#it's a traditional filipino clothing that makes people look sexy

[akae47]

Shattering Stereotypes: Unveiling the Patriarchal Lens in Filipino Media

Foreword

After more than 300 years of colonization, Filipinos are left with a deeply-ingrained patriarchal culture that was perpetuated even more by print media. Although not all media representation is reality, these serve as a reflection of society. From the portrayal of women as homemakers and sexual objects, to the portrayal of the queer people as comics and entertainers, these two sectors suffer the most from stereotypes brought about by the patriarchal lens in print media. As a result, women are objectified and harassed in society, while queer people are being ridiculed for expressing themselves. Hence, it is imperative to be critical of how different sectors of society are being represented, less these sectors will suffer from harmful effects brought about by stereotypes. It is also necessary to critically examine our perceptions of these sectors and to advocate for more inclusive and authentic representations of Filipinos.

A Curious Case of Calendar Girls: The Sexualization of Women in Alcoholic Advertisements

A Filipino house would not be complete without one or more of these calendars from liquor companies depicting a slim, fit and fair-skinned woman dressed in swimwear or lingerie and making provocative poses. As a child, I never understood why women were the ones endorsing alcohol. It wasn't until later on that I understood that it's because the target market of alcohol are men. How is it seemingly no one bats an eye that women are portrayed as sexual figures in order for brands to appeal for the physical desires of the public?

Kylie Versoza as Tanduay's Calendar Girl for 2023.

In "Social Inequality and Media Representation” by Croteau and Hoynes, the authors said that the creation of media caters to a patriarchal view- portraying men as dominant and career-driven while portraying women as homemakers or sexual objects. In print media, photos of men are often close-ups of their faces, while photos of women are often shown with their full bodies, and in as little clothes as possible to leave room to the imagination. As a result, women in society are often disrespected and are sexualized in broad daylight. It's disgusting.

I don't think Filipino women are portrayed fairly in these types of print media. Not all women look like these calendar girls, and the lack of diversity and representation of body types subtly enforces a sexist agenda that women should look a certain way to pander to men's interests. But most importantly, I feel furious that these advertisements seem to invite women in society to also be sexualized by men. It reinforces the harmful notion that women are free to be objectified because it's okay in print media to do so.

Ria Atayde as White Castle's Calendar Girl for 2023.

However, a new era for Calendar Girls has come with Ria Atayde carrying the banner for curvier girls. When I first saw this calendar, I felt seen. As someone with a similar body type, I feel connected with this representation of a Filipino woman. While this body type may not be traditionally sexy or beautiful, this form of print media comes across as embracing that aspect of femininity and taking charge of it. Hence, with more representation of different kinds of women, print media may be able to rewire the patriarchal view of media into one that is more holistic and representative of women, rather than catering to the desires of men.

Philippine Drag Culture and The Queer Community

Drag serves as a way for people, queer or not, to challenge traditional gender norms and embrace their identity by expressing their creativity and artistic talents, a characteristic that is so undoubtably Filipino.

Precious Paula Nicole wearing a red and yellow indigenous-inspired attire, with beads, bracelets and earrings.

In fact, the Philippines is home to some of the most talented drag queens in the world- from seasoned artists like Paolo Ballesteros to up-and-coming stars like Marina Summers and Taylor Sheesh. In 2022, the internationally acclaimed "RuPaul's Drag Race", a reality competition television series between drag queens, entered mainstream Filipino media.

Marina Summer stuns in an exclusive photoshoot with MEGA DRAG PH, a Filipino media company publishing print magazines and e-magazines on fashion.

Despite being a largely conservative nation, the show was well-received among the masses, thus elevating what was once only enjoyed within the confines of the LGBTQ+ community, into the rest of the country. But could the acceptance of drag culture in the Philippines signal a broader acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community as well?

Paolo Ballesteros and The Golden Gays on the cover of MEGA DRAG PH.

In "Social Inequality and Media Representation” by Croteau and Hoynes, the authors noted that the portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community in media has been problematic ever since the 1930s. The LGBTQ+ community were stereotypically depicted as promiscuous, flamboyant, and ridiculous to the extent of only providing comedic relief. Despite the significant improvement in the media's portrayal over the last century, to this day, people only tolerate, if not accept, queer representations in media as long as it is entertaining.

