Of music and life: A writer's interview with a chorus singer

Of music and life: A writer's  interview with a chorus singer 

A picture of Henesie,
a "Chorus singer" in a crew, wishes to become an artist.

To the offended to be, my apologies for this writeup.

Well, at first it is the writer's first time to feature a person whom likely to be criticized by some since of course she comes from a genre that is likely to be assailed. And quite knowing that yes, that person is one of the writer's friends whom he lately interviewed with for this kind of writeup given.

It is quite noticing that her genre is different from the usual hiphop scene in the Philippines. Yes, different that it its culture is mainly catered to the lower strata of the society, whose music is mainly made by them and been record the way their idols did; that their getups are often described negatively by others as such that "they have no food to eat yet you are still a gangster?" 

Obviously, it is quite strange that they are assailed by some, if not many; that during the popularity (or notoriety) of the Jejemon scene that most of them are being diretly described as "Jejemon," in fact, this writer made him think that they are rather a result of a trend that made them entice to imitate, making as it their own especially in music, dance and fashion.

For sure to those who read someone would say that this writer made in support of this person likely to be criticized, rather say "no," it is a job of the writer to write and get to know with people including those deemed and ridiculed. 

And to think that out of a trend-enticed many, few remains to the scene they enjoyed with. After all, it is their choice that made them say that:

 "Only God will judge themselves."

Her life in the scene

According to Henesie (sounds like wine isn't it?) she was in grade six when she became a part of the scene in her neighborhood, that perhaps others may call it directly as "gangsta" despite the former's disapproval to their thinking about her scene she belonged. 

She is quite young to see her on that scene, in fact accoring to an interview, she experienced joining in a cofraternity, she even joined in a group of girls in her neighborhood; that made this writer think that she is like any other girl who joined in a scene such as wearing skimpy shorts, sexy getups, listening to their music and oftentimes engaged in drinking rhum and such that is typical in a neighborhood Henesie come from. 

But then despite these, what this writer sees is that she is more inclined into music, as well as art compare to others that treated the scene as typical that made others think badly over with it; least she has talent to show with just like some in her scene.

Her love for Music and art

According to Henesie, she stated that she is a chorus rapper, having an idea in creating rhymes to be followed by beats and be recorded just like any other newbie who engaged into music. Obviously, in this writer's interview with Henesie, making music seriously requires thinking especially on how to put rhymes into melodies and making it singable before being recorded, and to think that Henesie's  talent as a singer somehow at first is like similar to any other singer within the scene whose topic is about love-hare relationships. 

To others, it may meant too common to hear and even ridicule after listening her music, to think that it is all about love-hate relationships that is often common to their ears, but least that having a talent such as music, dance, visual art or any sort gives a person a worthy of praise that others tend to call as catering popularity; that sadly to say some making it exaggerated. This writer somehow listen few songs coming from others similar to Henesie's, but it's all but the same that it requires training and new ideas to have with. 

In fact, according to this writer, upon knowing about Henesie's talent in putting rhymes in melodies somehow reminds on how other artists from other scene, such as Axel Pinpin who create their spoken poetries and be accompanied by instruments as part of their recitals, so is she in her rapping and singing choruses.

Henesie also said that she also belonged to groups engaging in their "musical talent," like "Balwarte ng Cavite" and "Las Pinas City Hustlah", and it all seems that having a variety of groups are encouraged as chances of recording more raps and songs to be written, sing and played that some ought to understand if not all for popularity's sake as what most think of about artists.

After all, she and others perhaps are in an "indie" label, to think that their music are being played in social media other than sold in CDs. And obviously, it is quite difficult, especially in creating a career out of it, to think that Henessie is now focused much on her studies as well after finishing High School, taking up Tourism as her course.

An assessment

In fact, being an artist takes much time thinking before being written and recorded, obviously some tend to do so for the sake if popularity, others tend to show it as expression, few rather somehow use as a means of conveying a message greater than the usual love-hate relationship oftentimes being played in social media if not in the radio and shown in TV.  After all, this writer isn't much for art for art's sake idea and its sister idea of art for popularity. Henesie's talent as a musician requires training and open-mindedness to create a good, talented singer whose idea is to convey message and not merely popularity as part of a trend. 

As a writer, it may say that she has a talent to focus with; in fact quite enjoyable with her having a chitchat telling about her talent as a musician, quite relating though since this writer is also an artist who engaged once in a spoken poetry session, loves writing poetries and making visual artwork; also thinking, or suggesting that she should not just primarily, entirely focus on singing choruses and rapping, for a good singer requires an open mind for other genres, flexible so to speak.

Anyways, in an assessment as a writer interviewing a chorus singer and a part of her scene, its all in the person on how to interpret life, whether in fashion, music, or any other kind of art or crap as long as it suits for its own. Quite weird if doing this and that as a mere trend so to see; creating a mere conformist  expected that later will shed for another. Obviously, not all had the time to explore their talent, whether in music or in visual art, to think Henesie's neighborhood may rather think about treating the street as a ramp, some booty shaking, having a drinking session or any other idea what comes from her mind; others, even within the scene may still think of it as different, if not strange so to speak, especially to those who treat a scene a part of a trend that is popular. After all, this writer and the one whom this writer interviewed have different genres, but it is a degree of understanding and respect that somehow carries a sense that somehow would also contribute to creating new ideas in music and art; especially that being against the trend lies constant creativity. 

