Contents *Volatile Information
Awakening for the Neo-Indio Ostentatious EDITORIAL Miriam Magic Vive La Femme Rainbow Taboo To The Wide-Eyed Youth The Painted Ones Writing on the Wall Pope of Hope Ecce Homo The Suffering in Buffering Caffeinated Patriot
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AWAKENING FOR THE
NEO-INDIO
illustration by Ginoe Ojoy
BY MATTHEW ODON YRAD
02
THERIPPLES
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H
to these islands, raped and pillaged
all, complacency –to be content in
ancestors bore witness to
the land. The people have been
a situation that one shouldn’t be
great imperial power as it
slaves for centuries without them even
happy or content in. Basically, being
walked to shore onto our land and
really knowing about it. They were
complacent is to be pleased in the
claimed it as its own. The great
taken by these colonial overlords and
shitty situation that one is in –and that
Spanish overlords took all he could
taught a lie –a lie that festered in the
is still the mindset of too many people
and enslaved the Indio. The glorious
united minds of the Filipino people.
in the general population. This type
imperial overlord taught the simple
The lie was simple enough: “you are
of mindset is poison to everything it
Indio that he is nothing. He taught the
inferior and we are superior”. This is
comes into contact with. Firstly, this
Indio that he was a slave. He will never
the greatest legacy of our numerous
mindset makes people not try to better
deign to dream to be like the grand
colonial overlords especially the
themselves. It is also a vulnerable
Spanish gods that will uplift them from
Spanish. This is colonial mentality.
position where many other people can
their savagery and their pagan ways.
Wikipedia defines Colonial mentality as
take advantage of having not unlike
The overlords in all their grace will
a theory around feelings of inferiority
how our colonizers took advantage
also bring the savage into the fold of
within some societies’ post-Europeans
or how our current colonizers take
Christianity. The Spanish ruled and the
colonialism. This was true when the
advantage. The average Filipino is
Spanish imprinted himself onto the
Spanish claimed our land and this is
a slave –a slave to vice like alcohol
savage Indio. The Spanish drove a lie
still true to this day. Let’s be honest,
and gambling, an over inundation of
deep into the cultural mindset of the
Filipinos don’t think Filipino things are
entertainment; the list goes on. The
Indio. This lie has crawled deep into
worth the time and this is why it is such
Filipino government with its many faults
the Indio and his descendants. This
a big deal when a Filipino finds some
and blatant corruption is a mirror of the
lie and a whole plague of lies have
success.
Spanish colonial government.
poisoned the minds and the culture
of a people that have yet known true
our ancestors to compete against each
freedom
other in a mindless and fruitless game In the years since the Spanish
The colonial overlords taught 02
THERIPPLES
to make them feel good and reassure
rule, the people have never known
their lives. The colonizers were wise
true freedom. What happened was
in their deception making the Filipino
just simply replacing one master
people think that being like them will
for another. After the Spanish, the
make them more civilized, cultured,
Americans “liberated” the Filipino
better people. Then who were the
people and replaced their yoke. After
savages really? The colonizers taught
the Americans, the Japanese arrived
the people vice, hate, and worst of
American occupation; the Philippines.
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▼
undreds of years ago our
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We were taught these things as a
Filipinos way more renowned workers
things are superior but I’ll tell you this,
people and this poison is imbedded
than leaders? Why is our culture a
it isn’t. Stop suckling from the teat
deep within the over-all culture but it
mash up of varied and contradictory
of oppression, think for yourself and
can be un-learned.
cultures? This is still the byproduct
question your beliefs and why you
The colonizers taught that
believe it. We as a generation can
cultural inferiority complex. This reality
finally put an end to the plague of the
inferior in every way. This is a mindset
of our people being simple pawns in a
colonial mentality and free ourselves
that needs to be changed. So much of
game played by empires that only look
from the yoke of slavery. Jose Rizal
our entertainment, cultural practices,
to profits is a sad and dismal reality,
asserted that Filipinos during his time
music, art are just derivatives of a
but this doesn’t have to be our reality.
were not ready for independence, and
western paradigm. What most of us
Fat hyper-rich politicians, rampant
despite our years of self-governance,
deem as superior is usually imported.
vice, and a stillborn culture and art
we are (up to this point) still, not ready.
The ultimate goal seems to be the idea
we don’t have to be complacent with
However, I personally hope that in the
of leaving this country and coming
any of these. We can be the change
near future a great change will befall
back to show off. Admittedly, there are
we want to see in this world but all it
our beloved country –a renaissance of
definitely more opportunities and better
takes is the willingness and a sense of
thought and culture and we shall be
ventures outside of the country –I am
hope.
free. Or at least, I hope.
a product of this dream, but why does
it have to be this way? I mean, living in
they just think they are. Perhaps not
a different country and culture makes
as an outright thought but deeper
one really feel like a second-class
in the uncontrollable writhe of the
citizen. The grass is not always greener
subconscious. This is why all our
on the other side.
entertainment is just a cheaper version
of Hollywood or the fact that we
Why can’t that glorious Eden
Filipinos are not inferior –
in the Middle East, New Zealand,
shamelessly try to emulate the empty
Europe or the Northern Americas be
consumerist western culture. The fact
found here on Philippine soil? Why are
is that as a culture we do think those
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of centuries of indoctrination and a
they were superior and that we are
“OUR LIBERTY WILL NOT BE SECURED AT THE SWORD’S POINT... WE MUST SECURE IT BY MAKING OURSELVES WORTHY OF IT.” JOSE RIZAL
“Spolarium” by Juan Luna -a painting that won some praise for the artist and his country but did’t get the praise it really deserved because this masterpiece of art was created by a mere Indio.
image source : wikipedia.ord
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OSTENTATIOUS A S TA T E M E N T O F L O C A L I T Y I N BACOLOD CITY
foreword & photographs BY KATRINA SAGEMULLER
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concept. But seldom do you hear of someone who wants to look the way one does –like a Filipino. Instead of embracing the natural beauty of the country and of the people, the trend is Mexican cuisine, Caucasian looks, and European design. What comes naturally has been replaced by no one being content cause of this viral trend. The more foreign, the better. So in a generation like this, what has come to this “locality”? It seems to be a myth or something long forgotten. But along with the rising trend of foreign ostentation, an old value has managed to rear its head into this pretentious era. Without being swept away by alienated ideas, local talents and personas have managed to emerge from the ashes of this sweeping plague. Out of the scarcity of local influences, ponder upon the idea of shedding the flamboyance, and loving the local.
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n our generation, it has become difficult to define what is really local and what is adapted. In layman’s terms, local is something of an area, like a city. Though it’s differentiate the fine line, supporting what is local is crucial to our society. Supporting locality is like hugging your culture. This concept should come with common sense, or even whilst being influenced by the other cultures. Brazilians love their athletes, Canadians love their maple, and the list goes on. But somehow, instead of picking up the sense of patriotism the whole world seems to possess, it has somehow for us, translated into loving their country and shunning ours. In this generation of trying to be something we’re not, this homeland has slowly turned into a land of wannabe’s. Everyone wants to look Korean, or American. The term “kana look”, after I’ve witnessed it being used countlessly, is already an acceptable
+ + + + + + + + + + + + I support them [local talents] by getting involved in events, promoting local artists and helping out even in small ways. It doesn’t have to be fancy or anything at all. One thing that can help local businesses as well is (if you have a product) to get your product in their stores, like instead of selling them yourself, these shops can get at least get something out of it as do you, because you’re getting exposed. It goes both ways. I do it because it benefits everyone, from the skaters kids, artists, to the bystanders (online/ offline) just seeing what’s happening. Generally speaking, it kinda shows the we have ‘something else’ here besides what people usually know about a certain place. It might not be all that, we but we are thriving and growing. Travesty was a product of my school allowance and one summer. Instead of spending it (time and money) on things i didn’t need, me and my brother decided to try and do something else that no one was doing. I was into music, art and skateboarding at the time so that was my inspiration and still continues to be so today.
