#Filipinx Soul

[wickedzeevyln]

Dubstep

˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆ Beautiful🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳ I’m not them beautiful peeps, I care about my chances. Plow the fields of paper and harvest every known words. Pour them into a bowl and toss them. I’m not them beautiful peeps. I count to the last cent. Hold on to a gasping minute. I keep a mantra—free or forever wait. Chuckle to your heart’s content, dribble your eyes like Allen Iverson, sneer like a llama at…

[fiercynn]

Hey do you have any poetry you can suggest because I saw your response to that OP, I’d love some stuff to read!

so i started responding to another similar ask by @unitedstates0fdakota but i accidentally posted it when it was incomplete so i decided to continue here! check out that post for the first two recs, george abraham's birthright and romeo oriogun's sacrament of bodies

more than organs, kay ulanday barrett

kay ulanday barrett is a poet, performer, and educator, navigating life as a disabled filipinx-amerikan transgnder queer in the u.s. with struggle, resistance, and laughter. pamela sneed, one of the reviewers quoted on the back of more than organs, describes the collection as about “hunger that is physical, spiritual, and queer”, and i think hunger is an excellent way to put it. i love how the pieces in this collection oscillate between visceral and playful – there’s a poem called “pain, an epistle” but also one called “actually, jenny schecter wasn’t the worst”.

you googled “authentic” / & now are seated next to me. / as I speed walk you to the cart / aunty gives me the last dish / gets the idea that I’ve waited too long / for something to just taste right. / I wish for a dumpling stuff / of bullet skins to be the shrapnel / in every white man’s throat. / go ahead / say the word oriental / at my table / one more time. —  “I just want dimsum undisturbed by wypipo”

a theory of birds, zaina alsous

zaina alsous is a prison abolitionist, a daughter of the palestinian diaspora, and a movement worker in south florida. the blurb for a theory of birds describes it as “putting ecological conservation in conversation with arab racial formation, state vernacular with the chatter of birds”, and as someone who wanted to be an ornithologist as a child and now works in climate policy, it feels like she wrote this to speak to my soul.

Inside the dodo bird is a forest, Inside the forest a peach analog, Inside the peach analog a woman, Inside the woman a lake of funerals, disappointed male lovers, scientists, Inside the lake a volcano of whale songs, Inside the volcano a language of naming, Inside the language an algorithm for de-extinction, Inside the algorithm blued dynamite to dissolve the colony’s Sun, twinkle twinkle, I didn’t mean to fall in love with failure, its molting rapture, I didn’t mean to name myself from a necklace of silent vowels, I didn’t go looking from for the bird, I entered through the empty cage, hips first —  “Bird Prelude”

boy with thorn, rickey laurentiis

rickey laurentiis is a poet who was raised in new orleans, louisiana, to study light. this is true for a lot of poetry imo, but every piece in boy with thorn requires reading at least twice in a row, because laurentiis’s use of language is so deft and stuffed with meaning that i needed to experience it from different angles. the description for the collection tells us “in a landscape at once the brutal american south as it is the brutal mind, boy with thorn interrogates the genesis of all poetic creation—the imagination itself, questioning what role it plays in both our fascinations with and repulsion from a national history of racial and sexual violence”.

Therefore, my head was kingless. I was a head alone, moaning in a wet black field. I was like any of those deserter slaves whose graves are just the pikes raised for their heads, reshackled, blue and plain as fear. All night I whistled at a sky that mocked me, that fluently changed its grammar as if to match desire in my eye. My freedom is possible, it said. —  “Conditions for a Southern Gothic”

eye level, jenny xie

this is kind of cheating because i first read eye level when it came out in 2017, but i recently reread it so i feel like it counts! jenny xie was born in anhui province, china, and now lives in the united states. eye level travels with xie from phnom penh to corfu to hanoi to new york city, and her descriptions piercing, sensual, and bottomless.

Sunday, awake with this headache. I pull apart the evening with a fork. White clot behind the eyes. Someone once told me, before and after is just another false binary. The warmed-over bones of January. I had no passport. Beneath the stove, two mice made a paradise out of a button of peanut butter. Suffering operates by its own logic. Its gropics and reversals. Ample, in ways that are exquisite. And how it leaves —not unlike how it arrives, without clear notice. —  “Zuihitsu”

i also post about english-language palestinian poetry (both written in english and in translation) in my #palestinian poets series, each of which features poems you can find online!

[anitosoul]

tripreport.043_uncannyvalley

November 27, 2023

I write this during the live broadcast of the 43rd iteration of my mix series tripreport on November 27th, 2023. This one’s called Uncanny Valley…the main inspiration behind it is the fact that I’ve been in Portland for the past 1+ week and everyone here seems like a Sim. But deeper than that, this whole month has been generally strange. It almost feels like the month has been defined by how un-vibe-able it is. Nothing of particular interest really happened in my life besides everything being slightly off and me being in the Pacific Northwest for the first time. Before leaving for Portland, the only things that really happened were going to protests and work stuff. But everything about this month felt like a glitch, like everything was slightly off.