And as for that Henesie, perhaps someday she'll break the flow, the trend and to give a damn at those who make a slander; it takes time to create so to say something to counter a social (dis)order using a talent coming from her scene.

That made this writer say this:
Destroy the norm!
Create new form!
Way to go!
 Cheers with black and red roses!

"Barkada Trip" revisited

"Barkada Trip" revisited

It was early morning when this writer recalled this kind of show after watching one episode in the computer. It was quite recalling since that show, although short reminds of our quite some time youth especially when watching "Wazzup Wazzup" or "Samurai X" in Studio 23, all regardless of hearing only laughs and few voices as well as cute characters in a show known simply as "Barkada Trip".

Created by Chibibo Toons producers Brando De Leon (or known as "Dok"), Regina Bengzon and Michael Bernaldez then later Fat Fingers Production, Barkada Trip was a two minute cartoon then shown on Philippines' own Studio 23 last 2005. It uses digital animation and flash, that somehow considers this as an attempt to popularize Filpino animation during those times.

In fact, upon looking at every skit, it is somhow quite recalling what others tend to call "youth", obviously, Barkada Trip tells about a group of seven teenagers with their different personality that resembles as Pinoy teenagers full of adventure and pranks as well, especially in one of its characters.

In that show, it carries an influence coming from Japanese animation, but adding some Filipino storylines and appearances; and each of them carries different personalities (as according to Sketchpride): Bok, the leader and the prankster of the group, his mysterious, black pet feline named Malas as his sidekick,Abantao a silent, skater boy who is a punk, Trixie an ultra kikay of the group, Nikki the sports and exercise buff, Marla a tough man-hater of the group, Derek a technology expert and Nori the consummate metrosexual who can't get enough of his pet tarsier named Aries.

At first, Chibibo toons, along with Studio 23 made that cartoon as a short commercial from day till night, it was just that it catches popular attention especially that it features pranks and humor, as well as characters like Bok and Marla. However, the characters of Barkada Trip didn't talk so much but instead they used grunts and laughs, even word baloons when they react or as part of their communication. It was in 2006 when Fat Fingers Production replaced Chibibo Toons as its producer, given voices over the characters and somehow made a bit long for some additional comic relief although Chibibo's version got better designs in that show.

By the way, here are the descriptions of the characters as according to Sketchpride made years earlier:

Bonifacio Andres (Bok), is a prankster and the leader of the Barkada Trip and has a pet black cat named Malas. Bok is bald and wears a red t-shirt that it's logo changes in every episode like "How can Henry Sy?" with big fonts and a brown shirt. His father who work in Saudi Arabia as OFW ( and ironically owns a cat like Bok, but only white) was his only family member appeared other than Bok's friends in one episode. As a prankster, his friends doesn't accept him at first because he made lots of pranks that made them annoyed especially Marla but some episodes they generally accept him as a member of Barkada Trip. Every episodes, Bok ended up being in trouble because of his pranks or his friends.

Abantao, is the silent person of the Barkada Trip who owns a skateboard. His physical features include his skull cap, green t-shirt with a skull logo, a strip bandage on his cheek, and pants. He is Bok's only best friend ever since they were young as seen in a flashback in one episode. Together with Bok, they make lots of pranks but Abantao make only less pranks than Bok.

Patricia Victoria Regina Lo (Trixie), a red-haired kikay girl of the group who likes to eat a lot. She wears a pink "bestida" and pants. There are some episodes hinted that she has a crush on Abantao. Trixie and Abantao once had a date but only Trixie enjoyed the date because she ordered and ate a lot of food that even Abantao's budget was gone. Even Abantao offered Trixie to ride his skateboard in the end. Trixie and Abantao were paired in a "Rapunzel" parody in one episode.

Innocencia Santiago (Nikki), is a sports and exercise hobbyist. In one episode, before she got hooked in sports she was an overweight teenager and always ate a lot of food in the past. Because she was an overweight girl, no boys liked her until Derek came along to her life. After those painful past , Nikki started to become physically fit and therefore she gets a normal weight to make boys like her. When Derek saw Nikki in a fit, he just stared at her in a distance without a word until Nikki was suddenly chased by a tarsier. It is unknown whether if Derek and Nikki liked each other even they're in a Barkada Trip group.

Maria Lavinia Flores (Marla), is a tough, man-hater in the Barkada Trip gang. She wears a yellow dress and a headband. As a tough and stubborn girl, Marla hates to be taunted by boys especially from Bok that sometimes ended up getting hurt with her physical attacks or sometimes likes to tease boys when she saw them they're ended up from trouble. Marla gets along with Nikki and Trixie as her friends and protects them from Bok's pranks. Like Nikki and Trixie, it is hinted that she may secretly likes Bok but she never reveals her general feelings to him. One episode also showed Bok and Marla had feelings for each other after eating Nissin Cup Noodles.

Federico Zaragosa VI (Derek), a technology expert of the group. He owns the latest gadgets around and made his own machines for purposes. He even helps his friends about gadgets in some episodes like changing the cellphone's language from Bok's new cellphone. He was in Nikki's past and therefore it is unknown whether if he likes Nikki or not. Both Derek and Nikki were paired in a "Cinderella" parody episode.