JUNO TAMASE OWNER/FOUNDER // TRAVESTY LIFESTYLE LCCB-ARFIEN ALUMNI
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Sometimes I organize small exhibits like in Sanders or KGB or any small space nga mabal an ko then I invite my artist friends to join - then invite potential young artists. Thru small exhibits ma develop amat2 ang ila phobia or awareness sa public judgement about the art scene --amat2 na nila daun and absorb. Why support? for me, we need a young and fresh artist everyday ....to continue or to produce or create new trends or style sa art....budlay e hungit sa public ang modern art but kng makita ka mga ordinary people nga saja active kag colorful ka artscene dri sa Bacolod not only will attract lokals but pati neigboring provinces cguro makanotice mana nga from d young age productive na ang mga artist dri satun ....so amu na maoofer ta snew taste for public or community sa art...and ds young artist cla naman na ma ubra grupo for sure ...para e continue or padakuun pagd ang art scene in general sa bcd sa dasun nga mga dekada…
I support local products by buying and spreading it to the community. I, as one of the owner of Ventri Clothing (Local Clothing Line) do not consider other local products as a competitor instead i try to help them to promote their own. It is beneficial to the community because it can help a lot of local businessess to te known.
HILARIO CAMPOS III ARTIST / ARCHITECT // FRASSO INC. LCCB-ARFIEN ALUMNUS
BRYAN LOPEZ OWNER // VENTRI CLOTHING WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
We are a group that remembers that PASSION comes first before FASHION. We organize gigs because we want to cater some of the talented musicians and artists of this city. We are a non-profit crew but we also do our best to help a lot of people especially the street children and natural disaster victims. Since we are a family, we gather and call out to all the members and all the people who can help to donate and encourage to participate and do their part. We wanted to show what we can do here in our very own city because where else can we be? But here, in the city of Bacolod. And we are ready to rock this city!
We are obviously on a higher level, but why can’t we make our own scene? Why can’t we be as good? This is what drives not just myself but everyone else who want to make a difference for Bacolod City. Rather than spending a large sum of money to travel just to watch our brothers and sisters from other islands perform, why not stay in Bacolod, check your news feeds and just show up at art/music events? Instead of paying shipping fees and waiting for weeks to get a cool new shirt, why not go to Merch Tees, Shop 034 and SkateCamp and buy your high quality Bacolod made merchandise? Doing this means more revenue, more businesses, more attractions and more shows to go to. Suporta lokal, suporta Bacolod.
MAURICE SERFINO HOST / EMCEE BRAND MANAGER // DRAVEN
JP “NINJA” VILLANUEVA GRAFFITI ARTIST / BCHC FOUNDER LCCB-ARFIEN ALUMNUS
I would like to grab this chance to introduce you to my group- BCHC Crew & FNB/ Food not Bombs-Bacolod. This is an International group & grassroots that serving vegetarian meals to people for free. Here in Bacolod we have a feeding program & free school at the streets once or twice a month. We are giving food randomly to our homeless brothers and sisters out there. We are also giving used clothes, medicines, books, educational materials and even toys.
JEDD LEFTHANDER MUSICIAN BCHC FOUNDER FOOD NOT BOMBS - BACOLOD
The spirit of Revolution is in the air like gaseous vapors engulfing a room, and it only takes one simple spark for the whole thing to go up in the glorious, purifying flames of rebirth. The essence of this issue of the Ripples is revolution –but the ultimate goal is to instill the archetypal, iconoclastic ideals of our revolutionary thinking. We must think critically, we must not conform, we must not be complacent, we must not be cogs in the machine and we have to be the change we want to see in the world. It is one thing to talk about one’s problems with society, the government –life in general but it is another to actually DO something whether it might seem insignificant. In the times we live in there is the illusion of freedom and many aspects of our life are inundated with illusions that hide the true fact that we are slaves. However, our time also is ripe for revolution. With the advent and rise of the Internet ideas can be shared in seconds and people can bring light to issues of the times with immediate feedback. With all the greats that have come before us we have no excuse and the moral obligation to build upon their superb example.
source : http://www.manilaspeak.com/
We are in the room of gas and it is our time to spark our revolutions whether it is in our school, our neighborhoods, our country and even the world. All it takes is the spirit and the willingness to work and strive for what you see as the greater good. Think for yourself, be yourself, don’t apologize for believing what you do, but be responsible for those beliefs and the actions those beliefs inspire.
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MIRIAM MAGIC BY ANGELENE DIAZ
ILLUSTRATION BY MIKE BORROMEO
out the Senate President as a “hypersexualized serial womanizer” while he fiddles through his tablet and smirks. However, others perceive Miriam’s bluntness as disrespectful and a waste of Senate’s time, but most see it as entertaining and an act of courage. Through years, we have become accustomed to be silent so we could keep our lives away from danger rather than speak of truth because life always seems at stake for those who speak out against corruption and testify against criminal politicians. On the other hand, with Miriam, we see a politician who sets the standard of how loud we can actually be when we voice the truth. And this is why the Miriam Magic works, not the kind of magic performed by crooked politicians with the people’s money, but the magic that makes people believe that someone from the government can actually uphold the extinct value of honesty. It’s business as usual when we hear
I
senators and congressmen condemn n a self-proclaimed corrupt country,
innuendoes and criticisms with a hint
their fellow politicians but when Miriam
the word politician is synonymous
of satire. Famous for her punch lines,
takes the stand, people seem thrilled
to corruption. Ironically enough,
Miriam usually jokes at the expense of
to listen. This may be credited to her
almost all politicians vow to
corrupt politicians and tackle national
emphatic way of delivering her speech
transparency and claim to fight against
issues. Miriam gained popularity among
complemented with aggressive facial
corruption but this is what folks refer to
the younger generation including the
expressions and hostile hand gestures.
as, “lumang tugtugin na.”
media branding her charisma and charm
Her witty punch lines that according to
as “Miriam Magic.”
her are carefully made by her team are selling to the audience too, two of which
While senators choose to stick with lengthy prepared speeches in the
This lady senator would deliberately
Senate, Miriam Defensor-Santiago
name names, pinpoint public figures
prefers to entertain the viewers by her
and would even go as far as calling
are:
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08
THERIPPLES
Anong tawag ‘pag nagtapon ka ng basura sa dagat? Sagot : Pollution Ano naman ang tawag kapag tinapon mo sa dagat ang mga politikong kurakot? Sagot: Solution TOP 3 NA PINAKASINUNGALING NA TRABAHO SA PILIPINAS: Number 3 : BEAUTICIAN Sasabihin nilang maganda ang costumer kahit hindi naman talaga
and last and the most prolific of all these liars, Number 1: PULITIKO THAT’S THE END OF THE STORY.
saying, “I’m not afraid of cancer. There
1.0–the perfect grade at U.P. She
is nothing I’m afraid of.” Giving more
furthered her studies at the University
contexts to her infamous statement, “I
of Michigan where she finished her
eat death threats for breakfast.”
Masters of Law in only a year and her Doctorate Degree of Juridical Science
Miriam Defensor-Santiago is indeed
in only six months.
an epitome of courage and excellence and this makes her one of the few
She was the first Filipino to be elected
politicians we can look up to. She
as judge of the International Criminal
ignites the fire within us waking our
Court (ICC) in the United Nations that
senses to take our stand on national
hears cases against leaders and heads
and local issues governing our country.
of states. She also made history when
Her bravery in voicing out the truth
she became the first female editor-
makes us question ourselves of
in-chief of the Philippine Colegian,
how much we have done to uphold
a publication at the University of the
honesty and justice in our lives. Simply,
Philippines, after 50 years of male
Miriam is not just an inspiration but
dominance. She has her share of
a challenge for us to become better
accolades and titles which to name
and braver Filipinos, thus making the
a few are: Magsaysay Award for
Miriam Magic unforgettable.
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Number 2: KONDUKTOR NG JEEP Sasabihin niya na dalawa pa ang kasya kahit puno na
earned the average grade of 1.1 with
Government Service (Asian counterpart to the Nobel Prize); The Outstanding Young Men; The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service; and Most Outstanding Alumna in Law from UP.