Part of it definitely had to do with the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and recognizing that the activism is for the long haul. I’ve still been processing what’s happening there, but now in a way that’s less immediate and emotional. But it’s definitely strange to take all of it in through social media and bear witness to the atrocities without actually experiencing them. It’s all abstracted but so real.

On a material level, I guess I’ve felt similarly. I thought Daylight Savings was canceled but they never actually passed it so I was really thrown off when it started getting dark really early again. I was feeling so tired after work every day so I started waking up early instead which has been nice. There have been random things, like having a work event on a Saturday, and being in weird liminal spaces. The media I’ve consumed this month has been equally strange, from the new Thanksgiving horror movie to The Curse to the new Hunger Games. All of it has had to do with, like, the brutality of humanity or white people acting like robots. Being in Portland only amplified that, especially since it was for Thanksgiving break. It’s the first time I haven’t had a reason to go back to Tulsa for the holidays because both of my parents moved away now and it was kind of breaking my brain coming to a completely new city for a time that I associate so strongly with familiarity. I was also with family that I am never around, including my mom’s partner and my grandaunt and uncle (who literally only speaks German). Being in a weird house and having to wake up at 6am to go work remotely at a Portland coffee shop surrounded by white people wearing Cotopaxi and doing crosswords and being suspiciously friendly while a genocide was happening on my phone was honestly difficult to compute.

I tried leaning into it and watched Inland Empire while at this house alone and it was too much for me. I got really uncomfortable. There were still good moments, of course. Seeing Nia Archives and Dazegxd at Knockdown Center was awesome. I played at this House of Elevasiya event that was so beautiful and had me feeling so connected to my kapwa, fellow filipinxs. The album Subset by Kindred came out and I had it on repeat all month. I got to see my sister and my dog and my other family. I went on a long, healing walk along the river in Portland. I watched the sunrise, a lot. I got to see Snoqualmie Falls and Twede’s Cafe (RR Diner) from Twin Peaks, and a cool Nirvana exhibit at MoPOP. So I’m grateful still. As I move into the end of the year, there’s so much for me to reflect on. But for right now, I’ll accept the liminality. 

[granvarones]

Sometimes we are late to the BBQ right? Well in the case of Ultra Naté (pronounced Na-Tay), I didn’t arrive at the BBQ til 1998. I was 15 years old and my teenage icon Filipinx Freestyle/Dance Diva Jocelyn Enriquez was sprinkled with Disco fairy dust along with dance divas Amber and Ultra Naté under the moniker Stars On 54. They revamped the 1971 folk classic “If You Could Read My Mind” by Gordon Lightfoot into one the most fascinating covers I’ve ever heard (just listen back to back and gag). This collaboration introduced me to Ms. Naté and piqued my curiosity.

Eight years into her career, Ultra Naté had landed five singles into Top 10 on the Billboard Dance Chart by the time I bought the single to her hit single “Free” at Tower Records (I miss you so much). As soon as I heard that guitar riff in the intro followed by those chords and 4/4 I was hooketh. I immediately grabbed a copy of the Situation: Critical album. I stared at the artwork fascinated by its silvery gloss and the acupuncture needles in her face. It was futuristic as fuck! The album’s photography was shot by the legendary Eric Johson who is known for iconic photos of Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, and Biggie. I wasn’t totally sold on the album at first because as a teenager I was infatuated with Freestyle music and this was out of my teenage comfort. However, the album grew on me and eventually I connected to each song on a personal level. At the time I was struggling with my budding sexuality, lack of interest in education, and a toxic-ass family dynamic. This album would eventually become my personal teenage bible.

“Somehow things must change, and it’s got to be for the better” the lyrics from the albums intro track “Situation: Critical” pierced my young gay soul. When my being sexually molested was brought to the light my parents were so wounded by life; none of them had the capacity to support me. My father was strung out on drugs, my mother’s mental health was dwindling, and my step mother struggled to keep a roof over our heads. I felt so fucking hurt by their neglect that all I thought of was escaping at 18. My then therapist Judy had a huge black and white picture of New York City and one day I declared “I’m going to live there!” Until then I endlessly played this album on my discman throughout my teens to keep my ass sane.

