Fair Skin, Fair Thinking: Investigating the Influence of Colorism in Filipino Comedy Films

on Senior High School Students’ Perceptions of the Desirability of Darker Skin Colors

Madison Corinne V. Motril, Carlo Antonio T. Apud, Harry Peterson B. Mendoza

Grade 11-Amorsolo
O.B. Montessori Center, Fairview Campus
Practical Research 1
Mr. Roberto Lim, Jr.
January 24, 2023
 Abstract

Originating in colonial periods and enduring until the present, colorism in the Philippines has

mainly manifested as a widespread preference for fair skin and disfavor for dark skin. Previous

studies have explored the former in depth, illustrating both the privileges that accompany having

light skin and the harmful whitening practices taken to achieve this. However, this focus has

limited the coverage that details how Filipinos view dark skin. Especially with the power of

media in conveying social values and its history of doing so with colorist ideals, there arises a

pressing need to locate Filipinos’ perspectives on dark skin amongst the particularly

media-influenced youth. This study assesses Filipino senior high school students’ perceptions of

dark skin and the desirability of darker skin colors, as taken from their assessments of colorism

in social contexts and in Filipino comedy films’ portrayals of darker-skinned individuals.

Through 30-60-minute interviews with participants selected through convenience sampling, this

study has found that Filipino senior high school students’ perceptions of the desirability of

dark-skinned individuals and real-life interactions with the aforementioned group are not

influenced by skin color. This indicates the youth’s development of a more open-minded

perspective on skin color, contrasting the white-centric views established in Filipino society.

Equipped with information on the colorism found in the comedy genre in particular, future

studies may continue evaluating Filipino attitudes towards dark skin through those portrayed in

different genres and those held by other age groups.

Keywords: colorism, Filipino comedy films, dark skin, stereotypes

Fair Skin, Fair Thinking: Investigating the Influence of Colorism in Filipino Comedy Films

on High School Students’ Perceptions of the Desirability of Darker Skin Colors

Background of the Study

Colorism has been a longstanding element of Philippine society, with colonialist ideas

continuously being reinforced and repackaged in present-day interactions. As Spanish colonial

rule promoted the inferiority of dark-skinned natives and American colonial rule established the

superiority of fair-skinned individuals, Philippine society now holds lighter skin to a high regard

(Cabañes, 2014; Cruz, 2021; Gaborro, 2008, as cited in Cabañes, 2014; Simbulan, 2005).

Philippine media plays a particularly significant role in perpetuating such concepts,

characterized by the following: preference for figures with mestizo features such as “light skin

tone…and an arched or pointed nose” (Admin, 2015, para. 1), use of blackface in portraying

dark-skinned characters, and use of derogatory terms aimed at those with dark skin (Cabañes,

2014; Chanbonpin, 2015). Coloma (2022) also puts forward the continuous use of brownface in

Philippine entertainment, wherein one uses makeup to imitate the darker skin of racial or ethnic

groups such as South Asians and Latinos (Carter, 2022; MothershipSG, 2020). This practice

stands alongside blackface, wherein actors imitate black people by darkening their skin with

makeup and performing stereotypical exaggerations of the mentioned race (Clark, 2021;

Desmond-Harris, 2014).

Such practices are notably observed in Filipino comedy films such as Girl, Boy, Bakla,

Tomboy (2013), wherein a dark-skinned character is portrayed by an actor in blackface and is

subject to discriminatory jokes relating to their skin color (Coloma, 2022; Deramas, 2013). The

2008 film SupahPapalicious also features the protagonist's use of blackface in his imitation of an
African-American artist, characterized by a stereotypical accent and mannerisms (Perez, 2008).

As these films place social issues and characters into understandable and familiar contexts, they

provide viewers with a basis for formulating their belief systems (Mosharafa, 2015). In turn, this

greater awareness of one’s environment will aid them in developing their impressions of others

and others’ physical attractiveness (Kolawole & Togonu-Bickersteth, 2022; Mosharafa, 2015).

Especially with the comedy genre’s mass appeal and consistently high film grosses (JE CC,

2021; Kibanoff, 2013; Manalo, 2022), the colorism displayed in its films may factor into many

of the audience’s consequently formed beliefs. This further becomes a point of awareness with

the youth, as teenagers become active media consumers in the growing presence of technology

(Matrix, 2014). Exploring this particular age group’s applications of media perceptions to

everyday life, especially those taken from a genre as influential in the country as comedy, can be

instrumental in imparting inclusivity to future Filipino generations.

Statement of the Problem

While colorism in the study’s concerned film genre, Filipino comedy, often centers on

dark skin, previous studies on colorism in the country focus more on Filipinos’ preference for

fair skin. With these, one achieves a clearer view of the origins of colorism in the Spanish and

American colonial periods and colonial mentality (Cabañes, 2014; Casillan, 2020; Cruz, 2021;

David & Okazaki, 2006). From this, one can already observe the continued prevalence of

colorism in Philippine industries such as entertainment and skin whitening (Cabañes, 2014;

Singson, 2015). However, due to the emphasis on the fair-skinned aspect of colorism alone,

accounts of Filipinos' perspectives on darker skin remain limited. By exploring Filipino senior

high school students’ perceptions of darker skin through their view on portrayals of dark-skinned
characters in Filipino comedy films, this study can help broaden the understanding of all aspects

of colorism in the Philippines. In doing so, the study aims to answer the following questions:

1. How do high school students view the portrayals of darker-skinned people in Filipino

comedy films?

2. How do high school students’ perceptions of the desirability of darker skin colors affect

their interactions with others?

3. What judgments can high school students propose to the film industry to address the

issues surrounding colorist portrayals?

Objectives

This study seeks to evaluate how Filipino senior high school students perceive dark skin

and its desirability through the colorism in Filipino comedy films. In particular, it aims to

accomplish the following:

1. To identify the influence of the colorism portrayed in Filipino comedy films and other

contributing factors to the formulation of such perceptions

2. To locate Filipino senior high school students’ perceptions of the aforementioned topic in

real-life contexts

3. To gather recommendations for eliminating colorism in media

Significance of the Study

This study centers on the role of Filipino comedy films in shaping high school students’

perceptions of the desirability of darker skin colors. The results of the study will benefit the

following:
 Media consumers. This study will enable media consumers to become more aware of the

colorism prevalent in Filipino comedy films and identify these in future releases. Using these,

they may reflect on the influence of this colorism on their views and interactions involving the

desirability of darker skin colors.

The film industry. As creators and distributors of the concerned media, those in the film

industry can use this study as a guide in determining the colorist ideas present in their works. In

turn, they may better assess the socio-cultural impacts of their works and identify ways to

prevent further perpetuation of colorism in film.

Film students. This study will provide film students with insights into the more

analytical aspects of filmmaking, enabling them to approach the use of elements such as costume

choices with more sensitivity (The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,

2021). They may also refer to this study in their future academic works to contribute to a more

comprehensive discussion on colorism and contextualize this in media and entertainment.

Future researchers. As this study deals with an understudied aspect of colorism, it may

guide future researchers in determining their approach to and enriching their discussions on the

topic. Researchers can locate their studies on colorism in various contexts and relate the subject

matter to more individuals, thus promoting higher awareness of the concerned issue.

Scope and Limitations

This study focuses on Filipino films belonging to the comedy genre. This was chosen due

to the accessibility and appeal of such films to the masses, with the comedy genre usually being

part of the mainstream (Kibanoff, 2013; Manalo, 2022; Philippine Primer, 2017). Certain aspects

of comedy films may also not be present in other genres, such as the use of humor and positivity
in presenting social issues to its audience (Kuskevics, 2017). In turn, this may influence the

audience’s interpretation of both the film’s message and the issues at hand.

Further, this study was only conducted among senior high school students currently

attending the Fairview campus of Operation Brotherhood Montessori Center (OBMC, hereafter).

Given their age, the students would have already developed their perceptions regarding beauty

standards and the cultural factors surrounding this (Buss & Stoltz, 2020).

The researchers administered interviews with the respondents to assess their evaluations

of Filipino comedy films with colorist portrayals and their perceptions of the desirability of

darker skin colors. In adherence with COVID-19 safety guidelines discouraging gatherings, the

interviews were conducted online through Google Meet.

Theoretical Framework

This study views its topic through the critical race theory (CRT) and the subsequently

developed critical skin theory (CST), which traces its origins to the late 1970s with major

contributions from scholars such as Kimberlé Crenshaw, Derrick Bell, and Richard Delgado (Ed

Post Staff, 2021; Sawchuk, 2021). Initially contextualized within the American social and

political spheres, the CRT views race as a “social construct” (Ed Post Staff, 2021, para. 3) that

manifests day-to-day through various institutions and their unequal treatment of people of color

(Iati, 2021; Sawchuk, 2021). Race therefore becomes society’s basis for categorizing individuals

and determining the treatment and advantages that it affords a particular group (Bainbridge,

2022; California School Boards Association, 2021). Further, Ray and Gibbons (2022) emphasize

that the CRT focuses on the implications of race and racism brought about by society instead of

those from individuals. Given these, social treatment naturally differs according to one’s race
(Ray & Gibbons, 2022) – a process that Reece (2019) notes places a premium on white

individuals. A similar principle was applied to the formulation of the critical skin theory (CRT),

which identifies skin color as a separate driver of institutional discrimination (Parker, 2021).

Under this theory, society functions on the principle that the closer an individual’s skin color and

physical features resemble those of white individuals, the more superior and privileged they are

in society (Hall, 2018; Reece, 2019).

Applying concepts from the CRT and the CST to this study, media – particularly films –

becomes the social institution that promotes the inferiority of darker skin to its audience (Parker,

2021). With both the mentioned theories and the study’s concerned films heavily featuring the

position of darker skin colors in society, reconciling them has allowed the researchers to better

navigate the perceptions collected on skin colors and colorism. Further placing the theories’

principles beyond their American origins and in a Filipino context, this study can present

information that centers on Filipino perceptions of dark skin. Ultimately, this will go towards

addressing the previously mentioned lack of such across similar literature.

 Literature Review

The growing accessibility of media has given rise to a more comprehensive coverage of

the debates it encompasses, particularly those surrounding colorism. This review focuses on the

following themes: colorism in the Philippines, formation of beauty standards, the role of media

in shaping beliefs, and the role of race in shaping perceptions. From these, the paper employs a

non-Western lens as it offers perspectives on colorism in the media.

Colorism: Definitions, Origins, and Filipino Perspectives

After years under Spanish and American colonial rule, the Philippines continues to bear

the harmful influences brought by its colonizers. This is especially evident in Filipinos’ displays

of colorism, wherein lighter skin is seen as superior and darker skin is consequently deemed

undesirable (Singson, 2015). As such perspectives evolve into a basis for discrimination and

disregard for the Filipino identity (Singson, 2015), these must also serve as a call to explore the

origins and factors of colorism so that it can be recognized in various contexts.

Doing so can be aided by a more detailed understanding of the key concepts within

colorism. A colorist society determines the way individuals within a race are treated, stratified,

and even privileged based on the "lightness or darkness" (Hochschild & Weaver, 2007, as cited

in Heckstall, 2013, p. 33) of their skin color (Casillan, 2020; Hunter, 2007, as cited in Casillan,

2020). This mindset thus allows characteristics and outcomes to become unevenly associated

with skin color: those with lighter skin have more positive experiences with factors like income

and treatment in society, while those with darker skin undergo their negative counterparts

(Mendoza, 2014; Singson, 2015). Colorist ideals may even drive some to use skin whitening
products to avoid the mentioned negative associations and achieve the superiority granted to

lighter-skinned individuals (Blay, 2011; Singson, 2015).

Colorism can further be understood as a result of its origins in colonial mentality, wherein

one perceives their culture as inferior due to colonization (David & Okazaki, 2006). In the

Filipino context, colonial mentality can lead one to reject or be ashamed of their culture in favor

of that of the Westerns (David & Okazaki, 2006; Singson, 2015).

In particular, the social hierarchy imposed under Spanish colonial rule was a significant

driver of colorism in the country (Casillan, 2020). While those with fair skin enjoyed upper-class

status and privileges such as landowner status, those with darker skin and indigenous or tribal

origins were subjected to the lower class and the accompanying stereotypes (Casillan, 2020).

Especially among the upper class, the following notions were popular: Filipino tribespeople were

not considered Filipinos, while dark-skinned Filipinos were inferior (Cabañes, 2014). Casillan

(2020) also identifies the production of half-Spanish and half-Filipino offspring, known as

"mestizos" (para. 8), as another factor in colorism. In the present-day Philippines, Spanish or

Chinese heritage and mestizo-influenced appearances can entitle a Filipino to a high social

standing (Cabañes, 2014).

