Pop Culture Representation of Philippine Mythology by Nur Fyed L. Tamburani

Part B

nftamburani — 2023-11-02 06:40:26 UTC

The pop culture representation of Philippine Mythology through art and illustrations has quite a visual appeal. Some creatures are of the scale of the monsters made into being by authors such as Lovecraft, yet still hold the ethereal magic I often associate with those of Eastern Mythologies, others are quite disturbing in nature comparable to the most disturbing yokais of Japan. This variety of creatures creates a rich world far from monotone. To exemplify, creatures of scale such as the Bakunawa, a sea serpent, dragon-like creature is known for its ability to cause eclipses and is believed to reside in the depths of the sea. Artists often use vibrant blues and greens in the illustrations to represent the deep oceanic realm where the Bakunawa dwells. Another creature, which I find rather disturbing is the Bal-Bal, a creature who steals corpses to feed on the rotting flesh. It has the job of a Japanese Kasha (a corpse-stealing creature from Japanese folktales) but with its artistic depictions eerily macabre.

Part C

nftamburani — 2023-11-02 06:40:27 UTC

Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and how they communicate meaning in different contexts. The Philippine pop culture representation of Philippine mythology can create change in the context of semiotics by introducing new or alternative meanings and interpretations of the signs and symbols used in the cultural products. Suppose we reimagined and reinvented characters and icons of Philippine mythology, folklore, and pop culture, such as the aswang, the manananggal, the diwata, the bakunawa, etc. By doing so, we challenged the conventional and stereotypical representations of these entities and created new associations and connotations for them. For instance, we can portray the aswang as a glamorous and influential figure, rather than a monstrous and evil one. Thus, changing the meaning of the signifier and the signified.

Agenda setting is a media theory that states that the media influences the public’s perception of what issues are important and how they should be framed. The Philippine pop culture representation of Philippine mythology can create change in the context of agenda-setting by influencing the public’s perception of the issues related to Philippine mythology. Popular representations of Philippine mythology can raise public interest in the various deities and legends of the pre-colonial Philippines, as well as the history and beliefs of the ancient Filipinos. Presenting these aspects of Philippine mythology can shape the public's agenda and make them pay more attention to their cultural identity and heritage. We can also frame the issues and topics in a certain way, such as emphasizing the diversity and complexity of Philippine mythology or comparing and contrasting it with other mythologies, thus affecting the public’s attitude and opinion towards them.

Part A

nftamburani — 2023-11-03 06:38:15 UTC

I find this question rather hard to answer as I have a few interests (i.e., book reading, book collecting, video games, programming), but nothing distinctly Filipino. Thus, it would require me to lie to churn out 5 Philippine Pop Culture interests, and I don't plan on doing so. Despite this, I am still a Filipino, and I do not despise my own nationality. I do not think it is necessary to shower yourself with everything Filipino just to prove that you are. I do have an interest in countless mythologies and folklore around the world, and I know a few mythological creatures from Philippine Folklore. Although my knowledge on this is limited as I haven't read through a comprehensive book on this topic as of yet, it still is a budding interest regardless, and I would also like to delve deep into its pop culture representation.