UP Diliman's gay pride march started where our interview did as well - the infamously timeless steps of Palma Hall, which author Elmer Ordonez describes as UP's "center of cultural liberation." Regina "Jill" Raz, a freshman and Speech Communications major, told us that it used to be called AS for it housed classes under the Arts and Sciences, but insisted that we call it Palma Hall if we're more comfortable doing so. "You guys are Ateneans after all," she said, emphasizing that this was just another "UP thing," a relatively unknown cultural tidbit that set the university apart, even as its reputation already does that job. However, not all UP things have to be obscure and recognizably celebrated by iskos and iskas alone, and the gay pride march is one of them. We sat on the steps of Palma, past the throng of students seated in groups on the floor and the guard at the guard post who never actually checks for ID's, as Jill's eyes lit up, beginning her story of an unforgettable event encapsulated by rainbow-colored flags (or rather, rainbow-colored everything), drag queens and kings, a rather minuscule religious (but just as rebellious) civil demonstration and the crowd which made it all possible.
"It was actually part of gay pride week. It's like an awareness week for gay rights. It's spearheaded by UP Babaylan, which is the LGBTQ group of UP," Jill said. I took this opportunity to tell her briefly of Ateneo's own LGBTQ org, Dollhouse, which ensues in her agreement with its name being not only appropriate but fab in its own right, leading to my apologizing after she almost blurted its name out loud instead of Babaylan's. Being used to speaking however, she composed herself right away.
"Sinabi ni Mark, yung nadaanan natin kanina, nag-aaral pa lang yung mommy niya, matanda na yung Babaylan. (Mark, the guy we passed by a while ago, said that while his mom was still studying, Babaylan was already an old organization)," she added, briefly going into a short description of film screenings and other events Babaylan organized, including the gay pride march. "I was actually with a friend when it happened...May dinaanan kami. (We passed by something)" Here, she proceeded to roll her eyes and we immediately knew that this related to a disruption of the event somehow. Truth be told, she confirmed our notions quite colorfully.
"You know yung mga KJ's sa gay pride? (You know the killjoys during gay pride?)," she asked, and we nodded, thinking immediately of the religious who came to demonstrate as well, in protest this time. "Bwiset na bwiset ako! Ok lang magmura diba? (I was really aggravated! It's alright to curse, isn't it?)," she asked tentatively, tilting her head slightly as if in apology. After allowing her to spew a few more choice words, Jill went right back on track.
The usual pieces of signage were in order, well-accounted for in the hands of the few: illustration boards with the words GAY SEX IS A SIN (and several biblical marriage citations exclusively favoring straight couples) emblazoned in bright paint. Hands clasped together in solidarity, these individuals stood their ground as they huddled as one protesting body, constituting of the sheer indomitable number of...six. (Jill laughed as this point, loudly enough for us to smile slightly. From a demonstration such as UP's pride week, we weren't really expecting anything less)/
Eventually, our attention was snapped back toward the very steps we were seated on, as we attempted to picture its entirety adorned in a single rainbow-colored flag, draped "carpet-style," along the walkway as Jill put it. The members of Babaylan were prompt, making their presence known an hour or more before the actual march was to take place. She knew this despite not actually being present during the initial preparations, as she attended her Kasaysayan class a few floors above and heard no other than their raucous cheering from below. When her class ended however, she already knew where to go.
"They put rainbow butterfly wings on Oble! It was the cutest thing!" she exclaimed, referring to the largely circulated photograph of the oblation monument taken from behind, actually dressed this time, in nothing but multicolored butterfly wings. This signaled that preparations were already in place, not only for the march itself, but for the wedding to be taken place at the Metropolitan Church. Citing it as the only LGBTQ-friendly church in the Philippines, Jill told us the march's "opening ceremony" of sorts was held here in the event of a lesbian couple getting married, cheered on not only by their friends and families, but none other than the assembled, hair-sprayed and high-heeled, colorfully-clad participants of the march.
In the midst of all of this however, slowly but surely, it began to rain.