During the American colonial period, the introduction of the American education system

was instrumental in establishing the superiority of the United States of America and those with

fair skin (Cabañes, 2014; Simbulan, 2005, as cited in Cabañes, 2014). With the persistence and

Filipino acceptance of American oppression, industries rooted in colorism - such as skin

whitening - now thrive at present (Singson, 2015). David and Nadal (2013) also acknowledge the

practices within the aforementioned industry, such as “skin-bleaching products [and]

skin-lightening clinics” (p. 299), to be the lasting effects of American colonial rule despite its

end in 1946.

A similarly American influence was noticeable in Philippine movies in the thirties and

forties, as the particular prominence of mestizo and mestiza figures placed whiteness in the

center of Filipino beauty ideals (McFerson, 2002). Going into the late twentieth century, more

industries in the country contributed to the popularity of mestizos and mestizas: in addition to

movies, McFerson (2002) also lists the fields of music and beauty pageantry.

The latter is another significant factor to the general Filipino preference for light skin,

with McFerson (2002) noting that Filipino representatives in international pageants were usually

“fair-skinned mestizas” (p. 32). This preference was notably reflected in 1965, with Gemma

Cruz-Araneta winning the Miss International Beauty title and thereby marking the first time that

a Filipina had won in such a contest on an international scale; notably, the aforementioned

contestant is described in McFerson (2002) as light-skinned.

Aside from Spanish and American influences resulting from colonization, Rondilla

(2009) describes a more recent development in the formulation of Filipino views on beauty: the

integration of East Asian standards, including those from Japan, China, and Korea (Dixon &

Telle, 2017). Dixon and Telle (2017) emphasize the higher regard given to not only East Asians

with fair skin, but also those whose features are mixed with those of Europeans. Such

appearances are further presented in contrast to Filipinos, who have darker skin (Dixon & Telle,

2017).

While Philippine media has featured figures of both light and dark complexions, its

means of doing so emerges as another point of discussion. Cabañes (2014) discusses the role of

mestizo-influenced appearances in local show business dynamics: while those with "strong
Western...and...Oriental...features" (p. 3) are particularly prominent in the industry, those with

more Filipino-oriented features such as a “flat nose, brown skin, and a small stature” (p. 3) have

only a minor presence.

Chanbonpin (2015) also notes the colorism perpetuated by Philippine soap operas. They

illustrate this with the GMA Network series Nita Negrita (2011), pointing out the blackface used

for the titular character and the derogatory nature of the word negrita (Chanbonpin, 2015). As

for films, colorism has manifested in the high exposure enjoyed by mestizo and mestiza actors in

the past and in recent years (McFerson, 2002).

Given the Western preference for fair skin promoted during colonial periods in the

Philippines and the resulting popularity of skin whitening products in the Philippines (Singson,

2015), advertisements in this particular field have also served as a channel for colorism and the

higher desirability of lighter skin (Casillan, 2020; McFerson, 2002). McFerson (2002)

particularly mentions that advertisements for skin whitening products and institutions are

typically headlined by mestiza women, thereby strengthening the appeal of both the advertised

items and colonial beauty standards to Filipino women.

On the other hand, Hansen (2021) cites Jackson (2021) in pointing out that social media

has become a means of resisting the colorist ideals that persist in the Philippines and contribute

to the widespread disempowerment of dark-skinned individuals. Notable contributors to this

cause are hashtag movements such as #MagandangMorenx, which is named with a Tagalog

phrase meaning “beautiful brown skin” (Jackson, 2021, as cited in Hansen, 2021, p. 278) and

was coined by the Filipino-African-African figure Asia Jackson (Hansen, 2021). Through such

efforts, Filipino society not only remains diverse but also becomes more accepting towards
various expressions of Filipino beauty (Jackson, 2021, as cited in Hansen, 2021).

Formation of Beauty Standards: Definitions and Applications

When forming perceptions of beauty, one recognizes the many individual and cultural

interpretations of “factor[s] in attractiveness” (Yan & Bissell, 2014, p. 198). With the variation

present across these, beauty standards may become difficult to define and fully establish

(Langlois et al., 2000, as cited in Yan & Bissell, 2014). However, exposure to media with

homogeneous representations of beauty (Wardhani et al., 2018) and depictions of light skin as

superior (Glenn, 2009) are newly emerging as contributors to a set of beauty standards that are

widespread across many cultures (Brichacek & Moreland, 2013).

To better illustrate this concept, beauty standards refer to the basis by which an individual

deems another person physically attractive (Kolawole & Togonu-Bickersteth, 2022). While these

can be associated with a culture’s economy, cultural norms are particularly significant

determinants of a society’s perceptions of beauty (Frederick et al., 2015). In contrast, Wardhani

et al. (2018) posit that the beauty standards of postcolonial countries are based more on

colonialist ideas and a preference for fair skin than those of local origins. However, both

Frederick et al. (2015) and Wardhani et al. (2018) describe media exposure as a gateway to

discovering new beauty ideals, with the latter particularly emphasizing the media’s preference

for Eurocentric features.

In the Philippines, these observations are manifested in the lasting influence of

colonialism on the country’s beauty standards (Cruz, 2021). To illustrate, Cruz (2021) lists the

following as Filipinos' preferred physical features in women: "Western-looking...tall [height, fair

skin, and] sharp noses" (p. 197). Similar to what Frederick et al. (2015) and Wardhani et al.
(2018) have pointed out, McFerson (2002) also particularly identifies the media and literature as

another primary influence on the Filipino feminine beauty standard. They particularly highlight

Jose Rizal's European-leaning characterization of the fictional character Maria Clara, who

Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil describes as "mestiza [and] light of hair" (McFerson, 2002, p. 27).

Guerrero-Nakpil (n.d., as cited in McFerson, 2002) points out that the mentioned characteristics

contrast the naturally occurring features of Filipino women, thus leading them to alter these

features in pursuit of those of mestizas.

Another particularly influential factor in children’s formation of beauty standards and

variations of these is their age (Buss & Stoltz, 2020). According to the mentioned source, beauty

standards more significantly influence older and more culturally aware children.

Further understanding these beauty-related ideas, one can more effectively identify how

these are applied in everyday life. This is particularly seen in how one’s perceptions of physical

attractiveness allows them to determine how to evaluate and treat others (Kolawole &

Togonu-Bickersteth, 2022). Within these choices, Dion et al.’s (1972) results prove the presence

of a thinking that assigns favorable traits to physically attractive individuals; from this, Frederick

et al. (2015) concludes that such a bias drives people to base an individual’s personality on their

attractiveness.

From childhood, appearance-based treatment is already apparent as attractive children

experience higher expectations from parents, more peer interactions, and learning opportunities

(James, 2008). On the other hand, workplaces treat more attractive individuals more favorably

during employment and pay them higher than their less attractive counterparts (Frederick et al.,

2015; James, 2008).

 Anderson et al. (2008) also confirm the role of media in promoting more positive

judgment for physically attractive people. The mentioned study cites results from Smith et al.

(1999), which showed that films may contain more positive portrayals and happier outcomes for

more attractive characters than those less attractive.

The Role of Media in Shaping Beliefs

As media continues to expand to more digital and more accessible platforms, its influence

begins to reach wider audiences until it becomes a part of one’s daily life (Mavale & Singh,

2020). This is evident in results from Mavale and Singh’s (2020) study, wherein 21% of their

student respondents confirmed that they “relate [a series or content] to their own lives” (p. 114)

and 57% experienced changes in their perspectives due to watching shows. While the media has

been noted to use its power in reinforcing discriminatory concepts related to skin color, this also

brings about the media as an instrument to introduce change from ideas already established in

society (Mosharafa, 2015).

The Cultivation Theory

In George Gerbner’s cultivation theory, media is confirmed to be influential even amidst

the constant developments in the media environment. With the ability of television to put an

individual’s environmental information into understandable contexts, it is therefore also able to

provide viewers with a basis for their moral beliefs. Especially when consumed consistently over

time, television may eventually emerge as the main contributor to one’s entire belief system

(Mosharafa, 2015).

However, Mosharafa (2015) also recognizes that media is unreflective of reality due to its

presentation of “untruthful information, distorted stereotypes or misguided positive images” (p.

24). If one relies solely on the media to form their beliefs and does not consult other means for

comparison, they risk forming a distorted worldview (Mosharafa, 2015).

The Framing Theory

In encountering and interpreting various issues, the framing theory holds that individuals

consider the many perspectives and rules – known as frames – that accompany these (Baran &

Davis, 2010; Chong & Druckman, 2007; D’Angelo, 2019). Chong and Druckman (2007) further

explain these rules as an individual’s “frame in thought”, or the considerations that an individual

takes when further establishing their stand. In formulating such positions, D’Angelo (2019) also

introduces the term “framing”, wherein individuals can influence another’s beliefs through the

communication of information while intending to push their own. As an individual encounters

this influence even beyond interactions with others, they may possibly reflect on and even adopt

the frames used by these influences (Chong & Druckman, 2007).

Similar to social interactions, Baran and Davis (2010) cite Goffman in stating that media

content and its representations of daily life become individuals’ sources of social cues and guides

in navigating frames and real-life interactions with others. The increased relevance and visibility

that the media gives to a particular way of thinking eventually gives rise to the “[elaboration and

reinforcement of] a dominant public culture” (Baran & Davis, 2010, p. 334).

The Role of Race in Shaping Perceptions

While Burkhalter (1999) highlights the usefulness of an individual’s race in

understanding their social interactions, Delgado and Stefancic (2017) acknowledge that race

dynamics in society are accompanied by privileges afforded to socially dominant racial groups

and continue to accompany everyday race dynamics in society. These principles have led to the
development of the critical race theory, which aims to bring to light both the discrimination that

African Americans undergo based on their race and its distinctions among the mentioned racial

group based on their skin color (Hunter, 2007). The perpetuation of such treatment from both

socio-economic institutions and the media eventually gives rise to the higher value assigned to

light skin than dark skin; in turn, this belief governs discriminatory acts from establishments and

everyday interactions (Hunter, 2007).

Especially as race and geography further factor into how regions are represented to the

rest of the world (Das Gupta et al., 2018), one must look beyond the institutional manifestations

of such representations and deeper into their more common reinforcements in daily life (Haldrup

et al., 2006). With its aims for colonial power, Orientalism is a particularly prominent illustration

of this as it actively draws from established mindsets to disseminate the West’s perception of the

Orient (Das Gupta et al., 2018; Kerboua, 2016). Aided by the power of media to facilitate social

interactions and realities alongside the partial nature of Orientalist works (Kerboua, 2016),

Orientalism is able to drive the West’s subjective, prejudiced, and stereotypical view of the

Orient as inferior (Das Gupta et al., 2018; Kerboua, 2016). At present, the term “the Orient”

refers to what is now Asia, but Lary (2006) notes that orientalism previously applied more

generally to non-Western matters.

Comedy as a Film Genre and in the Philippines

Defined by Colman (2014) in Briandana and Dwityas (2018) as films aiming to elicit

laughter from audiences, comedy films rely on the exaggeration of its elements to entertain its

audiences (Allen & Smith, 1997, as cited in Briandana & Dwityas, 2018). As their popularity

and social significance develop and hold over time (Zillman & Bryant, 1991), the genre has also
accumulated a variety of characteristics and merged with other genres to form hybrids or

subcategories (Briandana & Dwityas, 2018).

Within the various forms of comedic content, Briandana and Dwityas (2018) describe

violence, vulgarity, eccentricity, and sarcasm as defining features that can be exaggerated and

emphasized to serve as audiences’ sources of comedy. In executing these, the comedy genre

particularly maximizes its use of dialogue, facial expressions, and visuals such as styling choices

(Briandana & Dwityas, 2018). In the Philippines, Ancheta (2011) asserts that the humor it uses

throughout different media forms must encompass the culture found across the country’s social

classes as well as national beliefs and experiences.

While studies have established the role of media in perpetuating colorism in Philippine

society, these more commonly focus on Filipinos’ preference for fair skin and the steps taken to

fulfill this. More in-depth analyses of Filipinos’ perceptions of darker skin would broaden the

scope in studying colorism, thus fostering more comprehensive discussions on inclusivity and

acceptance.
 Methodology

Participants

The participants of this study are currently enrolled senior high school students from

Grade 11 OBMC Fairview campus. With the campus hosting three sections in said grade level,

this study selected two from each for a total of six participants. As this study aims to shed light

on aspects of Filipino culture and society, gathering perspectives from older adolescents ensures

a more substantial and refined discussion on the mentioned fields (Buss & Stoltz, 2020).

In selecting the participants, this study used a non-probability sampling method. Such

methods allow researchers to select samples according to their judgment and convenience

(Ayhan, 2011). In particular, the participants were chosen through convenience sampling, a

process characterized by the participants’ “ready availability” (p. 463) and easy contact ability

(Koerber & McMichael, 2008). With the researchers currently enrolled in Grade 11 as well, the

participants of this study were particularly accessible.