There was a rage building inside me and “Found A Cure” was that song that embodied what I felt. Lines like “Feels like I’m going crazy, feels like I’m going insane” were my everyday life and I wanted out but I was still underaged. “How many times have you been left alone and you feel confused?” solidified my connection to Ultra. This was the second single from the album which hit #1 on Billboard Club Songs. The music video was directed by Charles Stone III who would years later direct the epic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story. Larry Flick of Billboard wrote “Naté fearlessly faces the challenge with a jam that smartly doesn’t aim to duplicate the tone of her now-classic hit…The diva is in fine voice here and is matched by a muscular bassline and keyboard/guitar interplay that oozes with funk flavor…Miss Nate proves there’s more than Free in her locker with a pure floorfiller. A Gloria Gaynor for the Millennium.” Mic drop.

“A New Kind of Medicine,” the album’s second track, and third single, lightened the mood after the dark yet realist ‘Situation’. During this era in House music Disco samples were a huge commodity. While this was purely an original song the Disco influence is prevalent. The single had some heavy hitters on the remixes and the first two being producers in Freestyle: Albert Cabrera, David Morales, and Danny Tenaglia. The Morales mix is quite festive especially at the 5:20 mark when you get that tidbit of Inner City’s “Big Fun” followed by a lyric not in the original: “Stop taking me down.”

My favorite track on the album was the last single released from the album, the Al Mack produced “Release The Pressure.” How can you not feel like you’re transpired into a film where the woman is struggling, breaking shit, cursing bitches out, lights a joint, a sip of wine, puts on her favorite 12” and gets her damn life. The production on this track has so many beautiful layers from the piano, to the horns, and guitars. It always felt like time froze whenever this track came on. The song was also featured on the soundtrack The 24 Hour Woman starring Rosie Perez. This is one of my forever tracks because it always remains true to this day: “You get up, It knocks you back down, Release the pressure, Let it out.”

The album itself pays homage to the 70’s and 80’s influence of staples in Disco, Funk and House which are very evident in: “Any Ole Love” (Indeep’s “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life”) and “Love You Can’t Deny” (Royal House “Can You Party”). The mellower affairs “It’s Crying Time” and “Every Now and Then” were so damn pretty that they seduced my young self who was anti anything slow.  The last original track on the album “Divine Love,” produced by the duo Masters At Work, transports you to Sunday mass everytime. That 5 minute mark is pure gospel ear candy with those luscious rhodes and ab libs take you on a journey to the ether. This felt like the sequel to “Rejoicing (I’ll Never Forget)” from her first album Blue Notes In The Basement. At this point in time I was severely struggling with my belief in God however this song just anoints you, especially the 9 minute MAW Version.

This album took me on a musical journey. It became my bible, my salvation, my healing. In the spring of 2001 my life took a huge turn. I had fallen in the love with a man in NYC whom I thought I’d be with forever. After a huge argument with my parents I finally said “fuck this shit I’m out!” Ultra’s lyrics rang in my head “Now I know you’re no good for me, Now I got to find a remedy,” my remedy: move to NYC. After settling into my then boyfriend’s apartment I would blast this album on volume 5000 and the whole damn planet would shake. I didn’t give a fuck about the neighbor downstairs because I was ‘Free’ and living my damn best gay life. I didn’t leave my heart in San Francisco that’s for damn sure!

In 2012, I had a full circle moment when I was hired by Naté’s management, Peace Bisquit. It was completely surreal to be in direct communication with her, and an honor working under the brilliance of Bill Coleman (remember Deee-Lite? “Groove Is In The Heart”? Nuff said.). I was bestowed the task of managing the execution of the Hero Worship album to digital platforms. Miss Naté was the most humble artist I ever worked with. A memory I will always hold dear is a tender moment we shared at  the Paradise Garage Reunion Party in 2014. The DJ began to play “The Whistle Song” in honor of the iconic Frankie Knuckles who had passed just months earlier. As the song played, Ultra began to cry. I put my arm around her and consoled her. The same way her music had done for me in all the years before.

Thank you for never giving up on your music Ultra because this album saved me!

“You might save someone’s life.” – Ultra Naté “Situation: Critical”

If you are experiencing or have experienced sexual abuse please call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Giorgio Alxndr (He/Him) is into music, modeling, activism, and plant fathering. He creates beats and playlists in his free time. Loves deep conversations and therapy sessions. Professionally he’s always in the mix between music and technology.

[starsbegantofall]

just thoughts, no judgement

I have been clicking through several twitter/tumblr accounts from English-speaking but non-Western users about various topics after the pandemic/protests/general 2020 disasters began that I personally have found to be a clear and humbling reminder of what the world is like outside of my country (America). The strongest condemnations I’ve seen are passed on young-ish Westerners who try to spread activism through social media and fandom but are (rightfully sometimes) being met with resistance from non-Western cultures.

First of all, I am not equating these as equally important as basic human rights for all, I’m just paraphrasing a few easy to parse examples for my reference and hopefully to help enlighten others (?)