Norberto Felix Trinidad (Nori), the consummate metrosexual member of the group. At the early episodes, Nori seems he's a real guy that even he made into the clinic for "Operation: Tuli".As the series goes, he turns out to be only a member in Barkada Trip to be like homosexual (I believe it's because there should be a "gay" member of a teenage group). Even he admit that who he was and likes Bok in one episode.. Nori is the owner of the pet tarsier named Aries. In one episode, Nori once saved Aries from Bok's pranks outside the park and since that day, they become mutual friends.

Aries and Malas are the only animals in Barkada Trip, Malas is Bok's pet cat while Aries is Nori's pet tarsier. In one episode (that also featured Pinoy Big Brother) they played as "Big Brother" playing Bok by punishing him for his naughtiness.

Sadly to say, it gained few audiences despite people having interest in watching Barkada Trip. In fact it had merchandise once sold in SM's Toy Kingdom and other stores during its popularity as an animated short that supposedly destined to be a longer one the way Spongebob Squarepants had in Nickelodeon. Nowadays most only see Studio 23 as a station with "Fresh US Episodes" as its focus.

That made this writer think how come it discontinue the attempt to popularize Filipino cartoons in television? Barkada Trip had chances of getting popular due to the cuteness of characters given and its naughtiness such as Bok's pranks and Marla's reprisals, to think that it had merchandise being sold before.

Anyways, in an assessment, quite cute to see at first only to see that it is full of prank, humor, adventure, and perhaps a dash of love despite few ought to watch in a channel being watched by middle class viewers. In fact, this writer, during his days watching that show was somehow thinking that since Japanese animes and American ones have longer ones, why Filipinos tend to keep it a mere skit? Isn't it bacause few dare to watch and understand the way gag shows like Tropang Trumpo done earlier?

 Anyways, Filipinos aren't really into animation so to see as they prefer live action and heavy drama. But at least, that show was an attempt, like any other animated short to polarize Filipino animation at its finest.

AGITPOP! The words and sentiments of Axel Pinpin and the Propaganda Machine

AGITPOP! 

The words and sentiments of Axel Pinpin and the Propaganda Machine
and others contributing

It was yesterday when this writer was watching a video with a musical-cum-poetry number.

Quite strange though to see, but then the message given stirs something few dare to explain, somewhat similar to "Cather in the Rye" given a red sentiment that is, Axel Pinpin.

Mostly written in Tagalog, Axel Pinpin simply conveys a message that is based on realities such as poverty, repression and a need for a revolution; to think that most of his words may think that he is a hard to the core radical venting rage against the system through music and poetry.

Indeed, he is against the system, and he uses art as a weapon against the system.

His life as a radical

Coming from Indang Cavite, Axel Pinpin is known for his spoken poetry through is writeups and accompanied with music.

In fact, he has been writing poetry since his college years, and He has already published a few poetry books of his own before the idea for the band even started to accompany his works. However, he is much recognized by the media for his Activism, especially that he is engaging in peasant-related work in Southern Luzon, also known as the Southern Tagalog Region.

However, according to Pinpin, he tends to separate himself both as an artist in his band and as a secretary-general in a peasant organization, all regardless of having similar ideas conveyed such as a need for general social change and enlightenment whether through spoken poetry or through press releases and the like; to think that he himself is a professed radical whose obligation is to liberate by all means-such as using cultural work.

But as for his ideals and aspirations, all despite given appraisals from the music and to the literature community, also given heckles and imprisonment. As he, an ex-political detainee wrongly imprisoned by the Arroyo government from 2006-2008 for his actions, simply convey that being a government critic lies risks to be accepted, and yet despite these he afford to write and even made a book that still carries the message similar to Lu Xun's, Letov's or even Hernandez's, Sison's and Lumbera's.

To others, it is quite strange, especially that he, a rebel conveys his message into music-such as a concoction of rock and groove. In an instance, one of his poems is given a sound that is groovy in everybody's ears, yet the message remains the same: revolution.

Introducing...AGITPOP!

Obviously, upon hearing his poems set into music, it is itself an example of AgitPop.

AgitPop, coined by this writer, is a marriage of AgitProp and Popular culture; it utilizes the existing scenes and turning it into an idea that is worthy to be called revolutionary.

In fact, Jiang Qing's Revolutionary Peking Opera fuses the east and west by the use of eastern and western instruments-how come Raising the Red Lantern includes wearing western attire that is worth realistic than the usual Peking Opera? North Korea's Sea of Blood also had similarities in it, using eastern music, western instruments, and radical ideas to create an opera that is agitating not just appraising; so is Axel Pinpin's.

To think that his poetries are accompanied with some folk rock, groove, or any other genre, the message remains as it is as it dominates over sound. Bamboo Manalac's revival of Buklod's "Tatsulok" attempted to merge AgitProp with Pop culture, yet it turned out to see pop culture dominating over AgitProp to think that "Tatsulok" is originally a protest song during the 1980s featuring the society as a social pyramid from the elite top to the have-not bottom; this writer somehow think that yes, people admire the song "Tatsulok" because of its music, but how about its message then? It turns out to be commercialized plain and simple as few tend to reflect to its message that is anti-system in a tone that is rock to described as radical.

Kinda strange at first about Pop culture gone radical, obviously Pinpin's music and others may usher a new wave of "Radical Chics" dancing and singing to the tune of AgitPop regardless of its respective genre. BLKDs rap mirrors social realities and revolutionary patriotism, the Gerilya artist collective utilizes the use of street art such as wheatpaste to convey message of social change and love of country; this writer felt that yes, a new wave has come as more and more will do something what the system tends to call as strange, weird or subversive; to think that social realities like poverty, corruption, oppression and submission to vested interests made people resort to do things by all means such as art or arms.

