The Wheel and Axle

Sixteen years ago, the world changed.

I was in Manila, of course. We were celebrating the birthday of a friend over dinner in the Katipunan area. There was a TV suddenly broadcasting the terrible news as it happened. We were in Manila, but we felt the terror half a world away. When I got home later after midnight, I got glued to the TV again, watching the horror of the aftermath further unfold.

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Because Pinoy soaps are just #extra.

So Jessica Zafra’s The Stories So Far has been nominated for a National Book Award. Having gotten this fresh off print a few years back when it was published under The Library of Babel (of which I am the, ahem, Minister of Propaganda), I can guarantee it’s deserving of the nomination. Here’s hoping it wins!

If you haven’t read it, well, what are you waiting for? She still has signed hard copies available! Don’t miss it and the essay collection Geeks Vs. Jocks: each only at a great price of Php199.00 only. Email her at saffron.safin@gmail.com to order these awesome volumes from the legendary dominatrix behind the Twisted series.

The trans community is one of the most vulnerable segments of the LGBT community. It is, unfortunately, still a world where binary gender concepts are still the boxed in norms recognized by “modern” society at large – where gender identity and sexual orientation are still being confused with each other.

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Just goes to show how much social media has helped free inhibitions from actual etiquette.

Alright, that’s enough internet for the day.

Here’s a little throwback of galactic proportions.

Continued From:

Deliciously Seditious, Part 1

Aurelio Sedisyoso: A Rock Sarswela, beyond sedition and subversion, is also a grand zarzuela. It is a beautifully-boisterous production reminiscent of those colorful stagings of old, where drama and comedy were fused with music and choreography and, in some cases, cheeky but pointed social criticism. Simultaneously operatic and punk and everything in between, it seamlessly incorporates classic zarzuela accoutrements and traditional Tagalog song and dance with modern trappings such as rap battles, rock riffs, and hip-hop.

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I never thought the children’s song I Have Two Hands could ever be disturbing, but Aurelio Sedisyo: A Rock Sarswela – the latest musical from Tanghalang Pilipino – proved me wrong.

It tells the tale of playwright Aurelio Tolentino, who at the turn of the 20th century opposed the American regime in the Philippines through the mighty pen. He staged symbolic plays that condemned the colonizers as a way to continue the revolution after Emilio Aguinaldo’s capture. Together with Macario Sakay and Dominador Gomez, Tolentino was part of a triumvirate of resistance from different fronts: soldiers (Sakay), laborers (Gomez), and artists (Tolentino). Along the way, he befriends Manuel Quezon, an aspiring lawyer who believes freedom will come through political maneuvering into government, an idea that appalls Tolentino. Interspersed with the story of his cause is the story of his family, of how familial loyalties and love are tested in the midst of trials and tribulation.

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Really liking this kid more and more. Thank goodness Ruru Madrid is of legal age, as otherwise I’d feel dirty all over. I mean, I already just had to make excuses for Jon and his aunt Daenerys this past week. Let’s not add to the fantasy guilt.

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