IS IT NECESSARY TO ADMIT IT?

Many of us might be guilty of the same crime against the famous actor of our country, Piolo Pascual. When many people, called him a person from the third sex, in which nothing is wrong in being such. I realized this just now, even if the society is not as condemning as ages ago, does a person of a different sexual orientiation, needs to admit it?

The first question will be why? Why does he need to admit it? For the comfort of some people? Why if he/she turns out to be the one that is uncomfortable? Is it only a selfish desire, of an outsider to know it? Some are comfortable in being labeled, as someone that they belong to, but some are not. They are those people, that do things that couples do, yet they don’t want to be called as a couple. I think the same thing goes with sexuality.

Then the next question is, what will happen granting someone admits it? Will they be welcomed with open arms, and with respect? Realistically speaking, the answer is no. Some will understand you, most will still condemn you, for being a person of a different sexual orientiation. Not because Vice Ganda, and Boy Abunda are widely respected and accepted for being gays, for ordinary people that will also be the case. What if you are besieged by judgemental persons in your environment, and worse, in your home, that doesn’t understand, and doesn’t want to understand? What good it will do to them in admitting it?

There are two things, that I learned in few years in existing in the world. One is, bad habits are hard to break. We are used to be taught, that being a person of a different sexual orientiation, are a sin, condemnable. And other people, even labelling it as a disease, that’s need to be cured. Eventhough our President, mentioned same remarks, he is not the one I am talking about. Some people still carry that belief in their minds, and there’s no way of converting them to think otherwise. Even if you are the right one, and they are the wrong.

The other thing that I learned, humans, not only Filipinos, are quick to condemned, without learning the facts first. That is the truth, from time in memorial. Facts are not really important to people, it only becomes important when facts slaps us in the face.

I realized this, while watching PBB. They are suspecting a housemate named Sky, (I’m not sure of exact name or spelling) of a different sexual orientiation. Then he admits that he is a male, but to preference, it is limitless. But because he is being clingy, touchy, to a certain housemate named  Diana, they suspect again, that he is using her to hide his true orientiation. Then suddenly there is talks of wanting to help him open up himself. Then I said to myself, why? Did he seek help, of wanting to open up? He is confident on who he is, as I am seeing it, so why there is a talk opening up. So Big Brother intervened, and called Mae to the confession room. Big Brother made her realized, that what she wants to do, even with good intentions, may not have the right outcome.

Another thing is, you sometimes can’t apply the same approach, even if the problem looks the same, or only looks the same. Not because it works in one problem, it will work with another. Mae, one of the housemate, is thinking that he made her brother came out of the closet, and his life got better because of it. She is thinking of applying the same to Sky.

The conclusion is, admitting one’s sexual orientiation is a personal prerogative of someone. We shouldn’t forced the issue, just for our own comfort as an outsider of their lives. As I have said, I have been guilty of the one, that is saying to Piolo to come out in the open, that is if he is really even a gay to begin with. If someone admits it, applaud them for their bravery. It’s still not an easy thing to do, even this age. If someone you feels is kinda hiding it, let them be, don’t pressured them to come out. It’s not cowardice nor being fraudulent on their part, they just wanna live comfortable lives. Like the most of us.

HOW WOULD I HAVE END GAME OF THRONES?

You may ask, why can’t you moved on already? It is because it is too terrible for me, and maybe  not only me, but for many people who loved that show. It was so great at the beginning, but had become so lame in the end. All because, the show runners want to move on to another project.

Because of what they have done, many characters suffered. You may say Daenerys’ character  suffered much, but Tyrion’s character suffered the most with the writing of the show. Not only on Season 7 and 8, but after he killed Tywin on the show, his character became lamer. And why Bran became king, instead of Jon Snow? And despite that, why Sansa chose to secede. And the pretext on how Daenerys became mad, and burned King’s Landing, was just poorly written. It defies logic, even with their explanation, in Inside the Episode.

So I asked myself, how would I have wrote the show, and conclude it if I were the showrunner of Game of Thrones? First I would not make Bran King. King’s Landing might still burn, but not the way it had happened on the episode of The Bells. But I will start my correction, on where the wrong began, Season 7.

Daenerys arrives at Dragonstone, started on planning on how she will take the Iron Throne. Tyrion will not be a pacifist, in the middle of war, like on how his character became on season 7 and 8. But he would still want to prevent bloodshed if possible. So as all the kings in the past did, they send ravens to all corners of the Seven Kingdoms, encouraging them to bend the knee, swear fealty and pledge loyalty to the rightful queen of the Seven Kingdoms, Queen Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen.

With that, most of the houses in the Reach and Dorne comply, with the leadership of House Tyrell and Martell, who had already helped Daenerys to cross from Essos to Dragonstone. Just like  the composition of the loyalist, in Robert’s Rebellion. They called their banners, and set to march to Kings Landing.

Just like the composition of the rebels in Robert’s Rebellion, House Stark, House Lannister who holds the Iron Throne, and House Arryn, who is under influence of Sansa Stark, didn’t answer the call, along with the houses under them. I didn’t include House Tully, for the lord of Riverrun, Edmure Tully was a hostage in Casterly Rock. House Baratheon on the other hand, was legally extinct, with the remaining member of it, Gendry was still a bastard. House Greyjoy, who sided with Euron, remains in Pyke, waiting on who will have the upperhand in the war. Many also of the houses in the Crownlands, didn’t answer the call.