Data Gathering Procedure

Instruments

This study used the following tools and instruments: interview questionnaires, video

recorders, and data transcripts. Due to safety guidelines that discourage gatherings, the

mentioned materials were made available digitally.

Described as an exchange of purposeful questions and answers between interviewer and

interviewee (Gillham, 2000), individual interviews with the participants served as an instrument

of data collection. The researchers inquired the participants about their views on and the personal

influence of the portrayals of darker skin colors in Filipino comedy films and their
recommendations concerning colorism in film. In developing interview questions, the

researchers consulted their reviews of Filipino comedy films and previous studies about skin

color preferences in the Philippines. Given this study’s focus on evolving elements of life,

interviews particularly aided in actively tackling this and providing both insights and context

(Fontana & Frey, 2000).

With consent from the participants, the researchers recorded these interviews through

built-in laptop and browser software for screen recordings. The real-time images captured by

such a method not only added to the authenticity of the participants’ responses and their process

of formulating and expressing these (Penn-Edwards, 2004), but also allowed the researchers to

identify participants’ “non-verbal cues” (Wang & Lien, 2013) and environmental interactions

(Lilly, 2017).

The data transcripts, written and interpreted with reference to the recordings of the

interviews (Widodo, 2014), allowed the researchers to dissect and meaningfully represent the

gathered information with its social context (Widodo, 2014).

Research Design

This research is a qualitative study on Filipino senior high school students’ perceptions of

darker skin colors. In particular, it assesses the participants’ awareness of colorism in Filipino

comedy films and its influence on their opinions on the desirability of darker skin colors. With

the limited coverage of darker skin colors in previous studies, this research takes an exploratory

approach.

Qualitative research is concerned with understanding and describing individuals’

interpretations of and interactions with the world (Merriam, 2002; Vibha et al., 2013). Given that
this study deals with high school students’ evaluations of media and their applications to

everyday life, qualitative methods were most appropriate for the study. Among these, this study

employed those under ethnography, where researchers observe and eventually understand a

social group's life approaches and the meanings behind these (Brewer, 2000; Herbert, 2000; Ley,

1988, as cited in Herbert, 2000). As ethnography emphasizes cultural backgrounds and their role

in facilitating social activities (Herbert, 2000), this proved most significant in assessing the skin

color preferences rooted in Filipino culture and society (Singson, 2015).

Data Collection

The data collection process consisted of four parts: (1) formulation of interview

questions, (2) selection of participants, (3) administration of consent forms, and (4) individual

interviews with participants.

The researchers first developed interview questions on participants’ awareness of

colorism in Filipino comedy films and subsequent perspectives on skin color preferences. To

select participants, the researchers assessed participants’ compliance with the inclusion criteria

by preparing a list of movies that qualified participants must have already watched. These

movies included the following: SupahPapalicious (2008), Sisterakas (2012), Girl, Boy, Bakla,

Tomboy (2013), and Beauty and the Bestie (2015). This was then sent to potential participants

across the previously mentioned population. Upon confirming the participants, they were

provided with digital consent forms. With the participants’ consent obtained, the researchers

conducted and recorded individual interviews with them on Google Meet to administer the

previously formulated interview questions. All researchers were present in the virtual meeting
space and were active in administering the interview. Before subjecting the data to discourse

analysis, the researchers transcribed the interview recordings.

Data Analysis

This study used discourse analysis in interpreting its data, thus centering on language, its

origins, uses, and the social contexts in which it is applied (Brown & Yule, 1983; Hardy et al.,

2004; Shanthi et al., 2015). In this method, discourse would refer to “interrelated bodies of texts”

(Hardy et al., 2004, p. 20). Hardy et al. (2004) further highlight the role of historical and social

context in discourse analysis and the importance of social interactions in bringing discourse

about. Gill (2000) lists the following as procedures involved in discourse analysis after preparing

interview questions and collecting data:

1. Detailed transcription of texts, a process described by Potter (1996, as cited in Gill, 2000)

as needing to be done actively

2. Initial analysis of data, which is a procedure concerned with the material at hand instead

of ideas beyond this (Potter & Wetherell, 1987, as cited in Gill, 2000),

3. Coding of data to identify its culturally relevant aspects (Gill, 2000)

4. Analysis proper of data, wherein researchers must identify both “differences,

[consistencies, and] functions of discourse” (Gill, 2000, p. 180)

5. Checking for “reliability and validity” of data (Gill, 2000, p. 187)

Once finished, the researchers may go on to record their analyses (Gill, 2000). Since this

study deals with individual perspectives on and interactions with society, discourse analysis

aided in evaluating the variations across these and locating these in society, culture, and history

(Hardy et al., 2004).

Ethical Considerations

To maintain the confidentiality of the participants’ identities and to attest to their

agreement to participate, the researchers issued them with consent forms. These contained the

details, terms, and nature of the study and the interview. Given that the participants were minors,

their guardian’s signature was requested alongside those of the participants’.

As the interview was being administered, the participants’ accounts involving their

personal relations’ experiences of discrimination due to skin color may have been a source of

sensitivity to the topics covered by this study (Learning for Justice, 2015). The sensitive nature

of colorism (Learning for Justice, 2015) may have further driven the participants to respond

according to what they perceive as “socially acceptable” (Farnsworth, 2019, para. 9) and not

what they truly believe in (Great Brook Consulting, 2019). Responses may therefore be a product

of the participants’ perceived need to conform to social norms and may not be represented as

meaningfully and accurately (Great Brook Consulting, 2019).

 Results

Even with widespread media portrayals of dark skin as inferior, previous studies on

colorism contain less extensive coverage of Filipinos' views on darker skin colors. The

below-listed themes found across the gathered data may prove significant in tackling a broader

scope of colorism and being more equipped to promote inclusivity of all skin colors.

Participants’ Filipino Comedy Film Watching Habits

Five out of the six participants stated that they had watched Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy,

while four out of the six participants had each watched Sisterakas and Beauty and the Bestie.

Two out of the six participants listed SupahPapalicious as a movie that they had watched.

Some participants had mentioned concerns surrounding their recollection of the movies

listed, stating that they had already forgotten some of the movies that they had watched and that

other movies were therefore more familiar to them. Adding to this is some participants’ choice to

watch or rewatch the movies listed prior to the interview, as illustrated in the following passage:

I’m pretty sure I’ve seen Sisterakas, Beauty and the Bestie, but I’m not quite
familiar – I don’t really remember their plot, so mas familiar talaga ako sa Girl
Boy Bakla Tomboy. Actually, I just rewatched it kanina for the interview. (I’m
pretty sure I’ve seen Sisterakas, Beauty and the Bestie, but I’m not quite familiar
– I don’t really remember their plot, so I really am more familiar with Girl Boy
Bakla Tomboy. Actually, I just rewatched it earlier for the interview.) – Participant
3

Portrayals of Dark-skinned Characters in Filipino Comedy Films

Key observations from the participants on these portrayals centered on physical

appearances. The degree of the darkness of dark-skinned characters’ skin color was a point of

awareness for participants, emphasizing it as “super dark” and pointing out its rarity. Aside from
skin color, participants also observed that dark-skinned characters had “afro” hairstyles or that

they had “kinky hair”.

Parang super dark nung skin niya na parang hindi naman siya gaanong
ka-common, it’s too exaggerated na kasi parang wala naman sa lahi ng Filipino
‘yung ganon ka-dark na color. (Their skin is so dark that it doesn’t seem common,
it’s too exaggerated already because that dark of a color doesn’t seem to be in the
Filipino blood.) – Participant 5

Comic relief was another common theme across responses, as participants also noticed

that dark-skinned characters – seen as either funny “jokers” or the object of jokes and ridicule –

only serve to provide comedy to the films. Participant 2 linked this particular portrayal to the

dehumanizing aspect of Filipino comedy films’ treatment of dark-skinned characters. However,

Participant 6 noted that occurrences in the film of teasing dark-skinned people are made to “look

more lighthearted than it actually is”.

It’s like… they don’t treat dark skinned people as humans, so parang objects lang
na pagtatawanan sa comedy. (It’s like… they don’t treat dark-skinned people as
humans, just like objects that will be made fun of in comedy.) – Participant 2

Participants also noted the lack of intelligence portrayed in dark-skinned characters,

further describing them as dumb. Participant 4 further classified such representations of

unintelligence as one of the negative traits portrayed in dark-skinned characters.

The ill nature of dark-skinned characters was also discussed, with the participants

mentioning the following traits as present in such portrayals: ill-behaved, criminal, violent,

uncivilized, or “masama” (bad). Participant 5 compared such portrayals of bad behavior to the

more “proper” conduct portrayed in lighter-skinned characters, while Participant 2 contrasted

these with their real-life interactions with people that are both dark-skinned and sophisticated.

Further, participants commonly stated that those with dark skin are portrayed as

possessing a low socio-economic status or experiencing financial difficulties. Comparing these to

portrayals of light-skinned characters, participants observed that those with light skin are rich

and enjoy financial stability, with Participant 5 describing them as “nasa tuktok ng social

hierarchy” (on top of the social hierarchy). Participants also named indicators of one’s social

class, such as living conditions – dark-skinned characters would be portrayed as coming from

squatter settlements, whereas their light-skinned counterparts would live in subdivisions. High

socio-economic status was further linked to more advantages as well as high desirability and

conformity to social standards.

Dark-skinned characters’ lack of desirability was also commonly mentioned across

responses, as participants observed that dark-skinned characters were portrayed as less desirable

than their lighter-skinned counterparts. For Participant 3, such portrayals are due to the

Philippines upholding Eurocentric standards and consequently considering fair skin as “pretty”.

In relation, Participant 6 describes the desirability of darker skin as a topic that Filipino comedy

films either “[do not touch on] at all or…just poke fun [at]”.

Perceptions of Filipino Comedy Films as a Media Form

Dehumanization was a frequently raised aspect of Filipino comedy films. In portraying

dark-skinned characters, the genre was noted by participants to contain degrading representations

and to treat dark-skinned people as “objects” for comic relief instead of humans. Participant 3

verbalized their disagreement with such portrayals: while Filipino comedy films treat

dark-skinned characters as “less of a person”, “hindi naman talaga dapat” (it should not be like

that).

Participants also took note of the influence of foreign cultures on Filipino comedy films.

When asked about the differences in portrayals of the desirability of darker and of lighter skin
colors, Participant 2 linked the greater acceptance towards lighter skin colors to the growing

fame of Korean culture in the Philippines. Similarly, the same participant attributed the

superiority portrayed in light skin to the film being an “Asian movie”. When asked if they had

observed differences between the portrayals of dark-skinned and light-skinned characters,

Participant 3 confirmed the presence of such differences and credited this to the Philippines

upholding Eurocentric standards and favoring those with light skin. The same participant also

regarded the lower desirability portrayed in dark-skinned characters as a result of the Philippines

upholding Eurocentric standards.

We have Eurocentric standards nga in the Philippines, so it’s like… If you’re

fairer, if you have white skin, you’re considered pretty. Or if you
have…Eurocentric features like matangos ‘yung ilong…hindi ka singkit, ‘yung
mga ganun, mas desirable siya.‘Yun yung pinoportray ng mga films na mas
desirable nga ‘yung lighter-skinned kumpara sa darker-skinned. (We do have
Eurocentric standards in the Philippines, so it’s like… If you’re fairer, if you have
white skin, you’re considered pretty. Or if you have, you know, uh, Eurocentric
features like a pointed nose…eyes that are not slanted, things like that, those are
more desirable. That’s what films portray, that those light-skinned are more
desirable than those darker-skinned.) – Participant 3

Exaggeration was another feature of Filipino comedy films mentioned across responses.

Especially with regard to the genre’s portrayals of dark-skinned characters, participants

perceived Filipino comedy films as containing exaggerated appearances and characterizations.

For the former, Participant 5 particularly noticed this in one of the films’ characters with

unnaturally dark skin that is commonly not observed in Filipinos. Participant 2 stated that

Filipino comedy films exaggerate their portrayals “para mapatawa ‘yung iba” (to make others

laugh), while Participant 4 put this down to film directors’ tendency to “experiment or come up

with their own stereotypes”. Participants further observed that this exaggeration gives rise to

inaccurate portrayals as well as differing portrayals of dark-skinned people in film and in real

life.
 Parang exaggerated ‘yung ginagawang role ng mga dark-skinned…people sa
mga movies, pero…because given nga na exaggerated siya doesn’t mean that it’s
right…. (The role that is given to dark-skinned people in movies seems
exaggerated, but given that it’s exaggerated doesn’t mean that it’s right.) –
Participant 5

Participants’ observations on Filipino comedy films further included their low

prominence of dark-skinned cast members. Participants have noted that, in films, dark-skinned

characters often take side roles or those of an extra, with film actors being “mostly light-skinned”

and lacking “darker features”. Participant 6 noted that having darker features would indicate

non-conformity to Filipino society’s standards and therefore results in receiving backlash.

