In the Judeo-Christian context, God has always been painted as distinctly, explicitly, and exclusively a man. This idea of an omnipotent male has been the bedrock of our beliefs—it is then deemed only natural that men lead, that men control, and that men define. Women, on the other hand, are also labeled many things—wives, mothers,…
Tag: Pulse
Most Filipinos become aware of our country’s history within the four walls of the classroom. In subjects such as Sibika (or HeKaSi), Social Studies, or Araling Panlipunan (AP), they grow familiar with Lapu-Lapu’s bravery and Dr. Jose Rizal’s sacrifice. With the help of colorful flashcards, students learn to recognize the symbols of their heritage and…
Amid the sudsy sachets of shampoo and tubes of toothpaste in a typical Filipino bathroom lies an infamous product—skin whiteners. Ranging from soaps to serums to creams, these products claim to give fairer skin in a matter of days or weeks. As such, they have earned a permanent place in every Filipino woman’s beauty routine.…
It’s gritty, loud, and foaming at the mouth. It’s short and direct—a chaotic whirlwind of sounds scraping against the surface. It screams what is usually withheld, echoing the resistance of people who are breaking their chains. It’s punk. “I was introduced to this music by a friend of mine who had a mixtape cassette with no…
For the longest time, women’s bodies have been a taboo topic. Coochie, flower, kitty—these are just some of the names we use to skirt around the word vagina. In our language—puki, tinggil, and puwerta are scientifically accurate parts of the vagina, yet there is a certain stigma when these words are said. As Eve Ensler…
The Philippines has a language problem. Among its more than 7,000 islands, nearly 200 languages have sprung up—each with speakers numbering from a few hundred to millions across the world. With so many disparate languages, which one ought to serve as the common denominator? Spanish, English, and Filipino have each been proposed as solutions, but…
Eminent historian Fr. Horacio Dela Costa once argued that the two jewels of Philippine culture are our faith and our music. This is most evident in the distinctly Filipino celebration of Christmas. Cacophonies of Christmas carols touching upon the birth and virtues of Jesus Christ and the many holiday festivities permeate the Filipino Christmas scene—even…
There seems to be an unsaid discomfort when anything related to sex is brought to the table. From menstruation, contraceptive pills, pregnancy, to abortion, it is almost impossible to share details about these experiences casually, unremarkably, and with no holds barred. “This image that we like to portray—that the Philippines is so conservative—stands in the…
The creaking of the floorboards. A warning against going out into the woods at night. The urge to offer a “tabi-tabi po” as you pass by a mound of dirt. The balete tree you always avoid. These stories have been planted deep in the Filipino psyche, holding an unnerving power that compels us beyond reason.…