So to set an example on what may happen, Daenerys attacked Castle Rosby and melt it. It was the nearest castle to King’s Landing. The next day, they landed to Duskendale, making it their first foothold, on mainland Westeros. The Unsullied, and the Dothraki, stationed there.

A pincer was about to closed in on King’s Landing. Many got worried, and the City Watch tried to coup against Cersei. Jaime convinced Cersei to evacuate the city. She did and they went to Casterly Rock.

King’s Landing surrendered without a fight. Daenerys was welcomed in the capital, and was crowned and proclaimed, as the new Queen. Her first order of the day, was to pursue Cersei who has fled to Casterly Rock.

But the geography of the lands, makes it difficult for them to attack it. Some of the ranking generals, like Randall Tarly suggest a landing on the west. But Yara disagree, because of his uncle’s unknown loyalty, and they might be ambushed. Even Tyrion, can’t also think on what to do next.

Then just like, on how had Hitler decided to attack the Soviet Union, even if he is not finished with Britain yet. Daenerys suddenly decided that she will attack the North, for the reason, that if the North surrenders, Casterly Rock will lost the will to fight. And they did march North, but a letter was sent, to Varys. The King of the North, wants a summit, with Queen Daenerys. And that summit will take place at The Twins, who is now abandoned, for the entire House Frey, with the exception of the women, was murdered. The Queen agrees to meet.

Before the meeting, Sansa adviced Jon to only bend the knee, if she would helped them against the Night King. And Jon did it, but he also pointed out what would happened if the Night will not be stopped. Then Daenerys asked:

What if I don’t?

Jon answered:

Then our swords will point south, you may win against us. But I promised you, you will not defeat the Night King on your own. We have to helped each other.

She agrees, but conferred to her councilors. Most of them doesn’t agree with the decision. Only with Tyrion, did she get a nod of the head.

Dany marched North, along with the Dothraki, the Unsullied, and the Tyrell Army, with Randall Tarly as it’s leader. The Martell Army was left on King’s Landing, to protect it, and Tyrion was also left to govern it.

At the same time. Cersei negotiated with the Iron Bank, on how they will be paid. Saying that Highgarden, had enough gold to pay for the debt of the realm. But she said, that she needed investment in order to execute her plans. Investment meaning troops, so the Iron Bank hire the Golden Company for her. She also enlist the help of Euron Greyjoy, with the promise of him becoming her husband, after they retake the Iron Throne.

The Queen, with her armies, and the entire North, fought the dead hard, but won, after Jorah Mormont, slew the Night King, when it was about to reach Daenerys. Cause of this, Jon who also, was heavily wounded, bent the knee to Daenerys. But Varys brought terrible news. King’s Landing and Highgarden was attacked. Martell army was scattered. King’s Landing is burning, cause all the wildfire caches, were all litted. Tyrion is presumed dead. Olenna also is presumed dead.

Randall Tarly who were reunited with Samwell Tarly, had a change of heart with his firstborn son. He was heavily wounded, and lost Dickon in the fight against the dead. He saw bravery in Sam, that he reinstated him as the heir of Hornhill, and gave him the Valyrian steel sword, Heartsbane. Just after he uttered it, Randall Tarly dies, making Samwell Tarly the new lord of Horhill.

Two of the three dragons were heavily wounded, and had to recuperate. But Daenerys ordered a march south. She and Jon, ride Drogon to scout King’s Landing. But to their astonishment, the city wasn’t occupied, but was still smoking. Tyrion was still alive when they arrived, but was heavily wounded. Cersei has no intention, of retaking the Iron Throne. But if she couldn’t have it, Daenerys couldn’t have it too. Tyrion died because of his wounds. And Daenerys lamented his death.

But before he died, Tyrion made an agreement with Bronn, alongside Olenna, that if he led soldiers to retake Highgarden. It will be his, Olenna agrees for no male Tyrell is alive to inherit it. Bronn did just that with the army of the Reach, and crushed the Golden Company with the help of Queen Daenerys and her dragons. At the castle, he was formally named by the Queen as the new Lord of Highgarden, and the new Lord Paramount of the Reach. But he isn’t the only one that was named and given titles. Gendry who fought by the queen’s side, was legitimize and given the name Baratheon, with him being given that name, he also became the Lord of Storm’s End, and became the new lord Paramount of the Stormlands. Some other people were given titles too. Sir Davos Seaworth, has become Master of Ships, Sir Samwell Tarly, become Master of Law. Greyworm have gain two titles. He became Master of War, and the new Lord Commander of the Queen’s Guard. But the most important title, was given to Jon Snow. With Tyrion dead, Jon became the new Hand of the Queen. But to his surprise, Daenerys added something else:

From this day, I named you, Jon Stark, the new Hand of the Queen.

Jon cried, and accepted his new position and name. I imagine at this moment, the Stark theme, would have played. Now the task at hand, is subjugating the rebels. Euron Greyjoy’s cohorts, and Cersei Lannister. The Dornish Army who has scattered, began to regroup. Daenerys want’s to burn Casterly Rock and the whole Westerlands. Jon convinced her otherwise, while they are in the King’s Bed. He urged her to sent a letter, asking Cersei to surrender first. She agrees, but she let him know, about her future plans of war. After Casterly Rock, they will attack the Iron Islands, and after the Iron Islands, they will attack Braavos. She blames the Iron Bank, for what happened to Tyrion.

