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Korea Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Filipino webtoon creator Maria Mediarito spins a sapphic sanctuary through comic series 'Katlaya Rising'
MANILA, Philippines (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) -- Magic, monsters, and maidens are mainstays in fantasy stories. However, when the relationships and dynamics of these story staples have largely remain unchanged, Metro Manila-based comics creator Maria Mediarito -- or MariaMediaHere, as she's known online -- gives the genre a fearlessly Filipino and queer twist in Webtoon Originals comic, "Katlaya Rising." "Being queer is integral to the work that I have," says Mediarito. "I know when people don't feel safe to come out, they will end up in bad situations." Through "Katlaya Rising," Mediarito creates a sanctuary where her audience, especially queer and sapphic readers, could see themselves as heroes in epics. Don't be fooled, though. Mediarito's Filipino-driven fantasy world is anything but safe. Wild animals infected by frenzy run rampant in the stratified Pilipit Town. Exterminators, like Katlaya De los Kalye, risk their lives hunting these beasts for meager pay. Yet, for Katlaya, unhinged giant boars are a small part of her daily tribulations. Like her heroine, Mediarito leaps headfirst into the fray. In "Katlaya Rising," the author tackles tough topics like gender roles, classism, and religion. "Subtext is for cowards," she quotes fictional author Garth Marenghi in an interview. For Mediarito, comics create spaces where authors and readers can explore different facets of their identities. Self-discovery through comics Inspiration is found in mundane places. Mediarito found hers in her high school's art room. "I wouldn't have been able to access all of that if it weren't for my art teacher, Sir Norman Ramirez." Sir Norman was a personal hero to young Mediarito. He shared his personal comics collection with interested students looking for some company. The moment when Mediarito flipped through those comics, she was a goner. "Even if you pick up Chapter 400 of a long series and don't know these characters, you should still be able to be engaged," she explains. "That's proof of good comic book writing." Beyond appreciating the craft of comics, Mediarito internalized the importance of media consumption. Sir Norman knew that sharing comics, instead of letting them gather dust at home, was what was best for them. "I do believe the entertainment we consume molds our values and personalities." Sir Norman's influence set Mediarito on the path she's on today -- not only in her art but also in her identity. "I was in denial for a very long time, which is funny because my sister knew the entire time." Though her sister was supportive, Mediarito was self-conscious and scared. "I was so in the closet and so afraid of people judging me." In high school, she was desperate to find a boyfriend in order to fit in with her peers. The possibility of being ostracized distressed her. "They say that being queer makes people depressed," reflects Mediarito. A study conducted with 165,000 participants by the Open University reveals that LGBTQ+ teens face significantly higher risks of depression. But, being queer doesn't inherently affect one's mental health. "It's because the experience of queer leads people to situations where they're mocked, slighted against, or physically hurt." The Katlaya origin story For college, Mediarito majored in information design at Ateneo De Manila University. She didn't think she could earn a living from art alone, so she practiced corporate design. "I had a lot of side hustles in college," she says. "Because you have to feed your mouth and then you have to feed your heart." In between commercial gigs, Mediarito carved out time for comics. In 2018, Komiket, a Filipino nonprofit that organizes conventions, held a comics competition. Mediarito didn't want to join at first, but her best friend and poet, Ives, encouraged her to try it out. Mediarito's 16-page entry was shortlisted but didn't win. Though, losing one battle sometimes means winning the war. "Being acknowledged in this competition was a sign that I can go for it. Maybe I can win," she reflects. Komiket gave her a green light to pursue comics along with her commercial projects. The author came face-to-face with an adversary, as many other college students in the late 2010s did: COVID-19. Suddenly, her corporate gigs dried up. Not only was getting through the pandemic economically challenging, but it was also lonely for creatives. Without the routine of corporate gigs and art events, Mediarito poured her time into web comics. In 2021, she published "Ghoul Crush," which centers on a romance between a woman