I know if ever they do have darker features, they’re going to be bashed for it,
because…he/she, or they don’t fit in society’s standards of – Filipino society’s
standards of being – of being pretty…and light-skinned. – Participant 6

Most participants also discussed the inaccuracy present in Filipino comedy films, as they

viewed films in the genre as inaccurate representations of dark-skinned people. This was

attributed to the following: the tendency to exaggerate portrayals for comedy, the observance of a

stereotype for “all dark-skinned people”, and the films’ light-hearted nature. In contrast,

Participant 4 spoke for the accuracy of such representations in Filipino comedy films due to their

integration of what is in their environment.

In most cases, siguro, I can say [that Filipino comedy films are effective and
accurate representations of dark-skinned people], since…it’s in society, like,
‘yung local environment nila, so may alam sila…how these people are and ano
‘yung mannerisms nila or their personality traits, so parang they can implement
that in their films and make it more accurate. (In most cases, I guess, I can say
that Filipino comedy films are effective and accurate representations of
dark-skinned people, since it’s in society, like, their local environment, so they
know how these people are and what their mannerisms are or their personality
traits, so they can implement that in their films and make it more accurate.) –
Participant 4

Participants further commented on the concerned genre’s use of stereotypes and

generalization. Participant 1 focused on Filipino comedy films’ practice of generalizing

dark-skinned characters, further illustrating this with the example that only those with brown

skin are featured in “bad situation[s]” even though those of any skin color may undergo such

experiences. Stereotypes were further mentioned in participants’ observations that Filipino

comedy films put “all dark-skinned people under a stereotype” or feature portrayals of

dark-skinned characters based on film directors’ stereotypes.

Lastly, participants described Filipino comedy films as having the tendency towards

offensiveness. Participant 4 observed that the presence of over-exaggeration and stereotypes in

Filipino comedy films’ portrayals of dark-skinned characters comes with the “risk of offending

[dark-skinned] viewers”. For Participant 6, while they personally do not “consult comedy films”

for issues like colorism, they pointed out that some viewers may still take jokes in such films

personally.

Personal Beliefs and Perceptions

Participants’ discussions on their perceptions of desirability presented skin color as a

contributing factor. When asked about the influence of the portrayals of dark-skinned people in

Filipino comedy films on their personal perceptions of the desirability of darker skin people,

Participant 6 stated that their perceptions of people are not “based on their outer appearance” but

instead “their personality and how well [they] get along with them”. On the other hand,

Participant 3 mentioned “[feeling] a different way when talking to different colored people”

despite efforts to avoid this. They explained this as seeing lighter-skinned people as “more

welcoming” and darker-skinned people as “more intimidating”, further attributing this to their

deeply ingrained childhood beliefs.

Since [dark-skinned people] were portrayed very differently, sometimes there’s

always a thought in the back of my head na parang… Okay, I should be careful.
 (Since dark-skinned people were portrayed very differently, sometimes there’s
always a thought in the back of my head that’s like… Okay, I should be careful.) –
Participant 3

In real-life interactions, on the other hand, participants commonly observed a disregard

for skin color. All participants expressed that skin color does not factor into how they treat and

interact with others, with some emphasizing that they treat those they interact with equally.

Participant 2 attributed the lack of any particular difference in their treatment of dark-skinned

people to the changes in their personal beliefs. On the end of the person that the participant

interacts with, Participant 5 held that “skin color doesn’t really…portray a person…their

personality and how they interact with people”.

Beyond the participants’ personal beliefs, their responses also explored the presence of

more widespread standards surrounding skin color. In discussions of Filipino society’s standards,

the majority of the participants observed that higher desirability, acceptance, and beauty were

associated with lighter skin colors. For Participant 2, such perceptions were due to the

aforementioned growing popularity of Korean culture; for Participant 3, these were attributed to

the Eurocentric standards and high regard for Eurocentric features like fair skin being upheld in

the Philippines. Participant 6 attributed the “less desire for darker skin colors in social settings”

to the Philippines being “very Americanized”. Regarding Filipino comedy films' portrayals of

the desirability of darker and lighter skin colors, Participant 4 pointed out that the higher

desirability of lighter skin colors is enforced beyond films and is also observed in society. In

order to “be taken seriously” in the Philippines amidst such standards, Participant 6 mentioned

that people “often use beauty…and whitening products because they want to be taken seriously”.

In relation, Participant 3 pointed out the racism that is “prevalent”, “normalized”, and “tolerated”
in the Philippines, as well as the similarly normalized judgment and ridicule of dark-skinned

people.

These were countered by some responses that described the relationship between the

modern period and perceptions of skin color. In particular, participants observed that modern

times have brought “more…acceptance and equality” for various skin colors. Participant 5

associated these developments with social media, while Participant 2 observed that these were

due to the increased exposure given to those with darker skin.

Applying this to the participants’ personal preferences, dark skin was particularly

highlighted. Participants 5 and 6 expressed that they personally hold darker skin colors in high

regard, with the latter relating that they find those with darker skin “looking better than the

light-skinned ones”. The former explained that “something about [the skin color of dark-skinned

people] actually makes them…much more unique”, further describing them as “more majestic”

and seemingly “up in the hierarchy of standards”. They also noted that they have held this view

since childhood.

Other common experiences among participants included changes from old beliefs. Many

participants related that portrayals of dark-skinned people in Filipino comedy films factored into

their perceptions as children. In explaining that their perceptions of the desirability of darker skin

colors initially aligned with its portrayals in Filipino comedy films, Participant 3 attributed this

to “not [being] very well-versed or…educated on the topic” and further stated that they “[did

not] really care [because they were] a kid”. The participant’s previously aligning beliefs were

characterized by thinking that “[it is] okay to treat people differently based on their skin color”

and that “it was okay to be mean to darker-skinned people”. The changes that have since taken
place in the participant’s now-contrasting beliefs were due to their “[taking] the time to [be

educated] on topics like [racism]” and interventions from family members.

Participant 6 expressed a similar statement, stating that they “never thought much of [the

portrayals of dark-skinned people in comedy films]” due to having watched the film when they

were young. Being “more mature” and looking back on the film and its portrayals of

dark-skinned people, the participant recounted their realization that “dark-skinned people [should

not] be made fun of”.

For Participant 2, they related that they did not know much about the world as a child and

simply accepted what had been told to them before experiencing changes in their perceptions in

adolescence.

After detailing their beliefs, participants also listed the contributing factors to these. For

Participant 4, whose perceptions of the desirability of darker skin colors sometimes aligned with

its portrayals in Filipino comedy films, exposure to media platforms such as Twitter and their

accompanying freedom for self-expression as well as real-life experiences of going to different

countries contributed to their perceptions.

For those whose perceptions contrasted with portrayals in Filipino comedy films, the

majority similarly listed real-life situations as contributors to such perceptions. For Participant 2,

this came in the form of a previous classmate that was dark-skinned and made fun of. Participant

6 mentioned their helpers at home, who they described as coming from the province and being

dark-skinned. The participant has observed that their helpers are “usually very dark-skinned”

upon their arrival and “try…whitening beauty products” as they spend more time here. Further,

the participant’s helpers have also shared with the participant their experiences of having lighter

skin and therefore being praised and considered “prettier” in the provinces. Aside from their
helpers, the same participant mentioned that hearing others’ stories of being made fun of due to

having dark skin influenced their perceptions.

When asked if they had experienced changes in their perceptions of the desirability of

darker skin colors, Participant 3 recounted their sister’s role in bringing about such changes:

What brought about my change on…how I perceived or how I felt about this topic
was my sister, kasi she noticed na I aligned with the portrayals in these Filipino
comedy movies…and she knew that it wasn’t a good thing, so she tried her best to
educate me and to teach me about what I should do and how I should deal with
people of every shade of color. (What brought about my change on how I
perceived or how I felt about this topic was my sister, because she noticed that I
aligned with the portrayals in these Filipino comedy movies and she knew that it
wasn’t a good thing, so she tried her best to educate me and to teach me about
what I should do and how I should deal with people of every shade of color.) –
Participant 3

Media was also among those mentioned as a contributor to participants’ contrasting

beliefs. Participant 2 named the social media platform Tiktok, where comedic content is

particularly prevalent, while Participant 6 more generally observed that those with dark-skin are

made fun of on social media. Conversely, Participant 5 associated social media with

“more…acceptance and equality [for] skin color in general”. Also under media, Participant 6

mentioned those “from different countries” such as the Black Lives Matter movement in

America that allowed the participant to “[see] how…badly treated…minorities can be” and thus

changed their perception on the desirability of darker skin colors. The Black Lives Matter

movement was again mentioned by Participant 6 as a contributing factor to their perceptions.

Further on the contributing factors to perceptions that contrast with the portrayals in

Filipino comedy films, Participant 4 stated that they consider “if [it is] right or not to think this

way, or if [it is] what society has integrated or not”.

Recommendations from Participants

With the majority of the participants viewing Filipino comedy films as ineffective or

inaccurate representations of dark-skinned people, they also shared recommendations that would

work towards more effectiveness and accuracy in portrayals of dark-skinned characters.

Participant 1 suggested that Filipino comedy films should not target a particular group,

similar to Participant 6’s recommendation to “not..make any jokes about skin color at all [or]

have any discrimination for skin color at all” and instead base these on “[a] character’s

personality” or more day-to-day aspects of one’s life. The latter participant also advised Filipino

comedy films to approach their comedic content and discussions of “social topics” more

sensitively. In the same vein, Participant 2 advocated for more open-mindedness towards the

“concept of dark-skinned people and colorism”, while Participant 5 proposed the creation of a

movie that emphasizes the “acceptance of dark-skinned people” and directs the viewers on how

to treat and perceive the mentioned group.

Increased involvement of dark-skinned people in the creation process of the movie was

another common theme across participants’ recommendations. Participant 2 suggested including

more dark-skinned people in the cast and evaluators of the film, while Participant 5 particularly

recommended assigning “major roles” to dark-skinned characters in comparison to their

currently more minor roles. Participant 6 described the importance of hiring “[those] who

naturally [have] darker skin color” and “actual darker-skinned people who actually have that

experience”, stating that doing so would add to the realism of the film.

Participant 4 also proposed conducting research as a means of knowing how to approach

the portrayal of dark-skinned people:

Before making scripts or directing the film itself, they should ask for people’s
opinions or do research on how people want…dark-skinned people to be
portrayed in a better sense instead of taking the risk of accidentally…offending a
group of people or portraying dark-skinned people as bad [and lesser than those
with light skin]. – Participant 4
 Discussions

Aided by looking into the relationship between the colorism portrayed in Filipino comedy

films and high school students’ perceptions of the desirability of darker skin colors, the

researchers’ results have established the participants’ disagreement with Filipino comedy film

portrayals and an overall disregard for skin color when interacting with others. Further engaging

these findings with previous studies will give rise to a more in-depth understanding of their

contributions to the wider discussions of colorism in the Philippines.

Observations on Filipino Comedy Films and Filipino Society

One feature of Filipino comedy films commonly mentioned by many participants is its

use of exaggeration in representing dark-skinned people, with one attributing this to the genre’s

aim to make its audience laugh. Consistent with this is Harida (2018) listing exaggeration as a

leading means of verbally producing humor.

In relation to participants’ observations of Filipino comedy films’ portrayals of skin color

superiority and associations of skin color with socio-economic status, McClennen (2018)

describes the role of humor in promoting social hierarchies and “[attacking others’] identities”

(p. 138). While McClennen (2018) acknowledges the criticism of humor as an ineffective site for

social discussions, they also emphasize its ability to dissect behavioral norms with both

effectiveness and hilarity.

Further, participants’ comments on dark-skinned characters’ usually minor roles and

light-skinned actors’ subsequent prominence are supported by Cabañes (2014) confirming that

Philippine media gives brown skin (as a common Filipino feature) less exposure than its lighter

counterparts.
 Many participants also noted that Filipino comedy films and Filipino society portray light

skin colors as more acceptable and dark skin colors as undesirable due to influences from foreign

cultures. In line with this, Casillan (2020) recounts the colorist origins of Spanish colonialism in

the Philippines that socially and economically subordinated those with darker skin to those with

fair skin. Adding this to the similar skin color-centered values promoted during American

colonial rule, the view asserting the superiority of light skin and the subsequent inferiority of

dark skin becomes commonplace in Philippine society (Singson, 2015). With these skin color

dynamics being widespread among Filipinos (Singson, 2015), the media industry becomes more

knowledgeable on this particular aspect of the Filipino social environment and will therefore be

able to reflect these views in movie forms such as films (Fürsich, 2010; Mosharafa, 2015).