Meanwhile in the North, Bran summoned Sansa and Arya discreetly. He told them about Jon’s true parentage, that he was the fruit of the marriage of Rhaegar and Lyanna. She sent Arya to tell Jon personally about it, while Bran returned North, beyond the wall. Stating that, the three eyed raven, belongs to the Land of Always Winter.

As Arya was going South, she met Jacqen H’aghar, and received a name. The name was, Daenerys Targaryen. Arya met Jon, and told him about what Bran told her. But he didn’t told him about the Queen, being named by the faceless men.

The Queen’s army, marched west to the Westerlands, after Cersei refused to surrender. But then, Jaime alongside with Lannister Army, surrenders in front of the Queen, outside Casterly Rock. Then suddenly, three dragons flew, and spit fire on Casterly Rock. Jaime was stunned and in a fit of rage, stabs Dany on her chest, just like how he stabs the mad king. Jaime was killed thereafter. Cersei was killed inside the ruins, of Casterly Rock. The fire weep o’er her halls, with no one there to hear. Dany’s last words to Jon:

You’ll rule now, the kingdom is in your hands, please fulfill my last wishes.

Dany died in front of Casterly Rock. Targaryen and Lannister both became legally extinct that day. Or is it?

After that they made a funeral for the Queen, and Varys conferred reports to Jon. That the faceless men, have infiltrated Westeros and the queen was on their hitlist. Jon only knew that time that Dany was on their hitlist. But he knew something else. He knew that Arya was trained by the faceless men. So he went to Jaime Lannister’s corpse. He holds his face, and it took off, under it was Arya’s face. He decided to burn the body. Then Varys appears, saying:

Are you gonna cover up this crime of regicide, my lord hand?

Yes. –said Jon

Then you are denying the queen, justice she deserves. –said Varys

Sometimes, doing justice for one person, gives injustice to many others. I loved her, and I also loved the person who killed her. If I will seek justice, we will have a perpetual war of seeking justice.

I will only bring the Iron Islands to heal. But I will not follow, the remainder of her last words. –said Jon

Good. –said Varys

Jon was astonished. Varys lamented the queen’s death. But doesn’t agree on attacking Braavos. Having no heir to ascent the throne. Lords of Westeros convened, and decides who will be their king. Varys suggested, that it should be Lord Stark, the hand of the King, be the new ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. The Lords agree and proclaimed Jon as Jon of House Stark, First of His Name. King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm.

He made Varys, Hand of the King, and retain the members of the small council to their post. Yara was named Lady Reaper of Pyke, Lady Paramount of Iron Islands and the Riverlands, and Sansa was named Lady of Winterfell. Sansa asked what happened to Arya, and Jon said what happened. Sansa returned North, and didn’t take revenge for his sister.

The Dothraki, was adopted by the Lord of the Stormlands, Gendry. Most of the people, that Daenerys brought to Westeros, settled on the Reach, Riverlands, and Westerlands. And to solidify the union, of Westerosi people and people of Daenerys. King Jon, marry Missandei, who has now, became a dragon rider. She became queen, and gave Jon a son. Which, he properly named Aegon. That is how I would have end Game of Thrones, if I were the showrunner of it. I hope you liked my story, better than we did Season 7 and 8.

A FEMALE PRESIDENT IN 2022?

Elections have finished, and everyone who has won is eyeing for a position. There are talks about the speakership of the House of Representatives, and also about The Senate presidency. Others eye for some commitee chairmanship. But no one asks about the obvious. Who will sit in the throne of power in Malacanang, after Rodrigo Duterte? Because let’s face it. The first thing, a politician thinks after an election, is the next election. And the next election, is a much more important election, than this years election. For it is a presidential election, we will elect a new captain that will stir the nation.

Everybody is saying that Mayor Sara, will be the next President after his father. For a number of reasons, that are logical. But for me, it is still too early this time to count the chicks. The eggs are not yet crack. But one thing is for sure, we may have a new female president, after President Duterte step down on 2022. I’m 70% sure of it now. Why? Because of the probability. Too many female candidates might run for office. And some of them, are too obvious in showing their interest. Let’s enumarate them.

Of course, there is the Vice President, Leni Robredo. She has too run, cause if she won’t, although it’s inevitable whether she run’s or not, it will be the end of the Liberal Party. It might cease to exist in the Philippines. The probability of her winning the race, is very low.  Just look at what happen to Otso Diretso, all of them lose the race, which whom she endorsed. It’s just like saying, we don’t want you, and like you. Plus, she does things that ruins her. She attacked the President, with his Hitler remarks, that he might do to drug addicts, what had Hitler did on the Jews. Yet she, when she went to Germany, sits on the tombstones of the Jews, that Hitler had massacred on World War 2.

There is also Grace Poe, who is also not an administration senator, but chose to stay away from the Liberal Party. She was rank second among top 12 senators, that had won this election. She thanked the people for electing, and she is saying that she is not from the administration, she had not compromised her principles. What does she really meant by that? She is announcing her bid for the Presidency.