1. cultural appropriation of indigenous/native cultures - not just in America but around the world, in which people who are not native speak on what counts as appropriation or appreciation on behalf of the native cultures. They mean well!  They did their research!  But logically, only an indigenous person can really tell you how they feel regarding outsider approach on their culture, and that is just one person out of many different perspectives.

2. patronizing people in “poorer” countries, expecting them to stay on top of US-centric issues while acting condescending towards their culture/lifestyles/food whatever, essentially modern-day colonizing. Some Westerners even mean well out of honest ignorance. But a lot of countries have been colonized for the worse, and their current situation that seems bad to you is oftena direct result of Western war and invasion and interference. Better to know your own country’s history before you try to fix another country’s history, that doesn’t even need that much “fixing” or is being worked on from within where you can’t see because guess what, you didn’t bother to learn their language but hahah, they know yours. And as BLM has shown, a whole lotta Americans don’t even know basic events in their own history. Glass house!

3. subset of 2, the assumption that media in other countries aren’t as “progressive” as America’s, which is a laughably hypocritical thought as many LGBT and other minorities live in dread all their lives in America, but is held up as irrefutable proof that the country is backwards and needs Western activism to save their souls. Yaoi/BL in Japan is the most popular example, because it’s so “tropey” and “cringey” that clearly means Asians need white ppl to explain to them about homophobia and activism and such... When many Asian cultures already have a diverse and tolerant history, much more so than any European nation, and often only recently became intolerant to fall in line with Western superpowers. Also, perhaps due to their government, family lives or various other factors, they can only work on their activism underground, away from Western gaze. To them, yaoi/bl is a source of comfort and motivation, despite its alleged lack of progressiveness in Western eyes.

4. the use of Western values on Eastern cultures for just about anything. Just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s bad. In fact, a lot of Western cultures could use Eastern values, like ahem, wearing a mask to protect others from your diseased saliva and snot!!!!  Another one I’ve seen is how Filipinos do not agree to use Filipinx as a gender neutral term when their own language is already gender neutral, they don’t make that sound in their language, and they’re trying to distance themselves from their Spanish and American colonizers. So many things that seem valuable to the American citizen are actually symbols of oppression to people outside, vice versa.

Again, we in America tend to believe that after all of our oppression Olympics regarding race and gender and sexuality and immigration and religion and disability and so on and so forth, we must surely have gotten it right by now. But just because it suits Americans doesn’t mean it works for other people, and trying to push our extremely specific values while steamrolling over easy-to-google circumstances within different countries should be avoided. I hope everyone in western cultures (namely America, Canada, Australia, England) take a moment to think before lauding themselves as examples of activism and enlightenment all while at the same time screaming at people in other countries for not being aware of the latest race-related petitions or not working harder for gay rights or not speaking up loudly on cultural oppression and colorism and sexism.

Especially when we clearly have so far to go in achieving equality for everyone in our own so-called enlightened countries.

Just be logical and respectful. Do your research, actually talk to people from other countries, read articles or watch media from outside of the US with both a critical and appreciative heart. If you don’t have time, then don’t say anything disparaging in public, as much as you want to.  Work on your own self first, there’s always work to be done there, and be open to change. If someone asks you, then feel free to offer your perspective and advice. But until then, listen.

[introvertedmegalomaniac]

ask game

i fly on mobile fam, so forgive my formatting ✌

name: ski

gender: f! and not just by default, i've checked 😊

star sign: leo, baby 🦁

height: 5' 3 1/2"

time: 22:45

favorite bands: uhhhhh,,,,, the growlers, glass animals, metric, peach pit, summer salt, ibeyi, tane impala, milky chance, the amazing devil,,,

favorite solo artists: kishi bashi, mitski, hozier, billie eilish, etc

last movie: soul, ahahaa

last show: tiny pretty things... i'm a hoe for ballet dramas

when did i create this blog: hoo boy, god, 2010? is there a place to check? i oughta know that by now, huh?

what do i post: whatever floats my boat, lol. @persephonehemingway is more fanfic/fandom/writing focused and is usually what i'm interacting and reblogging from, but i'm ridiculous and only know how to comment from main.

last thing i googled: "most difficult gymnastics vault" lol

why i chose my url: well, i'm an introvert and i was a little obsessed with myself. still am 😅 for my other @, i'm a hoe for persephone, and my prose tends toward jaded, detailed but indirect, & phenomenological like hemingway- without the toxic masculinity

following: ...2133? 😅

followers: ~609? (!?)

avg hours of sleep: 6-10

lucky number: 7 (not bc i'm a cliche, but bc my birthday's on the 7th! 😋)

instruments: trumpet, ukulele, voice! (& baby ski liked to drum on the pots, pans, & tupperware)

what am i wearing: uh, black spanx, a glass animals tee with the sides cut out, a plum-colored bralette & sleeves that used to be a sweater

dream job: trophy wife

dream trip: !! just. all the places.