“HANDBAGS, I DON’T AT ALL LIKE THEM
The list continues and the
Miriam is not only an archetype
aforementioned awards and titles are
of a courageous woman, but also
an understatement of her success in
an example of excellence. Her
her career and Miriam might still add
expertise in Senate debates and
presidency (yet again) to her list. The
numerous investigations into the filth
Ilonggo senator once ran in the 1992
politics are all due to her long list of
elections but lost against the retired
accomplishments that has brought
general Fidel Ramos by a small margin
pride and honor to our country.
after the power outages during the canvassing of votes. Infamously, others
Miriam’s academic record was
have cited her election loss saying
epitome of student excellence when
“Miriam won in the voting but lost in
she graduated valedictorian in both
the counting.” But Miriam would try
elementary and high school. She also
again as she expressed her interest
graduated with flying colors in both her
to run for presidency in 2016 not long
degrees in Bachelor of Arts in Political
after she announced that she has been
Science at UP Visayas and Bachelor
diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
of Law at UP College of Law. In her
Despite her battle with cancer she still
last undergraduate semester, Miriam
remains the brave woman we know
BECAUSE THEY OCCUPY MY HANDS. MY HANDS ALWAYS HAVE TO BE READY IN CASE I NEED TO SLAP SOMEBODY.” MIRIAM DEFENSOR SANTIAGO
FEMME
BY ALEXANDRIA MESIAS
paintings by Bouguereou, Goya, Titian, Wilhelm, Giorgione, Delacroix; digital collage by Ginoe Ojoy
VIVE LA
10
THERIPPLES
I
n a world where the amount of clothing is more or less proportionate to a woman’s dignity, it was quite the
statement when Beyonce flashed the world FEMINIST during her VMA performance, in nothing more than a designer leotard. Her song Flawless samples a part of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s speech on TEDx: We Should All Be Feminists:
“We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller. We say to girls, ‘You can have ambition, but not too much. You should aim to be successful, but not too successful. Otherwise you will threaten the man.’ Because I am female, I am expected to aspire to marriage. I am expected to make my life choices always keeping in mind that marriage is the most important. Now marriage can be a source of joy and love and mutual support. But why do we teach girls
to aspire to marriage and we don’t teach boys the same? We raise girls to see each other as competitors – not for jobs or for accomplishments, which I think can be a good thing, but for the attention of men. We teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings in the way that boys are. Feminist: the person who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes”
2013 UN Commission on the Status of Women, we find that even the most common experience of street harassment is causing a problem for women. “Whether walking city streets, using public transport, going to school, or selling goods at the market, women and girls are subject to the threat of sexual harassment and violence. This reality of daily life limits women’s freedom to get an education, to work, to participate in politics – or to simply enjoy their own neighbourhoodsYet despite its prevalence, violence and harassment against women and girls in public spaces remains a largely neglected issue, with few laws or policies in place to address it,”
Feminism has finally gone
It is practically common
mainstream. More importantly,this
knowledge to us that if a woman
clears up the misconception that
decides to dress up or wear short
feminists are angry women wanting
shorts on a hot day or even just
to cuckold men into submission.
attempt to look different; she’d be in
The Twitter#YesAllWomen tag
danger of getting unwanted attention
and campaign from May this year
on the streets. And like most forms of
proved that even men are part of the
sexual harassment, it’s the victim who
movement. Feminism is a move for
gets the blame. The usual question
gender equality, a move for mutual
I’d get whenever I experience street
respect.
harassment would be “What were you
When people say that there
is no longer a need for feminism, we should take a closer look at our society, and our culture. In the
wearing?” butI know it‘s not about the clothes I wear. It’s not even about the way I look. ▶
Rosea Lake; roseaposey.tumblr.com; roseaposey@gmail.com
12
THERIPPLES
TO THE PERPETRATORS, I’M NOT PRETTY, NOR SEXY. TO THEM, BEING A WOMAN ALREADY MAKES ME VULNERABLE, THE CLOTHING IS JUST AN EXCUSE TO VOICE OUT THEIR LACK OF RESPECT TOWARDS MY SEX. The feminist movement has
makes everything easier. There
our relationships, our opinions,
opened the world to women.
are certain types of men who
our fashion sense, our sexual
These days‘ women can go to
would rather accept the “I have
orientation or our bodies should
school, have a career, run a
a boyfriend” excuse than a
never be an indication of our
business, own property, vote,
woman’s “No”. They think that
consent. A woman is still a
run a country- yet women
“No” stands for negotiable.
human being after all.
still have to watch their step.
Sometimes these men also
Although it is easier for women
have the tendency to hear no
have the right to express
to exercise their fundamental
as yes. How can a man’s claim
themselves, and live their lives
human rights nowadays, it’s still
still be greater, even when
the way they see fit, while
acceptable for men and even
the said boyfriend does not
doing this with the dignity they
women to attack and insult a
exist? For a man to accept this
deserve. I advocate feminism
woman based on her personal
answer rather than an honest
because I realize that while any
opinions and decisions.
“no” seems to be an implication
woman has to experience any
To deflect unwarranted sexual
that they respect another man’s
form of sexual harassment or
advances without deflating
property more than a woman’s
oppression, all women could
the male ego, there’s “I have
boundaries.
never feel perfectly safe.One
a boyfriend/ I’m gay” excuse.
That said, it may just be high
day the issue of gender equality
A lot of women believe that
time for me to ditch that
will no longer have to be raised,
this is way more effective than
excuse. My body is mine and
but for now, we all must learn
just simply saying “No”. I say
nobody else is entitled to my
the importance of respect. Real
this because my friends and
body or my decisions, not even
respect should not be selective.
I have used this many times,
my non-existent boyfriend.
It must be given to every single
especially when we go out
Soon my “No” will have to be
one.
at night and I must admit it
taken for a “No”. Our clothes,
Human beings
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SCAN THIS QR CODE TO LISTEN TO EMMA WATSON’S #HeForShe UN CAMPAIGN
photography by Bencent Gohing; illustration by Ryo Tupas; model : Ben Sy
TABOO RAINBOW
BY GINOE OJOY
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THERIPPLES
A TABOO—IMAGINE YOURSELF BEING DUBBED AS SUCH.
F
or the past thousand years, our
to many. In this day and age, it is
the colors of our flag; and we do not
way of life has been governed
disheartening to know that we’re still
like to be boxed in and stereotyped.
by taboos. Our prehistoric
considered a taboo.
There are masculine gay men,
forefathers were firm with their societal
feminine lesbian women, androgynous
norms, one of which is “Thou shall
of the US-based Pew Research
boys and girls, etc..
not commit patricide.” and still is a
Center entitled “The Global Divide on
universal law across cultures and
Homosexuality,” the Philippines ranked
our nation –a population composed
belief systems. During the Spanish-
10 among 39 countries in terms of
of 92.5% Christians, to act hostile
colonial era, our ancestors’ way of
the level of public acceptance of the
towards our colourful brothers and
life was a taboo to the new settlers.
homosexuality in the community.
sisters in this manner. Most of the
Nakedness was an atrocity. Pagan
Considering that the Philippines is
population consider the LGBT lower-
rituals were discouraged as they
one of the most religious countries
class citizens, bad entities, a direct
allegedly promotes un-holiness and
in the world, one might be skeptical
contradiction to Christ’s teaching
idolatry—all of which are said to be
with these results. It all boils down
of love and acceptance. I, myself
against the Holy Book. Fast forward
to public perception via mass media.
have experienced gazes of complete
to 2014, 493 years after the baptismal
Members of the LGBT community
disgust from certain people, only
of the first ever Filipino Christian, the
are supposedly widely accepted
because of how I identify myself. For
sense of humanity and acceptance in
because of the presence of prominent
most of us young LGBT students,
the Philippines has a long way to go
LGBT celebrities and creatives,
every day is a struggle--a struggle
before reaching its peak. Hatred is not
mostly effeminate comedians and
within the self, a struggle with society
taboo, love is.
cross-dressers in the entertainment
and its ever-changing norms.
industry. Not that there is something
If we look at the core of the hostility
progress, taboos change with them.
wrong with being effeminate and
towards the LGBT Community, we will
Practices are prohibited and avoided
cross-dressing; it’s the stereotyping
see that inequality perpetuates hatred
to ensure the welfare of the members
that comes with it –the notion that
and discrimination—an extremely
of the society. What is unique in the
everyone in our community is either a
counterproductive move for someone
case of modern taboos, especially
Vice Ganda or a Charice Pempengco
who has Christian morals and values.
with the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and nothing exists in between;¬ that’s
We are oppressing a group of people
and Transgender) youth in the
what’s unacceptable. Most people
who practices one of God’s greatest
Philippines –is that our whole being is
think that all the gay men are feminine,
commandments—loving one another.
being ostracized. Not only is our love
and all the lesbians are masculine; a
The object of their love happens to be
and affection towards our partners
belief that is ignorant and not entirely
a person of the same sex. We do not
considered void by most people, our
true. We, the colorful people of the
have any authority to judge them. ▶
mere existence is nothing but a joke
LGBT community, are as diverse as
As cultures and civilizations
According to the survey
Quite frankly, it is ironic for
15
THERIPPLES
Based on the data gathered
The portrait of an LCCian
respect by avoiding the use of “gay”
by The Ripples LCCB, 62% of all our
LGBT might not be in good shape,
as a derogatory term. “Agi agi ba!”