Contrasting Beliefs with Filipino Comedy Film Portrayals

Given Filipino comedy films’ dehumanization of dark-skinned characters and promotion

of the higher desirability of lighter-skinned characters, disapproval and disagreement with the

colorist ideals promoted in the genre was a common theme across participants’ responses.

Participants also further emphasized their equal treatment of others, acknowledged that Filipino

society more highly regards lighter skin colors, and related their personal preference for darker

skin colors. Such responses indicate Filipino senior high school students’ greater acceptance of

all skin colors; these therefore contrast with the greater preference for fair skin observed by

previous studies in postcolonial countries, particularly in the Philippines and its media (Cruz,

2021; Cabañes, 2014; Wardhani et al., 2018).

In formulating these contrasting beliefs, many participants named media as a contributing

factor. The nature of social media in particular became a source of debate, as Participant 6 noted
that darker skin colors are made fun of on social media while Participant 5 described social

media as being generally more accepting of skin colors. Both perspectives attest to the ability of

social media to influence what is considered acceptable and attractive in society, as described in

Henriques and Patnaik (2020).

Participant 3’s experience of learning about the Black Lives Matter movement in

America through media, seeing the poor treatment of minorities, and subsequently changing their

perceptions on colorism and racism provides a perspective to strengthen the role of media as a

news source. Choosing to consume Western media for enrichment of one’s knowledge signifies

more opportunities for socialization and therefore, for familiarization with one’s culture (Arnett,

1995).

Other participants also named real-life situations like interventions from family members

and interactions with house helpers and previous classmates as having contributed to beliefs that

contrast with Filipino comedy film portrayals of dark skin desirability. This finding can be

related to those of Bronfenbrenner (2005, as cited in Kek et al., 2007), which positively

correlates students’ motivation to learn with material and emotional support from parents and

caregivers. Further, the distinctly characterized individuals with whom one can interact and the

increased opportunities for “more reflective [and] intimate” (p. 87) interactions in a classroom

social environment contributes to one’s formulation of values at a young age (Berndt, 1982, as

cited in Patrick et al., 2002; Buhrmester & Furman, 1987, as cited in Patrick et al., 2002; B.B.

Brown, 1990, as cited in Patrick et al., 2002; Patrick et al., 2002).

Disregard for Skin Color in Personal Interactions

 Wade and Bielitz (2005) discussed society’s gradual elimination of the “skin color bias”

(p. 228) alongside their white participants’ possible unwillingness to base African Americans’

“social desirability” (p. 228) on skin color stereotypes. When assessing white participants’

evaluations of African Americans’ friendliness, Wade and Bielitz (2005) similarly found that

skin color was not a contributing factor.

These discussions can be linked to the researchers’ findings, wherein all participants

expressed that skin color does not factor into their interactions with others. Such results can

therefore signify Filipino senior high school students’ non-observance of the previously

discussed skin color standards in Filipino society and adoption of a more impartial and less

appearance-based view of individuals’ skin colors.

Filipino Comedy Films’ Areas for Improvement

To address the ineffective and inaccurate portrayals of dark-skinned people in Filipino

comedy films, key recommendations from the participants included emphasizing proper

treatment of dark-skinned people and involving more dark-skinned people to feature and to

evaluate the film. Acting upon these recommendations will allow Filipino comedy films to

maximize the ability of the media to familiarize individuals with their environment and aid in

their active socialization with others (Mosharafa, 2015).

Combining the previously mentioned abilities of media further reflects the role of media

in presenting its audiences with references to use in formulating their perceptions of culture and

society (Mosharafa, 2015). Contextualizing this within Filipino comedy films’ perpetuation of

colorist ideals and the participants’ recommendations, portraying darker skin colors in a more

sensitive and accepting light without inserting discriminatory content can encourage viewers to
become more open towards eliminating colorist ideals in Filipino society and pursuing

inclusivity.

Conclusions

As Philippine society perpetuates colorism and translates this into media forms, the lack

of coverage of Filipinos’ views on darker skin colors hinders a complete understanding of

colorist ideals in the Philippines. In light of this, this study interviewed Filipino senior high

school students on the effects of colorism in Filipino comedy films on their perceptions of the

desirability of darker skin colors.

Doing so has led the researchers to find that high school students regarded Filipino

comedy films’ portrayals of darker-skinned individuals as ineffective and inaccurate due to the

films’ lightheartedness and the use of exaggeration and stereotypes. While these films adhere to

the country’s white-centric views that are reflective of years under colonial rule (Singson, 2015),

their viewers can use such content to become more perceptive of such standards and even

challenge these with perspectives that diverge from established norms.

Even with the genre’s negative representations of those with darker skin, the high school

students’ interactions with others are not influenced by skin color. This finding may lead to the

conclusion that Filipino senior high school students are more accepting of all skin colors and do

not observe the Philippine preference for fair skin (Cruz, 2021). As for perceptions of personality

and desirability, many participants expressed that skin color similarly does not factor into these.

For Filipino comedy films to effectively and accurately portray dark-skinned characters,

Filipino senior high school students recommended the following: less jokes relating to skin color,
more sensitivity and open-mindedness, more emphasis on accepting dark-skinned people, and

more involvement of dark-skinned people in the cast and crew of the movie.

Recommendations

Given this study’s focus on Filipino comedy films and the demographic of senior high

school students, further investigation into the perceptions of darker skin across other media

forms, leading movie genres, and age groups in the Philippines with a continued focus on the

Filipino view of darker skin may aid in providing more insights on colorism in the country. For a

more meaningful representation of data (Great Brook Consulting, 2019), further studies that will

also conduct interviews may address concerns surrounding the social desirability bias present in

the participants’ responses by providing participants with another space to share their responses

outside of the interview setup without pressure to alter their views (Ricee, 2020). Through such

efforts, more doors can be opened towards inclusivity in both the study of colorism in the

Philippines and in the Filipino views of all skin colors.

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 Appendix A: Interview Questionnaire

1. Among the four movies (Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy; SupahPapalicious; Sisterakas;

Beauty and the Bestie), which of these have you seen?

2. Based on the Filipino comedy films that you’ve watched, what are the physical

appearances/personality traits/mannerisms portrayed in dark-skinned characters?

3. Have you observed any differences between the portrayals of dark-skinned characters and

light-skinned characters? If so, explain.

4. How similar or different are these portrayals to real-life situations concerning

dark-skinned people?

5. How do you understand the concept of desirability in social settings?

6. How have you observed that Filipino comedy films portray the desirability of darker skin

colors in social settings?

7. Have you observed any differences between the portrayals of the desirability of darker

skin colors and of lighter skin colors? If so, explain.

8. Do these portrayals factor into your own perceptions of the desirability of darker skin

colors? In what way?

9. Do your perceptions of the desirability of darker skin colors align or contrast with these

portrayals? How so?

a. Follow-up question if the respondent states the former: If your perceptions align

with these portrayals, what were the contributing factors to your perceptions?

b. Follow-up question if the respondent states the latter: If your perceptions contrast

with these portrayals, what are the other factors that you consider for these?

c. Have you experienced a change in your perceptions (e.g. from aligning with these

portrayals to contrasting with them)? What brought about this change?

10. How do your perceptions of the desirability of darker skin colors manifest in your

personal interactions with dark-skinned people?

11. Do your personal interactions with dark-skinned people align or contrast with portrayals

of dark-skinned people in Filipino comedy films? How so?

12. Would you consider Filipino comedy films to be effective and accurate representations of

dark-skinned people?

a. If so, explain why.

b. If not, what recommendations can you provide so that this genre portrays

dark-skinned people more effectively and accurately?

 Appendix B: Official Consent Form

OPERATION BROTHERHOOD MONTESSORI CENTER

Professional High School
Senior High School Department
Social Science Department

PARENTAL PERMISSION TO CONDUCT QUALITATIVE INTERVIEW

Project Title: Fair Skin, Fair Thinking: Investigating the Influence of Colorism in Filipino
Comedy Films on High School Students’ Perceptions of the Desirability of Darker Skin Colors
Name of Researchers: Motril, Madison Corinne V.; Apud, Carlo Antonio T.; Mendoza, Harry
Peterson B.
How to Contact the Researchers: [email protected]

Good day,

We are Grade 11 students of O.B. Montessori Center Fairview Campus and we are conducting
research on the influence of colorism in Filipino comedy films on high school students’
perceptions of the desirability of darker skin colors. Our main aim is to investigate how high
school students assess colorism in Filipino comedy films and how this colorism affects their
perceptions of the desirability of darker skin colors. As part of protocol on research involving
minors, we need your permission to allow your child to participate. Your child will also be asked
for agreement as well. Both of you have to agree independently before we will conduct the
research.

We are asking your child to participate in a qualitative interview which will only take about
40-60 minutes of their time. Their participation in this study is voluntary. If your child agrees to
participate, they are free to withdraw from the study at any point without penalty.

We will not be sharing information about your child outside of the research team (which includes
the research proponents and the research teacher/adviser). The information that we collect from
this research project will be kept confidential. When the results of the study are reported, they
will not be linked to the real identity of your child.

The researchers will answer any questions you have about the study before you agree to
participate. You will be given a copy of this form to keep. For questions you may have after the
study, please contact the researchers listed above. If you agree to the participation of your child
in this study, please sign the enclosed consent form sent together with this letter.

Thank you very much!

Respectfully,
Madison Corinne V. Motril Harry Peterson B. Mendoza
11-Amorsolo 11-Amorsolo

Carlo Antonio T. Apud

11-Amorsolo

Noted by:

Roberto P. Lim Jr., MA

Research Teacher
O.B. Montessori Center - Fairview Campus
Brent Julian Kyle S. Are John Camilo L. Asis, LPT
Subject Coordinator Academic Coordinator
Social Science Department Senior High School Department
O.B. Montessori Center O.B. Montessori Center - Fairview Campus

CERTIFICATE OF CONSENT

I have been asked to give consent for my child to participate in this research study
entitled, “Fair Skin, Fair Thinking: Investigating the Influence of Colorism in Filipino Comedy
Films on High School Students’ Perceptions of the Desirability of Darker Skin Colors”, which
will involve their responding to interview questions pertinent to the said study. I have read the
foregoing information and I consent voluntarily for my child to participate as a respondent in this
study.

Printed Name of Participant _____________________________________________

Signature of Participant _____________________________________________
Date Signed by Participant _____________________________________________
Printed Name of Parent/Guardian _____________________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian _____________________________________________
Date Signed by Parent/Guardian _____________________________________________
 Appendix C: Interview Transcripts

INTERVIEW 1 of 6: 11/21/2022, 5 PM
VENUE: GOOGLE MEET

INTRODUCTION

Motril: So, we are now starting the recording. [reads the terms of the study and the rights of the
participant] If you have any concerns later on after the interview, you can contact us through the
email address found in the chat box right now. Feel free also to ask us about any unfamiliar or
unclear terms in any of our questions! Before we begin the interview proper, do you have any
questions?

Participant 1: No need naman, wala naman ngayon.

Motril: I now turn you over to Harry to begin the interview.

QUESTION AND ANSWER PORTION

Mendoza: So, the first question will be: among the four movies (Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy;
SupahPapalicious; Sisterakas; Beauty and the Bestie), which of these have you seen?

Participant 1: So I’ve only watched one and I chose what I think is the most bearable to watch:
Supahpapalicious.

Mendoza: Based on the Filipino comedy films that you’ve watched, what are the physical
appearances/personality traits/mannerisms portrayed in dark-skinned characters?

Participant 1: Okay, so. ‘Di ako masyado nanonood ng comedy films sa Pilipinas, I mean even
mainstream. Of course, that’s something I want to experience. It’s just that… alam niyo naman
yung reputation ng mga mainstream movies ng Pilipinas. It’s really hard to have that mindset.
Like, “Papanoorin ko yon.” This might suck. I’ve definitely watched mga Filipino films na you
know na brown skin color. Watching this movie (Supapahlicious) um… Siguro I’ll just base it
nalang on my experience from this movie and some other films na di naman comedy films. Let’s
start, pwede naman mag-spoil diba? Yung bata lasingero, you could definitely tell na maybe…
how do you say this? Like he came from a bad situation, mahirap talaga compared to some na
the opposite of brown. I would say na sa lahat ng Filipino movies napanood ko portrays dark
skinned Filipinos as mahirap, bad behavior, may krimen na ginawa.
Mendoza: Have you observed any differences between the portrayals of dark-skinned characters
and light-skinned characters? If so, explain.

Participant 1: So ayun nga, na-mention ko na I think they really go hard on those dark skinned
characters like they portray them as mahirap o they come from a bad place. Yung brown sa
probinsya o mga squatters ganun. Yung light skinned people may sa subdivision… may yaman…
they’re definitely financially stable.