favorite food: ooooh let's go with.... my mom's beef sabaw over jasmine rice, tuxedo chocolate truffle cake, egg rolls from vinh binh, my mom's pork siomai w sweet & sour sauce, & red baron microwave pizzas (i feel required to put this here bc i eat it for lunch every day at work... lol), etc

nationality: usa (but fuck capitalism)

favorite song: rn? ah, well, this week i've been obsessively listening to alone by heart on repeat... i'm in a v peculiar 80s/90s/00s big-belting-voice filipinx videoke kind of mood lately

last book i read: i'm working through an intro to pen & ink drawing book right now haha

top 3 fictional universes i'd live in: oooh. so, i would never survive in these myself, but let's go with john wick, bondlock (2 birds with 1 stone), & the magicians... oh. and naruto! 😅

cheers! @fics-not-tragedies @criminaly-supernatural @meetmeinthematinee @vvallflowered @pomegranatebitch @the-real-super-turtle

just for kicks, yeah?

ask game

Rules: answer 30 questions and tag blogs that you’re contractually obligated to know better. Rawrrr

Name: Bun! I hate my name and even my colleagues call me Bun.

Gender: ??? she/they idk I'm tryna figure out. Genderflexible? Genderfluid? ???

Star sign: Scorpi-hoe

Height: 5'2

Time: 00:14

Favourite bands: AC/DC, Led Zep, Nirvana, Placebo, Hole & Deftones

Favourite solo artists: Marylin Manson, Mitski, NERO, Sullivan King, Diplo & Hozier

Last movie: uhh House of 1000 Corpses?

Last show: Scream Queens

When did I create this blog: 2018, I think.

What do I post: MY THIRST! and shitty memes. FanFiction, too.

Last thing I googled: "door frame".

Why I chose my URL: My nickname was taken so I had to split it.

Following: 309

Followers: 274- HOLY SHITE OMG

Avg hours of sleep: ?? 4-16 lmao

Lucky number: 3

Instruments: I am ✨tone deaf ✨. So, a spatula?

What am I wearing: a NASA crop top & pajama shorts with lemon print

Dream job: Forensic pathologist

Dream trip: yeet out of this dimension. But seriously - Florida.

Favourite food: Papa John's plain cheese and tomato pizza 😌

Nationality: Latvian

Favourite song: Hole - Doll Parts

Last book I read: Horse Whisperer 😶

Top 3 fictional universes I'd live in: MCU, TFCU & HP

That's all folks. Thank you, @letsby . I tag: @erisofmischief @softie-socks @introvertedmegalomaniac @littlegasps

[hellapinay]

This week's #ThrowbackThursday is a shout to the Filipina "Queen of Soul" Jaya's 1989 self-titled album. It was produced by freestyle king Stevie B, and her first single "If You Leave Me Now" peaked at 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making her the first Filipinx recording artist to chart in the United States 👑

[jolligang]

Blog Post 4: Filipinx in Music

For this blog post, I want to shine a light on the topic of Asian Americans and Music. To be more specific Filipinx music. I love listening to Original Pilipino Music even to this day because I grew up with TFC playing in the background. The music portrays love in a way that is not expressed in today’s culture of music. Everything on the radio now is about sex, drugs, or alcohol. I mean I am down for a good time but where is the love?  Listening to Sarah Geronimo and Lea Salonga sing made me want to get mad at the man I do not have. The heart and soul they put into their music. The pain in their voice exclaiming their heartbreaks. Lea Salong sang Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal which can translate to why do I love you so much. That song hit differently going through a breakup. It had me questioning why did I love him so much? Why was that connection from the start there but not the same anymore?

I also grew up listening to smaller Filipino American groups that formed in the 90s. Groups like Kai, Drop N Harmony, Inevitable Pinay, and more. Knowing that there were groups out there that were Filipino made me believe that I could be apart of a singing group like that. My mom was close friends with the members of Kai since they went to high school in Union City at James Logan. My aunt actually dated AC Lorenzo back in the day. I am actually going to see Drop N Harmony at the Pa’ina on Thursday with my mom and brother. We still play their older tracks around the house when we cook or clean. 

This photo of Drop N Harmony from back in the day makes me laugh because this is how all my uncles use to look and they still dress like that to this day. Groups like this were so influential not only for their music but for their fashion choices.

Fast-forwarding to today’s day and age of music we have artists like Ruby Ibarra and Rocky Rivera rapping about political issues. They are spreading awareness through artivism which is very powerful with today’s social climate. Fun fact Ruby Ibarra grew up in the same area as me. We both come from San Lorenzo. I remember when she posted videos on youtube rapping about the culture of our area. Ruby Ibarra has also touched bases on colonial mentality, learning to love your beautiful brown skin and to disregard the previous generation’s trauma. She has been a very influential artist to young Filipinas of this generation. She has come a long way from where she started on youtube. She has had tours around California and also some tour dates in the Philippines. I believe that it is very powerful to go back to your roots and showing the people of her motherland how far she has come. Rapping about the struggles that many Filipinx goes though. 