Drenched megaphones were passed from representative to representative - Babaylan reps to Filipino Free-thinkers - giving out speeches with umbrellas nowhere in sight, as they led the crowd around the UP track oval, music blasting through speakers that originated from the crowd or the school itself. The hostility received early was countered by banners saying HATE IS NOT A FAMILY VALUE and costumes worn by so many, from men clad in tank tops and oble butterfly wings to gowns and wigs which made the casual observer have a hard time discerning a Monroe from a Taylor or an Audrey from a Katharine.
"I met a couple and I can't pass this up. These guys were wearing white gowns, naka-wig sila, naka-make-up (wearing wigs and make-up) drag queen galore!" Jill said, and for the first time in the duration of our interview, her voice immediately went softer. "They had signs that [said] 'We have the right to form a family,'" she remarked, smiling slightly, further elaboration unnecessary.
After interviewing her further on UP trends and significant cultural exercises, my group mates left early while I stayed behind to have lunch with her at a restaurant that sold the cheapest and best-tasting tapa I have ever eaten in my life. Soon, I was picked up too as I had homework to accomplish for the following day, and I sped past the curb once again that housed the Oble. Looking out the window, I thought to myself how I wasn't exactly sure if Fernando Poe Sr. was the model or not. Distractedly, I pictured his arms spread-eagled, chin tilted up towards the sky, plastic butterfly wings adorned across his broad shoulders.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Palma Hall: The Heart of the University of the Philippines - Diliman by Tricia Racela
Hundreds of students of the University of the
Philippines walk in the halls and up the historic steps of Palma Hall, the same
place where Senator Benigno Aquino delivered his last speech in 1972 before his
assassination. The Palma Hall has always
been one of the most prominent symbols of the University of the Philippines
(UP). Since its establishment, it has seen
the events and turning points that have defined the history of UP. On top of this, it is the place where one can
perceive what it means to be an Iskolar
ng Bayan.
Palma
Hall, situated in Roxas Avenue in the UP Diliman Campus, is one of the prime
structures of the University. It is one of the places
to see and take note of if you ever plan to visit the campus. However, call it “Palma Hall” and UP students
will immediately know that you’re either a visitor or a freshman. It
is actually more commonly known as AS because it used to house the College of
Arts and Sciences. According to Jill
Raz, a current Communications Major in the University of the Philippines, “obvious na freshie ka [it is obvious that you’re a
freshie]
if you refer to this building as
Palma Hall.” But if you do visit, the
first things you will notice
upon seeing Palma are its two large white pillars that rise to the ceiling of
the building. Above these pillars are
the words “Palma Hall” inscribed in bold letters. From the outside, you can see the balconies
of the second and third floor due to the building’s open structure. The famous AS Steps are also found in front
of the building serving as its entrance.
Walk up these steps and you are bound to be greeted by the bust of the
national hero of the Philippines, Jose Rizal, sculpted by Guillermo Tolentino,
sitting on top of the staircase. The
Steps lead to the open lobby of Palma Hall where students are found
socializing, killing time, or cramming for their exams in little groups. In the lobby is where you will also find
national artist Vincent Manansala’s large and exquisite mural portraying elements
of the arts and sciences. The sides of
AS extend to two wings: the east wing and the west wing. According to Arkitekturang Filipino Online, an
online database of Filipino architecture and the online community of Filipino
architects, the purpose of the open structure design of the building is to let
in as much natural light as possible and allow better ventilation. It has the exact same design as its twin
building, Melchor Hall located across the Academic Oval.
Both
Palma and Melchor Hall were designed by Cesar Concio, a Filipino architect who
was also responsible for the design of the university’s original campus in
Manila. Palma Hall was one of the first
buildings to be erected in Diliman after the university’s transfer from Manila
for a much larger venue. It was completed
in 1951 and named after Rafael Palma, the first Filipino president of the
University of the Philippines and the current one at the time. As of now, it is the home of the College of
Arts and Social Sciences. It continues
to be one of the most frequented places in the University of the Philippines by
both students and visitors due to its rich history and numerous significant
events that occurred there. Ever since
its construction, the AS Steps is known to be the prime venue for events and
gatherings. There atop the AS Steps, Senator
Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino delivered his final speech in 1972 before he was
assassinated. It was also the site where
most of the student body and UP faculty, along with the president of the
university, congregated to contest the militarization of the university in 1971
for the Diliman Commune. In addition to
that, it is also the location for student demonstrations, miting de advances, and activities held by the different student
organizations of UP. Hence, Arkitekturang
Filipino states that “it is the place most students commonly associate academic
freedom and freedom of expression with.”