...or rather say art as an arm.

Anyways, this writer hopes that that will be the time to break the flow, this time a protracted one. That, despite popularity the message always as its forefront and make people reflect and resist than treating it as a mere trend to be imitated; the latter is in fact what the system wanted, negating the message and reducing it into a mere word made for the sake of popularity. 

Singers such as Chikoy Pura and Bobby Balingit somehow became popular in mainstream scene after their songs had gone popular not just in the protest movement, but then their music remains true as it conveys reality using rock music; they've been played in the radio, videoes shown in youtube or any social media,  but the message keeps as it is whether in revisiting about EDSA I  (as what Pura made in his song "Sayaw sa Bubog") or forgetting God after having everything around him (after Balingit's "Nakalimutan na ang Diyos") making the people realize something after hearing their music and be agitated contrary to what the usual music scene that is made to consume.

In fact, this writer tried once joining a spoken poetry session, quite nice to join to especially that this writer also writes poetry as his therapy for a barren mind and soul other than writing stories and drawing. This writeup also made revisit some of his writeups too, like:

"If that's the case then does having a fashion, music, movie, TV program using a "Patriotic" statement make a person Patriotic? Or just a fad, a ploy used by the prevailing order in desperately currying popular support and making them contented to it?"

Well, that message made this writer think that there is a need for a new wave of culture that is genuinely enlightening for the common man and not a culture that is made to consume without consciousness. Pinpin's music, as well as others wanted their creativity as way to enlight, to arise and revolt against an other that is, repressive as been sought and endure.

Kristine...Revisited

Kristine...Revisited

Well, this writeup is made supposedly last May, but then this writer hath been preoccupied with other works as well as trying to have a series of brainstorming for this kind of work. In fact, this work is made also in response to an ad made by a prestigious clothing apparel that seemed to treat women as dog breeders. As it says:

"This is just all about Mixing and Matching...Call it biased, but the mixing and matching of different nationalities with Filipino blood is almost a sure formula for someone beautiful and world class."

Obviously, those words treating Filipinas for fucking is the most stupid of all ideas to be written for an advertisment all for the sake of calling a Filipina "world class." 

...that made this writer think about a woman whose beauty is far from the stereotype what that ad stated.

In fact, it is kinda strange for this writer to revisit someone who haven't met in person, but then this so-called "revisit" perhaps recalls someone who also made him inspired for quite some time.

...especially in this few days of the sizzling sun yet this time carrying rain.

In fact, this writer consider Kristine as a vixen in this blog other than Jella, like in the earlier writeup she corresponds to the tropical setting as fresh that made others think of as exotic, submissive and seductive, but this writer think that she's not like any other third world girl that oftentimes see in porn or in the mindsets of the white men as rice dolls.

After all, she's one of the writer's muses when it comes to artwork.

Again, with a description such as having a beauty bronzed by the sun, with tattoos on her body, Kristine remained slim different from what comes today. And based on the pictures similar to last time's post, she still loves the sea and white sand to step in, whether it is Boracay, Pagudpud, Puerto Galera, perhaps this writer thinks that Kristine really loves to endure the heat and swam in the deep blue sea and be described by others whether as a "last virgin on earth" or "the most beautiful maiden in this world".

And perhaps since she's is a maiden of sun, sand, and sea, she may also love to sail, crusin' till night if she loves walking in the sand and swim. But then, regardless of her image, not all times Kristine ought to go to Boracay or Puerto Galera only to take pictures of her's with tattoos, with the overtly inspired may describe her as a "nymph" and thinking about her as similar to those with curvaceous bodies engaging in drinking liquor and parties.

But then, this writer rather think that yes, she's a "nymph" like any other girl whom he end up inspired, and yet Kristine somehow personifies the wild rose blooming somewhere and picked by someone to be placed in the altar of thine favorite avatar. The wild beauty of Kristine, like any other maiden that is molded by the presence of people is worthy of inspiring to those becoming free and rebellious as she personifies the molten steel that is to be forged into a weapon of life and death.

Quite admirable, lovable isn't she? That perhaps recalls one of this writer's sketches.

In fact, this writer, during those times he sought Kristine's pictures, was listening to some ethnic rock that made him drew that kind of artwork. Describing as a "Warrior", he thinks that her wild beauty, signified by her skin kissed by the sun, slim physique, and love of adventure also mirrors a warrior's endurance-remember Xena the warrior princess? The Valkyries that carried the slain for Valhalla? This writer made think that Kristine is more of a warlike beauty than a mere courtesan whose life is for show-offs.

...and not to forget the tattoos, especially the one in her private part that reminds of wildfire. Once, in an interview, Kristine said that her's as trimmed contrary to others who done shaved, well, quite natural so to think of that is well aligned with the tattoos that reminds of wildfire over the bushes. Sorry to those who may read upon and ridicule over this kind of matter, for sure artists would dare to sketch a maiden with a tattoo surrounding that maiden's vagina as part of their artwork.

That reminds of one writer in the Philippine Collegian being expelled for saying that the breasts of whom he end inspired "is like a coconut." Haha.