While I'm proud that more Filipinos are being recognized as pioneers of fashion and beauty in drag culture, I can't help but feel frustrated that the masses may not take them seriously and thus reduce them to caricatures rather than respect them as individuals.

Bibliography

Croteau, D., Hoynes, W., & Milan, S. (2011). Media/Society: Industries, Images, and Audiences. SAGE Publications.

Flores, Zhaira Wincy, "Sexualization and Objectification of Women in the Philippines" (2019). Gender & Sexuality Studies Student Work Collection. 39. https://digitalcommons.tacoma.uw.edu/gender_studies/39

[rhadko]

speech bubble puppy narrator... puppyrator............ art by my good friend beetle!

[sextoyreview]

Tell you why Viet girls are so hot from several aspects

Enigmatic Vietnamese smiles and sparkling looks make men's hearts beat faster. But their main attraction isn't physical beauty but inner grace. Guys across the globe are keen on their nature, willing to start an affair with one of them. Do you wonder how to meet hot Viet girls online and attract the most desirable one? The article describes that country's dating culture, girls, their values and preferences. Discover the best Vietnamese girlfriend, being prepared for a relationship in advance!

Why Are Vietnamese Women So Hot?

Vietnamese girls care much about what other people think about their appearance, so this might be why they strive to be good-looking all the time. Along with other Indochina and Southeast Asia peoples, the mostly Mongoloid Vietnamese have an apparent admixture of the Australoid race. In Vietnam, a former French colony for many years, a whole generation of Franco-Vietnamese mestizos was born. The culture and appearance of Vietnamese hotties were influenced by East Asian, Southeast Asian neighbors, and Europeans.

Vietnamese women do not have one authentic appearance. You can meet a Vietnamese hottie looking like Koreans or Japanese. Also, some of them are similar to Japanese, Thai, Filipino, or even Latina women. Mixed blood is common in Vietnam, so hot Viet girls’ extraordinary charm consists of the perfect combination of the best features inherited from different peoples. That is why viet girls girls look so hot, and almost every Western man can find in this country a woman with the desired appearance.

1.Beauty

Hot Viet girls can be considered the most beautiful and hot Asian women. If we compare Vietnamese, for example, with Japanese females, then hot Vietnamese women, as a rule, have higher growth and more feminine body forms. Every year, Vietnamese girls take part in various beauty contests and often rank in the top ten. In Vietnam, beauty contests are held regularly, namely in the seaside resort of Nha Trang, which is considered the primary country’s resort.

2.Physical Features

Sexy Vietnamese girls usually have pale skin, large eyes, small noses, pointy chin, and silky straight hair. Women living in Vietnam pay much attention to the whiteness of their skin and try to avoid tanning by all means. Therefore, hot Vietnamese girls wrap themselves up in clothes from head to toe, wear gloves, and use sunscreens even in the 30-degree heat. In addition to the right proportions of their facial traits, the appearance of these girls also depends on their bodily and mental health.

In everyday life, Vietnamese hotties dress almost the same way as women from Europe. For special occasions such as weddings, they wear the national costume called Áo dài, consisting of a long shirt of bright colors and harem pants. With age, the natural appearance of hot Vietnamese women changes slightly. They know how to maintain their natural beauty using ancient recipes. The ability to keep peace of mind under any circumstances also contributes to the fresh appearance of hot girls from Vietnam.

3.Culture

The gentle nature of hot viet girls, their classical understanding of the role of a man, and the corresponding attitude towards him are very appreciated by representatives of the stronger gender. A sexy Vietnamese girl will not insist on equality with her man. These females do not strive for emancipation in the sense that women of Western countries do. Vietnamese hotties adhere to traditional values and willingly accept the patriarchal way of life in their families.

During the Vietnam War, about 20,000 American servicemen married Vietnamese shoes and took them to the US. Besides, many hot Vietnamese women had illegitimate children from Americans. After the withdrawal of the US Army from Vietnam, these women had a hard time. However, the American authorities issued visas, and many of them immigrated to the US. Others had to flee to neighboring countries and adopt other cultures.

Today, many hot viet girls marry foreigners and go abroad. They meet men from other countries online and manage to fulfill their dream of moving to other wealthier countries. Mostly, Vietnam hotties come from large families, so they know the ins and outs of male psychology. These ladies are accustomed to act in a polite and a little bit dependent way. It flatters the egos of men, be they Americans, Europeans, or Chinese. Every hot Vietnamese woman sees her husband as her top priority, and this makes them ideal life partners.