[goldenlasoo]

Holy Mama (with Maternal Instincts giving birth to New Beginnings). 👊🏾🙌🏾💯🔥 @kimmortalmusic @shadkmusic @biltmorecabaret @vanmuralfest #HipHop #Rap #Soul #YVR #Vancouver #Toronto #Canada #Shad #Kimmortal #KeepShining #Filipinx #Filipina #Philippines #POC (at The Biltmore Cabaret)

[recentanimenews]

A Celebration of Women of Color in Anime

  Anime has always meant a lot to me as a person of color. I didn't see much of myself in my surroundings growing up, and even though I'm mixed Filipinx and not Japanese, it felt valuable to me that anime was an Asian-created medium. There were far more limits in terms of exposure and what you could readily learn about underrepresented cultures in the years before the internet became more widely accessible. As a result, early TV and video exposure to anime helped me indirectly feel proud of my own heritage.

I generally relate to media depictions of women more than men, so it should come as no surprise that women of color in anime comprise some of my favorite fictional characters, period. Though woefully misrepresented in all kinds of media, here's a non-hierarchical list of anime WOC who are respectfully depicted, nuanced, and poignant role models for our own lives too. Read on for more!

Nadia — Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water

    A series known for its tumultuous production and Hideaki Anno's distinct directorial hand, Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water is an aquatic adventure anime from the early '90s. The main character, Nadia, is a young woman of color searching for the truth about her past — and the secret of her blue-jeweled pendant.

One of Nadia's crowning traits is her connection with animals and the care she displays for them. Nadia communicates easily with King, her lion cub sidekick, and openly detests meat and hunting. The show also makes it clear that Nadia is a *gasp* vegetarian. It was pretty rare in the '90s for any show to feature a positive portrayal of vegetarians, so it's pretty cool to see her depicted as a genuinely caring animal-lover and not some meat-hating caricature.

Nadia is an "imperfect" heroine in the sense that she actually comes across like a real person with real struggles. She is (justifiably) prone to distrust others, can act hot-headed, grapples with intense depression, and doesn't always give people like Jean and Nemo the benefit of the doubt. Nadia's tendencies and behavior make perfect sense given her awful and abusive childhood, and that makes her one of the most interesting anime protagonists out there.

Yoruichi Shihōin — Bleach

    In Bleach, Yoruichi's coolness factor is off the charts. She can outrun Byakuya (one of the most powerful captains), knows how to help you achieve Bankai in three days, and can also transform from a black cat into a human at will. If Soul Society had its own version of LinkedIn, Yoruichi's resume would be top tier — it's no small feat to be the former Onmitsukidō commander and former 2nd captain of the Gotei 13.

Finally, much like the rest of the cast of Bleach, Yoruichi possesses a simple yet keen sense of style. Can you think of anyone over a century old who can wear purple and beige striped arm wraps and orange apparel with such finesse? I thought not.

Carole — Carole and Tuesday

Shinichiro Watanabe's new show Carole and Tuesday is yet another music fan's dream. While Kids on the Slope focused on Jazz, Watanabe's new outing hones in on pop singer/songwriters. One central message in the show is simple, yet timeless: Pursue your creative expression by staying true to yourself, and keep your creative fire safe from societal pressures intent on manipulating and/or extinguishing your gift. And with a Black woman — Carole — as one of the lead protagonists, this important message feels even more moving and powerful.

A Black woman as a lead character is the exception rather than the rule in the world of media, which is a disturbing reflection of larger oppressive social structures. That's why it feels refreshing to see a respectful portrayal in the form of Carole. We first meet her as an impoverished teenager in a big city without parents or a support network. Despite the financial and social odds stacked against her, Carole still longs to express herself and create a loving community through the power of music. Her dedication to her own creative integrity is a joy to watch, and as a musician myself, I found legitimate personal solace in her drive to be as artistically genuine as possible.

One of my favorite things about Carole is the ego-free support, sense of awe, and goodwill she displays toward other musicians. There's barely a hint of jealousy or competition between Carole and her main musical partner, Tuesday. The two get along amazingly well despite a few roadblocks, and Carole consistently honors their shared creative spirit. She even voices repeated praise for a rival musician named Angela, despite Angela's antagonistic remarks against the series' duo. As another impressive feat, Carole also manages to revive the joy of seasoned — and occasionally downtrodden — musicians due to her infectious creative passion. How can you not love such an inspirational character?!

