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Co-Opting Tiny House Trend

Months ago, I discovered a Youtube channel about making small spaces more viable for living. I fell in love with it and my interest to it grew. I even wanted to espouse it as my design philosophy, along with keeping in touch with Third World sensibilities.

This trend where people choose to live in smaller spaces, personally, is a breakthrough. Firstly, it is a response to the high real estate prices where owning a house is not affordable. It is somehow a material form of the concept I learned in college “small is beautiful”. It pushes for consuming less resources while still maintaining well-being in their homes. However, I am alarmed by the patterns on how this trend is being embraced.

I am afraid the tiny house trend is being co-opted by status quo where its supposed impact against capitalism is watered down by TV shows making money out of it. It seems to me that the essence of the tiny house movement is not being embraced by these TV shows. Also, the issue of high real estate prices are not even exposed at all. I felt like it is just being showcased as a lifestyle, with no necessary explanation as to why having tiny homes is the way to go in the future.

But what can I expect from a hegemonic media anyway?

[silongdisenyoatbp]

Rebranding My Blog

This blog has for so long been named filmpoliticsandsociety. I guess this is also also how my former students know my blog. My intention for its name was to highlight three things I like to talk about - film, politics, and society.

However, these past few days, I have realized that I have to “rebrand” my blog into something that is more reflective of my current interests. I decided to rename my blog Silong Disenyo Atbp. This is in line with me pursuing Interior Design with a goal of sustainability and community development, utilizing local culture and materials. Also, I am aiming to open a local furniture business that is Silong. The “Atbp.” portion of the name would cover anything I would like to comment on or discuss, which would still include film, politics, and society.

With this, expect more posts concerning Interior Design and our business.

Thank you, everyone, for your support.

[silongdisenyoatbp]

On Netflix’s “Pose”

It has been a few weeks since I finished watching the Netflix series Pose. The said series is about outcasts or “lost souls” are bound into a community through balls and “houses”. Every ball, people from houses get to wear something based on categories and be confident on their own skin. Basically, it is a story of safe spaces. Until now, I could say that it has been the best series I have watched so far and I would discuss it on three (3) points.

1. Representation and Diversity

Through the years, there became more awareness and sensitivity with regards to representation in media. We could see criticisms to shows or movies who would cast a white person to play a person of color (POC) or a straight man to portray a homosexual or transgender woman. Remember the flak to Scarlett Johansson, a cisgender woman, when she was supposed to play the role of a transgender man in Rub & Tug? Eventually, she backed out from the role. Recently, in the Philippines, Maymay Entrata and the rest of the cast of an upcoming episode in Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) due to painting “blackface” to represent an Aeta character. Sadly, it looks like the episode will push through albeit the backlash.

This question on representation and diversity does not apply to Pose. The cast is mostly from the LGBTQ+ community. You could only see few cisgender men and women in the cast. It is a breath of fresh air seeing lots of transgender women in the cast playing transgender roles. They didn’t disappoint as they were really good actresses. This is important because for so long, it is rare for transgenders to have major roles in movies and series. Either they are stereotyped, treated superficially, or, worse, not casted at all to give way for well-known cisgender actors, to be dubbed as “mark of their versatility in acting”.

Aside from representation in terms of the cast, the mere representation of stories of transgenders, especially in 1980s where HIV and homosexuality/transgenderism are heavily frowned upon, is truly important. Their stories are rather silenced in media and Pose resists to that kind of erasure. Furthermore, the series gave more layers to transgenderism and homosexuality - it gave them a human face. In essence, the series definitely deviated from the convenient norms in media of misrepresentation, minority erasure, and stereotyping.

2. Roots of the LGBTQ+ Movement

It is a sad reality at the moment where even within the LGBTQ+ community, there is discrimination and enforcement of “hierarchy”. You would see “masculine” gay men view “effeminates” lowly, transgender men and women unrecognized as men and women, and others discriminate those with HIV and AIDS. If you would think of it, the community should be more loving of each other and united in the call for gender equality and equity. 