[psychonedashone]

Filipino Celebrations Through the Decades (Rivera, Montalbo, Ona, Luya, Nazareno, Maray, Buenconsejo, Barrion, Leonzon)

Our way of life is a major impression of our extraordinary and complex history. It is affected by the majority of the individuals we have communicated with. A mix of the Malayo-Polynesian and Hispanic culture with the impact from Chinese, Indians Arabs, and other Asian societies truly add to the traditions and conventions of the Filipinos. Filipino culture is one of a kind contrasted with other Asian nations, and convictions apply each average day for the Filipinos and uncover how rich and favoured the way of life the individuals have

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Christening

In year 2012 the filipino tradition of baptism is they involves a priest baptizing a baby in private or simultaneously with other children. In a mass christening, the priest goes from one child to another, blessing them with holy water and performing the baptismal rite, as the parents and godparents respond in behalf of the children. The short church mass is held which serves as an orientation for the family, godparents, and parents. Baptism Ceremonies are important for Filipino Catholics because it is a step for welcoming the infants to being a Catholic. Sponsors (god parents) are charges Php 50. When the family of the baptized picks up the baptismal certificate a few days later they are charged an additional Php 50. Many families have a party or reception at home or fancy restaurants. It is always a big occasion for Pinoys. Also, they believe that they should get their babies baptized within three months of their birth.

In year 2017 they believe that the role of the godparents is to ensure religious educations for the children as well as caring for them in case they become orphaned. Godparents are expected to bring gifts or tokens for the godchildren during the christening celebrations. If you are chosen to be a godparent for a Filipino child, there are many gifts related to Filipino culture that you can give. They also have clothing rules for babies and for adult being baptized. For babies, both boys and girls often wear long white christening gowns when being baptized. The choice is made by the parents. For immersion baptisms, the baby wears normal clothes to the ceremony and white garments afterward to signify purity and the washing away of original sin. During a pouring baptism, the baby wears the same clothes throughout. While it is traditional for both males and females to wear white christening gowns, it is not required. A simple white nightgown or onesie is fine, and even colored outfits are now acceptable. Bring a towel to wrap the baby and a change of clothes for an immersion baptism. For adult, A collared shirt (for men) and a blouse that covers the shoulders (for women) are good choices. Some churches provide baptismal robes for adults who are being baptized, while other churches will want you to wear your own clothing. Check with your priest or church staff in advance. You should also find out if you will be baptized by immersion or pouring. If your church is providing a baptismal robe, you'll need to wear something comfortable underneath, such as shorts and a T-shirt. You could wear long pants, but you may be uncomfortable when wet. Bring a change of clothes for after the ceremony. If you will be wearing your own clothes, modesty is key -- don't wear anything tight, revealing or sexy. You'll be fine in what you normally wear to Mass on Sunday, but feel free to dress up. You may want to look your best for this special occasion.

In year 2019 they are so many requirements to do unlike the past few years. You have to go to church and inquire, attend the seminar, pass the Baptismal form and Birth Certificate a day after the seminar, and go to Church 30 minutes earlier than the official time. Also, in the year 2019 you really have to budget everything like for foods, decorations, christening clothes, cake, souvenir, baptism fee etc., And they really preparing for the baptism of the new member of their family.

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Birthdays

2000

Ccelebrating birthday during year 2000 is simple yet fun. There are many visitors invited with relatives and the extended family just to attend the celebration, even those relatives comes from other cities and countries comes homes just to celebrate. There are mostly Gifts than money, there a lots and lots of toys than money because who hates toys? Everyone loves toys. Birthdays are way more fun before (in my opinion), there are less expenses just buy a cake, toys for the games and balloons would be enough. In every birthday this game will never be lost the piñata party but instead of a horse, it will be a pot containing candies and coins, it is the most awaited event of the time and the after party is the karaoke which every Filipinos like the most.

2010

During this time, there is so much no difference other than its venue and style. Events commonly held at any restaurant, hotel or clubhouse in their city, sometimes the celebrant decides to eat than to celebrate. During events in other places except their home, the activities never change, there is still piñata party, karaoke, games with a treat and more just like the activities way back 2000.