The
historic protest led by the student council of the university is not the only
event Palma Hall has witnessed. It is also
a famous venue for traditional occasions of the university. It provides the best view to watch the
university’s most celebrated events such as the Lantern Parade and the Oblation
Run. Palma Hall continues to be popular not
only because of these major events but also because it remains to be the most
bustling building in the campus up to date.
It has been housing the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
(CSSP), composed of eight different departments, since 1983, the Wilfrido Ma.
Guerrero Theatre, and the UP Anthropology Museum that opened in 1967. During our visit, it wasn’t difficult for me
to notice the diversity of the crowd that filled the halls of AS. Throngs of students walk in the lobby minding
their own businesses on their way to their destinations. Some looked deflated of energy caused by the
stress of being a university student while some looked pleased to be reunited
with their own cliques. Based on Tinig ng Plaridel, the official
publication of the UP College of Mass Communications, AS is where general
education courses are being taught thus generating the highest student traffic
in the university. Moreover, according to iskWiki!, a collaborative online platform
for instruction, research and the UP life, “Palma Hall is the largest building
classroom complex” with more than 23,000 square meters of area. Most, if not all, freshmen will have a class
in AS which means that all students have, at one point, taken at least one class
in Palma making it a part of almost every Isko
or Iska’s university life.
To cater to the growing population of the student
body since its establishment, further developments to Palma Hall have been
accomplished. For instance, an annex was
constructed in 1985. The Palma Hall
Annex is now the home to the Department of Psychology and the Third World
Studies Center. According to its own
website, Third World Studies Center is a research institute “devoted to
tackling and further analyzing current issues happening in the country and in
the world”. It gained its certification
as a research centre in 1999. I believe
that its construction further shows the efforts of the university to be involved
and proactive regarding national issues. Though despite its upgrades and
expansion, the significance of AS to the university remains because everyone in
the UP community seems to be very much aware of the history of Palma Hall and
the remarkable events that it had been a part of.
The Palma Hall is considered the heart of the University
of the Philippines-Diliman by many.
Leonoever Racela, a UP Architecture Graduate in 1987, believes that this
is “where you can see the core of being an Iskolar
ng Bayan.” It continues to be the most popular “tambayan” or hangout place for most student organizations and
students passing time until their next class. Hence, the mass of students
sitting on the floor of the lobby and the AS Steps seems to be an everyday
sight in the Palma Hall. It is where you will find most of the student
organizations, fraternities, sororities and student activist groups that
represent the varying opinions and identities of the university’s student body. The focus on Filipino nationalism of the
university is also very apparent in Palma Hall from the Filipino architect that
designed it, to the statue of Jose Rizal found in the entrance, to a national
artist’s enormous work of art in the lobby and finally, to a new research
centre made purposely to analyze national issues. Palma Hall truly exudes the sense of freedom and
nationalism that the University of the Philippines is widely known for. It is where you will get a feel of who the Iskos and Iskas really are and where you
will see what the University of the Philippines is.
References:
Bernabe, Kirstin Jello and Nikki Careen Palacios. “On Palma Hall.” Tinig ng Plaridel: The
Official Publication of the UP College of Mass Communication. 4 Aug 2013 http://www.tinigngplaridel.net/news/2010/06/11/on-palma-hall/
Camua, Kristina, Karina Gonzales, and Sharmaine
Gonzales. “Palma Hall.” iskWiki! 2 Aug 2013 http://iskwiki.upd.edu.ph/index.php/Palma_Hall
“Palma Hall,
University of the Philippines.” Arkitektura. 2 Aug 2013. <http://arkitektura.ph/buildings/palma-hall-university-of-the-philippines-diliman>
Third World Studies Center. 2 Aug 2013. <http://twsc.upd.edu.ph/>
The Oblation: More than just a display of gratuitous nudity. by Alex Sison
I.
The history teacher turns to face the loud, bustling
classroom. Wanting to see just how well his students have studied on their
assigned topic, he calls out randomly:”You at the back! Yes you, Mr. Hayden
Khalili. What can you tell me about the U.P. Oblation?”
