Cinema, Chords, and Chuckles: The Essence of Pinoy Pop by Karyll Arianna D. Son

Me and my likes!

kason7 — 2025-03-10 13:06:40 UTC

I am Karyll Arianna Son but I prefer if you can call me Kya , age 19 and second-year student of MMCM with Psychology as my major. I have a special fascination for indie films that boast great narratives and OPM songs whose lyrics talk of true feelings. I giggle over memes that appear on my feed, light-hearted and relatable. I have a casual fascination with politics too, reading on current events and social problems. I spend time outside academics playing online games like Roblox and Valorant in order to de-stress and catch up on friends. My Philippine pop culture passions are a mix of emotional music, gritty narratives, comedy, and a bit of competitive gaming.

Indie Films I Love

kason7 — 2025-03-10 13:42:14 UTC

Indie films have changed how I think about love and the world. Their simple storytelling shows how life can be tough for people who just want to love freely. They talk about the challenges, sacrifices, and sadness that come with loving someone in a world that doesn’t always accept true feelings. At the same time, indie films show how love—whether it's romantic, family, or self-love—is important for giving people hope, purpose, and the strength to deal with life's problems. Their honest stories have helped me understand both the strength and limits of love in a world that can be beautiful but also harsh.

MEMES!!

kason7 — 2025-03-10 13:50:00 UTC

Memes are an original means of demonstrating how individuals can identify with the same experiences by making them funny memories. They not only capture common moments of daily life but also act as a stress-relief mechanism, and as they say, laughter is indeed the best medicine. With their humorous and relatable content, memes can unite people and ease the burden of stressful circumstances.

HELLO! I'M KYA!

kason7 — 2025-03-10 14:50:20 UTC

Politics

kason7 — 2025-03-10 15:07:37 UTC

Politics has also shaped my interests, and it made me question what our nation would have been. What I know of living in the Philippines is that there are good and bad people, and that the majority, unfortunately, vote on empty promises from politicians who have no credibility to take on the job they are running for. This reality is unfair to the people who truly want to create genuine change and development.

OPM songs I like!

kason7 — 2025-03-10 15:12:39 UTC

Listening to OPM music is incredibly comforting to me because of how effortlessly it captures and expresses the emotions I often struggle to put into words. There's something about the heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies that makes me feel understood, as if the artists have taken pages from my own experiences. Whether it's songs about unrequited love, heartbreak, or the small joys in life, OPM has a way of speaking directly to what I feel, making even the most difficult emotions easier to bear. The authenticity and depth of the lyrics create a sense of connection, reminding me that I'm not alone in what I'm going through. For me, OPM is more than just music—it's a companion that validates my feelings and helps me navigate the ups and downs of life.

Games I like to play!

kason7 — 2025-03-10 15:21:20 UTC

I play Valorant and Roblox in my free time because they help me unwind after a long day and provide an escape from stress. Beyond just being entertaining, these games have become a way for me to stay connected and bond with my friends and cousins, making gaming both a hobby and a way to strengthen my relationships.

My chosen Contemporary Philippine Pop Culture

kason7 — 2025-03-10 15:30:11 UTC

Indie films in the Philippines have significantly reshaped how I perceive love and the realities of society by using semiotics—the study of signs and symbols in communication. One film that stands out to me is “I’m Drunk, I Love You,” which beautifully captures the bittersweet complexity of unspoken feelings and unrequited love. The film uses powerful symbols, dialogues, and visuals to convey how love can be both liberating and painfully confining. For instance, the road trip setting in the movie feels like a symbol of Carson's emotional journey—her desire to move forward yet being held back by her unspoken love for Dio. The raw, heartfelt dialogues and the use of music as a backdrop to their unexpressed emotions highlight the struggle of loving freely in a world full of uncertainties and societal judgments. Through these elements, the film challenges the mainstream portrayal of romance, presenting instead a more honest and relatable narrative about the courage it takes to love without expecting anything in return.

Moreover, by breaking away from the glossy narratives typical of mainstream cinema, “I’m Drunk, I Love You” and other indie films have redefined what it means to love and be loved in the context of Philippine society. The film's exploration of unrequited love and the painful reality of not being loved back reflects a side of romance that is rarely explored in mainstream movies. The use of silence and lingering gazes between Carson and Dio becomes a semiotic tool to express everything that words cannot—longing, heartbreak, and acceptance. Watching this film made me reflect on how love, even when unreturned, has the power to shape our lives and push us to grow. This authentic portrayal has challenged me to rethink societal norms surrounding love and acceptance, encouraging me to embrace the beauty of vulnerability and honesty. For me, indie films like “I’m Drunk, I Love You” do not just tell stories; they inspire change by making us confront the complexities of our emotions and relationships.