2019

In this time, birthday parties make a twist, like 7th birthday, 18th and 21st birthday. A lot of people make save a date video, pre video and during party videos, it is for the memories and souvenir for the birthday celebrant and it is more expensive, grander and more formal party. During this time, most of the parties or at least 20% of the birthday parties don’t have a lot of Filipino games anymore unlike the year 2000 and 2010. Birthday parties celebrated with gifts and events like candles, treasures, roses, photo booth with the guests look forward to, souvenirs and more. But it is exciting, Grand celebration and formal.

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Holy Week

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is from Palm Sunday to Black Saturday, then Easter Sunday. It is traditionally a solemn occasion in the Philippines, a time for serious atonement.

Holy Week is when many people perform holy rites in fulfilment of a vow they made when they asked God a favor, such as a cure for an illness. Priests and religious statues are dressed in purple to symbolize gloom. Devout Catholics go to church everyday; some fast. Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Following the Spanish tradition, Filipino Catholics bring palaspas (palm fronds) to church to be blessed by the priests; then they bring the fronds back home with them.

For most of the week, especially after Tuesday, the towns are eerily quiet with TV and radio stations going off the air and no loud noises or revelry whatsoever. Catholics stop eating meat, turning to fish, and the more devout ones go on a completely liquid diet. Many businesses are closed, so make sure you have supplies, especially food, stocked up.The traditional pabasa (the “reading” or chanting of verses about the suffering of Christ) starts on Sunday and ends on Maundy Thursday, which is the day when the washing of the feet is celebrated.

Good Friday (Mahal na Araw) commemorates the crucifixion and death of Christ. On this day, you will see religious figures being carried through the towns on top of carrozas (carriages). The religious images and statues are veiled in black in mourning of the death of Jesus.There’s a superstition that warns against getting hurt on Good Friday… Any wounds you get on this day will never ever heal.

The most striking feature of Holy Week celebrations in the Philippines is the sight of Filipinos publicly whipping themselves. These are reenactments of the torture and death of Jesus. Some Filipinos not only whip their backs into a bloody mess — they also have their feet and hands nailed to a wooden cross. Tourists come from all over the world for the sight! In Manila, Tondo is the place to see these flagellants. Outside the capital, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija are famous for their flagellants who cover their faces with white cotton hoods. Crowns of thorns are placed on their heads to cause blood to drip.

Moriones Festival: Carrying the Cross Moriones Festival: Carrying the Cross

Among Filipino superstitions on Good Friday is the prohibition against children playing. This is because they might injure themselves and not have their wounds heal. You will always be reminded that during this time Jesus is dead, and so everything is awry and bad things are apt to happen.

Black Saturday is when Christ is entombed. Filipinos spend the day preparing for the night vigil leading up to Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Christ. At four o’clock in the morning, Filipinos do a salubong ceremony commemorating how the Virgin Mary met her son Jesus who has come back to life. Her image will be brought to the image of the Christ at the local church. Flower petals will be rained down on them. Everyone is happy that Jesus is alive again and that the world is back right. On Easter day, grocery stores re-open and you can buy food.

In contemporary times, these Philippine traditions are slowly disappearing. Young Filipinos now use the Holy Week to vacation at the beach.

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All Saints Day

All Saints’ Day in the Philippines is usually celebrated on the first and second day of November. In the Philippines, this holiday is often referred to as Undas. The day is filled with music and food. There is also a prayer and religious tradition. At the end of the day, people will often camp overnight in the cemetery to pay their respects to their dead relatives. Visitors remark that Filipinos are remarkably at home among their dead ancestors. But now all saint day is just like a fashion day because of the teenagers are wear a different fashion clothes and something it look like a reunion, but the tradition in all saint day is still on they give flowers, candles, and most specially the prayer for their death 

relatives.

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Christmas

Having most resident in the country are Christian (either Catholic, Born Again, etc.), Christmas is one of the most important holidays in the Philippines as Filipinos celebrate the day Jesus Christ was born. Also, most of the families have always gathered to give presents and enjoy the day with each other. Either they will go out and make some memories in different places or they will stay at home talking and catching up with their lives. Although, some people think that Christmas lately was not enjoyable as it was 19 years ago and lost the Christmas Spirit that we had decades ago.