Slowly, the student gets up from his seat. With a blank
look on his face he states:”Um, I think it’s a place where people need to run
naked?”
Whether we like to
admit it or not, the nearly completely nude figure of a young man standing with
his arms raised to the sky is , the second image that comes to our mind when
the words: “U.P. Oblation” are mentioned. These words have become so synonymous
with the image of nude frat members running in the streets of Manila, that we
tend to forget that the statue has inspired more than just the Oblation Run, a
yearly event designed to garner attention on the issues brought up by a frat.
The Oblation is arguably, a symbol that has served to invigorate the diversified forms of free expression.
II.
To start off, we should
look at one of the rumors and theories
that have been formed for the statue’s benefit. For example, there is a
famous legend that supposedly claims that the actor Fernando Poe Sr. is somehow
the model that the statue was based upon. This is of course something that the
university outright denies, stating that it was actually modeled upon the physique
of Prof. Anastacio Caedo, a student assistant of the sculptor himself. But
another report conflicts with this, stating that Jules Alistado, Tolentino's
student assistant, and Caedo's brother-in-law, Virgilio Raymundo both served as
the model for the Oblation, using Caedo's physique and Raymundo's proportion. Whether
this is true or not, we can only attribute this myth as a compliment on the
power of the statue’s symbolism.
Perhaps the first
instance of free expression the Oblation
has inspired, came strangely before it was even built. Sometime in the 1930’s,
a collection of 2000 pesos was acquired. Given the fact that this collection was
solely contributed by employees, students, and alumni of the university, this
was probably no easy task to accomplish. The 2000 pesos was gathered to fund
the construction of the first Oblation statue, and although as mentioned above,
it failed to capture the public’s attention, it’s failure would only motivate
the creation of it’s iconic successor.
One of the most
interesting facts to note is that the Oblation has also played a direct role in
some of the ventures of free expression. Students place tarpaulins and posters in
its vicinity to express their opinions on particular issues. Sometimes they may
even go as far as to place a black cloth on the statue itself if they believe
the issue has become a dire one.
But of course last but
not least, undoubtedly, the defining example of what the statue is known to have inspired,
is the Oblation Run, as mentioned above, an event that is memorable for having
contributed exponentially to the
statue’s popularity. The Run is perhaps
the ultimate form of expression and freedom the Oblation has inspired, because
as mentioned above the main purpose of the event is to highlight the issues
that are being called out by the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity via the use of
parading naked male members in full view
of the attending public.
In conclusion, one
cannot help but smile in awe towards this simple, but passionate symbol of expression.
Probably to the dismay of many critics, the shadow of the juvenile Oblation Run
may still hover heavily over its’ name, but it is undoubtedly this statue that
will serve to inspire future generations of artists and U.P. students long
after the ‘Run’ has become outdated. It
serves to push even as far as, each and every Filipino to express their
freedom in his/her own unique way.
After the
jeers and the whoops of laughter have quickly died down, the history teacher
can only shake his head in amusement.
Seeing
the confused look on some of his students’ faces, he attempts to
clarify.“Close, but not quite, Mr Khalili. You are most likely thinking about
the Oblation Run, a bi-annual nudity run that serves to highlight their
protests through the simple but effective way of exposing male genitalia for
the world to see. However, I was in fact referring to the Oblation statue
standing in U.P. Diliman that was crafted by the great Guillermo Tolentino
using some of the very words from Rizal’s Mi Ultima Adios as his inspiration.
Many even go as far as to claim that it is these very words working their magic
through the artist’s rendition of the statue, that served to inspire things
like this ‘event’ which Mr. Khalili so fondly described. Perhaps I shall have
to arrange a field trip someday, to fully educate us on the contributions…
The
teacher abruptly halts midsentence, raising an eyebrow in a semi-stern gesture.
“Oh, and before any of you even ask, no, I will not be planning nor authorizing
any field trips to this said
event.”
“Um…Exactly
why not, sir?” Asks a student from the front row.
A
mischievous grin on his face, the teacher calmly answers:” Besides the obvious reasons
to that question, I am quite aware that there is a significant probability that
most of the female members of this class might enjoy themselves just a LITTLE
too much.”
References.