Perhaps, to be inspired more, next time better to see her in person and hear the music that eases the barren soul of the desperate.  Quite years to dealt with her via online chatting, but through these descriptions foster new wave of ideas, understanding and perhaps rapport between peoples regardless of different circles and understandings since this writer loves punk rock and winter, while Kristine loves rap and summer, it is no hindrance for both hates the flow that made everyone desensitized, stupid, nonsense than fun, free, and rebellious.

That made people think about mixing and matching the impure and what is not. Kristine can be a concoction of different races but still she is pure enough to be a Filipina. She doesn't need to become a model just to say "world class", but nevertheless, she's a vixen that made men harden, a rebel that made people rage, an image of a maiden of the tropic that made everyone inspire.

By the way, is this a comeback for Kristine as a "Vixen" in this site? 

Swagger? Manele? Chav? Wearing this and that such as jackets and hoodies doesn't make this person a somebody!

Swagger? Manele? Chav? 

 Wearing this and that such as jackets and hoodies 

doesn't make a person somebody!

The problem about apparel, of trend over purpose, stereotypes,

and its relation to a society gone deteriorating

It seems that people nowadays are enjoying jackets or any other attire all for the sake of being famous. Yes, that most teenyboppers, ranging from students to trying hard urban professionals and bystanders, all saving their money just to buy what they often see and admire.

That made this writer's past job had good flow of money in it, and somehow at first impression, especially to the nicely fitting and in good appearance it all means nice.

However, this writer, who once working on that establishment had a good pay after working as its designer, it doesn't mean that he ought to join the flow by wearing a jacket and act like a trying hard someone else such as a Swagger. Yes, he sought people who, joined by the flow simply end up as trying hard Swagger or any other crap prtending to be famous; and made him seemingly think that are all they saving money just to buy that goddamn jacket or cap after buying last year's sneakers and skinny pants?

Evolution of the scene, from being accepted to being degenerated

Anyways,

Being a Swagger, whether in the outskirts of California's San Francisco to Manila's Tondo reminds of last year's Chavs in London's subrubs and Maneles in the outskirts of Bucharest. To think that they tend to follow western designs whether original or imitation, they simply buy it on the pretext of personal fetish and popularity from both radio and TV, few ought to think deeply and instead, rather spend just to buy, wear and eventually display it; quite strange isn't it that they tend to act so without any interpretation, simply because they joined the flow for sake.

To think that due to the popularity of musicians such as Bruno Mars, Wiz Khalifa, Micki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, or even the loveteam Jamich, most tend to emulate these people whether in music, dance moves and fashion, however most, if not all go to the third one and making a fashion statement that is worth to be described as famous regardless of some contradictions to be considered upon; and obviously, for the sake of popularity it is necessary for media outlets to popularize something that is catchy: 1980s swank paved way to 1990s grunge, followed by the popularity of Spice Girls, Emo, Jejemon, Chicano Ese and this, a rehash of pasts what others may deem as craps.

Speaking of Manele and Chav, those genres popular in UK and Romania are quite similar to what goes on nowadays. Filipinos nearly transcend their Jejemon culture to become Swaggers upon observation, exchanging their "JejeCaps" for Jackets and caps made by Obey or YMCMB; obviously they are like Chavs in UK wearing faux burberries and Maneles with their silver.
In fact, this writer, upon looking at those Maneles, reminds of Contemporary RnB Icons in Manila who tries to emulate their African-American idols, as according to Wikipedia:

"Manelists have created a distinct image on the Romanian music scene, by showing their own fashion style. Many of the manelists use luxurious and casual, even underground styles combined altogether to form the specific manele fashion. Typical manele apparel includes flashy jewelry and affordable luxury clothing brands (such as Versace, Armani or Dolce & Gabbana) or certain sport brands (especially Nike). Such brands are an important part of manele culture, and they are even featured sometimes in lyrics."

So is in England's very own Chavs.
According to a BBC TV documentary it suggested that "chav" culture is an evolution of previous working-class youth subcultures associated with particular commercial clothing styles, such as mods, skinheads and casuals. However, it seemed that they are likewise different, that a stereotype of a Chav includes wearing branded designer sportswear and might be accompanied by some form of gold jewelery; in other words similar to those from the Ghettoes in New York and in San Francisco.

...that made people ridicule over them as white niggers especially Justin Bieber. Considering working-class backgrounds, perhaps not really came from the working-class, worse, coming from the wretched of the earth, the lumpenproletariat as others ought to say such as those who afford having silver yet with empty stomachs (using an ordinary man's perspective).

Anyways, such cultures lead to fetish over popular getups such as those from Burberry, Versace, Armani, or good quality varsity jackets made in Recto. The popularity of the current scenes made these products popular to the extent thinking that trend is above purpose over these things bought by today's generation. Obviously they rather join the trend over going to the alternative all for the sake of being cool so to see.

That made rather look strange that people cater much in what comes popular only to shed for another next year. Few would had been committed over, or others tend to say as "die hard" adherents of a certain genre. Some tend to say that Pick-Up lines are made as a humorous substitute for Rap Battles in Philippines' own GMA 7, and made this writer think that which really is popular: rap battles of BLKD, Batas, Loonie or that Pick-Up lines of Boy Pick Up?