Back in 2000s, most Filipino felt the presence of Christmas even though it was still September, as they thought that because it was the start of BER months, most of the families already bought Christmas Parol and designing their houses with Christmas lights and Christmas tree. You can also hear many kids that nangangaroling with different houses and expected to give even a little amount although most residence just tell them “patawad” instead. The weather was also cold that time. That was the time everyone felt that Christmas was near due to the coldness. However, now in 2019, it doesn’t feel like it. Although radio station started to broadcast Christmas songs in their station, it doesn’t have the impact as what it used to. Going around, most of the houses only started decorating when it was already December, some didn’t even bother. Also, kids who was nangangaroling was lessen that you might hear it only once a day unlike before when you are too annoyed peeking outside just to shout “patawad”. It’s not also as cold as 19 years ago. Due to climate change, even in BER months, the weather was still hot and it affected the views of the Filipino that if Christmas is near, then it’s also the time when the weather will be cold. These are the few that have changed between 2000 up to 2019.

However, some traditions were still practices until now without changes, the “Misa De Gallo” o “Simbang Gabi” and the Noche Buena. As most of Filipinos are Catholics, Simbang Gabi was still one of the traditions that was never been broken by the Catholics. They attend 9 mass whether it was at night or before the sunrise. It still goes on as some people believed that if a person completed the 9 mass, their wish will come true. Whether it is true or not, people still go to masses as one of the traditions in Christmas. Another is the Noche Buena. Christmas Eve was one of the most important in the country as most of Filipinos are having countdown to greet the Christmas day with everyone. It also the time when families, some relative, and friends having Noche Buena. This was the time where most of the families have several dishes like lechon, fruit salad, puto, hamonado, and many more. Some families have a tradition of exchanging gifts and having family games that everyone was involved. These two are the traditions that no one can break in a Filipinos mind-set during Christmas.

Every year, there are changes that keeps happening around us and of them is how we celebrate holidays. Although some instances affect the way we normally celebrated the Christmas, it was still one of the holidays that most of the families reunited with one another especially being with our family and having fun with them, whether staying inside in their house or going outside to make new memories with them. And that was the real spirit of the Christmas.

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New Year

Filipinos' love for holidays and celebrations is superb - it is full of enjoyable, unique, and fun activities, alongside with some quirky traditions. In New Year's Eve, Filipinos cleans everything, scatters coins around the house to bring more luck and money, turning all the lights for the upcoming year to be bright, opening all doors, windows and such to draw in good fortune, wearing polka dots which signifies prosperity, making loud noises which is believe to scare away evil spirits, and jumping as high as you can to increase your height. But, of course no feast will be ever complete without a sumptuous meal and for the fact that food is what Filipino people love the most.

Media Noche is an old Filipino custom that is most likely inherited from the Spaniards. Whereas, family and friends gather together for midnight feast that signifies their hope for prosperity and an abundant year ahead. Food-related superstitions are also present such as preparing 12 round fruits and fruits with thorns avoided for it represents problems, noodles for a long life, eating sticky desserts for the family to stick together for the years to come, having the water and rice container full to make the whole year prosperous, and lastly not eating chicken am fish dishes because it is associated with food scarcity.

Lastly, customs does not end there -- in the New Year itself don't spend to lead to all a better financial management throughout the year and also not cleaning to keep the good fortune that came during the New Year's Eve. With this, Filipinos are truly fond of celebrations, traditions, and superstitions.

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Fiesta

How did it get started?

During 1`500 the Spanish missionaries entered in he Philippines, they introduced Fiesta because they found out that it is the most convenient way to teach Filipinos the Roman Catholic Faith. Philippine Festivals are celebrations to express gratitude for a good harvest in honor of the town’s patron saint. For many Filipinos, fiestas are important because of the miraculous power of the saints.It is believed that the saints are responsible for all the good fortune and favor one receives.  The majority of fiestas in the Philippines also have their own peryas. here are more than 42,000 known major and minor festivals in the Philippines, the majority of which are in the barangay (village) level. Due to the thousands of town, city, provincial, national, and village fiestas in the country, the Philippines has traditionally been known as the Capital of the World's Festivities.