and the ghost haunting her apartment. Mediarito also submitted her work to literary publications and awards. "Then, I got an email from someone I didn't know who said they were a Webtoon editor," Mediarito says. She ignored that email for a few days, but in the back of her mind, she thought, "Let me check that just in case." The email, from LA-based Webtoon editor Aria Villafranca, was not spam. Villafranca was interested in working with Mediarito on a Webtoon Originals comic. Mediarito only had short comics at the time, so she sent over a 16-page story called "Katlaya De Los Kalye." "Aria saw what Katlaya could be," says the author. "We can make it a whole world with more creatures, monsters, characters, subcultures, and lore." Villafranca and Mediarito worked on what became "Katlaya Rising" for a whole year before publishing the first chapter on Webtoon. "Comics will bring you to places you never knew you could end up in." Writing queer characters the right way Katlaya De Los Kalye crashes through a married couple's tin-roofed home in Lower Pilipit Town to fight a rabid beast to the death. While Katlaya's monsters would feel more at home in a Nintendo game, Pilipit Town's atmosphere and citizens feel vaguely familiar. "The backgrounds are so important to informing the world," Mediarito says. "It has to be Filipino." Katlaya and her motley crew fight monsters and, occasionally, each other in tight eskenitas drenched in neon light from signs in Baybayin. Capiz shell windows line houses in Upper Pilipit Town. Tricycle drivers rush past pedestrians in the morning. These lived-in details are all by Mediarito's design. Mediarito works with a team of assistants based in the Philippines. "We do field trips around Manila to just look at old and new architecture," she says. "And then we see how we can fuse them together." Although readers see backgrounds for a few seconds, the rich references in Katlaya's world adds depth to the greater story Mediarito is telling. In a moment of vulnerability, Katlaya reminisces on her childhood and time as a nun in service to Pilipit Town's local religion. Growing up, she overheard her neighbors gossip about her queerness. "What a waste of a pretty face. ... She's like a 6/10 in looks." These comments are commonplace in the comic, with many members of the LGBTQ+ community being called "sayang" at least once. In "Katlaya Rising," Mediarito also touches on the expectations for Filipino women to bear children and the consequences they face regardless of their decision. "Society goes through ups and downs," says Mediarito. "In some older films, the villains were queer-coded to prove they were strange and not of this world." Giving antagonists traits and appearances commonly deemed as queer, such as crossdressing and flamboyance, feeds into stereotypes about the queer community. Now, some fandoms are at another extreme and fetishize queer characters. "We went from villainizing queer people to putting them on a pedestal," the author says. "We've come to the point where we can make queer characters just characters. That's why I have five different love interests in 'Katlaya Rising.'" Representation inches closer Planning, writing, and drawing a Webtoon -- especially one set in a fantasy world with five romantic subplots -- is no small feat. "I never expected to be in this situation, where I can say I'm a professional comic artist," Mediarito reflects. "Maybe it's not so crazy if you're from a different country where the comics industry is more developed." The Philippines has a tight-knit and vibrant comics community that self-organizes events and conventions, like Komiket and the Manila Comics Fair. However, most, if not all, large publishers, like Marvel, DC, and Kodansha, are based abroad, making it tougher for Filipino creators to reach international audiences. "We're just a small archipelago in the middle of the ocean. For any one of us to achieve acclaim is a net good," Mediarito says of her practice. In addition to raising the Filipino flag a little higher, she hopes "Katlaya Rising" would also hold space for the queer community. "You have to confront what type of artist you want to be. Do you want to make something for as many people as possible, or do you want to make something for yourself?" she advises. So, what kind of artist is Mediarito? A story about sapphic Filipinos fighting monsters and each other's love interests sounds quite niche. However, complex, unapologetic stories are cementing their place in the public's consciousness. In February 2025, Chappell Roan won Best New Artist at the Grammys, singing about drag queens, clubs, and coming out. The first installment of "Wicked," with queer-coded heroines, graced screens worldwide and brought in $756 million at the box office.