LGBT student-respondents think that
but I will not play the blame game
is one of the commonly used insults,
LCCB is unable live up to its title of
and name call. Surely, there is still
can be offensive to some. That shirt
being a “Community of Friends”. One
some unruly treatment towards the
is gay? How does that shirt capsulize
reason cited was the feeling of only
gay community; but we are thankful
the entire homosexual population?
being tolerated and not fully accepted.
for a percentage of our peers
To put it simply, it can’t. Catcalling is
Another one felt that gay guys get
treating us equally and accepting us
also one of the most problematic and
better treatment than lesbian girls.
wholeheartedly. Even though we still
disrespectful things a person can do
Others were shocked and offended
have a lot of work to do to encourage
to another; it is also sexist in nature.
of the gender-specific restrictions in
acceptance (not just tolerance) in our
We might not be able to detect it, but
the school dress codes. One of the
school, in my own opinion, LCC is
the LGBT youth are also highly prone
said codes is the prohibition against
one of the few progressive Catholic
to physical and sexual harassment.
cross-dressing. Where do we draw
schools that don’t necessarily ‘hate’
The “lambing” gesture you did to your
the line between cross-dressing
their LGBT, or at least that’s how it
gay friend might have offended him/
and androgyny? What is exactly
seems.
her; or worse, he/she might’ve felt
masculine or feminine? If we define
what’s masculine and feminine, isn’t
us was His undying love and mercy.
these, and more, are reasons why
that segregation? Do we really need
During His time, He was considered
some of our LGBT friends are afraid
to divide the student body? Does
as a radical; he was not afraid to
to come out of their shells, possibly
cross-dressing really exist or is society
be seen with whores, tax-collectors
hiding until things get better.
just creating a line to define who
and lepers. He welcomed them with
the dominant sex is over the other?
open arms while the people from His
if we start to be real friends to our
We are all aware that this school
time stigmatized and isolated them.
neighbors. Let’s us soothe the tireless
has an image to maintain, but is our
He was always on the wrong side of
eyes of our LGBT brothers and sisters;
self-expression equal to vulgar and
popular religion, sympathizing with the
the eyes on their backs that gauge
offensive nakedness? Think about it.
damned. I think now is the time for us
every move they make, in fear of being
to be Christ-like, to live by His Word—
discovered. Let them know that they
52% of the respondents from our
and that is to love.
have allies; unafraid to fight this battle
survey said that they are out and
for equality and respect with them. Let
proud of their sexuality; while 48%
carry Diversity, Community, and
us all point out that loving is not a sin;
of LCCian LGBT youth have decided
Christ-Centeredness for our core
hating is.
to keep their sexuality a secret. As
values. We, as a community, have a
for the overall treatment of the LGBT
responsibility of nurturing one another
youth inside the campus, 63% of the
in order for us to be a thriving and
respondents said that they are not
surviving social structure. A sense of
satisfied with the reception of LGBT
respect can be one nurturing factor
students.
for a community, especially for the
In the case of public identity,
Jesus Christ’s greatest gift for
Let us remember that we
invaded or abused. Its things like
Fortunately, it will get better
+
DISCLAIMER : THE SURVEY PARTICIPANTS ANSWERED THE QUESTIONAIRRE VOLUNTARILY . THE FIGURES SHOWN IN THIS ARTICLE DO NOT REFLECT THE GENERAL PERCEPTION OF THE WHOLE LCCB COMMUNITY,
LGBT youth. We can start to show
“ALL YOUNG PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR IDENTITY, DESERVE A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TO ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.”
HARVEY MILK
16 THERIPPLES
illustrated by Ginoe Ojoy
photography | Bencent Gohing; illustration | Ginoe Ojoy
TO THE WIDE-EYED YOUTH BY FRANCINE VARCAS
We can see them with fire on their hands and smoke from their lips. We see them in uproars, holding planks, behind gates. We know of their secret organizations in closed rooms with loud music and shut blinds. We see their joy, their pain, their fascinations and their contempt, in strips of online proclamations and bathroom vandals. We know them as the ghosts behind bedroom doors, the late – night conversations, and the nocturnal decoders of life and humanity. They are the dauntless challengers of all forms of authority, the unparalleled innovators of shortcuts and strategies, and the timeless epitome of active notoriety. They are slaves of their passions but the gods of their will. They are the heedless and the defiant. They are the reflections of reality and the consequence of society. They are the youth.
19
THERIPPLES
S
ociety considers adolescence as
as well. Teenagers began involving
showing selfie crazes aren’t enough,
an age distinct from other age
themselves
one
groups, not because it is a vital
example for which is the trending update
dousing their crotches in lighter fluid,
time for brain development or
of the two Austrian girls that posed as
setting themselves on fire, and then
character building. It is distinct because
members of the Islamic radicals or ISIS,
posting the aftermath on the Internet for
we are in an era where society places
and they now claim to be pregnant.
no reasonable cause. These kids seem
teenagers up the helm to be subdued
For the same terrorist group, a lad was
to act all lazy and tired at home, but turn
and judged. For some reason, the
media-named as Osama Bin Bieber
up for the headlines after destroying
instability of a teenager’s behaviour
after he tweeted that he was with the
school property, inflicting violence or
became such a booming topic that
terrorists and allegedly going to take
just messing things up in every odd way
everyone seems eager to give a say
part in the fighting in Syria. Moreover,
possible.
about it, and even use it to their own
as if twerk –for – the vine and boob –
advantage. However, if we put it in the context of current circumstances, we all have a reason for looking at teenagers the way we do now. Focusing only on recent research results in the Philippines is enough to surprise a typical person of how teenagers took part in the community these days, and some say they didn’t see this coming. The pregnancy rate of Filipina teenagers ages 15 – 19 had risen to 70% over a decade, according to the annual report of the United Nations Population Fund. Moreover, the Philippines has the third highest teen pregnancy rate in the ASEAN region, and is the only country in the region where the rate continues to increase, as stated in the data provided by the National Youth Commission. The suicide rate among young Filipinos aged 24 years old and below has gone up as well in the last 21 years, according to National Statistics Office. The youngest of all alcohol abuse cases recorded by the recent Global School – Based Student Health Survey was of a 13 – year old. According to the same survey, first time users of marijuana, methamphetamines,
inhalants
and
other drugs were 13 – year olds as well, or younger. Aside from these studies, the Internet news headlines are laced with teenage foolhardiness and destructive nonsense
in
terrorist
groups;
an
article
was
about
teenagers
20
THERIPPLES
This is too much and too wrong,
them as the inferior components of
that they believe, would make them
whichever way we look at it. There
the community, they will only return
feel accepted. Now, isn’t this all a
is no euphemism for this story that
the same courtesy given to them
struggle for acceptance?
can deny the fact that the moral
As
studies
There is no denying that the youth
values of today’s teenagers are
conducted on the teenage brain,
is stigmatized in society. Whatever
heading to a decline. We blame the
it was concluded that in the period
they do, intentional or unintentional,
youth for this – for the mess they
of adolescence, a person’s brain
they are made fun of by the adults
in
MRI
got into, the pain they cause
and
their
Internet. This is not a
families,
the
problems
parodied
on
the
they bring the community – and
generalization
maybe this is how society came
that
to disapprove of them even
teenagers do is wrong;
after ages of just scrutiny and
the situation is more of
reprimand. Ultimately, we fear
the
for humanity more than we fear
judging them for what
for the youth, because if the
they do wrong, other
situation brought by ‘the hope of
than for anything good
the future’ now is the worst ever,
they
what if it gets worse?