And a little rant, to some candidates. To those who have won, who want to thank the people for their support. Thank us, by doing your jobs right, and not stealing the taxpayers money. Stop posting posters, thanking the people, that you won! That posters, will just become additional trash that you will never clean by yourself! There is this partylist here in our city, that I will not name, but are connected to the Nograles, everytime they won, they post this thank you posters, congratulating themselves on winning. Are what you doing a bit narcissistic, on your part? Stop doing that. Nakakainis para sa mga tao,at magdadagdag basura lang. Sorry naubusan ng Ingles.

If the number 2 will run, what more about the number one? Cynthia Villar, 20 million plus voted for her. If she can maintain that number, until 2022, then she may have a chance. Although some political analyst say, that being number one in a senatorial election, doesn’t always translate to also winning the presidency. Just as her husband did, on his own bid for the presidency.

And now, the most obvious choice. As some political analyst, and common people say who is most likely to win, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte. The daughter of the sitting President, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. If their will come into fruition, this will be a first time in the history of the Philippine politics, and election. A parent passing the reins of power, to his child, as if it was inherited, like in the time of kings and emperors. As if it was dynastic. If it will happen though, it will not be dynastic, for it went through the process of election. If she will be the choice of the many, then she will be President.

Although, the people will be the one that will put Sara in the seat of power. There are many outside factors, that will help her, other than us. First is her father, the current president. Although he utter some words, that the earlier his children go out of politics, the better, and the presidency will only destroy her(Sara). The action speaks otherwise. Why is Mayor Sara, on the entourage of the President, when they did some signing of deals in China? She is not needed there. There is no other reason, but preparing her to takeover, at the end of the term. Because let’s be honest. It became a tradition, of newly elected presidents, suing the former presidents and jailing them, for their alleged crimes. Duterte has many crime allegations. If other candidates win, we can’t be sure. But if it’s Mayor Sara, well she is her daughter.

Others are foreign influence, particularly the Xi Dynasty of China. As I said, she was on some of the trips on China, and other countries. China has poured money in our country. So would they chose a new unknown personality, that might derailed their investments? No, they will go to people that is reliable. And who could be the other choice than, an another person named Duterte also.

The other thing is the West Philippine Sea issue. I commend this administration, for handling the issue with prudence, rather than with rashness that may led to miscalculations, miscalculations that may led to war. I think Mayor Sara will continue, the same foreign policy.

The West might also like her. For she is not an extremist, like her father, who hates them. She might have a moderate view of the West, especially of the US.

Those are the only two factors. They can’t really rely on the Military, not because they are traitors, but their loyalty, is on the constitution, rather than the person who is the President. The business community, are split-minded with the Duterte’s. Some like them, most do not. And the Church, specifically the Catholic Church leadership, don’t really support them.

I know, that it looks like, more of a endorsement rather than a prediction. I might vote for her, if she runs. I’m not saying, that there will be no male candidates, that will run on 2022. They will be some. If they continue on pushing Tito Sotto out of the Senate Presidency, then he might be adversarial, and become the new face of the opposition. Plus his answer on the question, that if the senate will still be independent, despite the overwhelming win of the administration senatoriables and reelectionist. His answer was, on every senator’s mind, someone is whispering, you might become president of the Philippines sooner. So that’s why the Senate, will be still independent, despite of. He is a senator too, is someone whispering on him too?

Other names might be Marcos, the son, Pacquiao, etc. But as with Aquino, the son, and Duterte himself run as President. Their are some unforeseen events, that made them run, and somewhat help them win. On Aquino the son, was the death of their mother Cory Aquino, and Kris Aquino’s pronouncement. On Duterte’s part, was the decision of the Supreme Court, to let Grace Poe run. I’m still waiting for the unforeseen events, that might be a game changer. But as long as nothing happens, because of the probability, we will have a female president on 2022.

RAPE JOKES

Rape as someone defines, a short word, but a long sentence.

I can’t say that is not a thing that can be joke about. Because if we start policing comedy, everytime we were offended, then comedy might cease to exist, and comedians might become extinct. Then the world will not that be funny anymore. Someone are always offended at something. Offense is taken, not given. Rape is a tough subject, but some comedians can pull it through, most of them can’t.

It became prevalent, not prevalent though, although I can’t really say that it is, or isn’t, for I am not a guy that gallavant much. I’m a home-guy, for I don’t have any money, because if I have, I will leave this city which I live in, and never comeback. I might have travelled the world if have much money. I want to be on entertainment, on or behind the camera, writer for shows, for dramas. My biggest dream is to be, the David Letterman of the Philippines. And opportunities to be like that, can only be found in Manila, and never here in Davao City. But I was pulled back here, and from that time, I started to hate myself being stucked here. I don’t hate the city. All the claims of Davaoenos that you might have red in social media are true. Safest city in the Philippines. It’s just that, it doesn’t have the opportunities to achieve my dream.

Let’s get back to the topic. Rape jokes, became controversial, because the man of the highest position of government does it often. The current President of the Republic of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte. He had joke about it many times, that I can’t remember how the jokes are composed. Being the recent one, is on the giving of awards, or graduation maybe, I’m not really sure, of PMA Mabalasik class of 2019. Many in the past, got offended by it. One of proud ones, is Sanira Gutoc, a former government employee, who resigned after hearing it. Then run for senator, just this last election, but sadly lose the race, with along with her colleagues in Otso Diretso.

Another one, is on Pinoy Big Brother. When a certain housemate, named Banjo was forcefully evict by Big Brother, after doing two consecutive rape jokes in one day. One of the wording was, not exact though, is he has seen one of the male housemate naked, and he says that he will raped him. I don’t know the other one. And I would say that, PBB made the right call.

