Four voices of hashtags.
For the first batch of the miniseries, Voices of Hashtag, four stories were heard. The love story of a lesbian and gay couple, the journey of embracing the black complexion, the respect to gender equality as a secret to long marriage, and the determination of an Aeta Teacher to pass the Licensure Exam were featured in the month of August.
#LoveWins
The online community calls them as “FrancIan”, a Gay and Lesbian couple from Davao City, Southern Philippines who are soon to be parents.
The 22-year-old Ian Estrella a.k.a. Francine Garcia and the 19-year-old Princess Diane Templado a.k.a. Ian have now the most rightful reasons to choose each other despite the odds, to conquer the terrifying discrimination and to love without conditions.
Since their early age, Francine and Ian have both admitted to be part of the LGBTQ+ Community. Talking about their sexual preferences, it was clear that Francine is a gay and Ian is a lesbian. They have been attracted to the same sex, live and act as what they preferred and wanted.
Until then, their worlds collided. It was an attraction at first sight for Francine. Attraction that turns to interest, and love that turns to intimacy. This Gay and Lesbian couple might not have the perfect words to detail what transpired, what happened or what they found on each other that set their hearts together. Perhaps, the word “love” breaks the chain of explanation.
#LoveWins describes the unusual love that was bonded by usual hearts. It has never been a smooth sailing ride, yet it endured by the promise of forever.
Francine and Ian alongside the rest of the LGBTQ+ community have been apparently physically present in the society for many years. But their fight to be absolutely accepted, recognized, and to be given the rights tantamount to what the” women” and “men” enjoyed is not yet over. The term “in the closet” can imply the current status of the LGBTQ+ community no enough freedom, no ample space to show who they really are, even after “coming out”.
Be part of the “ka-pride” (co-pride) community of Francine and Ian on YouTube.
#EmpoweredBlack
The confidence that made her bring home the crown was rooted from acceptance and love of her home.
In over twenty years, the Half Filipino- Half Black-American Taytay, Rizal Beauty Queen, Diana Navarro, has never felt different among her siblings as she was treated by his stepped father as if his own, a good foundation that she has been so gratified about.
Diana vividly recalls struggles, the insults of possessing a black complexion and a curly hair. She is one of the Blasians (Black Asians) who felt that life could be tougher than of the usual. Diana had heard it all. Cried over the bias judgements.
Her dreams escalated as she tries to escape from the pain of social injustice. Her color and everything she possessed has been her greatest asset. Diana soared higher, higher than others have ever imagined.
Diana is now an #EmpoweredBlack who illustrates the power of determination and strong will in breaking the beauty standards in the Philippines.
#HeForShe
The eleven years of love between Mr. and Ms. Abueva has been ignited because they learned the right formula.
The issue of gender equality among couples usually creates a long talk, especially in countries with patriarchal idealism. The male dominance can sometimes hinder the potential among females. Worse, it provokes silent misunderstanding and later the mishap of separation.
As a Medical Doctor and an Airline Pilot, Erwin Abueva feels proud doing the market shopping. A woman’s task yet he manages well. Erwin believes that there is nothing wrong in doing a supposed-to-be-task-of-a-mother, as long as it gives ease for his wife and family.
Meriam, his wife, had taken the opportunity to be part of their on-going apartment construction. Regardless of being a flight attendant, she does several man’s job to somehow expedite the building. Indeed, she has been the most gorgeous construction worker.
Equality bears respect. For the Abueva’s, their gender should not hinder self-improvement.
Instead, respect, encouragement and appreciation should be there. Understanding rather than competing. Considering rather than rejecting.
#HeForShe encourages equal opportunities among genders. Mr. and Mrs. Abueva has used the gender equality as a recipe in keeping their relationship stronger.
#NeverGiveUp
Failure is inevitable. It is a part of life which demands the highest degree of courage.
Teacher Gennie Panguelo knows every aspects of failure. Her life could be one of the most popular stories in the community of Aeta and among Teachers, as she strives more than anyone knows.
Twenty-four times of failing in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) could never stop her love in teaching. Teacher Gennie did not faint in the years of her failing. Instead, she persevered, and learned that anything comes in perfect timing.
For the 25th time, she passed the examination. After more than two decades of waiting, she can finally call herself as a “Professional Teacher”, who pledges to serve the Aeta community.
This is the #NeverGiveUp story of Teacher Gennie.
Written by Ricca Joice Adrada