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Fifth Solomon taken to hospital after mental breakdown caused by online bullying
Photo: Fifth Solomon/Instagram Fifth Solomon (pic) was taken to an emergency room after he suffered a mental breakdown, which he said was caused by online bullying. The Filipino actor-director gave a health update through his Facebook on Monday, June 16, saying, 'I'm okay now. I'm in the ER with my sister Balitang Inaaaaa!' referring to comedian Chariz Solomon. He said he had 'a mental breakdown because [of] the online bullying. Thanks for all the people who reached out.' He added that he is set to release a statement although he did not immediately expound on the matter. In a prior post, Solomon addressed the bashing he had been receiving online, enumerating the most common remarks thrown at him. 'Retokada. Flop. Baliw (crazy). Mental hospital. DDS (Diehard Duterte Supporter). Incerun. Too fem — Call me names. Laugh all you want. I've heard worse. Survived worse,' he said. 'I grew up with no blueprint, no guidance, no safety net. So I taught myself how to fight, how to bite back. The world isn't kind. I stopped trying to be,' he added. Solomon then reflected on how some people 'play clean' but 'enjoy watching others fall.' 'But me? You can't bring me down. Only the people I love have that power. And even then, I'll still get up,' he said. 'I know who I am. I know what I'm worth. No one gets to rewrite that,' he added. Solomon appears to have been discharged from the hospital as he showed himself walking in an outdoor area. Solomon rose to fame in 2014 after he joined the reality show Pinoy Big Brother . – Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Four Filipinos in Israel hurt after Iran's airstrikes, says Philippines govt
Israeli Iron Dome air defence system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, early Sunday June 15, 2025. Four Filipinos are reported hurt following the attacks. -- AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN): Four Filipinos in Israel were hospitalised following Iran's airstrikes, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Sunday. DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said that the Philippine Embassy in Israel is currently checking on the conditions of the four Filipinos. "The four are in the hospital in Rehovot, Israel (about 30 minutes from Tel Aviv), according to the PH Ambassador. But they are not in critical condition,' De Vega told in a message. The two Middle East countries are caught in escalating conflict which saw them exchanging airstrikes over the past few days. Israel targeted Iran's nuclear and military sites on Friday after US President Donald Trump warned of possible 'massive conflict in the region.' Iran also fired ballistic missiles at Israel in a counter-strike on Friday. De Vega also said that the conflict has brought 'mostly psychological trauma' for some Filipinos in Israel. "Iran has no reports of injured or affected Filipinos,' De Vega added. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the Philippine Embassy in Israel reported that it extended help to a Filipino whose house was affected by missile strikes. 'They were safe from harm because they were inside the bomb shelter or mamad when the missile landed,' the post read in Filipino. The embassy also urged Filipinos in Israel to stay close or seek shelter or mamad for their safety. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
Daily Express
10-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
National emergency over HIV in Philippines
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 By: Philippine Daily Inquirer, ANN Text Size: Health department data showed a total of 148,831 reported HIV cases from January 1984 to March 2025. (Pic: Philippine Daily Inquirer) MANILA: With a 500-percent surge in new human immunodeficiency virus or HIV cases per day, the Philippines now has the fastest-growing number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Western Pacific region. This development is alarming enough to prompt the Department of Health (DOH) to urge President Marcos to declare a national public health emergency. Advertisement 'With a national public health emergency for HIV, every sector in the society will help to address this. The whole of society, the whole of government can help us in this campaign to reduce the number of new HIV cases,' Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said. The HIV surge, Herbosa said, is a 'bigger' problem than mpox (previously known as monkeypox). All of the mpox fatalities in the country died not from mpox itself, but due to complications caused by advanced HIV, he added. The DOH has recorded 57 cases per day from January to March this year, or 5,101 newly diagnosed PLHIV over that period, including a 12-year-old from Palawan province, who was found to have engaged in unprotected sex since an early age. HIV and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) surveillance has shown that Filipinos who are newly diagnosed with HIV are getting younger. The DOH noted that the predominant age group has shifted from 35-49 years old in 2002-2005, to 25-34 years old starting in 2006. The below-15 age group has also seen a 133-percent increase, the highest, followed by 15-24, whose numbers increased by 106 per cent. DOH data showed a total of 148,831 reported HIV cases from January 1984 to March 2025. Sexual contact remained the predominant mode of transmission, but has shifted to men who have sex with men (MSM) since 2007. Herbosa warned that the number of PLHIVs could breach 400,000 cases by the end of 2030 should there be no improvement in the services for HIV/AIDS prevention and PLHIV support. But while a national emergency can help raise awareness, the government must immediately implement concrete solutions to stem the rise in HIV cases especially among the young. Former health secretary Janette Garin, for one, said the