Why Romance Dominates in Philippines

                         

After work, I sit on my throne (my sofa) and turned on the TV, I noticed, there is only one Pinoy soap operas was all about. When I looked for Tagalog novels at a bookstore to read, I see nothing but only one genre that rules among all. Romance. As an aspiring writer, it's undeniable that the genre is the powerhouse of all. In fact, no matter how many people said it's cliche, still a lot of us watch or read lovestories. Of course, love is the greatest thing in this world, it's the source of joy, unity and peace aside of the "kilig" it gives to the audience. As the line in the song said, "you never live until you love." But, it's not the thing I wanna explain here but its overall dominance in Philippine cinematography and literature, as if we have forgotten the other genres. I observe, it's the only mainstream here. Prove to that, romance novels get more reads than anything else of Filipino readership in Wattpad. If you talk about foreign films and fiction, they like romance as well but you can see many also consider fantasy, action, science fiction, horror, etc. It's not that I dislike romance, actually, it's one of my favorite, but like how menudo is my favorite dish, I will also lose my appetite if that's the only meal I eat everytime.

So how does romantica is the overall dominant in Philippine art? Upon asking this to myself, I came up some answers. I do believe, it's because of our conservative culture. We were preached sex is evil especially outside in marriage. Lust is a deadly sin, no one will question. In fact, married couples still get back-stabs rumors if they will display public affection. From that thinking, we see malice and intrigue in romantic relationship, we hint it could lead sexual affairs. We see it's bone chilling and evoking because of that perception. But, malice and intrigue makes the romance more interesting aside from the emotional satisfaction it could give. I think it's always the best to be an open-minded and to explore in different areas of life. Spread the good vibes, shower the love.

The Poem

The Revolutionist

I want to see, but you put and jailed me at the dark.

 You made me blind by covering my eyes with black.

 Never contented, you stood behind and stabbed me at my back.

You're in the pedestal because of your greediness.

 I'm on the mud because of my foolishness.

 And now, I'm awake, still you pull me at nothingness.

I have the strength to cut you by my sword.

 I have a wisdom to destroy you by my word.

 In order to see a new beginning in this world.

And now we're here, run brothers! Run!

 Run, after the bullets of the gun.

 Run until we will see the rising sun.

But suddenly, I heard the sound of bang!

A bullet fly and hit through my lung.

So before I lost myself, I heard my brothers sang.

Our Fantasies

                 

Once, I had a daydream. I always thought how my life suppose to be. They were mostly impossible to reach because of opportunity or time that had been flashed by the waves. Imagining them may let me help escape my flaws in life, but somehow, it led me more disappointed. The more I'm being a denial on my current situation, The more I became a loser. Then, I realized, it didn't help, it just continue dragging me down. Looking in the mirror, I challenged myself. I accepted for who I am. I used my weaknesses as reminders and strength as enhancers. After that, I feel the self-fulfillment when facing the reality and it improves my life.  After all, when you make up yourself higher, you can have a life that's better than fantasy.