Sorry to say so if this writeup becomes offensive, but to think that commercialism and consumerism becomes a way of life nowadays, expecting that so called way of life means exploiting mindsets for the sake of egoistic goals few people carried over in it. Varsity Jackets, imitation Obey headgears, and sneakers from Nike and even the shorts girls wear and sagging pants men tend to do so while listening to Wiz Khalifa nowadays all reminds of people who once wear blingblings, Vans for sneakers, Tribal or Levis for their apparel, as well as listening to Eminem or My Chemical Romance as their music; these same people shed their skins all for another, what's next? If they act Tarzan they will do so? These lay ideas that questions involving trend and utility, illusion and reality.

That somehow made this writer had less idea to have a varsity jacket of his. He may ought to buy so for the sake of protecting from the cold than a mere fashion statement, same as looking on artworks made by that Obey instead of buying a headgear under that same name; no offense but, why should ought to follow the flow if this writer is also an artist and a designer who carries ideas like others tend to vent upon without following standards? This writer knows his line regardless of he once worked in that institution, he loves to create but it doesn't include being obliged to wear and make a mere somebody out of it. For sure others would think and say it is strange to be less or non conform yet surviving the tide of time such as this writer tend to convey in this writeup.

In fact, this writer isn't alone in questioning popularity, utility, and taste, one of his friends even thinks that varsity jackets is unfit for her's as she prefer wearing a good old school hoodie just like Eminem's over Wiz Khalifa's.

...that made him reminds of some writeups such as this:

"Is this the birth of "Homo Filipinus?" A by product of cosmopolitanism?

Yes, as the everyday Filipino, imprisoned 333 years in a convent and 40 years in the American Hollywood including 5 years in a Japanese brothel, that being we deared and loved acquired traits that seemed contrary to our concept of our everyday lives. A manifestation that Filipinos (or rather say Pilipinos) are step by step becoming apathetic about their consciousness as a nation, or having its heritage museumified whist in everyday life becoming puppets of a foreign overseer from politics to the realms of culture.

Why?
Like China, the Filipino becomes a victim of wholesale westernization alongside brain and brawn drain and other related sorts that severely affects the country. National consciousness becomes nothing but a fashion statement than those of social action, poverty become a by-word than of a problem, anti-communism becomes terrorist related than ideological, all of these are a by products of cosmopolitanism that the west wanted, that the Filipino, with a "scientific name of "Homo Filipinus" a social by-products of cosmopolitan ghettoized Philippines."

- from Homo Filipinus?
The modern Filipino as a social by-product of cosmopolitanism

Or this:

"the culture prevailing nowadays is a culture of the west and east simply being adored by many to the extent of putting some "Filipino" twist to accommodate more and perhaps in pursuit of making it "Filipino" the way an Italian Spaghetti should be sweet and sour to accommodate the Filipino taste.

However,

Due to the overtly influx of foreign goods, including TV programs and movies, people became totally dependent from it; and as from the earlier statement, putting some "Filipino" twist to accommodate more, thus generating profits to those who tried to insist through; no matter what response from the people would say so about it.

That, we sought a massive trend prevailing and making near-carbon copies of it such as drug-sex-brag laced "mainstream" Hip-Hop culture whether it is from the Ghettoes controlled by African-Americans or Chicanos (that some old-school Hip Hop fans as well as Progressive ones would dare to oppose it), Movies and TV programs from the Far East (especially those from Korea) and last but not the least the prevailing culture from the U.S.-a legacy what Filipinos tried to break away entirely ...or not.

...These experiences, whether music or not, yet affected the minds of the people made these a tactic of the ruling class to use the masses, from mind to persona for their own benefit although controversial-as Ceca, known for singing erotic-laced Turbo Folk married to a gun-toting politico-criminal Arkan; or Mar Roxas used Willie Revilliame's show back then in ABS-CBN proposing marriage to Korina Sanchez. Sorry to say so, but it unveils the system raping popular culture, of using the feelings of the masses for their very own benefit-making some people criticize the culture they sought much for celebrating the external symbols of easy acquisition of wealth, being too eroticized, promoting violence, escapism and exaggeration of feelings."

-From Expecting "Patriotism" and "Life"
written by "Harlots" and "Merchants" 

Well, as expected this topic isn't about dresses with labels or those who tend to popularize and gain adherents of scenes growing and then dying. Been a writer for years, and seeing such popularity rather shows an exaggeration of feelings, aspirations that instead turned into escapism and wild imaginations.

Obviously, this writer isn't really a totally non conform the way people always think about in regards to Activists, in fact wearing Vans or Dr. Martens is enough for a footgear nor Levis as its pants same as wearing hoodies or biker jackets the band Ramones and the ones protesting in Germany popularized it, and last but not the least, a good flatcap, maroon beret, and a polo or a tshirt that suits this writer's common attire. Admittingly speaking, Sometimes it is necessary to conform for a sometime but it doesn't mean that person is a conformist, to think that wearing Dr. Martens but does it mean that person wear it out of watching this is England? Nor wearing jackets because he admire the Ramones? Sheesh. He wear Dr. Martens for he wore it in his work, same as wearing Jackets for he rides in an air conditioned bus going to work, even a flatcap for he prefers it over the usual Baseball caps worn by everyone.

And again, it is strangely stupid to condemn activists simply because some wear branded ones, in fact these so called goods people had interest are at first as clothes, papers, shoes, apparel before given brands; they wear only to wear than merely showing isn't it? Well, here lies questioning free will, and also somehow made this writer think will people assail Yuri Gagarin as a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union or appreciate as the first man who piloted a spaceship that contributed further creations of modern technology such as satellites and the like.