NEW FIESTA IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. MAHAGUYOG Festival (Mais, Halaman, Gulay at Niyog)  

March (1st week), Santo Tomas, Batangas

week-long celebration of seven-day feast in honor of St. Thomas Aquinas , 2012 when it is started

2. The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon

Fiesta is an annual four-day event held between January and February in Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles, Pampanga. It is the biggest and longest-running aviation sports event in the Philippines. Every 2nd week of February from 1994 to Present

3. AURORA DAY AND SUMAN FESTIVAL February 14- February 19 | Baler, Aurora Baler, Aurora The biggest and grandest of all feasts in Aurora is a parade of floats uniquely designed. Main streets and homes are decked with suman, a native delicacy. A weeklong celebration marked by trade exhibits, fairs and competitions capped by the Search for Ms. Aurora. Suman(súmahn) is the filipino steamed rice cake. it comes in as many different forms as there are provinces, but the basic recipe is waxy (sweet) rice wrapped in leaves, then cooked. Suman is the ritual gift of HAGISAN. It is cooked with great enthusiasm by Tayabenses because Hagisan is an opportunity to share their prosperity. Bundles of suman are gaily tied in the pabitin, which is made out of a special kind of bamboo called bagakay.

4. Mango Festival

Years Active 1999-present

The Dinamulag Festival also known as the Zambales Mango Festival is an annual festival held in the province of Zambales in the Philippines to celebrate or encourage bountiful harvest of the province's mangoes. The festival was first held in 1999. 

5. Aliwan Fiesta

Aliwan Fiesta is an annual event that gathers different cultural festivals of the Philippines in Star City Complex in Pasay City wherein contingents compete in dance parade and float competitions.  Aliwan Fiesta, which began in 2003, aims to showcase the different Filipino cultures and heritage not only to the people in Metro Manila but also to the rest of the world. The contingents, meanwhile, aim to promote their respective regions both economically and tourism-wise. It was originally organized as a visual extravaganza for the Christmas season, but it has since been held during the summer months of either April or May. Aliwan is a Tagalog word for "entertainment" or "amusement." Aliwan Fiesta festivities are covered live on DZRH News Television annually.

Here are the most famous fiestas in the Philippines:

1. Ati Atihun: Celebrating infant Jesus

The town of Kalibo, Aklan in the Panay Island rejoices in the exultations of this festival as people celebrate by performing tribal dance and music in the parade along the streets.

The festival begins with the opening mass for Santo Niño in the Church on the third Sunday of January, and the revelry lasts for the next week. The Ati-Atihan also bears a deep religious significance. The pahilot, a faith-healing tradition, is held during the festival where a Catholic priest rubs the devotee's body with the image of the Santo Niño, with the belief that it heals both the body and soul. No one is certain how Ati-Atihan started. One legend, however, says it dates back to the year 1212, when 10 datus, or patriarchal chiefs, and the companions fled from a tyrannical sultan in Sabah, Borneo, and landed on the island of Panay. Their leader, Datu Puti, traded with the chief of Panay, an Ati named Marikudo.

“Hala Bira ”

is an aklanon language meaning "pour/dispense all means". This term is also used during ati-atihan festival that most spectators are shouting on the street during the celebration. "Hala Bira" is an indispensable word during ati-atihan.

2. Sinulog Festival

Attracting millions of people every year, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu may just well be one of the biggest festivals in the country, and is surprisingly becoming even more popular each year, especially among the young people. It celebrates the image of the Santo Niño (Holy Child) that was originally brought by Ferdinand Magellan from Spain in the 16th century; hence, the words “Pit Señor” that you will constantly hear throughout the celebration, which is a plea to Holy Child.

Millions of people participated in Cebu City last Sunday to celebrate the Sinulog Festival, one of the most famous festivals in the Philippines. It was attended, not only by Filipinos, but people coming from different parts of the globe also went to witness the celebration. The magnificence of the festival made Filipinos, as well as our fellow Asians, refer to it as the “Mother of all Festivals”. From the colorful and well-made costumes of the dancers, to the beautiful dances and to the music brought by the drums, trumpets, and the native gongs, the Sinulog Festival never ceases to amaze its audience.

For 32 years, the Sinulog Festival is a traditional celebration in Cebu City held every third Sunday of January to honor the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). Basically, the festival is done by a dance ritual, in which it tells the story of the Filipino people’s pagan past and their acceptance of Christianity. The word “Sinulog” means “graceful dance”, wherein it all started in 1980 with a simple dance that represents the “sulog” (or current) of a river in Cebu.

3. Masskara Festival

Filipinos are known to be resilient people who are able find ways to smile and jest even amidst crises and adversity. This can be seen in the history of the Masskara Festival of Bacolod, which was an answer to the city’s dwindling revenue from the sugar industry. The festival is marked by dancers donning elaborate colorful masks parading all over town, backed up by Latin-inspired drumbeats. The celebration is highlighted by a beauty pageant, concerts, and sports events among its numerous activities.