Jokes, has these three components. If you are to write, I’m not talking about the improv, and want to be cautious, because some are not, you have to be weary of this.

First, is intention. Only you, the comedian, will know what your intention is. Is it to make laughs only, or cause offence too? Me myself, like the jokes that comedians called too soon jokes. It is when they joke about something, and the reaction of the audience was, ohhhh, then they will say, too soon. There are some comedians in the US, that are called insult comics. The greatest of them all, was the Don Rickles. Americans would consider it an honor, being insulted by him. And in their country, they will hold a gathering, which they called a roast. They will throw insulting jokes, and maybe remarks at all those who are in the panel, but mostly to that central person of that gathering was hold to. And before President Trump, the previous presidents will hold a gathering, or a roast, with the media people, they called it White House Correspondents Dinner. They also invite, certain celebrities, and rich personalities, for it is also a charity event. But the one who will take center stage, is a certain comedian, and the President of the United States, that will roast all the persons in the room. Even the President himself. Himself, because there is yet too be a female president of the US. While in the Philippines, they are already two, and about to became three. That will be my next topic. Stay updated for it.

In a roast, many topics rose. What a word play, that is. Many topics rose, some includes rape, if a certain personality present in the panel, has been raped. But for that to happen, it is understood that the personality being roasted, okays with it. For what they joke about, are generally known knowledge about that personality. But again, if someone is not okay with it, then that will be a problem. It’s not only about the topic of rape, but every topic that might be offensive. For again, offense is taken, not given. So what is your intention? Only you will know, as a comedian.

Second is the wording. Many people are quick to used the word rape, although they did not meant it that way, and they got into trouble for it. One example is Vice Ganda, and his trouble with the GMA News Anchor Jessica Soho. He connected the word gang-rape, with the news anchor. I can see that he has no ill will, against Jessica Soho. But the wording of the joke, was indeed terrible. Rape alone, is a bad memory, trauma for someone who has experienced it. I’m talking generally, because rape is not exclusive to one gender. Women can be raped, men can be raped, gays can be raped, lesbians can be raped, trans-man/woman can be raped. All genders can be raped. Gangrape, is much more traumatic, and he used that word. For that, he was bashed. But I can see, that it was not, what he really meant, that I think many people did not see, or chose not to see.

What I think Vice really meant that time, is the anchor having multiple sexual intercourse, with many men at one time. But he wrongfully chose the word gangrape. They are many substitute for it, that would made it sound less offensive, or not offensive at all. There are words like orgy or gangbang, or sex to be simpler.  I think he really meant the word sex than rape. I don’t know, why rape will come first to mind, than sex, to define the action of sex? Is it because the word rape, are more common? Common, because it is used everyday in the news. While on the other hand, the word sex, and it’s action in reality, is consider more of a taboo. That people, can’t certainly talk, until they come a certain age, when it’s not a taboo anymore. So that maybe the reason why, the word rape, is more widely used, when what they really meant is sex. So if you meant sex in a joke, define it as sex in the joke. The word sex, is an action that the both parties agree, to be pleasured, while the  word rape, one party violated the other, to be pleasured. Be careful of using it.

Third is, delivery. It is combination of both the intent and the wording, or writing, the result of it. And both the comedian, and the audience are involved. Being the comedian, is the one to give, and the audience, the many who takes. They will be the judge, on how you throw the joke. Are you just getting laughs, or looking down at the topic you are blabbering? If they can somehow sense, that you are looking down at something. Then you will be criticized. But if they see, that you have no ill-will, with the right wording of course. Then they will laugh. That is why some comedians, can brought up the topic of rape, and no one is offended by it. Because of a good delivery by the comedians, and the good writing of their writers.

The problem comes with the non-comic individuals. Like that of President Duterte, and Banjo of PBB. You don’t really know, what their intent is on joking that, because it’s a passing thing. They didn’t really think about it, before saying it. Unlike comedians, that you can held accountable for a joke, for they write and tested their materials first, before presenting it to crowds. Yet people get offended. You can’t really judge them, with the same standards as comedians. And we can’t really even know, if it’s a joke, or a statement.

And I will say this also. A habit of many people, that I have talked to. When they say things that are not true, not necessarily lies, and lies as well. Then retract that statement, people are quick to utter the word, joke after it. Which I don’t agree. We are putting the word joke, in the same category as lies, and not true statements. Jokes are statements, that produced laughter to the ones that will hear it, and not dismay. No one is even laughing when they say joke lang, after lying. So let’s get rid of that bad habit too. But the next question is, what would be the substitute for it?

So my conclusion is; rape can be still a subject of jokes. But only specifically, and not generically. Specifically, if it’s okay with the specific person. There are two kinds of that specific person. One is the comedian through self-depracation, who might have an experienced of it, and talks about it on an audience. No audience will be offended in that way, cause if the comedian talks about it freely, then why will you get offended, as an audience? The second one, is the willing person to be joked about, but that only happens seldomly. It only happens in roast, with celebrities in the US, and not particularly in our country. No one might be willing to talked about it, 98%. Rape is a painful memory, to be even thought about by those who had experienced it. Rape is a sensitive subject, and our society now, are sensitive to statements and utterances. Plus with the political correctness spreading. We should be careful of what we say.