Teenagers
experience
“We could always hope,” others
confusion
as
they
would say. “We could always do
are
presented
with
something about it,” they tell the
conflicting
masses, and there were indeed
they are terrorized by
measures done to redeem the
not knowing the right
youth. Government authorities
thing to do, especially
and
in a world that expects
talks,
agencies
conduct
seminars,
workshops,
developmental
photography | Bencent Gohing; illustration | Ginoe Ojoy
observed
everything
older
are
much
that
generations
capable
ideals
from
of.
and
them.
and
Society makes fun of
other events in an attempt to
this struggle and labels
help and guide the adolescents
this as a consequence
towards
of “raging hormones”.
a
programs
so
saying
better
path,
but
these seem not to be enough.
is at its peak on development,
We make the youth somehow
Teenagers
in contrary to the olden beliefs
feel that they are the mess in the
influence throughout the course
that
occur
society, and they believe that, so
of adolescence, so these activities
more during childhood. Therefore,
they sometimes act in accordance
are merely venues for passing
adolescence is the fundamental
to that. This, my friends, is an act of
motivations. We can inspire them
age of character imprint and idea
oppression. We have all taken part
with stories of humble men with
malleability.
why
in this, whether we admit it or not,
great values, but if they will return
teenagers change so rapidly –
and we may not even be aware that
to an environment that refuses to
they are at a phase where they are
we already are. ▶
listen, considers them incapable
looking for their identity – and begin
because of their age, and treats
involving in all sorts of activities
require
constant
brain
developments
This
explains
21
THERIPPLES
reproach them for their foolishness,
it. We play the blame game so we can
good, oppression is already upon the
but aren’t they fools themselves? Are
have other people do it for us.
youth, and these kids are now going
we not all fools, ourselves? Look at the
We are living in an age that equates
against it. It’s not just raging hormones;
big picture. The media is fuelled with
wealth with worth, power with respect
it’s a revolution. A 16 – year old sent
immoral imagery, shows with sexual
and beauty with goodness, and the
The Times a letter after she got fed up
innuendos, bad music and trifling news.
youth had nothing to do with these. The
with the articles about teenagers, and
That is all that emerges, and all the
youth were not a part of the league when
what she said brilliantly sums up every
important headlines about real problems
the system was beginning, so there is no
sentiment.
barely
surface.
reason to pin the blame on them. They
In her letter, she said, “We are not as
Billboards are plastered with images of
are blameless, not because they are
irrational and immature as adults seem
men and women that are oiled up, half-
young and “didn’t know what they were
to think. We’ve grown up with financial
naked and Photo-shopped. Products
doing”, but because they are merely the
crises and accept that most of us will
are advertised by pretty faces and
consequences of society’s own errors.
be unemployed. We no longer flinch at
perfected bodies. We all see this every
They are what society had reaped
bloody images of war because we’ve
day, perhaps almost every moment in
after they have sown such decisions,
grown up seeing the chaos in the
our lives, and we are entertained, aren’t
but in spite of how demeaning society
Middle East and elsewhere. Most of us
we? Society had been prioritizing the
had treated the adolescents of today,
are cynical and pessimistic because of
ones that are profitable, and the youth
time will come that the youth will take
the environment we’ve grown up in –
can see that. The youth sees everything
over the system and the future will be
which should be explanation enough for
on the surface, so what do adults really
in their hands. They will sweep up the
our apparent insolence and disrespect,
expect from them if adults, themselves,
rubble and build a system of their own.
without having “experts” having to write
enjoy this kind of entertainment? Why
They will soon be a part of the society
articles about it. Has no one seen that
are we condemning the youth for their
they hated. Soon, they will be adults,
we are angry at the world we live in?
actions, but fail to provide a good
and society will have a tighter grip on
Angry that we will have to clean up your
environment for them to live in? Why
them, so let them be for now. Give them
mess, while you hold us in contempt,
do we expose them to such immorality
the chance to be so much more than
analysing our responses as though we
and indecency, and then expect them
how society perceives them. Believe
were another species? ”
not to follow what they perceive every
that they can do better than what had
day? Society is already messed up and
already been done, because even when
that
this is igniting the real fear for humanity,
everything is said and done, that is the
surfaces in the Internet may be a truth,
even without the teenagers ruining
privilege of a predecessor: to have a
but it is not the entire truth, and we have
anything. Everybody wants to be the
little faith for the future. We all know
been judging teenagers with the little
hero. Everybody knows what’s wrong,
how far it is to go from here.
information we have at hand. Adults
but nobody wants to do anything about
Referring mentioned
back
to
earlier,
the
headlines
anything
bubble
up
to
the
+
As much as we’d like to make it look
photography | Bencent Gohing; illustration | Ginoe Ojoy & Matthew Yrad
23
THE PAINTED ONES
THERIPPLES
BY ERIKA MAYO
A
bout 500 years ago the
Over the years, body art has
her entire arm or piercing her lip.
7,107 island archipelago
especially become a popular way the
Not generalizing the elders, butmy
that lies between mainland
youth of todayto express themselves
grandmother in particular describes
Asia and the great Pacific Ocean, was
and state their independence. A tattoo
tattoos as unprofessional and
known by another name. In honor
could mean anything, practically
tasteless, even as likely to destroy
of their Spanish king, the explorers
anything. At our generation’s coming
one’s chances of ever being taken
who claimed the island nation
seriously. I personally receive
declared it “the Philippines”.
the same comments from nosey
However, amongst those who
strangers in the supermarket:
have traveled to this beautiful
“How are you gonna get a job?”
and exotic land, it was known as
“What’s gonna happen to your
“La Isla de Los Pintados” (Island
future now?” all with a familiar
of the Painted Ones) after the
gist that I find very hilarious and
unique practice the locals had
dumb.Although, we can never
of embellishing themselves—
blame other peoples’ doubts
their entire bodies laced with
about permanent body art — there
intricate designs tattooed into
was a time when tattoos were
their skin.
associated with rebellion and
To the locals, these markings
violence. Some tattoos, piercings
were an external symbol of
and modifications are a bit
status, beauty, family, and pride.
extreme, we must admit, but one
They represented an individual’s
should also understand that we
personal journey and
have been blessed with a perfectly
acquisitions–a public testimony
functioning body and that we
on their skin recounting acts of
should at least respect what
combat, bravery, and strength.
other people do with it. I mean,
The more tattooed the warrior,
it’s our body, right? If I think it’ll
the more profoundly honored
look prettier with a lotus flower
they are.
of age, we begin to preach new
tattooed on my arm, let me be. Unless
Fast forward to the 21st century.Who
morals and the negative stigmas
my friends and I are coercing you to
is parading tattoos nowadays?
affiliated with tattoos are rewritten.
upgrade your skin with a tattoo, then
Unless one hadbeen holidaying on
In a time when the new generation is
we have nothing to worry about. No
a faraway planet for the last couple
breaking social barriers and battling
harm done. Our attention should go
of centuries, he or she would have
conservative ideologies, unfair
towards the fact that the harmless,
noticed the expanding popularity of
treatment and views against people
personal, and sentimental decision
“body art”. Yes, tattoos are no longer
with tattoos, it is important to bear an
to get a tattoo should in no way be
exclusive to soldiers, warriors, and
open mind.
seen as a middle way between two
tribes. They’ve gone mainstream.
Most parents in this country probably
extremes of one’s professional skill or
The trend hasn’t been confined to
shake their heads indisdainat the idea
the quality of being adequately or well
teenagers of this millennium.
of their teenage daughter tattooing
qualified physically and intellectually.
▶
3.___________ 1.___________
5.___________ 2.___________
4.___________
photographed by ginoe ojoy
“Isabelita” Ink on Skin 2013 Priceless
26
THERIPPLES
▶ ▶
+
It’s unfortunate. You can’t simply base your judgment on how someone looks, but rather on how someone acts. If you try to categorize people according to their physical appearance, you are then shallow, not to mention immature. Here, what is important is the fact that the people who babble about the modified individuals have the worse behavior.“If someone isn’t what others want them to be, the others become angry. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Mark Espuerta’s tattoo on his right forearm.
