Rise of Pink Films as an Educational Tool for the Philippine Public

Rise of Pink Films as an Educational Tool for the Philippine Public


“To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.”
-Theodore Roosevelt

There are two kinds of education; the good, which allows one’s morality, filter his/her intellectual growth; and the bad education, which only permits one’s intellect to grow and have control over his beliefs and actions.

Pink films can be educational in terms of revealing the lifestyle of the people who belong in the third sex. By introducing pink films in the Philippines, we have, at last, walked out from the stereotypical characterization of homosexuals, particularly gays, as either laughingstocks or victims of abuse. Now, we’re actually seeing films that executes homosexual lifestyle as normal and as the same as heterosexual lifestyle. They are indirectly telling us that homosexuals deserve fair treatments and rights because like straight people, they are also capable of loving and suffering. Yes, they are entitled to their rights. But they must realize that these rights implemented for them have differences as they have differences from heterosexuals. Because of pink films which are presently blooming in the film industry and are actually being encouraged by award-giving bodies for film, more filmmakers are now enticed to create homosexual-themed films. What a tragedy to hit our supposedly Christianity-preserved country!

According to psychological researches, we all experience identity crisis during our adolescent period. Therefore, if pink films continue to inculcate the message (that being a homosexual and engaging in homosexual activities are okay and acceptable) to the minds of adolescents encountering identity crisis, what would become of them? Now where’s the “good” in that kind of education? They would probably give in to the temptation that they could’ve eluded. If pink films on the other hand, would venture against homosexuality, without a doubt, as morally wrong, it could pass on as a good educational tool. Because it educates considering the moral standards of a Christian country.

If we let bad educational tools school us and at the same time liberate us from our moral beliefs, what difference do we have from America?

“It is essential to practice spiritual disciplines along with academic studies.”
- Sathya Sai Baba

A Poem for a Professor

Ma’am Lizelle


Want to know something about a lass?
A prof. who asked us to make planes in class?
A mother, daughter and wife so great?
The best psychologist I’ve ever known to date?



1
T’was an event I could never forget
I felt so down and my heart was wrecked
Always in my room, I can’t stop cryin’
The tears just won’t cease, I felt like dyin’

2
There’s so many I can’t understand
About myself and about what I want
That’s why I tried to search and seek for help
So, I could clear my head and know myself

3
I still can’t believe I wrote her a mail
To ask for something and tell her my tale
I was so silly but I took the risk
Wishing she’ll reply and hope she’s not pissed

4
Then the next day came and I was so shocked
To find her response for me with such luck!
She suggested I talk to her some time
Such a fine offer I couldn’t decline.

5
I felt so worried as the day arrived
Wonderin’ if it’s right to ask her advice
What if she’s busy or what if she’s not?
‘Guess I’m just being a pain in the butt!

6
But all of my doubts and qualms disappeared
All my uneasiness and thoughts that I feared
Though the nervousness in my voice was heard
As I spilled my grief waiting to be cleared

7
She listened as I voiced my confusions
All my worries and explanations
I told her all without hesitation
I was so flattered I have her attention

8
She spoke to me like no one had before
She had treated me like she was so sure
That I am able to achieve everything
And conquer all to reach for that something

9
I never thought that I’m a good writer
Never really believed I am that better
But when she had assured me that, I am
I blushed and said in silence, “Thank you ma’am…”

10
Our conversation was almost over
I was about to stand up and thank her
But then something stopped me from going to
I did something I thought I could never do

11
I confided to her about a past I kept
A past wherein I had usually wept
This affected my thoughts and how I live
The trauma it caused and pain it gives

12
My voice was shaking I thought I would cry.
But I’m revealing it all, I wonder why.
Her words moved me as she told me in the end
“Your secret’s safe with me, I’m here as a friend.”

13
I composed this poem so I could show
My sincere gratitude I pray she’ll know
This may not be perfect, may not be the best
But I hope you’ll appreciate it same as the rest

14
My simple poem is almost over now
‘Hope I had written it nicely somehow
I know my words are shallow and not so deep
‘Hope this is something worthy for you to keep

15
So, before I forgot to end this poem
‘Coz I certainly find this easy to enjoy
Though it was so tough to keep the words in rhyme
And condense only 10 syllables in line

16
I want to introduce to you a great woman
A mother, daughter, wife and friend in one
A woman I truly admire and respect so well
I thank God for having found her in Ma’am Lizelle.

© Claudine F. Claudio

The Excruciating Pain of Missing

Some people; they hurt you for no reason. Some people; they hate you for reasons you don't understand. Some people; they tell you they love you then betray you. Some people; they love you only for reasons that you understand.


I'm in pain at this moment. And I can't seem to find the reason why. All I know is, I feel like crying. I feel like shouting. I feel like exploding. Everything in my world is colliding. School, family, friends, emotions. Even Lance who I thought would all be the smiles that I need, no, he's part of the pain that I'm feeling right now. If you ask me at this particular moment why on earth I am feeling placidly suicidal, I'd probably just look at you blankly and, I don't know, probably cry. There really are times in my life when mild depressions occur for no apparent motives. They just come and go in random.


Earlier this evening, I had a little conversation with one of my best buds, Kaycee (my Pakner), we haven't talked for quite some time and I miss her badly! She's the kind of friend you could just call up anytime. She's more than willing to be your exhaust fan in time when your emotional restroom needs it most. In our conversation, we joked about taking suicide together. When she asked me when do I plan to, I answered, "Nag-iipon pa'ko para sa pagtalon ko sa tuktok ng Eiffel Tower... Ang cheap naman kung sa estero lang ng AdU. Kaso nagagastos ko lagi mga ipon ko." Then she replied, "Sige pag-ipunan natin ung Eiffel Tower."