government should increase efforts in making medicines available and accessible to prevent widespread infection. She added that the rise in cases was expected because the availability of tests and public awareness have driven the numbers up. The study, 'Exploring the HIV Epidemic in the Philippines: Initiatives and Challenges,' published in January this year, offers additional insights. It said that initiatives like Republic Act No. 11166, or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018, strengthen the comprehensive policy on HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support. It, however, noted that despite these measures, including the increase in primary HIV care facilities and treatment centers, there still was 'not much improvement [in controlling] the rising HIV cases.' The researchers attributed this to several factors, such as the low use of artificial contraceptives, like condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), or the use of antiretroviral drugs, to prevent contracting HIV, especially among MSM. The researchers noted that PrEP was available mainly in urban areas but not in the provinces and recommended that health care providers include this service, with the help of private companies and the government. They also cited the Catholic Church's conservatism, which 'greatly influences [and] prevents the full implementation of sexual education in all schools in the country.' The Church has opposed the use of artificial contraceptives and sex education in schools, arguing that parents should be the primary educators in this area. However, as the study pointed out, many parents are not knowledgeable enough to assume this responsibility, especially when conversations on sex remain a taboo in many families. The government can look to Thailand, which has successfully controlled its HIV epidemic through several programs focusing on prevention and care that have evolved since 1984, when their first AIDS case was reported. Among Thailand's notable HIV prevention policies were the 100pc Condom Program, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission, and expansion of antiretroviral therapy coverage, which were all done in partnership with civil society and PLHIV. In the 1990s, Thailand, under the leadership of then-Cabinet member Mechai Viravaidya, launched an intensive public information campaign on HIV/AIDS prevention. This included mandatory one-minute AIDS education spots every hour on television and radio, as well as education programs in schools that raised students' level of awareness. The world today has a better understanding of HIV and AIDS, and together with it, many ways to protect oneself from contracting HIV, or treating it early so that PLHIVs can live a long and healthy life. This is where the government should focus its efforts instead of hyping up numbers that only trigger panic or fear among the public. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
South Korea: From arms seller to Philippines to deeper defence partner possible
MANILA: South Korea could take a step further in its growing defence ties with the Philippines and consider taking part in joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea and negotiating a possible visiting forces agreement, according to a Korean expert, adding his voice to growing calls for deeper security cooperation between the two countries. Both countries are facing hostile neighbours. Chinese vessels have rammed and used water cannons on Philippine ships and flashed military-grade lasers at Philipppine troops on several occasions, while South Korea grapples with nuclear threats from North Korea, a key ally of China. 'If China's coercive actions in the South China Sea escalate and begin to threaten the stability of South Korea's maritime trade routes, and the United States calls on South Korea to participate in joint patrols to help maintain regional stability, then South Korea would likely have no choice but to join neighbouring countries in such joint patrol operations,' Keun Sik Moon, professor at Hanyang University and former Korean navy officer, said. The Philippines has been conducting regular joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea, Manila's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, with its closest security partners US, Japan and Australia, and also with other friendly states. Manila and Seoul have upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership last year, including broader defence and security cooperation. South Korea is among the Philippines' top arms suppliers. Moon said he was in favour of a status of visiting forces agreement between Manila and Seoul, which allows increased defence cooperation and allows both countries to hold exercises in each other's territories. 'Korea-Philippines VFA could support joint amphibious training, maritime interdiction and anti-terror drills. It also secures local MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) hubs for South-East Asian exports and enhances Korea's force mobility,' he said. This agreement, Moon said, 'aligns with Korea's global security strategy and enhances joint defence readiness against South China Sea threats, elevating Korea from an arms seller to a strategic security partner.' The Philippines already has similar agreements with the United States, Australia, Japan and New Zealand. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr said last month that they will 'start scoping and see what happens' after the elections in South Korea if VFA discussions can start. He was in favour of a possible VFA deal due to existing military cooperation with Seoul. 'We already have interoperability with them, especially in naval operations, and our FA-50 aircraft came from them,' he said. The Philippines last week signed a deal for an additional 12 FA-50 light fighters from Korea Aerospace Industries for P40 billion. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