Mendoza: How similar or different are these portrayals to real-life situations concerning
dark-skinned people?

Participant 1: Um, hmm… So, I would say that definitely not all of them are true, ‘di ba? Those
aspects of mga portrayals sa mga movies, they’re not exactly true in real life, I mean maybe. You
can’t necessarily generalize them, so for example, yung mga mahihirap it’s kinda too harsh na
puro brown lang yung mga may controversy sa buhay nila kaysa sa mga white people. They
could be interchangeable naman, ‘di ba? … So ayun.

Mendoza: Okay so, thank you for the answers. I’ll be moving you on to Carlo.

Apud: How do you understand the concept of desirability in social settings?

Participant 1: Medyo malalim yung konsepto na ‘yan, ah. Pero I think… is it the preference, the
privileges of one’s color in social settings?

Apud: Okay, how have you observed that Filipino comedy films portray the desirability of
darker skin colors in social settings?

Participant 1: Hmm, I would say na maybe… siguro they have a fixed-mindset o masyadong
sanay na sa sinabi ko kanina … yung brown skinned colors having being the ones discriminated
ganun. I mean para sa akin, medyo unfair naman diba. I mean, for me, it doesn’t have to be.
Well, I mean you can apply them to real life diba. I think it doesn’t really matter yung kulay …
why do they have to bother o tinatarget na specific group? So ayun.

Apud: Have you observed any differences between the portrayals of the desirability of darker
skin colors and of lighter skin colors? If so, explain.

Participant 1: Well, yeah. Na-mention ko nga kanina na… umm… definitely yung lighter skin
colors may advantage o may konting boost; appreciation na parang … they’re not experiencing
social hierarchy problems. Hopefully, that answers your question.
 CONTINUATION OF INTERVIEW 1: 11/28/2022, 4:30 PM
VENUE: GOOGLE MEET

QUESTION AND ANSWER PORTION

Mendoza: Do these portrayals factor into your own perceptions of the desirability of darker skin
colors? In what way?

Motril: I am so sorry for the interruption. I’d like to clarify lang, since the previous questions
referred to the portrayals of dark-skinned people in Filipino comedy films, for the succeeding
questions we will be referring to those portrayals when our questions contain “portrayals” that
would be referring to dark-skinned people in Filipino comedy films. So, now, you can proceed
with the response.

Participant 1: Okay, sorry, ah, pero, like…If I’m not mistaken, the question was how does the
portrayal influence my perceptions? Yes? Okay. Well, if I am not mistaken, I think I’ve said na
these, parang, portrayals did not necessarily changed [sic] my perception on them, meaning
parang… I think I was able to, ano naman, I guess, sabihin natin to counter them, na parang… I
think in some ways, I know what they’re trying to go for, like, okay, you’re going for that, you
know, standard, parang, brown Filipino-colored Filipinos na – I mean, like, mahirap or they
came from a bad situation, pero, um. For me, I don’t believe that, parang, ganun lang, or, it’s
always, like, the brown people, parang ayun I think, like… it can just be, alam mo ‘yun,
any…any colored people naman… so ayun…

Harry: Okay, thank you. I’ll now turn you over to Macy.

Motril: Thank you, Harry. For the next question: do your perceptions of the desirability of
darker skin colors align or contrast with these portrayals? And how so?

Participant: Okay so, they… hm… I guess in some ways, parang, ‘yun nga, they align because,
like “okay”, I see them, I see naman brown skinned-colored people, you know, na mahirap dito,
like in real life naman, and in some ways, okay, parang naaccept ko naman ‘yun. Pero, I think if
we’re trying– If it’s more on generalizing the whole demographic, parang, I don’t think na it’s
always na, parang, brown people are always, like, on the bottom of the society, I mean… In some
cases nga, like, pwede naman yung white-colored people. So, I guess, sabihin natin, they don’t
align, so yes.

Motril: So if your perceptions don’t align… they contrast with these portrayals, what are the
other factors that you consider for these? Media, news, real-life situations…
Participant 1: Okay so, I think, um… pinaka-factor dito yung real-life situations. Siguro, I
mean, I admit that brown skinned people nakikita ko. Any people despite the color, they could be
in the situation portrayed. Media… siguro, I mean… in a way… I just think that there’s no I
guess… parang… paano ko ba ito sasabihin? I think all naman, lahat naman, the differences of
color can be put in the same situation.

Motril: So have you experienced a change in your perceptions? So baka, sa una nag-align sila,
and ngayon more on contrast na siya. And what brought about this change?

Participant 1: Um, well, if we’re talking about na parang kung ano nakikita ko sa movies: “Oh,
baka ganito!” Parang same lang nakikita ko sa real life… it’s the same the fact that I still believe
lahat ng people despite the difference in color, they could be put naman in poor or unhealthy
situation, and I mean, wait yes. Yun na sagot ko.

Motril: So for the next question, how do your perceptions of the desirability of darker skin
colors manifest in your personal interactions with dark-skinned people?

Participant 1: Okay, so, I’ve mentioned this before na I don’t… I guess sabihin natin na I don’t
act differently towards the differences in skin colored people parang I guess if you’re talking
about ganito yung pagaact. Ibang way of interactions ko, di naman ako sa ganoon. I just treat
them equally naman.

Motril: Thank you for your responses, I now turn you over to Harry for another question.

Mendoza: Okay, thank you. The next question is do your personal interactions with
dark-skinned people align or contrast with portrayals of dark-skinned people in Filipino comedy
films? How so?

Participant 1: Hmm… My interactions? I guess I am a bit nicer, what I mean about that is I
don’t have perceptions/stereotypes on them. Lahat naman nang… I mean we all have brown
friends. I guess sabihin natin na I am nicer naman… So ayun, yes.

Mendoza: Okay so, thank you for your answers. Now, I’ll turn you over to Carlo.

Apud: Thank you, Harry. Would you consider Filipino comedy films to be effective and accurate
representations of dark-skinned people?

Participant 1: I think I’ve only watched one movie noh… one Filipino comedy film? I guess
with that type of movie, hindi. They’re not effective… You might think na “Oh well, we see
them naman… those poor people na kadalasan na brown.” I don’t think ganyan lahat
nararanasan.

Apud: What recommendations can you provide so that this genre portrays dark-skinned people
more effectively and accurately?

Participant 1: Um, well, it comes to suggesting a film wala naman akong… pero sa
suggestions…

Apud: Yeah, yung suggestions mo on how they could do better…

Participant 1: They shouldn’t have that fixed mindset. I want them to be a bit diversified…
What I mean by that na wala sila tinatarget … First of all, not all brown people are like that. And
does it even matter ba? Why is it too focused on color? Not all brown Filipinos are like that.

WRAP-UP

Motril: So, thank you, Carlo, and thank you, Harry, for the earlier questions before Carlo. So,
that wraps up our second interview for today, and, um, ayun, if you have any questions after this
interview, after this Meet, you can contact us through the email address in the consent form and
in the chatbox. So, again, thank you for agreeing to participate in our study twice, um, and we
wish you a great day.

Participant 1: Thank you rin, bye-bye.

 INTERVIEW 2 of 6: 11/22/2022, 7 PM
VENUE: GOOGLE MEET

INTRODUCTION

Motril: Okay, we are now currently recording. So, once again, we are Group 1 of 11-Amorsolo.
I am Madison Motril and here with me today are Carlo Apud and Harry Mendoza. So, first, I
would like to tell you about your rights as a participant. So, you may withdraw anytime, refuse to
answer questions, or tell us if you feel uncomfortable at any point during the interview. So, this
interview will take 30 to 45 minutes and is currently being recorded, but the data being recorded
and the recording itself will be kept confidential and will only be shared among us researchers
and our research adviser. I would also like to give notice that our research adviser may drop in
the Google Meet at any point, so be prepared na lang for that. Um, and lastly, when we report the
results, it will not be linked to your real identity. So, if you have any concerns later on after the
interview, you can contact us through the email found in the consent form and that I have sent in
the chatbox just right now. So feel free also to ask us about any unfamiliar or unclear terms that
you may encounter when we’re already asking the questions. So, before we begin, do you have
any questions?

Participant 2: Ah, wala.

Motril: Alright, sige, I’ll turn you over to Harry now to begin the interview.

QUESTION AND ANSWER PORTION

Mendoza: Okay so… Our first question will be: among the four movies: Girl, Boy, Bakla,
Tomboy; SupahPapalicious; Sisterakas; Beauty and the Bestie, which of these have you seen?

Participant 2: Um, yung napanood ko lang is Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy; Sisterakas, and Beauty
and the Bestie. Pero kasi, medyo nakalimutan ko na kasi yung Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy at
Sisterakas. Pero kanina na, um, parang na-refresh ko sarili ko sa Beauty and The Bestie. So,
majority ng mga answers ko mag-babase doon, yes.

Mendoza: What are the physical appearances/personality traits/mannerisms portrayed in

dark-skinned characters?

Participant 2: Um, yung… physical appearances, yeah. Yun nga yung dark-skinned sila and
minsan they have afro like katulad nung sa Beauty and The Bestie. Yung first part, mostly violent
sila. Yung sa personality traits… parang informal kung baga, siga sila, yes.
Mendoza: Have you observed any differences between the portrayals of dark-skinned characters
and light-skinned characters? If so, explain.

Participant 2: Ah, yes. Of course, may nakikita naman akong difference. Um, obvious naman na
parang superior yung light skin dito kasi nga Asian movie din siya. And yung dark-skinned,
comedy lang halos yung ambag nila sa movie, ayun.

Mendoza: And how similar or different are these portrayals to real-life situations concerning
dark-skinned people?

Participant 2: Um, itong yung kumpara sa yung sa movies and sa totoong buhay?

[Apud, Motril, and Mendoza nod.]

Participant 2: Ah, okay, so. Well, actually, yeah. Magkaiba siya kasi over-exaggerated siya
naman sa movies lalo na sa comedic films na nasa options.

Mendoza: Okay, so, um. Thank you for the answers. Now, I’ll be moving you on to Carlo.

Apud: How do you understand the concept of desirability in social settings?

Participant 2: Um, sorry, pero pwede paki-expound ito?

Apud: Yung desirability is about the value, benefits, or usefulness that come with something;
determines how preferable something would be, and yung sa social settings: social interaction
among individuals, sa school, workplace…

Participant 2: Hala, medyo malawak ito sakin. Wait lang, isipin ko. Oh my god, paki-expound
pa ulit, hindi ko medyo na-gets.

Motril: If I may. I-apply ko lang yung dalawang definitions prinovide ni Carlo. Basically: How
valuable o how useful o how beneficial or how preferable something would be in a social setting
in a place where nag-iinteract ang mga individuals. Gaano ka-um… Yung desirability would be
desirability in social settings is how preferable something would be in a place where individuals
interact. So hopefully mas-clear na yung definition.

Participant 2: So, kung baga kung i-apply sa totoong buhay: maganda ba siya sa social settings,
ganun?
Motril: Kung baga, yung personal understanding mo of how that concept of desirability in social
settings … how’d you understand, you can apply it in real life.

Participant 2: Oh… I think… yung ganitong situation harmful siya sa isang social setting, kasi
naguugat yung colorism. Kung baga, prinopromote nila ‘yung colorism sa mga movies, so
maapektohan ang nakakanood.

Apud: How have you observed that Filipino comedy films portray the desirability of darker skin
colors in social settings?

Participant 2: Hmm, so parang ganun rin kanina? So, ganun nga. It’s like… they don’t treat
dark skinned people as humans, so parang objects lang na pagtatawanan sa comedy. So yeah,
masama talaga siya sa social settings and ipresent sa Filipino people.

Apud: Have you observed any differences between the portrayals of the desirability of darker
skin colors and of lighter skin colors? If so, explain.

Participant 2: Ay siyempre magkaiba ‘yan, mas accepted ang lighter skin colors. Hmm, I think
dahil din sa paglaganap ng … ‘yung sumisikat na Koreans … ‘yung sa part nila sa Asia, doon
naguugat yung idealistic views ng Filipinos. ‘Yung sa darker skinned people, cinoconnecta nila
sa uncivilized.

Apud: Do these portrayals factor into your own perceptions of the desirability of darker skin
colors? And in what way?

Participant 2: Like, para sa ‘kin ba? Kung tama yung pag-trato sa kanila?

Apud: Ah, ‘di, ah… do these portrayals factor sa perception mo… in any way yung portrayals
nagfactor sa perceptions mo.

Participant 2: Yung bata ako, yeah. Naka-factor yun. Parang inaabsorb yun ng utak ko yung
pinapakita nila sa movies, syempre. Luckily now, iba na. Dati kasi akala ko pag maitim ka
kailangan mo mag-paputi para acceptable ka, ganun.