Anthy Himemiya — Revolutionary Girl Utena

Revolutionary Girl Utena, is, well, revolutionary for a number of reasons. The show tackles gender essentialism head-on and makes some hefty statements about the toxicity of conventional social norms. Utena is an incredible character who challenges the classic patriarchal notions associated with princedom. I'd argue though, that her partner Anthy Himemiya is the true star of the show.  Without going into spoilers, Anthy is key to one of the biggest themes in the show: That for its own selfish gain, society is willing to endlessly enact cruel rigidity and heartlessness against women. It'd be both reductive and missing the larger point though, to interpret Anthy as a defenseless, subservient victim controlled by the harshness of a misogynistic culture. On the contrary, Anthy is perhaps the strongest figure in the entire series. Anthy does (at least in some ways) behave according to the interest of others, but she ultimately asserts her own worth and personal agency in a way that truly embodies the show's beautiful core. There are plenty of fascinating, insightful articles that go into depth about Revolutionary Girl Utena's symbolism and topics, so be sure to check some out. Anthy is a phenomenal character who stands out as one of the most memorable depictions of self-love, showing it's never too late to define your own life according to your needs, desires, and dreams.

Casca — Berserk

                              Berserk is likely my favorite manga, and undoubtedly my favorite work of dark fantasy. I always pair that praise with a very cautionary recommendation due to the intense gore and many disturbing sexual depictions throughout the series. While it's up to each individual to decide their limits in terms of extreme content, Kentaro Miura (the creator) softens Berserk's more unseemly edges by featuring sympathetic protagonists who organically evolve, and who are driven by immense love and support for one another in spite of a horrifyingly bleak world. That said, I find the central character Casca to be one of the strongest and most nuanced women in all of fiction. It's rare enough for a dark-skinned woman to be depicted at all in most media, and rare still for her to be given proper depth and well-deserved narrative development. Fortunately, Berserk gives us both.

In the Band of the Hawk arc — the first lengthy saga in Berserk, covered by the three recent films and the '90s anime — Casca is introduced as a well-regarded figure within the ranks of her mercenary brigade. Although she's portrayed as a strong fighter and a capable leader, the series deploys many different elements that prevent a one-sided characterization of Casca. For example, her tragic backstory highlights not only her strength and will to survive but also lends added weight to why she's so watchful of her comrades. After Casca is sent away by her own family as a child, she gains a new one in the form of the Band of the Hawk, and — much like a protective older sister — leads many of her men to safety on more than one occasion. The life and attachments Casca forges from the hell of her childhood imbues her character with skillfulness, tenacity, and meaningful emotional capacity. 

The love between Casca and Guts is a genuinely moving, reciprocal bond. While it's true that Guts saves Casca from demons on many occasions (which carries more than a hint of the misogynistic damsel-in-distress cliche), it's also true that Guts is saved from his lonely life largely because of Casca's love and presence. Though there's plenty to critique about the notion that masculine dependency is evidence of a healthy relationship, overall I find that Guts and Casca exhibit selfless, mutual gestures of love that challenge standard relational dynamics.

It can't be stressed enough how pivotal Casca is to Berserk's central storyline. Her badass skills as a fighter, coupled with her nuanced backstory and emotional depth, makes her one of my favorite anime characters of all time. 

Each anime in this list offers a uniquely touching testament to women of color. While by no means an exhaustive list, I hope you enjoyed it!

Are there other women of color from your favorite anime who aren't listed here? Let us know in the comments!

                              Do you love writing? Do you love anime? If you have an idea for a features story, pitch it to Crunchyroll Features!

By: news+feed@crunchyroll.com

[l2ex]

Celebrated Filipino American History Month feeding my body some delicious food at the #EatPlayMove Filipino Food Festival (volunteer organized event!), and then feeding my soul at the Katipunan Poetry Slam. Had the honor of being one of the audience judges to score the poets. Was blown away by everyone and hearing their own experience through spoken word poetry! Proud and inspired by the local Filipinx in the community for all the efforts they put into sharing our culture with everyone. #FAHM #KPS2018 (at Filipino American Community of Los Angeles) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpfsfMxlpP8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ki94nmxj1mat

[robinsoncenter]

Pride ASIA

Pride ASIA is presenting its 7th annual Queer and Asian celebration on May 27th from 12pm to 5pm at Hing Hay Park in Seattle's historic Chinatown/ International District. Performers and speakers will entertain you all afternoon while enjoying the park's latest art installation and the many delicacies of Seattle's Chinatown/International District

Hosted by Pride ASIA founder, Aleksa Manila

Featuring:

Keynote Speaker Jill Mangaliman

As executive director of the climate justice organization Got Green, Jill Mangaliman, a queer, Filipino-American community organizer, is a leader in Seattle’s growing drive for climate justice, a branch of the environmental movement focused on ending environmental racism and giving low-income people and people of color a say in policy decisions that impact their communities. http://seattlemag.com/news-and-features/most-influential-seattleites-2017-jill-mangaliman