Seems that the topic hath gone too far isn't it? But tis topic lies contradictions such as using art, technology for cultivating ideas or merely for the sake of popularity. This writer know that people had dreams that are lasting that left being stacked by short term ones such as buying this and that, few dared to recover some and renew committments in it such as having a good career depending on which sphere, savings for a lifetime, even filial duties to be done that is different from buying that ends up describing as useless for new ones thanks to those who utilize mass media and resources to achieve their egoistic goal of controlling mindsets through contemporary culture with escapism and consumerism as its primary emphasis.

After all, this writeup may say that nicer to be an anti-norm and less conform than merely joining the flow with the idea of being cool as its pretext. It makes no sense to think dogmatically in interpreting ideas, or rather say words especially those from Marx's, Mao's, Jiang Qing's, Sprengler's, even Constantin von Hoffmeister's; one writeup assailed activists who are at Pizza Hut and Starbucks, does it mean there should be a policy for an activist that includes not to have a free choice in eating whether it is posh or not? Its like telling the late Claro M. Recto not to speak Spanish for it is foreign for a patriot like him; so is a guy who should not wear Crocs for it is made in China instead of wearing Rambo sandals, all not thinking that these people are keen enough whether in speaking Spanish as one of his languages of his interest despite being patriotic or wearing a sandal regardless of its brand as long as it is a sandal!

And speaking of Sandals, otherwise reminds of this, comparing the popular Brazilian footwear Havianas to a lowly Filipino made Rambo, the former is popular with stalls from every department store, yet the latter rather end up in a lowly market. In fact according to a Brazilian friend, Havianas is their own Rambo, been sold in a market instead of a posh stall in a department store!

According to that Filipino-made picture comparing Havianas and Rambo, it said that Rambo had a variety of uses over the Brazilian-made sandal; to think that Rambo is used as a toy for a "tumbang preso" game, for  killing cockroaches, a hammer, with its descriptions such as durable and long lasting and cheap; while Havianas is merely for fashion and to brag that a posh one ought to buy that sandal. Sheesh, both of them are sandals!

Anyways, despite nearly elaborating this and that in this writeup, let's say this writer have no interest in describing this and that, obviously they are clothes and apparel at first before someone else given tags, names and urging people people to buy and have a hype unto it regardless of everyone who rather think about buying those as a minor matter and not to be prioritized upon. In fact, if purpose is to be prioritized over popularity, then wearing a jacket or any other apparel doesn't make this person or any other person a "swagger" or any other descriptions institutions tend to say so for popularity's sake.

After all, as what Hoffmeister said: grey pants are grey pants.

So are the Jackets, the hoodies, the caps, they are all apparel before given names. Only the one who exaggerates had made it something that creates something gone too far from its purpose. For sure others would tell that this writer who made this post is an antimodern kind of guy, yes; this writer is an antimodern kind of individual who speaks about a repressive future with boxed up mindsets and dominating profiteers and the like; but what makes this writer antimodern is your rotten system and not the computer that he is using; and to think that antimodern does not mean traditionalist, the way an antihero is not a villain; its just that you are against the flow what they ought to entice everyone to join in it.

Being antimodern does not mean you ought not to use this and that, but rather to use this to counter that the way people wear hoodies during protest marches, songs with realistic meanings, and perhaps using an expensive fertilizer for making bombs (like what Anders Breivik did)! Sorry to say so if that last part is offensive.

...And by the way, since people are clamoring to read and watch Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay will the swagger age die away? Anyways, Love to see a girl in a Katniss getup haha.

Why to care about their lives if you are making your own fate?

Why to care about their lives if you are making your own fate?

It was years ago when this writer got argued with his father.

All after a minor problem, his father seemed to vent his pride again and again as he insist the same crap that this writer tried to resist-of wanting him finish his unfinished business.

That somehow far from this writer's aspirations as an individual such as what he is doing nowadays.

In fact, sometimes it is quite annoying to hear something that is contrary to thine own ambitions. His father wanted him to take up Law, enter a Civil Service exam, to him somehow lies something that all after seeing his son reading books and knowing individuals who hath succeeded their goals, why not follow their paths and know their lessons as well? 

But to the writer, his son rather follow his own path, his own choice.

Yes, he read books, he knew individuals who hath succeeded their goals and their lessons, but does it mean follow their paths? Of obeying what elders tend to say "best" and "for own good?" Well, here lies contradictions so to speak-of the old against the young, to think that this writer doesn't like to take Law, a master's degree, nor enter Civil Service, it's his choice but does it mean he'll doom to fail just because he didn't heed theirs? 

In fact, taking up a master's degree meant becoming a professor or seeking a managerial status, taking up Law meant pursuing a career based on that related profession and taking up Civil Service meant working in the government with a good pay as one of the employees of the state, but this writer prefer either of those three as he prefers making his own fate as a writer and as an artist-that somehow contradictory to the advises given. Why? Why should you take master's degree if you don't like to teach in an institution? It's like telling that Kidlat Tahimik, Egor Letov took up something other than he as an artist or Lu Xun, the latter even took Medicine yet preferred writing instead. So is this writer who took Journalism yet preferred creative writing  instead.

In other words, not to care about them despite knowing their lives, it's just that he prefers his own as an individual. He's making his own fate, his destiny, all based on his own line. Is being good and righteous good enough? Of he engaging in work, having a good pay and ate three square meals everyday? He doesn't even plan to have a car or anything that is not to think of-he prefers working and living in it such as writing and designing. What would be the problem if that boy took another course such as Fine Arts that is different from his father's want of taking up a master's degree or even Law? Does it mean that person is disobedient to his wishes including those of not having a haircut and hence be stripped of privilege?