Apud: Thank you for that. Now, I’ll turn you to Macy.

Motril: Thank you, Carlo. So, for the next question: Do your perceptions of the desirability of
darker skin colors align or agree or contrast or disagree with these portrayals.
Participant 2: 2022 now, madami na nagbago. Mas acceptable na yung iba’t-ibang kulay ng
skin even the darkest skin tones. Um, kasi, since yun nga, mas nagkakaexposure na yung people
with darker skin tones.

Motril: So, to clarify lang – would you say your perceptions of desirability, do these agree or
disagree with Filipino comedy films?

Participant 2: Ah, I disagree with them.

Motril: So if your perceptions contrast with these portrayals, what are the other factors that you
consider for these?

Participant 2: Pwede ba kayo magbigay ng examples doon? Like sa factors… Medyo

nalalabuan ako doon.

Motril: Pwedeng maging media, kunwari may napapanood kang media that factored in your
perceptions. Pwendeng media or news or any real-life events.

Participant 2: Yung grade 6 ata ako noon, mga grade four to six, may naging kaklase akong
dark skinned kasi half-black American siya. Parang nakita ko yung pagtrato sakanya… racism…
kasi half-black American siya… nakita ko yung pinagtatawan siya. Pati na din sa media, yeah,
like TikTok yung ginawang pagtatawanan nalang lahat.

Motril: Have you experienced a change in your perceptions of the desirability of darker skin
colors? So baka pwedeng una nag-agree tapos afterwards nag-disagree ka na? If so, what brought
upon this change?

Participant 2: Na-mention ko yung bata ko kasi wala pa kong masyadong alam sa mundo. So
inaaccept ko lang lahat ng sinasabi sakin. So yeah, nag-iba yung perception ko when I turned 13,
twelve or thirteen.

Motril: How do your perceptions of the desirability of darker skin colors manifest in your
personal interactions with dark-skinned people?

Participant 2: I don’t really treat them differently kasi nga yun nga… nag-iba na yung pananaw
ko. So, wala masyado nag-iba sa pagtrato ko sa kanila.

Motril: Do your personal interactions with dark-skinned people align or contrast with portrayals
of dark-skinned people in Filipino comedy films? And how so?
Participant 2: Ah, yes, nag-cocontrast siya. Yung sa pageant portion, kasi nga yung typical dark
skinned characters palagi sila walang alam katulad yung sa Beauty and The Bestie yung parang
ginawa nilang walang alam yung isang contestant na dark skinned. Nag-cocontrast siya kasi
madami na kong kakilala na sophisticado naman sila kahit dark skinned.

Motril: Would you consider Filipino comedy films to be effective and accurate representations
of dark-skinned people? If so, explain why. If not, what recommendations can you provide so
that this genre portrays dark-skinned people more effectively and accurately?

Participant 2: Um, it’s definitely not accurate kasi i-exaggerate nila sa comedy para mapatawa
yung iba. Yung recommendations ko? Probably, is to have more dark skinned people sa casting
and yung nag-eevaluate… mas maging open-minded sila sa concept of dark skinned people and
colorism, yes.

WRAP-UP

Motril: So, ayun, that wraps up our interview for today. Once again, we would like to thank you
for participating in our study and taking the time to join us, and we also thank you for your input.
So, again, if you have any questions or concerns, anything you want to say, um, to us about the
interview or, um, the results, ‘yung pag-interpret na namin sa results, you can reach us through
the email in the chatbox and it’s also found in the consent form for reference. So, ayun, thank
you so much, and we wish you a great day.

Participant 2: Thank you! Bye-bye.

 INTERVIEW 3 of 6: 11/23/2022, 3:30 PM
VENUE: GOOGLE MEET

INTRODUCTION

Motril: So, we are now currently recording. Once again, we are Group 1 of 11-Amorsolo. I am
Madison Motril and here with me today is Carlo Apud. So, first, I would like to tell you about
your rights as our participant. You may withdraw anytime, refuse to answer questions, or tell us
if you feel uncomfortable at any point during the interview. So this interview will take 30 to 45
minutes and is currently being recorded, but the data being recorded and the recording itself will
be kept confidential and will only be shared among us researchers and our research adviser. So
lastly, when we report the results, it will not be linked to your real identity. If you have any
concerns later on after the interview, you can contact us through the email address found in the
consent form and the one sent in the chat box right now. And also feel free to ask us about any
unfamiliar or unclear terms or questions during the interview, and we will be happy to expound
on them. So before we begin the interview, I would just like to ask if you have any questions?

Participant 3: Um, no questions, so we’re good.

Motril: Okay, I now turn you over to Carlo to begin the interview.

Participant: Okay.

QUESTION AND ANSWER PORTION

Apud: Okay, so, among the four movies (Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy, SupahPapalicious, Sisterakas,
Beauty and the Bestie), which of these have you seen?

Participant 3: Um, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen Sisterakas, Beauty and the Bestie, but I’m not quite
familiar – I don’t really remember their plot, so mas familiar talaga ako sa Girl Boy Bakla
Tomboy. Actually, I just rewatched it kanina for the interview.

Apud: Based on these Filipino comedy films that you’ve watched, what are the physical
appearances, personality traits, mannerisms portrayed in dark-skinned characters?

Participant 3: Hmm, well, I think some of the appearances are kind of exaggerated. Tapos for
the personality traits, usually ginagawa silang parang comedic relief. Like a lot of jokes are made
about them and like palagi silang linalait sa mga movie, so. Ano pa ba, mannerisms,
siguro…Yeah, they’re like the…’yung stereotype towards dark-skinned characters is, they’re the
jokers, sila ‘yung mga nakakatawa or like they’re the…ano ba, um…dumb one, parang ganun.
Yeah.

Apud: Have you observed any differences between the portrayals of dark-skinned characters and
light-skinned characters? And if so, explain.

Participant 3: Definitely, I see a pretty big difference in the portrayals of dark-skinned and
light-skinned characters kasi I think Filipino films have a very Eurocentric standards [sic], kasi
nga parang mas favor nila ‘yung mas lighter-skinned, mas fair ‘yung balat. Ta’s parang, hindi fair
‘yung pagkaportray sa kanilang dalawa.

Apud: Well, how similar or different are these portrayals to real-life situations concerning
dark-skinned people?

Participant 3: Um, I think they’re pretty similar to…uh, real-life situations kasi nga, racism is a
very–still a very prevalent thing, so. And I think it’s tolerated here in the Philippines, like it’s
still, ano, very, very prevalent. Like, even in, kahit lumabas ka lang diyan, like, you can see
people, like, actively being racist or, like, or actively judge people for their skin color.

Apud: Okay, how do you understand the concept of desirability in social settings?

Participant 3: Siguro, desirability for me is the concept na, ano, how attracted I am, or
how…Yeah, how attracted I am to a person or thing. Kasi, siyempre, I have standards, so if
something meets my standards or something catches my eye, I would want–I would–I would
have a desire to meet or have that thing in my possession. Parang ganon.

Apud: Well, uh. How have you observed that Filipino comedy films portray this desirability of
darker skin colors in social settings?

Participant 3: Uh, ayun nga, kagaya ng sinabi ko kanina, parang… Uh, Filipino comedy films
don’t…or portray them as non-desirable, so parang hindi sila…Or they’re treated differently to
lighter-skinned characters. So it’s like they’re treated as less of a person, kahit ‘di naman talaga
dapat.

Apud: Thank you for that, I’ll turn you now to Macy.

Motril: Okay, thank you, Carlo. So, for the next question. Have you observed any differences
between the portrayals of the desirability of darker skin colors and of lighter skin colors? And if
so, explain. So more on ‘yung desirability na siya.
Participant 3: Like, desirability…like ‘yung preferences… Paanong portrayal ba? Like in the
films?

Motril: Yes, in the films.

Participant 3: Oh, so it’s the same as question three? Okay. So, um… Ayun nga, these films
portray darker, or darker-skinned individuals as not very desirable when compared to
lighter-skinned individuals kasi parang… We have Eurocentric standards nga in the Philippines,
so it’s like… If you’re fairer, if you have white skin, you’re considered pretty. Or if you have,
you know, uh, Eurocentric features like matangos ‘yung ilong, uh, hindi ka singkit, ‘yung mga
ganun, mas desirable siya. ‘Yun yung pinoportray ng mga films na mas desirable nga ‘yung
lighter-skinned kumpara sa darker-skinned.

Motril: So do these portrayals – ‘yung nasa films – do they factor into your own perceptions of
the desirability of darker skin colors? And in what way?

Participant 3: I think they definitely factor into my desirability and preferences on skin colors,
kasi siyempre, uh, the film – the film I watched – was, like, what, released in 2013, so I was a
kid and I watched it and it definitely changes my perception on people with different skin colors
kasi parang ninonormalize nila ‘yung pagkalait o pagkajudge sa mga darker-skinned people. So
siyempre, parang naisip ko rin na – or kid me, maisip niya na, oh, it’s okay, it’s okay to treat
people differently based on their skin color. So ‘yun.

Motril: So do your perceptions of – your personal perceptions of the desirability of darker skin
colors align, or agree – or contrast, or disagree with these portrayals and how so?

Participant 3: Well, right now they don’t really align with the… Yeah, with the portrayals in
these movies kasi I have taken the time to educate myself on topics like this, like, you know,
racism, it’s very prevalent. So I don’t let the shade of a person’s color, um, parang… I try not to
judge a book by its cover so I try not–I don’t let the shade of a person’s color…um, decide
whether I treat them differently or not so I try to give… I try to give everyone equal
opportunities and equal rights.

Motril: So if your perceptions contrast with the portrayals, what are the other factors that you
consider for these? ‘Yung formulation mo of the per– of your perceptions, ano ‘yung mga
naging, um…sources or factors mo for these? These can be like, ‘yung…other media that you’ve
consumed, or news, or, um, real-life situations. ‘Yung mga ganun.

Participant 3: Definitely other media. Most…mostly from other countries, like America, where
they… ‘Di ba recently, like, few years ago, they had the Black Lives Matter movement and that
really opened my eye kasi in the Philippines talaga, sobrang normalized na talaga ‘yung racism
and I thought it was…okay dati when I was a kid. I never really…cared much about it, until the
Black Lives Matter movement, so that really changed my perception on this topic. You know?
People with different shades of skin color. So, ayon. I definitely think media from different
countries and seeing how bad, uh…how badly treated these minorities can be. So, ayon.

Motril: So have you experienced a change in your perceptions? So maybe, nung una, agree ka
doon sa portrayals and now, you disagree. They first aligned, now they contrast. And if so, what
brought about this change?

Participant 3: Well… Uh, at first, they did align. ‘Cause, like, I was not very well-versed or
wasn’t educated on the topic, like I didn’t really care ‘cause I was a kid. And then what brought
about my change on how, or how I perceived or how I felt about this topic was my sister, kasi she
noticed na I aligned with the portrayals in these Filipino comedy movies, so – and she knew that
it wasn’t a good thing, so she tried her best to educate me and to teach me about what I should do
and how I should deal with people of every shade of color.

Motril: So for the next question, how do your perceptions of the desirability of darker skin
colors manifest – or how are these expressed – in your personal interactions with dark-skinned
people?

Participant 3: Well, definitely… Although I try my best to avoid it, sometimes you can’t help
but feel a different way when talking to different colored people. Kasi, sometimes, you see white
– uh, lighter-skinned people – as more welcoming and you see darker-skinned people as more
intimidating, so parang. Although I try not – although I try to avoid it, like, sometimes you can’t
help it, kasi parang in-ingrain na siya sa’yo. Like, it’s been… Tinatak na siya sa utak ko ever
since I was a k- ever since I was a kid, na, oh, darker-skinned people are… you know,
they’re…they’re mean, they’re ano, they’re… they’re different, they’re evil people. Mga ganon,
so they’re… since they were portrayed very differently, sometimes there’s always a thought in
the back of my head na parang… Okay, I should be careful. Parang ganon.

Motril: So do your personal interactions with dark-skinned people align or contrast with
portrayals of dark-skinned people in Filipino comedy films, and how so?

Participant 3: Now, they don’t, because I definitely make an effort to try and stop…um…stop
the judgment or the…bad treatment of these darker-skinned people, but definitely, they did align
when I was a kid, kasi I thought it was okay to be mean to darker-skinned people and nobody
really told me to–that it was bad until my sister, so yeah, that’s what I think. They contrast na
ngayon, kasi mas educated na ‘ko sa topic.
Motril: So for the last question, Would you consider Filipino comedy films to be effective and
accurate representations of dark-skinned people? If so, explain why and if not, what
recommendations can you provide so that this genre portrays dark-skinned people more
effectively and accurately?