4. Dinagyang Festival,

Another celebration in honor of Santo Niño, this award-winning fête in Iloilo is marked by a street party celebrated with bountiful food and drinks, concerts, and a street dance competition where different districts and local schools participate. It also celebrates the traditions of Aklan Island’s indigenous Aeta people.

5.  Panagbenga Festival,

Also called the “Season of Blooming,” Panagbenga is a grand event in Baguio where giant floats adorned with flowers parade along the whole stretch of Session Road. A tribute to the city’s flower industry, it was first held after the 1990 Luzon earthquake to uplift the spirits of those who were affected by the tragedy.

6. Moriones Festival

The Moriones Festival is as unique as the island where it is annually celebrated. During the celebration, men and women who play the role of the “Moriones” are dressed in biblical Roman warrior costumes and intricately carved masks. They then reenact the seven-day search for St. Longinus, a Roman centurion who converted into Christianity. During the reenactment, they scare kids or conjure up surprises and tricks to draw attention. But the most exciting thing about the festival is that the audience gets to participate in the search for the person who plays St. Longinus who sometimes hides in townspeople’s homes. 

7.  Pahiyas Festival

Probably one of the most colorful celebrations around, Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, is dedicated to San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Since it is a harvest festival, houses are gilded with colorful kiping (wafer made of rice) and fresh produce that you can pick for free. These décors are then judged by town officials and are given awards before the celebration culminates.

8. Parada ng Lechon (June 24 – Balayan, Batangas)

A grand parade of succulent roasted pigs. A different sight and flavor are introduced with a festival in Balayan, Batangas, popularly known as the "Parada Ng Lechon.” These succulent roasted pork form the highlight of the occasion, decked out in their platforms with all kinds of decor. Since the festival coincides with the feast of St. John the Baptist, be prepared to get wet as people observe the feast by repeating the ritual of baptism – pouring water.

9. Pintados Festival – Tacloban

If you're into tattoos and body arts then you might flip over the yearly celebration of Pintados festival in Tacloban when locals dance around the streets with inked bodies to symbolize the brave warriors of the past. Portraying the natives’ practice of idolatry along with their penchant for music and dance, this June 29th festival provides a glimpse of how the native people lived prior to the Spaniard's arrival.

10. Obando Fertility Rites – Obando, Bulacan

We'll wrap this list with a special kind of festival – the Obando Fertility Rites – held for 3 days from May 17 to 19. On these days in Obando, Bulacan, devotees do the fertility street dance to beseech the three saints, San Pascua, Nuestra Señora de Salambáo, and Santa Clara for good fortune, a spouse, or most especially, a child.

A lot of things change but also a lot of things will be the same. Filipinos will always be traditional and will always stick the things they do in terms of the celebrations here in the Philippines. That way they feel closer to their love ones each year.

[lakambinimagph]

“Pssst Miss!”: The Manyak Rhapsody

          Here’s how the story goes: A woman dressed to the nines—with her on fleek eyebrows, classic red lipstick, tassel earrings, and graphic tee—is totally slaying her looks. She glanced at the mirror one last time, before tucking her stray hair behind her right ear. No one can mess with her upbeat mood and cheery disposition today—not even her unruly hair. Until she heard a car honking behind her back which made her upper body jolt. “Psssst ganda! Isang ngiti naman dyan!” the driver of the car demanded.

        Does that sound familiar? Well it’s too familiar and it’s happening to three in five Filipinas every day. Catcalling has become universal in the country that every Filipina has faced it at least once a day. Experiencing catcalling is like experiencing last song syndrome (LSS), however it is more extreme and psychologically-destructive since even days after the incident, the manyak’s (aka perverted man in Filipino slang) unsolicited comments and sexual advances still linger in the listener’s mind.

         Manyak is like a one-of-a-kind show-stopper that commonly performs in alleyways and in streets. He sometimes performs solo or with an equally “talented” group. They are like beyond confident impromptu performers who can make eye contact with the audience, while they whistle. Manyaks perform everywhere and anytime that they like—as long as they spot a woman who passes by. So what are the elements involved in the extraordinary songwriting process and singing prowess of a manyak?

Introduction: “Psssst!”

