Philippine Pop Culture: The Trend, The Analysis and Me by Julie Ann M. Tiempo

Me

jatiempo — 2025-03-07 11:11:09 UTC

If there’s one thing I find challenging in this assessment, it is this part. I don’t know how to summarize the complexities of my being, but here goes: I am a 35-year-old soul still alive, barely alert, somewhat awake, and not so enthusiastic. Therefore, I thrive in my multitasker era, juggling work and school. As someone who is busy, I don’t have much time for social media and other recreational activities. However, I could squeeze in a few episodes of Netflix or Kdrama series during my free time, particularly in the fantasy, suspense, or mystery genre. Recently, I have been obsessed with looking at pictures of old houses and before and after photos of famous buildings or streets in the community. I find myself longing for the simplicity of my childhood when I didn’t have the worries that occupy my mind today.

The Trend

jatiempo — 2025-03-07 11:12:19 UTC

One of Philippine Pop Culture's most notable trends is Throwback Thursday (#TBT), a social media event where users share nostalgic photos, videos, or memories. I have been feeling nostalgic lately and craving for the feeling of living in simpler times. I chose this trend because it resonates deeply with my strong familial values and sentimental nature as a Filipino. It also becomes a platform to celebrate personal milestones, revisit significant cultural moments, and share experiences with loved ones or friends from afar. More importantly, it bridges generations, offering the youth glimpses into the past while allowing older generations to reminisce or tell a story. It evokes the feeling of nostalgia and awareness of our history, cultural influences, and even economic and political revolution.

The Analysis

jatiempo — 2025-03-07 12:03:33 UTC

The Throwback Thursday trend influences various aspects of society, more evidently social behavior. According to the Uses and Gratifications Theory, individuals engage with media to fulfill specific personal or social needs, such as entertainment, social interaction, or escapism. Most Filipinos are sentimental (myself included); they use #TBT to reminisce about past experiences, share nostalgic moments, and connect with others with similar memories. For example, someone might post a childhood photo from the 90s celebrating the Sinulog festival using the hashtag #TBT, which can evoke nostalgia and encourage others to share their memories. This common experience fosters a sense of community and social bonding among Filipinos.

In the Philippines, #TBT often highlights cultural milestones, historical events, or personal achievements. For instance, a news media outlet might share a throwback photo of the historic People Power Revolution, accompanied by a caption reflecting on the event's cultural significance. This engages the audience and serves as a form of cultural preservation and education. Additionally, using #TBT fulfills our need to spread awareness of the events that led to these trying times and a shared escape from the harsh realities of adulting. As we continue to embrace this trend, we find ourselves reminiscing about our simpler times and the possibility of having that in the future.