It may seem like a whole charade. And yes, it is for some reason. But deep inside we both know we've considered leaving this world as an option for all the problems the world is giving us. But on the other hand, we both know suicide is all but a stupid and dumb idea. And we both trust each other never to resort to it.


I'm writing all these because I miss my pakners. In the past, these are the times, together with my other pakner, Janice, when we schedule meetings to watch films and afterwards, talk problems through. Sometimes we write them down on stationeries and send them personally on our respective classrooms. I miss the days when we cry together, laugh together and simply just be quiet together. The days when we try to make up alibis to our "original barkadas" and parents so we could stay together longer. The incessant exchange of novels. The nonstop brainstorming and plot suggestions for my freshly-thought stories. The excitement we feel everytime a new idea for a story pops in our heads. The intense involvement in Sidney Sheldon's tragic storylines. The embarrassing moments we keep experiencing when we are together. The intellectual forums about art, literature, psychology, current events and politics. The funny debates and arguments. The long waits on our meeting places. The "utangan" blues.


I miss them so much. It is sad to know that no matter how much we long to be together, it's not that easy anymore. We can't just call each other up like when we do in high school. Going to college has changed a lot of things. For some reason, it has changed us as well. We've created new friendships. A new life. Various priorities have bombarded us with new responsibilities and it is harder for us to schedule dates without conflicts. Nevertheless, like what I've told Kaycee "Matatapos din lahat 'tong mga problema na 'to. Makakahanap din tayo ng time para gawin na uling exhaust fan ang isa't isa."


Kristine Gonzaga & Janice Cuaño: I miss you real bad...

Journal Entry (9/9/2006 1:27 PM)

9/9/2006 1:27 PM
Subject: The Coward That I Am
Author: Claudine Claudio


Some girls feel good about themselves when they see their boyfriends crying because of them. Well, in my case, I thought I would too but the moment I felt Lance’s tears on my shoulder, I knew happiness isn’t the name of the emotion I was going through.

We had a fight yesterday afternoon on the bus on our way home to Laguna. No, “we” isn’t the appropriate term. “I” fought with him. He was practically just defending himself like he always does whenever I put up a fight. Last Thursday while he was sharing some of his memorable experiences, some names caught my ear which triggered bad memories. Paranoia started to take over me once again. I tried not to worry of many things but I keep coming back to my analysis and hypothetical theories regarding our relationship. The truth is his past keeps troubling me. Every time I think about the disturbing things he has done in the past, I can’t help but worry that one day he would be tempted to do them again. That’s the silliest habit I have. Comparing the past to the present. Thinking the past will always have a connection to our present and future life. And that is so true, if I may state, even if I do not belong in his past.

Yesterday, I showed him the worst feeling somebody could ever show…

Distrust.

Suspicion.

Doubt.

I could not look straight in his eyes when he asked me the questions, “Wala ka pa rin talagang tiwala sa’kin noh?” “Hindi mo talaga maramdaman na mahal kita?” “Hindi mo pa rin makita?”

Gazing outside the window I shook my head, “Hindi ko alam…”

“Naiintindihan kita bakit hindi mo kaya magtiwala sa’kin.”

“Pa’no mo nasabing naiintindihan mo’ko?” I asked.

“Dahil sa nakaraan ko. Mahirap ako pagkatiwalaan. Wala na talaga nagtitiwala sa’kin.”

I wished to speak. To tell him he’s wrong. That I trust him. That I’m just afraid. But instead I chose to gaze out of the window so I could think more clearly.

Silence.

Silence.

Silence.

Then I was surprised when he leaned his head on my shoulder. “Sorry po… Naiintindihan naman kita eh. Sorry po…” He clinged to my left arm and buried his head on my shoulder. I didn’t respond. I wanted to scold him for being so considerate and understanding to me because I knew it wasn’t his fault. But I stayed quiet still staring outside the highway. Then some seconds later I felt the shoulder portion of my uniform wetting. I knew it was his tears. He was crying and I didn’t feel good about it at all. Instead I felt fury. Furious with myself for being a bitch. For being a coward. For being stupid. For purposely blinding myself from what I am seeing.

“Ginagawa ko naman kasi lahat eh ‘wag ka lang mawala sa’kin…” I heard him say between sobs. I could feel the emotions racing through my body. I wanted to cry too but I tried real hard to contain my emotions. I felt so bad about myself that I wished I could just bang my head on the glass window. I’ve hurt him. And seeing him in that condition made me feel so undeserving of his love.

The truth is I trust him. I trust the promises that he gave me. The love that he has for me. I trust him when he said he’s changing for me. I truly do. But I’m afraid to admit to him that I’m giving him it to him fully. I’m afraid that it would sooner or later become my weakness. Because I don’t trust today’s time. I’ve witnessed many relationships failed. I don’t trust the circumstances that may change us. People of today are too weak. And Lance and I are part of today’s world. I’ve seen how marriages can break. I’ve seen how love can fade and the fact that it does fade. NOTHING LASTS FOREVER. No matter how hard we try to detach ourselves from conformity, there will always be temptations. I love him. And I’m afraid this time it is true. I am a coward for wanting to run away from the pain love may cause. I am a coward for doubting and not accepting the fact that somebody truly loves me as me. I am a coward for hurting him like that.

They said that it’s easiest to take somebody for granted when you are aware of how much they love you. I took Lance for granted. Of all people, how could I even begin to think that he isn’t sincere? How could I doubt him after all that he’s done for me? How could I be such a coward? When all the while he’s doing everything to be brave for me?

I’m sorry. Not only to Lance but also to God. For hurting the person He has blessed me. For taking His gift for granted. For not appreciating it. I’m sorry for being a coward.