▶
How we, as members of this community, pass judgment to the radically distinctive is what will make the difference.Imagine a little girl hand in hand with her tattooed father to school. One parent stops her son from walking and started looking at the peculiar man; she hides her child behind her phony Sunday dress and tells him, “Don’t you go playing around with that little girl.”
Prejudice against people with tattoos is like refusing to live in a safe neighborhood with murals on public buildings. Does the positive display of the community’s beliefs through art say anything about the quality of the building? We live in a very confused culture.The world would be a very boring place if everyone had the same standards of beauty. People are attracted to a certain hairstyle, eye shape, skin type, or any number of physical properties. I may not prefer Korean Pop, but I’m not going to spend my days ranting about it and trying to convince them that they are doing it wrong. What turns one person on may repel the next. It’s called variety. You know, the spice of life. It’s time for people to open their minds and accept the commonality of the practice and the innocence of selfexpression.
Scott Libo-on’s tattoo on his lower-right rib.
▶
This kind of prejudice is no more acceptable than judging a person based on the color of their skin, their religion, or their sexuality. All the same, it does happen and those with body art are scrutinized under a microscopefor who they are.
photography & post processing - Ginoe Ojoy; illustration - Matthew Yrad
WRITING ON
THE WALL
BY MATTHEW ODON YRAD
I
28
THERIPPLES
magine the most important art
just wants to express itself. Society
Street art might seem like a modern
movement since abstraction
can’t seem to understand or hear this
invention in relation to modern times.
is not in museums or galleries
howl. Government officials seem too
However, man has been writing on
but on the streets, not costing
preoccupied with covering something
walls for all of recorded history –I mean,
millions of dollars but given out for free.
up on a wall as opposed to actually
first recorded history was writing on
Interestingly enough this movement is
solving the real problem. Socio-
walls. Man has been expressing himself
all too real and it is called Street art.
economic inequality, Social inequality
on walls for a long time. There probably
Street art is the most significant art
and family make up comprises a
was “Brutus killed Caesar” on the walls
movement of our time. It took
during the rule of the
all conventions on art and
ancient civilization.
its presentation and totally
There are also
flipped everything around
examples of graffiti in
while flipping off everybody
World War Two when
who questioned it. Street art
United States soldiers
is like punk rock or jazz in
scrawled, “Kilroy was
that the movement stopped
here” all over the
caring about convention
battlefields of Europe.
and made something new
This is graffiti and
and totally unexpected.
street art. The calls of
Modern society seems to
the unheard and the
be unable to understand the
unloved scrawled on
significance or relation to
the walls because for
this movement to things like
a fleeting moment they
socio-economic inequality or
were immortal.
the fact that modern life is
Contrary to popular
inundated with outrageous
belief Street art and
amounts of advertising and
Graffiti in particular
visual garbage that take up
there are really strict
space and poison people’s
and stringent rules on
subconscious. This is how
how, where and when
we fight back the poisoning
to put up a piece.
of our space, by poisoning
These rules promote
theirs.
completion among
Street art and Graffiti is
the artists who try to
essentially the cries of
“best” one another in
pissed-off kids that can’t
a never-ending game
express themselves in a
of “who can make the
way that society can deem
better piece”. These
as appropriate. It is an
rules are not a part of
antagonistic act, it is a defiant act,
fraction of the apparent causes of the
Street art as a whole. These rules are
it is an act of vandalism but it has to
street art movement but government
a part of another branch of street art –
be for people to listen, it is important
officials seem to just see the writing
Graffiti. This facet of Street art is where
because it’s a punch to the face –a
on the wall. This is the reality because
this movement originated.
generation grabbing hold and yelling
what is easier: Fixing human nature,
at the top of its lungs. This is the howl
the government, family life or simply
of a generation that is fed up and
painting over some wall?
▶
Street art and graffiti are dominant art forms all over the world. Now this art movement is spawning a new breed of artist that started as a graffiti artist but has made the transition to fine art. This new type of artist is the new benchmark on what a versatile artist should be. These new type of artists hailing from a graffiti/ street art back ground came to be with little to no traditional experience but have made a huge splash in the art world. This is the throw up can cover up tags but can
effect of the street art/ graffiti culture on
New York City during the 1970’s and
also be covered up by a piece. A full
the art world. It has helped give artists
rose along with Hip-hop culture and
piece when an artist pulls out all the
a greater sense of freedom than what
this relationship boosted the popularity
stops: a broad spectrum of colors,
they already have. This movement and
of the art form significantly. In the
shading, perspective, etc. The artist
its heightened sense of competition
beginning and still to this day one
throws down all this talent and takes
have created artists that are on the
aspect of graffiti pertains to gang
the biggest risks when painting a full
cutting edge of style, expression and
activity. Gangs used the graffiti to mark
(illegal) piece since it obviously takes
subject matter.
their territory and that is when these
longer and more effort to throw up a full
In such a world as we have today the
unspoken rules were honed, learned,
piece. A full piece can only be covered
arts have to be completely different,
and implemented. Of course there are
up by another (better) piece. This is
bold and willing to take risks yet never
artists that don’t necessarily adhere to
only a small aspect of graffiti culture.
apologetic –constantly pushing the
these rules but they know these rules.
The culture has so many interesting
envelope. In hopes that the street artist
And this is just an example that the
stories like epic rivalries, politics and
takes that inner hunger and drive to
seemingly chaotic world of street art
artists gathering together against their
get up into his other artistic endeavors
does have a sense of order –order in
common foe –law enforcement. The
new art can and has arisen from this
the Chaos.
culture and the movement as a whole
movement. This new archetype of the
Graffiti has a stringent set of rules and
cannot be pigeon-held as one specific
artist is what the street art movement
a closely-adhered to hierarchy where
thing it has so many different facets not
and all the subsequent
the name of the game is respect and
just blatant vandalism –but that sure is
movements that it has spawned. The
“getting up” is king. For example: there
a part of it. Despite all this Street art or
artists have taken the street and that
is a hierarchy to the pieces on the
the artists that come from it are on the
sense of freedom and took it into
walls. First off is a tag; a tag in essence
cutting edge of new and unique art.
advertising firms, design studios and
is just a stylized version of the artist’s
Street art as a whole is the first art
fine art galleries and have proven that
name. A tag can be put anywhere and
movement that has been taken by
degenerate vandalism can be turned
is a quick one-handed gesture. The
people through out the entire world
into fine art. This movement has
tag is on the first tier in graffiti artist’s
with meteoric force and the movement
brought expression and a feeling of
bag of tricks. A tag can be covered up
has since become an art as well as a
worth to a section of the population
by a throw up and a full piece. Next
pop culture phenomenon. The Street
that isn’t heard. These artists are dying
is a throw up; a throw up is basically
art movement was propelled into the
to express themselves and they will
a quick piece of the artist’s name
popular culture along side Hip-hop and
whatever society and its norms think
and would have only minimal color
rap culture and its vast iterations and
about the writing on the wall.
–probably just two or three colors. A
sub-movements grew from there. Now
+
Modern Graffiti was really started in
In terms of LCCB, truth must be told that there is a very rich and exciting street art community. The institution nurtures some sense of creativity and because of this fact street art comes as a natural response to being surrounded by art and creative activities –not to generalize but activities like street art, tattoos, etc. are natural manifestations of the creative soul. This can be taken negatively, however this is a testament to the community in the school --that the school and the community itself can act as a refuge for these souls looking for means of expression. This illustrates that LCCB’s artistic soul is intact and healthy. We as LCCians must take pride in the fact that our school accepts (to an extent) these natural extensions of its student’s expression.