Pose serves as a great reminder as to why we are struggling and dreaming of a better world for the LGBTQ+ community. Firstly, it reminded us of the vital role of transgenders in the movement. In the series, in houses (or family), there are “mothers” and they are usually transgender women. They are the ones who guide their houses and join with them in the fight for love and acceptance. Historically, transgenders were those at the forefront of the movement, especially in the Stonewall Riot. Personally, I think many people are not aware of this. Even in the LGBTQ+ movement in the Philippines, transgenders had a huge role especially in making the first Pride March in the country possible. Secondly, the series reminded us the importance of the LGBTQ+ movement. It showed how gruesome was the condition of the LGBTQ+ community back then - outcasted, discriminated, harassed. What moved me the most was how society treat people with HIV - in hospitals, they are left to die, even not taken care of at all. These are the stories that are needed by the current generation to remind them to keep on with the fight for gender equality and equity because these are still the realities we have at the moment.

3. Deeper Context of Drag Culture

There is a growing appreciation of drag culture worldwide due to its mainstreaming in media through the likes of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Drag Race Thailand. I have been an avid viewer of Drag Race for almost two years now and I have had better appreciation of drag as an art form and as a protest. This also applies to even straight men and women who are fans of the show and the craft.

Pose gives better context to the essence and importance of drag culture, rooted from the house and ball culture. It is not necessarily about being beautiful or fierce or talented - it is about being more comfortable with one’s skin and redefining gender norms and notions of beauty. This was advanced with the help of balls and existence of houses that created a safe space to really express one’s identity. Personally, I got to understand many nuances in Drag Race after watching the series, not just on the phrases but also to the essence of the challenges in Drag Race. I would arguably say that viewers of Drag Race should also watch Pose because it gives them better understanding of drag culture.

All in all, Pose exceeded my expectations on a series as it presented stories that are historically silenced in the media and reminded the viewers as to why we keep on dreaming of an a more accepting society.

[silongdisenyoatbp]

On the Need for Third World Interior Design

When I was on my first year as a Development Studies student, I mentioned to my professor that I want to pursue Interior Design as it was my dream course since I was in high school. It is his nature to support students in aligning what they do to what they are passionate about and I was not an exception. I can still remember him mention the concept of Third World Interior Design. He used as an example a simple bahay kubo, albeit its simplicity, and even image of poverty, that can be applied with the practices in Interior Design. What he may be implying is that keeping a house aesthetically and ergonomically sound does not necessarily require a huge amount of money.

What does Interior Design really espouse? I personally think it should help in reimagining how a space can be used with respect to a person’s well-being - that they could live with dignity. 

Right now, the reality is Interior Design is something an ordinary Filipino would not know or even want. This is because it can only been accessed by those with economic capacity. If one would look at lifestyle magazines, they would be amazed by celebrities’ mansions that are well-designed. Sadly, most of the people who would be at awe to the wonders of Interior Design would not be able to have it in their own homes. At the end of a day of work or school, they will go home to their typical houses, whose spaces are not maximized to fullest extent of utility and design. There are those who even go to almost identical houses, especially those provided by government housing agencies. Houses in relocation areas are even bare when given to families. I personally think this does not even contribute to their well-being even if it should. If we go to beautiful houses, we feel good - we can work better, we can eat better, we can sleep better, we can play better. Even if the game Sims, the aesthetics of the house could influence the mood of a Sim.

In the production of materials used in Interior Design, there is a seeming disparity in terms of wealth distribution. Definitely, interior designers and manufacturers of materials are getting rich from this. Design fee, alone, would be costly. Of course, to become an interior designer, you have to shell out a lot of money, so charging a hefty design fee would mean a faster return of investment. But have you ever wondered who weaved the cloths on our furniture or at least collected the materials? From what communities are these from? Are they even aware of the end-product of their labor? Could they even buy it? Among those construction workers, who among them have a house that is designed professionally?

The questions I have here are: Why can’t the beauty of Interior Design reach those in poverty, or at least those who are not as well-off than those who could usually afford having their homes professionally designed? Why are the fruits of the production in Interior Design mostly enjoyed by those on the higher echelons? Why can’t the workers who help create these designs even have them on their homes? Why is Interior Design exclusionary based on socio-economic class?

I believe there is a need for change. Upon searching the term Third World Interior Design online, I could not see any entry. That is a problem. It seems like for developing countries like the Philippines, Interior Design is not a priority. I am not here arguing that it should be a priority at the expense of other basic needs. What I am pointing out is that maybe if we see its importance, perhaps it could change how the government plan out national housing programs, or we could see the irony experienced by those who build beautiful houses, or we could give focus to communities where materials are gathered - that they are vital in the production.