Oblation (University of the Philippines). (n.d.) Retrieved August 14. 2013 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.P._Oblation
Gonzales, Narita. Los Banos Gerardo. U.P. Diliman:Home and
Campus. University of the Philippines. Press. 2010. Print.
Bringing Color to a World Forced Into Blandness by Rapce Mercado
FREEDOM!
The University of the Philippines Diliman has just recently celebrated Pride
Week, showcasing the many organizations that add to the rich cultural history
of the University. One of the more notable, and we absolutely do mean notable,
organizations that was presented during Pride Week was UP Babaylan, the
University’s very own lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students’ support
group.
UP Babaylan’s current head or the
“Punong Babaylan” as the members of the LGBT group would prefer to call it, is
Rod “Talla Heeb” Singh, a student of UP Diliman, currently taking up BA film,
who, along with every member of the LGBT group, is ready to fight with every
fiber of his being to bring equality to the “colorful” members of society
oppressed by the uninformed world.
So what’s more to UP Babaylan than
making noise for the voiceless captives of sexual conformity?
The University’s very own LGBT
movement began due to a violent assault on a gay resident in an all – boy’s
residence in UP’s Narra Hall. The incident alarmed the University’s students’
need for an organization that will advance the rights and protect the welfare
of the University’s LGBT students
Since then UP Babaylan has been
spear – heading movements advancing gay and lesbian rights both locally and internationally.
One of the local movements, which had just been witnessed recently is the Gay
Pride Parade held in the University of the Philippines Diliman campus, where
members of the LGBT group paced freely through of the ACAD Oval expressing
their freedom, their honest selves, as members of a loud, proud, caring and
concerned LGBT Community.
The group’s heart and motive is presented
in these words coming from the group: The group strongly believes in the
inherent equality of all persons regardless of status or condition. For the
organization, this inherent equality implies that human beings should not be
discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation.
For it has simply been history that
the whole LGBT community, found in almost every part of the world, has long
been looked down upon, persecuted, and outright assaulted for their
expressiveness in the life they themselves have chosen to live. For in the view
of the uninformed, it is equality that everyone conform to a standard set by
the majority, a group of people enforcing what they “think” is right, enforcing
their own idea of what is truly “equal” without even knowing the consequences
of the very words they say against the members of this community.
An example of these group are some,
not all, of the “Christians” that , as people, sadly, often see, are very far
from the Christ they follow, I say this in the sense that they openly condemn
and persecute the same exact people that Christ himself had died for.
What
benefit will come from condemning them? What good will come from the bias
judgment and persecution of a people that just want to live in freedom the lives
they were given? The answer is obvious. Christ called his people to love, to
accept, to have care, compassion and concern for every person, be it the rich
or the poor, the nun or the prostitute, the saint or the sinner, these people
all have one need: and that is LOVE.
What kind of equality is this that
involves that harm towards a fellow human being? This is not equality at all.
Equality is not conforming to one
standard, making all of us bland and boring. Equality is giving the very best
of who you are, what you have, to compliment the lives of others yielding an
output beneficial to all humankind.
Equality
means no one gets tramples or taken advantage of; everyone is lifted and given
an equal opportunity. Whoever said or thought that homosexuality would get in
the way and hinder that? And that’s what these brave souls are laying down
their lives for, that their fellow LGBT’s may be freed from a life of
unnecessary condemnation and sexual captivity.
The
group is more than just about making noise to get the voiceless captives of
gender conformity noticed. Let’s face it, people have done that before, and
that’s the only thing they’ve done, nothing more and nothing less, and where
did this act, this cursed act of the uneducated leave them, nowhere but in a
situation worse than they had before.
This
group spoke out, and did something to enforce the rights that they have as
human beings, there is no hypocrisy in what they do dear friends. These people
truly are the real deal, people that are loud, proud, and fighting with
everything they’ve got to uphold the dignity of their fellow queer man/woman.
Breaking
the silence, going beyond every boundary with a passion burning in their hearts
to fight for the rights of the common queer man and woman: UP Babaylan, not
yet, not even close to backing down.
A salute to the brave men and women
fighting for the cause of a community held in captivity.