          The first verse in popular music usually offers the most interesting—if not, the unique and upbeat part of the music track that would attract pool of listeners. Introductions make or break music tracks. Usually, it contains just music—either through humming or by using musical instruments—and not words. Intro must capture the “feel” of the music track. Manyak, in this sense, entices his listeners (aka women in the streets) by humming “Psssst!” which signals the beginning of the music track.

          “Psssst!” proves to be a successful musical technique since the listeners truly feel something once they heard it. Some manyak, on top of their outstanding performance, sometimes smirks to the women. Ally, 20, said that sometimes a malicious smirk is paired with an intense stare. Some listeners such as Luisa, 19, detailed that some manyak perform whistling—almost comparable to Mariah Carey’s five out of eight octave—which she considered as an over-the-top gesture for a street performer. She also recounted that she vividly remembers the clothes that she wore on those days.  Meanwhile, Celine, 20, described their performance as heart-stopping and mind-numbing. The kind of musical act that will make you question your existence. “Psssst!” in this sense, desists to be just a whistle, but encapsulates the manyak’s desire or infatuation towards the women who pass by.

First Verse: “Hi Miss.”

           In popular songs, the first verse must set the musical track’s tempo, key, and energy. The first verse must be memorable enough for women to remember, since it is not repeated throughout the duration of the song. The goal in establishing first verses must be to encourage the audience to listen. Manyak achieve this goal by chanting “Hi Miss” as if he were casting a magical spell among women. Manyak delivers “Hi Miss” in a sing-song manner enough for the victim to turn her head and briefly glance at him. At times, other versions of the lyrics are used such as “Miss, hatid na kita,” if the manyak is gentleman enough to offer a woman either a ride or a walk to bring her home. He sometimes uses “ganda” and “sexy” to acknowledge her ethereal beauty and to appreciate her oozing sexual appeal.

          “Uso pa ba ang harana?” Parokya ni Edgar once sung and in the case of every manyak busking in the street, they compose their own version of “harana” to serenade and to woo women. Harana is Juan Dela Cruz’s traditional way to profess his love for someone. The harana seems silly and gimmicky today but in the case of manyak, it works wonders. Although the traditional harana and manyak’s “harana” are both unsolicited, manyak’s intention is filled with malice. Imagine a manyak confidently standing with his camisa de chino and his jersey shorts as he delivers the lines: “Miss, I love you.” Manyak, indeed, will do anything to “win” a woman's heart.

Chorus: “Ang sarap mo.”

        Chorus in popular music boasts the most pivotal part of a music track. Chorus must be rhythmically and lyrically catchy. It must be addictive and flavorful enough to attract listeners’ attention. It is also usually repeated throughout a song. Since Manyak chooses his words carefully and tastefully, he would deliver lines enough for a woman to have a knee-jerk reaction—oftentimes of fear and disgust. They would usually sing “Ang sarap mo” and “Miss, ‘yung legs mo” during the chorus. The performers sing the chorus effectively that women feel embarrassed, angry, and confused all at once.

Bridge: “Ganda, hatid na kita.”

          Bridges in popular music are anti-climactic yet strongly hold on to the musical track’s tempo and direction. Bridges are usually placed after chorus. It somehow beautifully captures the overall essence of the musical track. More importantly, it is often use to prepare for the return of chorus. Interestingly, manyak recites bridge using the popular lines “Ganda, hatid na kita.” to implicitly reinforce what he sang at the beginning of the track. At this point, bridges are lyrical manifestations of manyaks that they want to be with the woman.   

          Just like music, catcalling is slowly becoming embedded into our DNA. Although musical tracks ease our soul, catcalling serves as the bane of women’s existence, because not only are these acts unsolicited, but they also degrade our individuality. Some might say these are merely words, but people ignore the fact that words can make or break an individual.

          As long as there are manyaks, who are more than willing to showcase their macho ability, unsolicited performance like catcalling will continue to exist. To dissect and to deconstruct different kinds of catcall is a move towards understanding women’s everyday struggles, and acknowledging that something like this exists means upholding women’s rights. Our right to be respected and to feel safe on the streets.   

          Seriously, the act of catcalling takes away women’s voice and highlights men’s voice. Now is the time to reclaim that lost voice. Men need to realize that they are not the center of attention. They need to know that women don’t seek their “voices,” if anything, men need to accept that we can dress whatever we want, whenever we want. We need to move the spotlight towards women who face the harrowing threat and danger behind catcalling.

Words by Chelsea Joy Serezo

Graphics by Jannah Lei Junatas