31
THERIPPLES
POPE OF HOPE BY SHEANN SEVERINO
ILLUSTRATION BY RYAN RODERO
In a generation where skeptics and
traditional Thursday rite at the juvenile
as one of the people who has touched
zealous fanatics are both flawed, it is
detention centre in Rome, he evidently
the lives of the broken. Not only did it
pretty challenging to figure what stand
illustrated Christianity as being what
create an impact to the person who has
is worth the risk. I have encountered
you are saying. It is not about who
been touched but most importantly, it
hypocrites in a “godly” environment
addresses the most eloquent speech
struck the lives of those who look up to
and experienced prized friendships
nor gives the biggest amount of money
him; not only as a leader to respect, but
from some people who don’t even
to charities. Being a follower of Christ
an example to follow.
believe in God. I am a Christian—
means more than that-it is equated to
someone whose identity does not rely
giving your own self for the love of your
improvements there shall be if there
on her belongingness in a particular
neighbor. The Pope’s captured images
were more people like St. Francis;
denomination but on her personal
gave a powerful message around
a person of grace; overwhelmingly
relationship with Jesus Christ. Anyone
the world: Love does not care about
amazing. According to Yancey, “Grace
can actually claim that she believes in
standards. It is a choice accompanied
is amazing because it need not be
God however, it is quite difficult for her
by application. It is all up to the one
earned: it is bestowed unconditionally
to convince other people to believe
who wants to give it away. It is giving life
by God. Contemporary society, on the
in her God because a culprit named
to the most overused but likewise most
other hand, requires people to gain
hypocrisy. I could never blame the
overlooked words, “I love you.”
approval for their actions by following
skeptics, though. For what meaning can
certain moral precepts and rules.”
be conveyed out of the contradiction of
you” but too hard to TRULY love
words and deeds?
people who seem undeserving of such
effective way to convince a person
affection. Love is not in its deepest
to believe in what I believe other than
being bold about my faith, hypocrisy
and truest form if its object is flawless.
being what I am saying and believing.
stands as the biggest barrier between
It is stress-free to respect and love a
The world does not need judgment and
belief and unbelief. Churches are like
likeable person but burdensome to love
condemnation for it is already hurt. But
food establishments in this city. They
the seemingly unworthy ones. Love
rather, it should be filled with people
are everywhere. All sorts of promotions
requires sacrifice; discomfort for the
who speak, think, and act out of love. If
and enjoyable programs are done to
part of its giver. Pope Francis’ actions
there is one rule to follow, it is to love.
attract more people. I am not saying
are nothing in the category of hypocrisy
We should exercise it towards the sinner
that this strategy is wrong but I think
because he is a lover himself. It’s plain
but not towards the sin. And for that to
there is a more compelling approach
and simple. You can’t say you believe
be obeyed, it is imperative to be full of
to show who God really is. People are
in God but do things that appear as if
grace. Pope Francis is proving us that
hungry for real love and no event, no
you don’t. This principle should nullify
grace is necessary to heal this world.
matter how extravagant it is, can satisfy
any form of hypocrisy in the Christian
Now, maybe you can start doing your
that longing.
realm. I whole-heartedly believe that
daily healing exercises and stop being a
there are people out there who could
hypocrite.
For four years of sharing and
embraced a severely disfigured man at
exemplify the life and works of Jesus
St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City and
Christ neither because of their titles, nor
displayed humility through washing
their words but because of the results
and kissing the feet of two women and
of their revealed convictions. Just like
two Muslim prisoners as part of the
Pope Francis, perhaps. He is regarded
I could not think of a more
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When Pope Francis publicly
It is very easy to say “I love
I sometimes wonder what
33
THERIPPLES
ECCE HOMO [BEHOLD MAN]
ART BY MARK ESPUERTA
BY FRANCINE VARCAS
A
theism is such a strong
and probably unknowable, so there is
We’ve done more than just draw a line
conviction that it lights
no commitment in either believing the
between the Atheists and Christians.
the fuse of conflict just
existence or non-existence of the deity.
We built walls between the two beliefs
by existing alongside
Aside from the direct collision of
and it hindered their growth as branches
Christianity.
Atheism and Christianity, the former
of the same tree. We forget that
The contradiction is so intense that to
has more issues regarding acceptance
Atheists, like Christians, are just people.
merely utter the word atheism is enough
compared to the religion. If we take on
What makes Atheists different from
to ready the pious for a debate.
the belief of Christianity as a Filipino,
Christians and what divides them are
The definition of the term is treated by
we can head on proclaim this faith,
simply just beliefs that were developed
the zealous as an insult to the life-long
even if it leads us to our deaths, and it
by people. Atheism, even though it
teachings of the church.
would be seen as noble martyrdom. As
contradicts the established faith of
Some call atheists fools for challenging
opposed to being Filipino Atheists, if we
a group, only acts as the equalizing
the power of a higher divine being.
proclaim this faith (or lack thereof) to the
counterpart of the other. Having both
Some consider them cowards for being
masses, our fellow country-men would
Christianity and Atheism in the picture
afraid of admitting the truth that God
look at us as if we were arrogant and
promotes discussion and debate, thus
exists.
presumptuous. Filipinos are traditionally
opening the doors for understanding
religious people, and to be a Filipino
and betterment. This way, even as
Atheist is to be closeted and discreet of
opposites, the two balance out human
in the story, the intellectuals that had
your beliefs, because there is no room
spirituality.
gone over their heads, but when did
for Atheist notions in a Christian country.
opposing a belief ultimately become
This oppression is understandably
evil?
the effect of contradicting a dominant
The disbelief and the belief in a deity
faith. This makes Atheists feel that if
coexist for the purpose of harmony.
they didn’t believe what they believe,
The relationship of the contradictory
Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Atheism is
there would be less of a problem. This
thoughts may be compared to the yin
the negation of Theism, or the denial of
oppression led them to create forums
and yang. There are no bad Christians
the existence of God – presumably the
and non – profit organizations such as
or bad atheists –only bad people. No
omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent
PATAS (Philippine Atheist and Agnostics
one can appreciate the day if the night
God of a sophisticated monotheism. It is
Society) and Filipino Freethinkers, that
never comes; no one will know peace
commonly associated with agnosticism,
provide the members a venue where
if war didn’t happen; there will be no
but they are different terminologies, as
they can share their thoughts and
faith to be strengthened if there were no
the latter claims that God is unknown
opinions without being judged.
doubts.
Atheists are now the bad guys
According to the Stanford
Opposites attract for a reason.
34
THERIPPLES
disgraced me, and hindered me half a million, laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine “He hath
enemies; and what’s his reason? I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? Fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer, as a Christian is? IF YOU PRICK US, DO WE NOT BLEED? IF YOU TICKLE US, DO WE NOT LAUGH? IF YOU POISON US, DO WE NOT DIE?” -Shylock’s monologue, Merchant of Venice
In this excerpt, we are
of the ruins of a battlefield just because
reminded that religions are just labels,
believed in just may be a minuscule
we believe we can. One belief can go a
and beneath these labels, we are
fraction of a greater truth, or we could
long way, but if it’s a good one, it can
people; people with too many questions
be entirely wrong. It does not matter
bring more to humanity than any war
and barely any answers, so we must not
whether we are devout to our deity
ever will.
inflict pain to those whose beliefs are
or skeptical of the supernatural. We
unsympathetic to our own.
could do more than just argue about
whose belief is better than the other. We
Everyone has a religion and
it may not necessarily be a god; it
could be more than just “theists” and
could be money; it could be fame and
“atheists”. We could be good people,
fortune; it could be influence. Religion is
and maybe, by being good people,
something that people run to or run for.
we could eradicate the walls and start
Science is, just as well.
building bridges. We could slowly make
something better out of what we have,
Remember that we may know
a lot, but we don’t know enough, so
and we could create beautiful things out
+
acknowledge that what we always
“SO LITTLE IS ACTUALLY WORTHY OF BELIEF OR DISBELIEF. BETTER TO STRIVE TO COEXIST THAN SEEK TO DISAPPROVE . . .” ― David Mitchell,
NULLIUS IN VERBA
ART BY GUSTAVE DORE
36
THERIPPLES
THE SUFFERING IN BUFFERING WRITTEN BY BENCENT GOHING
W
ILLUSTRATION BY CHRISTOPH SAGEMULLER
hy don’t we get what we pay
will only cost you at least 2100 Php.
cost quite a lot of money and are hard to
for? Internet service providers
maintain.
in the Philippines promise their
formed on why the country’s Internet has
subscribers a given Internet speed yet most
been such a disappointment; for one, there
Aquino IV initiated a recent investigation on
of them fail to deliver such.
are many “leechers” in the Philippines,
this matter. As our country’s internet will
people who hack and steal data from
play a crucial role in the upcoming ASEAN
155th out of 190 countries and ranked the
existing subscribers causing a fluctuation
economic integration (AEC) in 2015, which
lowest in the ASEAN group of countries
in your Internet speed. Another is the lack
is “To turn the region into a single market
in terms of internet speed, which is at an
of competitors an Internet service provider
and a production base.”
average of 3.6 Mbps.
has. With SMART, SUN and PLDT in one
company, Globe and other ISP’s might
connection is not solely experienced in our
as Singapore, the country’s Internet is quite
just as well go with the flow so to speak.
school but in our country as general. So, to
expensive, with PLDT Fibr’s 100Mbps which
One other speculation is the fact that the
acquire faster internet connection in school,
is the fastest as of now, it will be expected
Philippines is an archipelago, and hit by a
this issue must be addressed in the national
to cost you about 20,000 Php. While
mass of tropical storms regularly. Building
level first.