As there may be almost no conception of Third World Interior Design, I would vow to make it. An Interior Design I envision is something that could reach even those who are not millionaires, something that is sustainable, something that empowers communities. This is because I believe in Interior Design, I believe in its capability of helping us live with more dignity.

We need to create Third World Interior Design.

[silongdisenyoatbp]

Being a Person with Disability (PWD)

Growing up, I have this view that persons with disability (PWDs) are those in wheelchairs or crutches. Thinking about it, it may be because the icon we have been using looks like someone in a wheelchair. Eventually, this view of mine changed drastically as I became one - someone with disability.

I have been diagnosed with depressive disorder by my doctor. It took me a while to seek professional help. However, I have known friends who were diagnosed with mental health conditions that have acquired their PWD IDs. So the moment I was diagnosed, I sought applying for the card. Besides, it will ease up my expenses especially on my medications.

Having this condition opened more options for me - I could seek discounts on my purchases and fares and access seats and areas provided for PWDs. However, the nature of my disability is not as understood yet by people. Whenever I seat on the area provided for PWDs, I am always asked why am I there. Basically, I still have to explain that I am a PWD every time. Even if I get to enjoy my privileges, there’s this discomfort in the need to always flag my disability. As much as I want to blame people for being ignorant, the thing is, there isn’t as much awareness on the parameters of disability. People don’t know that there is such thing as psychosocial disability, in which my condition falls under.

The law may be providing benefits to people like us, there isn’t as much awareness campaign into looking at disability beyond the wheelchairs and crutches. There are so many other disabilities that are needed to be recognized by everyone.

What I am trying to say here is that we still have a long way to go in making our country as PWD-friendly as what is needed. Nonetheless, as much as PWDs, like me, have the social responsibility in pushing for awareness, the government and private organizations should also take part on this.

[silongdisenyoatbp]

Guess who’s back in the house?

It has been a while since I have posted anything here. I was still an instructor in a state university back then. What I would like to share here is why I decided to revive this blog.

My life has been a downward spiral for quite a while. I’m currently undergoing therapy and yesterday, my therapist told me I should have daily goals, at least, to be on my way to recovery. Last night, I have decided to bring back this blog to life so I can better vent out my thoughts, especially in this political climate of our country. With this, I deal with my thoughts better and, at the same time, I’m doing something relevant - bringing out stances on different issues.

Let everyone be a witness on my step into being better and more active in life and society!

[silongdisenyoatbp]

12-HUMSS Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century Midterm Grade

You may access your midterm grade here.

Enjoy your grade and keep on showing your potential!

[silongdisenyoatbp]

Academic Load for this Semester in UP Diliman

PS 202 (Theories and Perspectives in Philippine Studies) under Prof. Moratilla PS 219 (Philippine Society and Culture) under Prof. Santamaria Media 250 (Political Economy of Media) under Prof. Tolentino

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Highest Scorers for Each Class

BSA 3A - Emil Justin Punzalan* BSAT 3A - Marilhen Joyce Feloteo BSAT 3D - Eloisa Jean Garciano BSHM 4B - Kristhel Jane Halili BSHM 4C - Shiela Jane Clara BS MEco 4C - Justine Nicole Carlos, Eryeth Loraine Duque, Tricia Anne Gironella, Mia Marinella Madla BS MEco 4D - Pauline Beatriz Ignacio, Christene Mary Mendoza BSFS 4A - Abigail Enriquez ACT 1F G1 - Ivan Noriel Miranda ACT 1F G2 - Mary Rose Dela Pena

* - also a highest scorer in previous semester #Alamat

#HallOfFame #mamaw #lastfornow

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Reminder to my Thesis Students

Freeloaders in the group will not be tolerated.

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On Deadlines I Tell the Class...

Did I stutter? No? Then the deadline is what it is. If you fail to submit your requirements on time, they’ll be marked late and have deductions.

[silongdisenyoatbp]

Philippine History Concept Map Output

Form a group of 3-4 responsible individuals (there are 47 students in my record). Make a comprehensive concept map about one of the 13 Muslim ethnolinguistic groups. No duplication of topics so choose immediately. Here are the topics to choose from:

1. Tausug 2. Samal 3. Yakan 4. Badjao 5. Maranao 6. Iranun 7. Mulbog 8. Sangil 9. Kalibugan/Kulibugan 10. Palawanin 11. Jama Mapun 12. Kalagan 13. Maguindanao

Format: short bond paper, I’m now allowing your output to be typewritten but you may do it handwritten.

