is far from the perception of a truly inclusive society, as discrimination and harassment against LGBTQ+ individuals persist. Therefore, the portrayal of gay characters in movies and TV shows, whether by straight or gay actors, serves as a crucial step toward normalizing the lives of Filipino gay men.

Here in this list are contemporary Filipino male actors who portrayed gay roles in one or several movie/TV series. Note that the selection runs long but the shortlisted are the ones who made an impact during the recent years.

ARTICLE | May Hikaw Na Ako

May Hikaw Na Ako

Napigtal na ang tanikalang gumagapos sa mga kamay ng makabagong kabataan;kaya't ubod lakas nitong iginupo ang pader na nagsisilbing pagitan kay Eba at Adan. Anuman ang gawin ni babae ay siya na ring layaw ni lalaki, kung kaya't dumating na ang puntong pati sa paghubog ng makabagong estilo ay wala na ring pinagkaiba ang dalawang nilalang ng Diyos.

JOURNAL | Pilipino, Isang Depinisyon

Pilipino, Isang Depinisyon

Ano ka? Ano siya? Ano ako?
Sabi nila'y Pilipino.
Ugat natin ay Silangan
Anak dagat ang ninunong hatid dito ng barangay
Galing doon sa malayo sa matandang kalupaan
Dito sila ipinadpad ng magandang kapalaran.

ARTICLE | SINO ang FILIPINO?

SINO ang FILIPINO?

Ayon sa Wikipedia.com, ito ang FILIPINO:

• Refer to people of Philippine descent, regardless of citizenship ( ibig sabihin, lahat ng taong pinanganak ditto sa Pilipinas ).
• Gumagamit ng national language, which is Filipino, as designated in the 1987 Constitution
• Culture of the Philippines reflects the complexity of the history of the Philippines through the blending of Pre-Hispanic indigenous Austronesian ( ang Kulturang Filipino      ay pinaghalong kultura ng mga tao dito sa Pilipinas bago pa dumating ang mga Kastila ).

ARTICLE | Convenience Approach to living as observed from local TV game shows and its audience: How do local game shows influence Filipinos approach to living?

Convenience Approach to living as observed from local TV game shows and its audience: How do local game shows influence Filipinos approach to living?

The Filipino is a race of many practical talents which allow them to live anywhere, even under the most frugal circumstances. They can be compared to a seed that has been blown off to where the wind has blown them off, or a weed that just sprung out of nowhere, and thrives efficiently amidst a strange environment.

ARTICLE | Balikbayan Boxes Thoughts

Box of Thoughts
 
What I find incredulous about this whole farce on “opening and checking” balikbayan boxes is that- “What are XRays invented for?” Seriously, Bureau of Customs (BOC) hasn’t it occurred to you to find alternatives ways than rummaging through private people’s stuff?

REVIEW | New Year Superstitions

New Year Superstitions

You know how as Filipinos, we tend to be very superstitious on important events, like New Year for instance. When we were young, our parents taught us the DOs and DON'Ts at the struck of midnight. Now when I think about how strange our superstitious belief system is, I just laugh about it.

LIFESTYLE | Habits of the Filipino Jerk (with Annotations)

Habits of the Filipino Jerk (with Annotations)

Here's an article I found over the net, written by Anton Conejos. It discusses a few simple truths about the Filipino society.  According to Conejos, other nationalities can be stereotyped as French-arrogant, British-stiff and Americans-I own the world. The Filipinos have their distinction however.

JOURNAL | Filipino Affection

Filipino Affection

Of the three interpersonal needs of an individual (e.g. inclusion, control, and affection) affection occupies the Filipino mindset. This might be the reason why Filipinos are very personal and family oriented because they long to have someone to show them care and interest. Affection may easily be translated into "longing for love." Everything about love whether platonic, familial or romantic love, Filipinos love the feeling of having someone by their side and thinking that they will never be alone because there will always be someone to rely on. That is why once Filipinos make friends even if meeting those friends is just a matter of hours, they strive to win the acquaintance's approval. This is the impact Filipinos create in their society. In this regard, affection and the hope of winning as much love and attention , Filipinos have become polite, courteous and hospitable. These are the traits that foreigners easily recognize. This also sets Filipinos a stand out among other Asian nations. 

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From my old files, Qualitative Research 100, January 30, 2006

LIFESTYLE | Signs That You Are Pinoy

Signs That You Are Pinoy

For my foreign friends and fellow Filipinos as well, here is a run down of the things that define what Filipinos are from an insider's perspective,

JOURNAL | Rituals of the Filipinos

Rituals

Rituals are traditions and periodical practices. Filipino centrality of rituals confirm Filipino Communicative Behaviour. This is because Filipinos have so many values that reinforces rituals. One of these values is the concept of pakikisama (camaraderie). This value is so strong that a Filipino is expected to go with the flow (e.g. Christmas and New Year preparations of food, decorations, gifts, etc.) Another concept Filipinos uniquely possess is hiya (shame). It is so entrenched in Filipinos that one is compelled to bite the bullet just to show that they follow rituals. Otherwise a Filipino may suffer from ostracism from his community and may lose face which is highly valued by Filipinos.


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From my old files, Qualitative Research 100, January 30, 2006

ARTICLE | Kamera Kafe: A Textual Analysis on the Portrayal of Filipinos in Camera Café

Kamera Kafe: A Textual Analysis on the Portrayal of Filipinos in Camera Café

Abstract 

This study aims to explore how Filipinos are portrayed in the comedy program Camera Café. Guided by the Social Construction of Reality, this study is purely qualitative. The researchers employed textual analysis to study the messages in the said program, and to acquire information on the representations and values presented in the program. Results show that Camera Café. The researchers have found remarkable situations in the episodes that reflect society. Furthermore, the representations of the characters suggest Filipino character and identity. Camera Café portrayed values, expressed a sense of national pride and culture and raised societal issues.