Singapore’s fastest; Myrepublics’s 1Gbps
towers and setting-up underwater wires can
Currently the Philippines is ranked
Compared to other countries such
Various speculations have been
Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam”
The problem with slow internet
+
art by bea visitavion
38
THERIPPLES
FEATURE + REVIEW
CAFFEINATED PATRIOT BY LUNA JOY DE LA CERNA
D
PHOTOS BY FAYE ABANTAO & BENCENT GOHING
ue to the hardworking nature of
Metro Bacolod at a reasonable prize? Take
How amazing can your one peso can get,
LCCians, we often prioritize our
the famous Iced Coffee from Sleepnot,
right? This store is currently managed by
work rather than our sleep,
located along the Chinese Temple North
Roden Manar, in its third generation of
and one of our refuge is coffee.
Drive at Villamonte, as an example. Many
brewing coffee for its’ loyalist. The store
In the past, the top requirement we have
customers, including me, promise a return
can accommodate only a few sitters given
for our coffee is its re-energizing effect, we
for another glass of this native coffee
its location at Luzuriaga St. Main Door, but
did not pay much attention to details like
with a complementing condensed milk
you can order a kilo of coffee powder for
taste, color, aroma, etc. Recently, it has
sinking at the bottom of the glass. The
190php. With this, you can bring home
been observed that our love for coffee is
bittersweet taste that leaves your taste
your very own café excellente.
slowly starting to elevate and we thirst for
buds and leaves you awake for the next six
quality tasting coffee, specifically, locally
hours, give or take. And of course, the Wifi
that will leave you more than satisfied,
grown and ground coffee. Most of us have
connection.
manamit na barato pa”, says Joel Benito,
been exploring our city in search for the
owner of Elen’s Café. It is located at
best cup we could lay our hands on. The
Villamonte, lies a humble shop, The Cube.
Bacolod Central Market, Block 129. In
Ripples LCCB scoured Bacolod in search
It has been the Javier’s family business for
a range of 10php-15php you can enjoy
for these hidden coffee gems, discovering
more than a year now. My sense of taste
hot Brewed Coffee that serves Bacolod
more than what we searched for; authentic
was stuck to was the Native Barako Coffee,
since 1936. The store was passed on
barako blends, cozy coffee shops and
costing 15PHP. Honestly, with the first sip,
to generations to make sure the family
warm greetings from the humble shop-
all I manage to absorb in my caffeinated
business keeps on on its purpose and
owners.
brain was the bitterness of that shot, but
tradition.
If there is one thing that Filipinos patronize
once it lands in my throat, it changes to
that is a 100% Pinoy Product, that would
something very locally sweet. The place
Cafe along Villamonte’s Back-up 4 serves
probably be coffee. Coffee has been
invites a sit-and-drink-time for students in
native coffee for only 15php. Maybe a little
the most basic morning essential of the
their friendly price and attention-grabbing
nearer in our school, A’s Cafe at Burgos
Filipinos around the world, whether you
displays of photographs and artworks
St. that serves its coffee for also 15php.
wake up for work, for school or maybe just
from some famous local artists (to name
These humble coffee-serving shops that
to chill out and put on some calories, or for
some; Jico Monte, Joel Blas and Armando
aren’t usually given much attention but
those who shouldn’t get to sleep for that
Guevara).
doesn’t looses it touch. . Mostly visited by
thing on their To-Dos lists. It must have
been an unwritten ritual and yet nobody
downtown area of Central Market. It is a
basketball game whether or not their team
knows they are observing such. May it be
coffee shop where other coffee shops take
won.
in a pack, beans, from a machine, or from
their coffee. Yeah, it’s a relay of treasures
that store where you wait for your name to
–only this time it’s black gold disguising
working space in Bacolod, DOJO8 not only
be called out loud. But there are also shops
as coffee powder. In a tiny corner store
provides their patrons with a work-and-
that must be tried out for the coffee that
Café Excellente that serves hot brewed
networking-friendly hub, they also serve
brings us all back home to the roots of our
coffee since 1984 (yes, they have been
unlimited native coffee if you avail of their
native land.
there for thirty years). For as low as 10php,
packages. Local products and delicacies
you can enjoy a hot cup of plain barako
are also available inside the dojo.
Isn’t it amazing how we can
find locally brewed coffee just around the
Around that area at North Drive
There is a jewel hidden inside the
and add one peso, it will come with milk.
“Visit our shop and try our coffee
With its goal of simplicity, Gabriel
local aged men who would talk about a
Being dubbed as the first co-
▶
Map by Faye Abantao
Natural Garden Cafe has awide variety of cakes to choose from. Our favorites were their Choco Coco cake and Santol cake, all of which taste perfect with their blend of native coffee.
LCCians enjoying the good food at Natural Garden Cafe.
We are all lost in the idea to snip
foreign product in our hands, between our fingers, because there is just this tiny triumph in us once we get a taste of something that came overseas –maybe this calls for a revolution. We have to find a way back into fighting to be active
nationalist. Maybe we have to taste the local delicacies, without knowing
CUBE’s signature native and iced coffee has a special Negros flavor because of special blend of beans & Mascuvado sugar.
that these products are imported to different countries too as well. It is a sting in the eyes that the youth today DOJO8 serves various local blends of coffee and some locally produced and organic snacks for their patrons
would prefer frappucinos and lattes from (pre-packaged/ mass-produced) four-cornered air-conditioned coffee
Garnering popularity via social media, Natural Garden Café – located at Villa Valderrama, is one of the freshest places
bars. I’m not against such, but would it be nice if we know how to patronize
and locally grown cuisine. Their satisfying
a hold of what isn’t.
servings, fusion cooking, and of course,
their native coffee, will surely leave you
in this world, but as what the elders
filled. They also have an exciting rotating
always remind us, we mustn’t neglect
menu, making sure you get a new taste every day.
We have yet discover more
the power of being able to look back and appreciate the things that
products in a way where you can enjoy and learn is one way of advocating for them. The world we live in is fast-paced that none of us can control its flow; but a person who knows their roots is a person who knows a better future. We must arise from our sleep and move forward. Fully recharged and caffeinated, we can make sure that nothing gets left behind. Every morning is worth the wake. Cheers to that!
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you can get affordable and tasty organic
what our land has to offer before having
our own native land has to offer. Patronizing local
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http://youtu.be/Av1pIb52lbA
Ai Wei Wei: Never Sorry When history calls most don’t answer. But to the brave few that answer the road is filled with fear and uncertainty. Ai Wei Wei takes China’s totalitarian rule and says “fu*k you” in the face of torture and death. This documentary follows the artistic and revolutionary journey of Ai Wei Wei to uplift the Chinese people by instilling his countrymen with hope and plant the seeds of revolution. However the documentary is also balanced out with segments of Wei Wei’s exhibitions and personal views on art and its significance in the world at large. The trip takes the viewer from Wei Wei’s humble beginnings to his first exhibits, through his experience with the Beijing Olympics and to being immortalized as a symbol of revolution. This phenomenal documentary gives incredibly close insight into the life and impact of this revolutionary artist. This is an important film for every revolutionary, artist, revolutionary artist, or the simple layman to view. The movie will put fire in the heart and art on the mind.