Submission: this Saturday, October 21.

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Macroeconomics Political Cosplay

Prepare a political cosplay on the following sectors/individuals: SECTORS: - rice farmers - tobacco farmers - fisher folk - hospitality worker - construction worker - sidewalk vendor - out-of-school youth - poor single mothers - disaster-stricken mothers - health workers - call center agents - garbage collectors - teachers INDIVIDUALS: - Rodrigo Duterte - Mocha Uson - Antonio Trillanes - Bruce Rivera - Sass Sasot - Mar Roxas - Noynoy Aquino - Miriam Defensor Santiago - Tito Sotto - Kiko Pangilinan - Percida Acosta - Vitaliano Aguirre II - Pantaleon Alvarez - Sarah Elago - Renato Reyes - Judy Taguiwalo - Rafael Mariano - Gina Lopez - Risa Hontiveros - Martin Andanar - Abigail Valte - Gloria Macapagal Arroyo - Erap Estrada - Bato Dela Rosa - Corazon Aquino - Maria Lourdes Sereno - Karen Davila - Korina Sanchez - Leila De Lima - Loren Legarda - Bam Aquino - Sonny Angara - Nancy Binay - Manny Pacquiao - Joel Villanueva - Panfilo Lacson - Richard Gordon - Alan Peter Cayetano - Ethel Booba

Research well on your assigned sector/individuals. For those cosplaying for specific sectors, explore on their struggles and how they are exploited. For those cosplaying for specific individuals, look at their political psychology and how they make decisions affecting the dynamics of the country.

No duplication of Individuals but there can be 2 students cosplaying for each sector. Better coordinate with your section about this.

Class representatives, please submit to me on October 27 the list of students with their corresponding political cosplay. I will be assigning cosplayers every meeting for the rest of our sessions this semester.

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Macroeconomics Infographics Output

Create an infographic about the topic for your tanaga before. Make sure you truly understand your topic and it may require more research on your part. Research well on how to make an infographic and also, I’ll bring some works of my previous students as examples. This is an individual output. If you haven’t submitted a tanaga to me, meaning you don’t have a topic, please consult me on that matter.

Format: short bond paper, typewritten

Make your infographics as something you would want to see around school or in social media. SO NO TO MEMA OUTPUTS.

Deadline: October 27, 2017. Class representatives, please put the output of the class in a brown envelope, indicating your section.

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Basic Economics Concept Map and Critical Tweets output

Form a group of 3-4 responsible individuals. Create a comprehensive and critical concept map on the following topics:

-  Gross National Happiness -  Center-periphery - Glass ceiling and glass elevator -  Intergenerational transmission of poverty - Sustainable development - McDonaldization of society - Starbucksization of society - LaPiDa (Liberalization, Privatization, and Deregulation) - Development aggression - Ideological State Apparatus (ISA) - Feminization of poverty - Greenwashing and pinkwashing

No duplication of topics per group in class so better coordinate in your groups. Include the non-blocks in your conversations. Research well on your topics and on how to make a comprehensive and critical concept map. Format: Short bond paper, typewritten

Individually, write 3 critical tweets on the topic of your group. (See my previous postings on critical tweets and how to write them.) Format: 1/4 sheet of yellow paper per student, with all the 3 critical tweets

Staple your critical tweets with your concept map per group.

This requirement is to familiarize yourselves with the concepts we are to discuss in class for the Macroeconomics portion of the course.

Deadline: BSHM 4B and 4C: October 21, 2017

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Warning

As students of state universities, it is our utmost responsibility to do all things with honor and excellence. I would not tolerate dishonesty, in any form, in class. YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WARNED.

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Annotated Bibliography output (per group)

Write an annotated bibliography for your tentative thesis topic. Sources you need to annotate must be at least 6 and at most 10.

Please observe the following format: - Times New Roman, 12 - 1.5 spacing - Use Justify (Ctrl + J) - short bond paper

You may use the following as guides in writing your annotated bibliography: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/cite-write/citation-style-guides/annotated-bibliography http://sites.umuc.edu/library/libhow/bibliography_tutorial.cfm http://guides.library.cornell.edu/annotatedbibliography

Submission: MEco 4C - September 14; MEco 4D - September 15