Sources:
http://www.upbabaylan.blogspot.com/
UPD: Where Art is Free by Mia Fortugaleza
“When
there is no freedom, there is no creativity.” – Soud Qbeilat, Jordanian
Writers Association President
UP
Diliman is not only a haven for the liberal (or the less conservative), but it
is also a haven for the artistic. Walking around the campus gives one a truly
amazing time to reflect and appreciate the scenery. Simply the buildings’
breathtaking architecture and the campus landscape are already beautiful works
of art. What makes them even more brilliant and interesting is knowing that
they are culturally and historically significant.
The establishment of the UP College
of Fine Arts (CFA) paved the way for its students to learn more about and practice
their craft. Aside from the obvious artistic environment, the university also
provides its students with an amazing faculty and exposes them to various
opportunities for them to reach their true potential. As the years went on,
more and more iskolars were able to express themselves and create their own
identity for the whole world to see. Fraternities and organizations focusing on
visual art also began to emerge like The University of the Philippines Artists’
Circle Fraternity, which created a mural that can be found in Palma Hall’s
second floor. Another organization, which is the UP Art Studies Society (UP
ASS), has also been helping its members improve on their craft through
interacting with other artists and holding different talks and workshops.
UPD’s official museum, Vargas
Museum, contains works from well-known Filipino artists such as Fernando
Amorsolo and Victorio Edades. It also serves as a location for other temporary
exhibits. As for the Fine Arts (and non Fine Arts) students who want to display
their works, they are usually found at the College of Fine Arts building lobby
and are constantly changed every month.
 |
| Photo by Tricia Racela |
Nowadays, however, artworks found
around the UP Diliman campus are limitless. They are literally all over the
place. Some of which are empowering yet some of which may probably be
considered foul. From a graffiti of our president situated on a walkway and a
random structure of a toilet bowl (symbolizing how the oppressive government flushes
its people and their riches down the drain) along the corridor up to the school’s
newspaper, these students’ hunger for expression seems to be unstoppable.
Although these artworks could possibly spark numerous violent reactions, people
who enter UP seem to develop a more open mind as to how some people perceive
society.
Kurt Prieto, a Fine Arts student in UP Diliman
shares, “For example, the front cover of the
SONA issue of our school paper had Noynoy surrounded by riot shields and the
protesters’ complains were being ignored. Some of the controversial styles or
images being portrayed are exaggerated to get the attention of the readers to
focus on the related article.”
“I’m actually in favor of this.” he adds. “It’s
news from the students and for the students (and other members of the
community). Other writers or artists know something about the society that some
people don't. They want to share this information in a collaborated manner that
would appeal to a larger audience. These members of the school paper want less
ignorant people in their school and are actually improving the "mental
quality" of its audience, a key trait that keeps students in the
university.”
There is a
very thin line between trying to create a fair point and expressing an honest
opinion. As much as these kinds of artworks are encouraged, students should
still learn how to control themselves and make sure that their works are not
overdone. Perhaps, it would be more intriguing to find out what the system
thinks of its own community.
Does the libertarian
system think these artworks are their responsibility or of its fearless
students? Technically, it’s a bit of both.
 |
| Photo by Tricia Racela |
Being a
Fine Arts major doesn’t automatically make one in favor of this trend. As much
as it is a practice of freedom of expression, it still poses
a great risk. Given what these creative minds have, it is up to them to decide
on how to properly utilize their skills as well as the opportunities presented to
them by the university they think could unleash their true potential.
“Those
who add works to the school's museum or make sculptures around the campus show
their love for the school by contributing their own artwork. I think they are
also courageous for having their artwork displayed in such a public place.
Street artists often show their concern for the society.” the Fine Arts major
answers when asked about his insights on these young artists.
There is
absolutely no such thing as a wrong or unacceptable artwork. There are only
plenty of brave artists fueled by their passion to make a name for themselves
through their craft. It is indeed obvious that UP produces the most outspoken
people our country has. The students do not aim to please everyone with their
works. Like most people, they only wish to be respected as artists and
concerned Filipino citizens.
"About CFA." College of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines, Diliman. UP CFA, n.d. Web. 28 July 2013. <http://up-cfa.com/the-college/>.
"UP Art Studies Society." UP Art Studies Society – IskWiki! Diliman Interactive Learning Center, 7 July 2013. Web. 28 July 2013. <http://iskwiki.upd.edu.ph/index.php/UP_Art_Studies_Society>.
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