WHY DEMOCRACY IS BAD FOR WESTEROS...AND THE WORLD

Don’t jump into conclusions yet, by my wording of the word, world in the title. I am living in the Philippines, were democracy still thrives, despite the reports you may have received in the West, if you are in the West. I love being in a democracy, but if you will look in to the history and let’s not look far, current affairs, democracy had been bad for the world. We’ll delve into that later. But first let’s talk about Westeros, at least on how it ends on HBO series, Game of Thrones, not the novels. After the brief reign of Queen Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, The Unburnt, The Mother of Dragons, The Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, The Breaker of Chains, Queen of the Bay of Dragons, The Burner of King’s Landing, The Liberator from Tyrants, Queen of the Andals and The First Men, Protector of the Seven Kingdoms.

Tyrion Lannister proposed after the throne, for the Iron Throne was no more then, was vacated with no heir to ascent it, that they should choose someone among the lords of Westeros, to be the new king of the Seven Kingdoms. And they have chosen Brandon of House Stark, giving him the monicker, Bran the Broken, King of the Six Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. Six Kingdoms, for the North chose to secede, putting Sansa Stark as the first Queen of the North.

Let’s not go democracy, but with The North seceding alone and the throne allowing it, poses immediate problems. Representatives of Dorne, and Iron Islands are present at the caucus. Dorne was not subjugated by the Iron Throne, until it was married into it. While the Iron Islands, rebelled twice, one, at the time of King Robert, the other, at the time of the War of Five Kings, with Balon Greyjoy, being one of that five kings. Would seeing the North seceding, not make them think to secede too, or worse, to rebel again? Bran was right about one thing that he uttered, while he was king. He needed Master of Whisperers and Master of War. War will indeed come, with the composition of the new government, and the kingdoms. And why is he finding Drogon? Will he go dracarys to the one’s that rose up against him? And about the Master of War, will Sir Bronn of the Blackwater be more fitting to that office, than being the new Master of Coin? He knew nothing, about money or economics other than killing someone, and being paid for it, and the Lannisters having a debt on him, and not being paid for a fucking long time, until it was, finally. He had Highgarden.

So why it is bad for Westeros...and the world? Look at all civil wars that happened to Westeros, Dance of Dragons, Rhaenyra vs Aegon, The Blackfyre Rebellions, Robert’s Rebellion, Greyjoy Rebellions, and the War of the Five Kings. If the lords of Westeros, smells illegitimacy on the throne, they will rebel and plunged the country into a civil war. So what’s my point really? If they smell illegitimacy, they will rebel. But now, they all suddenly become legitimate claimants to the throne through elections, wouldn’t they rebel more? Westeros will have scheming and backstabbing, more than it had before King Bran. And because it is democracy, another thing will rise, vote buying. Either by money or something else, that can buy your favor if you’re a voting lord. With the North being out of the Kingdoms under King Bran. The next king, or kings might come, if the system will continue, from the kingdom who has the more to give, than any one else. And that kingdom, will be the kingdom of the Reach. House Blackwater might rule the Six Kingdoms for a hundred years after King Bran.

Another thing is, democracy is bad newbies to democracy. Westeros have no wide scale experience of democracy, with the exception of some smaller organizations. Like the choosing of the Lord Commander of the King’s Guard, the choosing of the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, and the choosing of the Lord, or the King of the Iron Islands at the King’s Moot. Other than that, Westeros had none.

Why did I say that democracy, is bad for newbies to democracy? After World War I, United States of America, pushed for the spread of democracy throughout the world, but especially in Europe, where major monarchies fell down one by one. They give the system to those countries, without properly guiding them. In turn, Europe had produced Hitler, Musollini, Franco, etc. I’m not including Stalin, for Russia have become Communist, or to be more correct, a Socialist State, after World War I or even before World War I ended. So after World War II, they supervise those countries they liberated, both in Asia and Europe. And now those countries, have strong democracies. But again, United States of America, repeated the same mistake in World War I on Iraq. Toppled Saddam, and replaced it with a democracy, then again, leaving them to themselves. What it gave us in return, ISIS, which is pestering the peace, every once in a while. It also gave Iran more influence in that region. Threatening both Israel, and Saudi Arabia, their allies.

In ancient times, Rome was also democracy. The senate rules it, but in times of war, they elect a leader, which they call a dictator. One dictator was elected, and never let go of the title and the powers with it. That man is Julius Caesar. After him, Rome never became a democracy ever again. Emperors ruled it for a thousand years after him.

For a democracy to last, it needs to be strong. If it is weak, it will crumble like the Roman Republic, the Weimar Republic, The Republic of China(the one that was established in the Mainland, by Sun Yat-Sen, and not the present-day Taiwan), etc. And what a democracy needs to be strong? Leaders that have conviction, and determination, like that of the founding fathers of the United States. Tyrion, I think will be a determined leader, for he proposed all of it. What I’m worried about though is King Bran. As the show states; people with so much power can be dangerous. Cersei and Daenerys, has only that kind powers, with Dany only having dragons which puts her in an advantage, and they plunged the kingdoms into that state. Bran has superpowers. The former three-eyed raven, promised he will fly. I’m very scared of what he can do.

So I stood by my choice, that the rightful king after Daenerys was killed, excluding Jon Snow of course, is Gendry Baratheon, Lord of the Stormlands, by the decree Queen Daenerys. Bran has too much power already by himself, even before he was king. Bran though, should the Master of Whisperers.