DJ Phenohype (aka Allison Masangkay)

A sick and disabled queer Filipinx femme artist, student, and social justice advocate. Her work is influenced by and dedicated to her childhood in northern New Jersey, survival in Sequim, Washington, ancestral memory, and diaspora feels. Her sets include a range of genres, especially Jersey club, soul, hip hop, and house. allisonmasangkay.com/phenohype

Performances by:

Atasha Manila

Avarice London

Jym Lyfes

Kince de Vera

Nic Masangkay

UTOPIA Seattle

Vanitii Fair (Barry McClintock)

Vanity Sisters (Gigi Nguyen + Terroncé Lockwood)

Voodoo Nightshade (Ian De La O)

Whispurr Watershadow (Chris Chase)

& Seattle drag legend, Ms. Gaysha Starr

and a very special production of "Farewell Shikata ga nai"

by Gabrielle Kazuko Nomura Gainor

Presentations by:

API Chaya

Gay City: Seattle's LGBTQ Center

Ingersoll Gender Center

NW Network

Seattle Counseling Service

Seattle LGBTQ Commission

Seattle Parks and Recreation

SIFF

U.T.O.P.I.A Seattle

Founded in 2012, Pride ASIA's mission is to celebrate, empower and nurture the multicultural diversity of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer communities through the Asian Pacific Islander lens.

www.PrideASIA.org

Pride ASIA is a proud member of National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance

Pride ASIA celebration is a FREE and ALL AGES public event.

Artwork: Allan Capacia Carandang

Special thanks to International Examiner, Seattle Gay News, Kelcema Productions and Seattle Office for Civil Rights

[christinalcheng]

May 3, 2017

1. I am thankful for my PE swim class because the water feels like heaven and swimming feels so good.  2. I’m thankful for the new MU because it’s my favorite place in Davis for now.  3. I’m thankful for bro tanks and how comfy and breezy they are. Also, thankful that they allow me to not get farmer’s tans.  4. I’m thankful for strawberry basil lemonade and for its aesthetic and for its refreshing taste.  5. I’m thankful for friends who affirm me and help me learn new things about myself like ugh it’s hard to receive but it’s worth it.  6. I’m thankful for Kapwa and their hospitality in hosting LG tonight! We sang a rap song for worship, wrote affirmations for the Filipinx community, and ended the night with karaoke. My soul is filled and I am happy.  7. I’m thankful for encouraging friends who help me get through midterm season.  8. I’m thankful for Jane and her baking goddess abilities because she baked a chocolate cake and it was delightful like so good.  9. I’m thankful for running into old friends. It’s been so long.  10. I’m thankful for chlorinated pools because my hair is going back to normal finally <3  11. LOL also thankful for PSC101 and learning new things about myself and about my brain/how I handle and cope with stress. New insights wowowowow 

[fdnbayanihan]

1st Generation NEXTGEN Scholar Jeselle Santiago Becomes Advanced Level Masters of Social Work Intern with the Bayanihan Foundation

1st Generation NEXTGEN Scholar Jeselle Santiago Becomes Advanced Level Masters of Social Work Intern with the Bayanihan Foundation

There are no words that I feel could adequately capture what the Bayanihan Foundation Worldwide has come to mean to me. Truly, my experience as one of their first NEXTGEN scholars has been transformative to say the least, and a catalyst for clarity that moved me to my current life’s path in the field of social work. Our trip to the Philippines two summers ago (2015) awoke my dormant Filipinx soul…

[hellapinay]

"Now is a time for roots. It’s a time for digging into dark places, for tapping into energy collected from seasons past. Roots, both literal and figurative, remind us to anchor, to sink in. They grow tender through slow, steady heat. As many communities – particularly Brown, Black, and migrant communities – face a difficult political climate, it’s critical to come together, fuel ourselves, and cherish the strength that roots offer." . We are so beyond excited that today marks the first of a new monthly series by distinguished eco-educator, passionate natural chef, and founder of #Sariwa @aileensuzara entitled "Decolonizing Filipinx Foods" on valuing and renewing the healthy roots of Filipinx food traditions, fittingly starting with the idea of "roots." Featuring kamote (sweet potato) this month's installment goes into its health benefits, its ties to the Americas before colonization, and a recipe for ginataang kamote. The lingering effects of colonization manifested through food cultivation and practices is a story kindred to many Black and Brown communities. In reclaiming Filipinx food roots and finding new ways to incorporate Ancestral practices into our lives, we can challenge stereotypes that health and culture are incompatible, or that "Filipinx food is good for the soul, but bad for the heart." Read at https://www.hellapinay.com/blog/2017/2/28/decolonizing-filipinx-foods-kamote now!! 🍠🍠🍠🍠🍠🍠🍠