# data[].attributes.body
Films allow for the portrayal of life and a chance to create an alternate universe. It reflects ideologies and values and of course, culture. Aside from their entertainment value, they also serve as a medium for social commentaries, the demonstration of dilemmas, provoking our thoughts, and encourages participation in the politics of life. With that, films are used as channels in relaying concepts and ideas. With the help of symbolisms, messages meant for the audience gets delivered.

Semiotics is important in pop culture because it focuses on understanding how people create and interpret the meaning of signs and symbols. Dialogues and words present textuality and further brings forth intertextuality that encourages the audience to tie everything together. The fun part is that everyone can have different interpretations on these symbolisms that stimulates conversations and debates—it demands for discussion. As the years pass by, more social issues are generated or are still left unsolved, and we need to use media to promote progressive activity to solve these problems.

# data[].attributes.body
I adore movies for everything there is to it: the artistry, cinematography, the score, the message it relays—a culmination of art forms that appeals to the senses. However, my heart belongs to only one niche: arthouse films. Independent movies still play a huge part in popular culture; in this context, ‘independent’ does not necessarily equate to the absolute opposite of ‘popular’. These kinds of films are not marketed for the masses, but for a community of art enthusiasts. A couple of my favorites include Birdshot, The Baseball Player, Leonor Will Never Die, and Patay na Si Hesus.

# data[].attributes.body
I regret to say that nothing brings me sheer joy the way local pop culture does. It is simply amazing how we create our own world, rooted from the one thing that makes us unique: being Filipino. Perhaps it's the sense of patriotism that induces the warm waves of pride in me but enjoying something that you identify with, that was made especially for you, is truly incomparable. To me, Filipino cinema is the most spectacular form of pop culture but albeit being a league of its own, I also indulge in OPM, local podcast channels, and memes. As a healthy enjoy of pop culture, I can say that it had a huge impact in shaping the personality and identity I have today.