Another thing that weakens democracy, is corruption. With Bronn, being the new Master of Coin, I’m not that very optimistic, that there will be zero corruption. With the talks already of funding brothels, than ships.

I trust Tyrion, because in Tyrion we trust, at least in Westeros, in terms of governing just like his father Tywin Lannister, minus the cruelty and ruthlessness. He is bad though, at choosing his leaders, especially kings. He was bad at chosing Daenerys, and they let him dictate the nomination, and chose Bran. What could possibly go wrong? They have pretty good luck with these in the past. A quote from one of David Letterman’s monologue.

Democracy for it to be right, should have proper guidance, and experience, Westeros has none. It should have strong leaders, Westeros has Tyrion, but I’m worried about Bran a lot. And less corruption. With Bronn as the Master of Coin, I’m not very optimistic.

To the new government of Westeros, I wish you good fortunes, in the wars to come. Better find Drogon fast. And with Queen Daenerys being taken to the east, where Volantis is located, worry about her too. Because of what happened to her, the whole Westeros might burn, in the middle of Winter. Bringing Ice and Fire, together.

WHAT FILIPINO DRAMA WRITERS SHOULD LEARN FROM K-DRAMAS

If we will all just be honest. All of us are now fed up, with the Ang Probinsyano shitshow. It has gone for far too long already. First they we’re outlaws, now they are policemen again. Will they become outlaws again? I don’t know. Will they become zombies? Maybe. Because the show has no story, and keeps on developing from time to time. I’m sick of it really, that I don’t watch it anymore. Not only Probinsyano, but most Filipino Drama are not that watchable anymore. All of the stories are the same, and its endings, and they are all too long. And because of it, I favor K-Dramas.

I’m favoring K-Dramas, not because they are from Korea. No that’s not right, I am favoring K-Dramas because they are from Korea, and because many of the Korean actresses that I saw are beautiful. Some might say, they are the product of cosmetic surgery, I don’t care. They are still that damn beautiful and pretty in my eyes, and that’s what is important.

Yes, I’m favoring K-Drama’s because of their pretty ladies. Maybe some of my girl counterparts, like it as well because of their pretty men. But that’s not my only reason. We also have pretty ladies, and pretty men here. The problem with our drama’s lies with the structure. What should we learn, writers and producers? If we want to learn from them, and not retain the shit system that is at work. Let’s enumerate somethings that we might learn.

1 . Keep it short

The longest K-Drama that I know, but had not watched, has some 180 episodes on it. Some may have reached 200. But none that I know, has reached a thousand episodes like Ang Probinsyano. Some might say, One Piece, an anime, has reached a thousand episodes, and has been there for a number of years. We’ll get to that later.

The longest K-Drama that I watched was the series, The Great Queen Seon Deok, having 62 episodes in total. The next longest is Dong Yi, having 60 episodes, and Six Flying Dragons, having 50 episodes. They are considered long now, that networks and cable channels in Korea, don’t produced many drama’s of that length anymore.

A drama in there is already long now, if it had reach the length of 24 episodes. Why shortened a drama? So that stories may not get complicated, and actor’s schedules don’t overlap, and move on easily to other projects. Making more people, more happy.

Just look back at the time, when dramas are not really ending in our country. Protagonist and antagonist died, for various reasons, and they pulled the plug on the drama because of it. Some got terminal disease, while on the drama, but not necessarily because of it. But can’t get out of the drama, because the script is saying that she will stay long. Good thing, that they let the actress rest. But the bad thing is, the script has become to flexible, to extend the story for too long.

The longer we extend a drama, the more the story becomes astray, and complicated. The shorter it is the better.

2 . Different Dramas Everynight or Everyday

Ang Probinsyano has been there for too long, and the another bad thing with it is, we’ll have to deal with it, five times a week. In Korea, there are also what they called daily dramas. But they are mostly put in the morning, because their target audience moms who are at home. In primetime, they have different dramas. Aired once or twice for that week, then another week again. On that set-up, we’ll have variety of drama to watch, and people will not be fed up, with a certain drama. And many actors, will have work too, and have equal opportunity to be famous. Unlike here, Coco Martin, has only the best time-slot, and not letting go of it.

As I was saying, One Piece has reached a thousand episodes. But it was aired only once a week in Japan. While Probinsyano, we have to endured it on a daily basis

3 . Put Some Variety of Genres

I will applaud GMA, for trying to put variety of drama’s in the air. But in ABS-CBN, they don’t even try. They are serving the same old shit, with just different titles. A lot can be subject of a drama. Daily lives, of a certain profession, political, history, sci-fi, fantasy etc. Again, I will say I applaud GMA, in trying to to serve different kinds of drama. One of their most beautiful dramas are that Encantadia, not the remake, Mulawin, and Etheria.

And I don’t see a lot of historical dramas here in our country. Look at Quezon’s Game. It has gotten a lot of compliments, and critical acclaim. If they only put it on a drama, where most of us can watch it, many people may have gotten aware, that the man on the twenty peso bill, did a great feat for the world. Rescuing Jews, against the grip of the Nazi’s. We must put historical dramas more on TV, for people’s awareness of the historical figures of our country.

Dramas are not only limited to romance and action. Please try to write and serve us more genres of it.

