Pop Culture in the Philippines by Kirby Coquilla

PART A

coquillakirby — 2024-02-23 14:10:32 UTC

In a small city of Tandag, there lives a young gal full of hopeful ambitions and dreams to fulfill. She is Kirby Coquilla, a first year student in BS Accountancy. Within the world full of numbers to analyze and duties to play, her true passion resides in the art of writing — whether through poems full of metaphorical fiction or the unwavering gaze of non-fiction and journalism. Beyond the walls of Kirby's studies, she finds herself intrigued by the wonders of the Philippine Pop culture, As an aspiring writer, she continuously ponders on the idea of change and how people are influenced to change. Hence, Kirby immerses herself in her beloved country's literature, films, music, practices/trends, and art, to unravel the mysteries that these bring.

coquillakirby — 2024-02-23 15:08:18 UTC

coquillakirby — 2024-02-23 15:26:51 UTC

PART B.1

coquillakirby — 2024-02-24 02:05:40 UTC

"Writers are exalted because of what they wrote."
— F. Sionil Jose

One thing that she wants to highlight the importance of is the Philippine literature. It is truly disheartening to witness that Philippine literature hasn't been popular or became mainstream in the country due to its heavily influenced history and limited outlets for creative writers (NOLISOLI, 2017). "I believe our country has something more to offer in this field," Kirby says. Literature still plays a huge part in the Philippine popular culture, nonetheless, especially since there has been a rising number of young writers in this generation. A prime example representing the country's culture is the works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

PART B.2

coquillakirby — 2024-02-24 02:31:29 UTC

There is also another masterpiece crafted by Pete Lacaba entitled, "Prometheus Unbound", which is a moving expression of opposition to the injustices of Martial Law (read more here: Prometheus Unbound: Silence can’t be bought). Kirby has witnessed Facebook friends who have published a few zines, embedding regional dialects within their works while showcasing various themes about life in general, Philippine culture, and others. For instance, Carlou Espedillon or also known by his pen name 'Lolo Penguin', is a writer based in Alabel, Sarangani, and currently the chairperson of the Sarangani Writers League. He writes for the masses, for the daily struggles that people go through and can relate with, he aims to widen the influence of literature in their town. Indeed, it is interesting enough to know how much power words hold and how they can empower the minds of many through this medium.

PART C (PARAGRAPH 1)

coquillakirby — 2024-02-24 03:16:40 UTC

Philippine literature in the context of pop culture provides an avenue for critique and cultural celebration within the framework of the Carnival Theory. According to this theory, social norms and hierarchies are slightly repealed during carnival periods, allowing for a reversal of power dynamics and the expression of marginalized voices. Similar to this, there is a carnival-esque feel found in Philippine literature, especially in forms like poetry, social media narratives, and komiks (comics), where traditional boundaries are blurred and alternative discourses flourish. Literary works offer a space for resistance against oppressive structures and challenge prevailing ideologies through humor, satire, and exaggeration.

PART C (PARAGRAPH 2)

coquillakirby — 2024-02-24 03:20:06 UTC

Literature in the Philippines becomes a carnival of ideas where overlooked viewpoints are given voice and cultural traditions are celebrated, a country filled with historical injustices and current social issues. Dictatorship, human rights violations, and social inequality are examples of works that embodies this carnival spirit, such as Lualhati Bautista's "Dekada '70" and Bob Ong's satirical novels. Through its incorporation of carnivalesque elements such as humor, parody, and grotesque imagery, Philippine Literature has become a force for social change in pop culture, in addition to providing entertainment. It gives people the confidence to question the status quo, reconsider social norms, and imagine a more fair and just world.

coquillakirby — 2024-02-24 03:21:32 UTC

Photo references: https://tadonggeniuskuno.wordpress.com/2014/02/15/bob-ongs-aba-nag-review-ka-na-ba/; https://medium.com/@nikka.seculles.jhs/dekada-70-8e76a4d80fa0; http://rizal.library.ateneo.edu/node/811; https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/238067/smaller-and-smaller-circles-by-fh-batacan/; https://jieteodoro.com/2022/05/11/basa-tayo-4-dagat-ang-dugo-ng-mga-kataw/; https://www.penlab.ink/titles/katipunera-warrior-kalabaw-kolektib/; https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/791031/you-may-read-the-first-volume-of-trese-komiks-online-for-free/story/; https://twitter.com/penlab_ink/status/1396752834385829888