Well, this writer somehow satisfy in his current work both as a writer and as an artist. Yes, he once wanted to become a Lawyer, but does it mean he will pursue it still? As man changes, so is the mindset according to thine conditions-he may ought to continue it, he may ought not to; and this writer rather pursue his choice to continue writing instead-after all why this writer pursue Law if his father tend to call him a "liar" for he lies? 

Anyways, this writeup somehow vents this writer's personal crap over that matter made 2 days ago. Yes, he still reads a lot, know someone else's aspirations such as Kennedy's, Stalin's, Mao's, or even Hitler's, but does it mean in admiring them lies making a career by following someone else's heed instead of creating thine own? Why to care about their lives if you are making your own fate and making it successful? Once this writer think that my sister succeeded in her life as a nurse, his youngest sibling had good grades in school, but of all the eyes to look upon why is this writer?

Well, strange to think about man's goal is to fail by not heeding their advises regardless of that individual's successes in his profession. If he or she prefers engaging in Fine arts, in Alternative Media, all contrary to their elder's want of that person becoming a Lawyer, a Doctor, or everything to have a title, there is nothing except because of a mere contradiction that serves as a challenge. 

For now, a video from Egor Letov. That somehow made this writer made this writeup.

Of removing traces of thine identity

Of removing traces of thine identity

It was last time when everyone heard the news about the demolishing of age old houses in the district of Binondo in Manila, and it made some people saddened, not because of heritage, but rather recalling nostalgia that those edifices may have chances of being rehabilitated than be demolished for none.

...That others may think of it rather as impediment to progress and an eyesore to their illusory development.

Obviously, both sides cater to progress, but then they have different interpretations of progress whether it is protectionistic or virtually open, the concept of progress lies the question of heritage that keeps nations, societies firm and intact and so is the systems that keeps everyone restrained such as the so-called encouragement of "values" that perhaps would say inimical to democratic and secular principles.

Sorry to say so if that's the case.

And upon noticing how people with interests disregard heritage in favor of superficial progress, the latter would say that these are unsanitary regardless of these edifices as accepted by many-strange to hear justifying rats, grime, cockroaches infested over the old accesorias as well as people "squatting" as the cause for the edifice's demise, yet keeping themselves aloof or reducing heritage into mere pieces of art and places such as Intramuros and provinces such as in Ilocandia.

Obviously they have distaste over the past, they just simply bannering it but still they rather banner it without knowing its essence the way most interpret history as a requirement for graduation.

As a writer, to see old edifices such as Binondo's accesorias being demolished and scavenged for scrap,  or post war ones left to rot then ripe for demolish, even it is stopped by city ordinances still create a mess that is difficult to recover upon; to think that some prefered what is profitable, it includes reducing heritage or paving way to "modern", contemporary ones whose emphasis is profit. Music for instance nowadays became sort of a monetizing idea that requires faces singing labels and less of talent that involves training, innovation and creation; so is architecture-what is pleasing and profitable is better than what is worth remembering and respected.

Another example, the Apartments owned by Laperal in Recto, showed a significant part in Manila's contemporary history. Been a part in an illusory dream of Manila as one of the forefronts of Philippine progress, it sought events, incidents that end up in annals being read only by those who have a keen interest. However, most rather think upon the building as full of grime, cockroaches, rats, hopeless, of people using some of spaces for printing entprises and such other than apartment; yet aloof this time after being bought by a prestigious institution, demolished saving the front (perhaps as a mere reminder) with an alibi of building an extension.

...or rather say wanting it to be demolished all for the sake of commercialization. Using their perspective, would say that they bought it and they have their right to destroy it, why should care about an old building full of grime, cockroaches and rats? Isn't it because it was made years after the war? Being art deco and such?

Obviously they don't care. They care about growing pockets and putting something in everyone's mindsets, as well as making this and that and say to the world that the nation is fast forward going to become prosperous and strong! Sheesh, thine culture neglects as so-called modernity flourishes.

That made Paolo Bustamante saidth:

"This year we have already lost two heritage buildings, The Laperal Apartments and the Old Meralco Building and according to Ivan Henares, we have already lost a lot of heritage buildings because of the SM Corporation such as, the YMCA (now SM Manila), Pines Hotel (now SM Baguio), San Lazaro Hippodrome (SM San Lazaro) and the Benguet Building in Ortigas. SAVE OUR HERITAGE BUILDINGS."

Well, this writer would say that most are apathetic in regards to heritage especially those of edifices pre and post war. The accesorias in Binondo and the Laperal apartements are a part of history and hence in need instead of rehabilitation and innovation. It's just that most rather think about spaces and hence demolish in favor of building new ones devoid of spirit and instead of mere ego, or rather say heritage? Will it be profitable in keeping old buildings fine and intact? Rehabilitating a wood and stone building after a year?

Hence, that stupid rather thinks of demolishing it to create something that is worth selling for risen from the ruins. What's wrong in those hispanic era buildings outside Intramuros? Or a fine art deco one along Recto? As well as others worth of remembrance as part of thine history?

Anyways, its like admitting that the Filipino has no identity fit for innovation...they're fit for the exposition such as those decades ago.