4 . Don’t put current affairs issues

The news are bad already, and will not get better. Please don’t put it, as a theme of a drama. That is the bad that the Ang Probinsyano, has done in the past. There is a war in Marawi, there is also war on our tv screen, through that drama. Dramas are supposed to be entertaining, and an escaped of reality. We don’t need to see the countries problems again with the dramas. News are enough for that.

You might be saying, are Koreans not doing that? They are, and they have been criticized by their own audience for it. They are trying to shift, from only romance like before, to realistic portrayals of daily lives of a certain person. But unlike here, they have many dramas to chose from, for they have many channels who produced it, with collaboraton from independent production companies. Unlike here, we only have two, and one of them is always following the lead of the other.

5. Untypecast Actors

Here in our country, Piolo always play a Piolo like characters. Angel Locsin, always play an Angel Locsin like characters. And  I can named a list of actors here in our country, who are big names in the industry, who keeps playing the same role everytime. One example is the legendary king of Philippine Cinema, Fernando Poe Jr. He always plays the same role, in the hundred of the movies he had produced. In the acting industry, it is called typecasting. I don’t know who is at fault in our country, is it producers or the actors? Both of them, maybe at fault really.

In Korea, actors have a choice, because they audition for the role. Although, some are chosen by the producers. Actors have the choice to refuse, or to accept. Just like what I red from an article, ages ago, about an offer of a role to the actor Lee Dong Wook, who most of us now has seen, as the Grim Reaper from the drama, Goblin. He refuse a certain role, from a certain drama which is at the work at that time, for the reason that is also a fantasy genre like the Goblin, and he didn’t want to be typecast.

The proof of actors having a choice in Korea, Lee Jong Suk, who is known for being a cutesy flowerboy character in dramas, who can do serious acting too, but mostly played good guys in dramas. Suddenly plays a violent, sadistic, son of a North Korean official, who murders people, and rape girls to his liking. But I don’t think he fits the role, because only of his physical traits, being too white. Yoo Ah In, might have suit the role better.

Yoo Ah In, on the other hand, is known for playing guys who are crazy. From the movie Veteran, to the drama, Six Flying Dragons, he plays a crazy man. But he don’t limit himself to only doing that kind of roles. He has a more kinder role in the drama, Chicago Typewriter.

I can also do a list, of Korean actors that don’t want to be typecast. Like Lee Joon Gi, Kang Ha Neul, Hong Jong Hyun, Ji Soo, Nam Joo Hyuk. Wow, that’s basically the cast of Scarlet Heart Ryeo, only lacking IU. Even IU, don’t limit herself in playing cutesy roles. Just look at the drama, My Mister.

The point is, typecasting is bad for actors. It will not make them grow as actors. Actors, at least for me, should be chameleon-like in roles. We shouldn’t see your personality, but the character you are playing. Actors also should stood up, and I suddenly forgot the english word for it, manindigan, in choosing roles. Don’t just accept, and choose wisely. Roles can be out of trend too. And if you’re doing only a certain role, and then someday it has gone out of trend. That day might be the day, that you are done for as an actor.

6 . Endings

It’s always happy ending here in us. However great the conflict in the penultimate episode, it is always a happy ending. And it’s tiring for the watching public. In Korea, I will set an example, the most famous sageuk of Korea in the Philippines. So famous, that children and even dogs are named after him, Jumong. The summary was, only their love story though: Jumong and So Seo No found each other, and fell in love. But they marry different people, for various reasons. So Seo No’s husband died, and Jumong lost his wife. They got their chance again in love, and marry each other. Becoming the first king and queen of the kingdom of Goguryeo. But then the long lost wife came back, along with Jumong’s first born, true son. For So Seo No’s son’s was not of Jumong, but of her late husband. In the end, So Seo No, along with her entire clan and sons decided to get out of Goguryeo, and left Jumong. Was it a happy ending for their love story? Of course not, but it was satisfactory.

Of course there are happy endings too in K-Dramas. But they are not always happy ending. Main character die sometimes in their dramas too. Unlike here, no matter how unsurvivable the situation is, he or she is still alive in the end. All I’m saying is, there should be variety of endings, and not only one type of it.

7 . Plot Twist

Not many dramas in the Philippines have plot twist. Even if they have, they keep revealing it first, on TV Patrol and 24 Oras. I can’t remember having a shock, like the shock that I had experience when they reveal how Hodor, became Hodor. You might say, we are talking about K-Dramas and Philippine Dramas, why talk about Game of Thrones, Season 6 Episode 5 the Door? Pakialam mo! Blog ko to, magbasa ka sa iba. Season 6, is the last good season of Game of Thrones. The last two are shits. If you want a K-Drama example, I will give you one, The character of Choi Dam Dong, in While You Were Sleeping. Who would have thought that he was the police from the prosecutors childhood, one of the main characters? No one, until the reveal in the penultimate episode. I want those kind of plot twists on our dramas, but I don’t think I can see one, even in the near future.

As I said. The dramas in our country, didn’t have that many plot twist, that surprises the audience. They should try to put some, that are well written too.

Those are some of  the points that I have gathered for now. There could be more, and there could be a part two of this writing of mine. I don’t want to claim it is an article, for it might not passed as being an article. They are better, not because they are Koreans, and we are Filipinos. That’s not the point of this comparison. They are better, because they structurized their work. If we also could do that, we could be much better, or far better.