Participant 3: I definitely don’t consider Filipino comedy films to be effective and accurate
representations, kasi, uh, they usually put all dark-skinned people under a stereotype na I don’t
personally agree with, ‘cause, you know, everyone is different regardless of their, um…
regardless of the shade of their skin. So, I don’t think it’s an accurate representation of
dark-skinned people kasi, I personally have met dark-skinned people and have relationships with
dark-skinned people and they’re amazing. They can be amazing. So ayon.

Motril: So would you have any recommendations – since you stated that, um, you don’t think na
it’s effective and accurate, ‘yung pagportray nila, would you have any recommendations so that
they can portray dark-skinned people more effectively and accurately?

Participant 3: Hmm, I think… Wait, let me search up the title of this movie. I think it’s called…
[indiscernible] Wait, it was the movie that Sandra Bullock starred in, “The Blind Side”. I think
it’s a really good movie that could definitely change people’s perceptions on how they view
dark-skinned people kasi it’s a movie about, uh, a white family who adopts a black teenager
because he had nowhere else to go, he had nowhere else to live, and then he turned out to be a
great person and the movie is all about them fighting racism together as a family and it’s really
heartwarming and wholesome.

WRAP-UP

Motril: Okay, so that wraps up our interview for today. Again, we thank you for joining us and
taking the time to participate. Again, if you have any questions or concerns, you can contact us
through the email address found in the chatbox and in the consent form (Participant: Alright),
and ayon. Thank you, and we wish you a great day.

Participant 3: Alright, thank you. Thank you for your time. Bye-bye.
 INTERVIEW 4 of 6: 11/25/2022, 7 PM
VENUE: GOOGLE MEET

INTRODUCTION

Motril: So we are now currently recording. Once again, we are Group 1 of 11-Amorsolo, I am
Madison Motril and here with me today are Carlo Apud and Harry Mendoza. So first I would
like to tell you about your rights as our participant. You may withdraw anytime, refuse to answer
questions, or tell us if you feel uncomfortable at any point during the interview. This interview
will take 30 to 45 minutes and is currently being recorded but the data being recorded and the
recording itself will be kept confidential and will only be shared among us researchers and our
research adviser. When we report the results, it will not be linked to your real identity. If you
have any concerns later on after the interview, you can contact us through the email found in the
consent form and the one sent in the chat box right now. Feel free as well to ask us if there are
any unfamiliar or unclear terms during the interview in our questions and we would be happy to
expound on them. So before we begin the interview, I would just like to ask if you have any
questions?

Participant 4: None, none at all.

Motril: Okay, so I now turn you over to Harry to begin the interview.

QUESTION AND ANSWER PORTION

Mendoza: Okay, so our first question is, among the four movies (Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy;
SupahPapalicious; Sisterakas; Beauty and the Bestie), which of these have you seen?

Participant 4: I’ve seen all but I am more refreshed with Sisterakas.

Mendoza: Based on the Filipino comedy films that you’ve watched, what are the physical
appearances/personality traits/mannerisms portrayed in dark-skinned characters?

Participant 4: Those with darker complexions in films, not just siguro in local films, are usually
depicted as having mostly negative traits such as being more…less intelligent or physically
appealing.

Mendoza: Have you observed any differences between the portrayals of dark-skinned characters
and light-skinned characters? If so, explain.
Participant 4: This stereotype frequently appears in movies, not just the ones mentioned during
the interview but also other local and Western movies, giving the impression that light skin is
considered as more of the norm or ideal in comparison to those with darker skin complexion, and
as I’ve already mentioned those with lighter skin are typically shown in those movies as being
more educated and privileged.

Mendoza: How similar or different are these portrayals to real-life situations concerning
dark-skinned people?

Participant 4: Some may come off as overexaggerated, since some film directors may tend to
experiment or come up with their own stereotypes when attempting to portray dark-skinned
characters in their films which runs the risk of offending their viewers who are dark-skinned.

Mendoza: Okay, thank you, I will now turn you on to Carlo.

Apud: Thank you Harry, now, how do you understand the concept of desirability in social
settings?

Participant 4: Desirability? In social settings it may relate to one’s desire to go through people’s
ideas or norms to be accepted, or in simple terms, it may be their desire to be accepted in society,
or in this context, parang people’s preferences on how a specific demographic should be
portrayed.

Apud: How have you observed that Filipino comedy films portray the desirability of darker skin
colors in social settings?

Participant 4: Um, can you repeat the question?

Apud: How have you observed that Filipino comedy films portray the desirability of darker skin
colors in social settings?

Participant 4: In Filipino films alone, in Filipino comedy films… I think I’ve mentioned this
before that it’s more brought out that lighter skin colors is the norm, which may go hand in hand
with the fact that in more films and such, taking into consideration how people’s views on
darker-skinned characters, ‘yung… Siguro in a sense, they do, it may be subjective because some
films don’t really appease people’s desirability in terms of characters who may portray the
characteristics that they want to. So, siguro, in Filipino comedy films, in most cases, yes pero
there are some that may go either overexaggerated or, in a sense, bare minimum.

Apud: Have you observed any differences between the portrayals of the desirability of darker
skin colors and of lighter skin colors? If so, explain.

Participant 4: Differences, siguro mas desirable for people to see lighter skin colors in film,
which is not something… if I may, it’s not something that I like, in terms of society since, ‘yun
nga, not just because of films but because of society it is more driven and enforced that there is
more desire for, mas desirable ‘yung lighter skin color.

Apud: Do these portrayals factor into your own perceptions of the desirability of darker skin
colors and in what way?

Participant 4: In my desirability, or people’s?

Apud: Ah, your perception of the desirability of darker skin colors, your perception of the
desirability.

Participant 4: Ah, siguro, since I haven’t really… I have my own knowledge about this but I
haven’t really been exposed to other people’s desirability, so in terms of these… some of what
I’ve heard in terms of perceptions for… ‘yung desirability nga of darker skin colors, siguro, it
doesn’t really… No, it doesn’t really play much of a role in… these factors don’t really affect my
own perception.

Apud: Thank you, now I’ll turn you over to Macy.

Motril: Okay, thank you Carlo. So, for the next question, do your perceptions of the desirability
of darker skin colors align – like, do they agree – or contrast – do they disagree with these
portrayals, ‘yung nasa Filipino comedy films and how so?

Participant 4: Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t, parang it depends on the film, pero in
the films you stated, so siguro my perceptions of the desirability of darker skin colors, medyo
aligned siya doon sa films, not entirely pero minimally. Pero there are some films that were able
to ano naman, contrast instead of go against each other, since there are some na parang, oh, it’s
integrated to me na parang, ganito naman talaga, this is how this is usually portrayed pero there
are times wherein I noticed some things that shouldn't be pero in a sense, they’re more integrated
in other people’s perceptions for their desirability, for the desirability of darker skin colors.

Motril: So, since you mention that sometimes they align with these portrayals in Filipino
comedy films, what were the contributing factors to your perceptions– to your perceptions of the
desirability of darker skin colors? Like, what are the… what are the things that you consider
when formulating your perceptions in… formulating your perceptions of the desirability of
darker skin colors. So, the factors that you consider can be news, or media – other media, or
real-life situations, or lessons. Any that can… that might have contributed to your perceptions,
your formulation of the perceptions of desirability of darker skin colors.

Participant 4: Since I’m mostly exposed to media, so, siguro media plays a big role. Other than
that, news… such as newscast articles don’t really play a big role since I tend… I don’t usually
go through them in that context, so siguro media, I’m very much exposed in Twitter and such,
which is a very big platform for people to freely express themselves, so siguro ‘yung perceptions
ko are also influenced by other people’s. Other than that, so siguro, ‘yung real-life experiences
din, especially going to different countries and not just local.

Motril: So since you also mentioned na… Ah, am I getting it right that you’ve mentioned both,
that your perceptions both align – can sometimes align and sometimes contrast with the Filipino
comedy films. Please confirm lang if, um, I got your answer right to the previous question.

Participant 4: Align and contrast, so siguro there are times din na contradicting or hindi naman
ganun ka-align.

Motril: Okay, so since you also mentioned nga na your perceptions can contrast with the
portrayals, um, what are the other factors that you consider for these perceptions? Ito naman
‘yung mga nagco-contrast with the portrayals, what are the other factors that you consider for
formulating these particular perceptions?

Participant 4: Siguro, my own… Like, there are times where hindi naman, like my thinking or
how I formulate these perceptions or interpretations aren’t really mainly… There are times
wherein – there are factors that I take into consideration. For example, if it’s – well, it may come
off as nitpicking, pero if it’s right or not to think this way, or if it’s what society has integrated or
not. Pero there are times wherein I play… I play the bigger role in deciding whether or not these
perceptions should be taken in [sic] consideration or not, so parang I formulate my own
perceptions, yeah, and such.

Motril: So, have you experienced a change in your perceptions? Still in the – still of the
desirability of the darker skin colors. Have you experienced a change in your perceptions? So,
um, baka noong una, they aligned with the portrayals and now they contrast with them. Have you
experienced any such change and what brought about this change?

Participant 4: Since there are times wherein films evolve or there are times wherein the diff– I
can see differences in these films, na parang, oh, ‘yung… In this film, ganito ganyan, pero in this
film, parang… The amount of films I’ve watched, I can see diversities on how dark-skinned
people are portrayed and so, um… These may, um… these may be factors into why medyo
nagcchange din ‘yung, um, perceptions ko and not just media. So siguro, what – my own
perceptions change because of the… because of what I see in different films.

Motril: So how do your perceptions of the desirability of darker skin colors manifest in your
personal interactions with dark-skinned people? So, manifest, like how are they expressed, how
are they shown in your personal interactions with dark-skinned people?

Participant 4: Siguro, I don’t see them as any less than… Parang, hindi naman nag-iiba ‘yung
tingin ko sa kanila na… Sige, sa films kasi, parang whenever… I really feel bad whenever
pinapakita na oh, mas mababa ‘yung dark-skinned people, parang, people with darker skin
complexions, so parang, in real life, siguro it shows na parang, oh, I don’t really take people’s
skin color into consideration when interacting with them. So parang, ‘yun nga, um, parang…
Hindi ko – yeah, it’s not something I take into consideration when interacting with people, na
parang, more or less, whatever the skin tone or skin complexion, nothing changes with how I
interact.

Motril: So, next question, do your personal interactions with dark-skinned people align or
contrast with portrayals of dark-skinned people in Filipino comedy films, and how so?

Participant 4: Not… In most cases siguro, contrast instead of like, aligned – sobrang aligned,
kasi in some… ‘Yun nga, in some films kasi, ‘yung portrayals nila, parang oh, sobrang baba,
sobrang… There are time – not all the time siguro, just some cases talaga na they’re portrayed as
like, not as physically appealing and such, ‘yun nga, mababa ‘yung tingin sa kanila. So parang
‘yung personal interactions ko, most of the time contradicts – contrasts sometimes, depending
on, siguro, ‘yung if their… if in some films, medyo parehas ‘yung mannerism or ‘yung
personality traits nila in a bad sense, pero if it’s in a good sense, siguro contrast, since ‘yun nga, I
don’t treat them any less or any [indiscernible].

Motril: So, for the last question, would you consider Filipino comedy films to be effective and
accurate representations of dark-skinned people? If so, explain why, but if not, what
recommendations can you provide so that this genre – ‘yung Filipino comedy films – portrays
dark-skinned people more effectively and accurately?

Participant 4: Some Filipino – if it’s just in Filipino comedy films siguro, as I said before, it can
be subjective since some films are able to successfully – are successfully accurate in showing
representations of dark-skinned people, pero in a sense, I can say… in most cases siguro, I can
say na… In most cases, siguro, I can say yes, since, um, ‘yun nga, it’s in society, like, ‘yung local
environment nila so may alam sila kung ano ‘yung – how these people are and ano ‘yung
mannerisms nila or their personality traits so parang they can implement that in their films and
make it more accurate pero if it’s… In terms of… If I were to answer no, siguro
recommendations would be like, ask… Siguro, before making scripts or directing the film itself,
they should ask for people’s opinions or do research on how people want, um, dark-skinned
people to be portrayed in a better sense instead of taking the risk of accidentally… um, offending
a group of people or portraying dark-skinned people as bad. Parang ganun, parang… not just
bad, but lesser than that of, like, light skin.

WRAP-UP

Motril: Okay, so that wraps up our interview for today. Again, we thank you for taking the time
to join us and participate in our study, and again, if you have any questions or concerns, you may
contact us through the email address found in the chat box and in the consent form. So, ayun,
thank you, and we wish you a good day.

Participant 4: Thank you!

 INTERVIEW 5 of 6: 11/29/2022, 5PM
VENUE: GOOGLE MEET

INTRODUCTION

Motril: Okay, so we are now recording. Once again, we are Group 1 of 11-Amorsolo, I am
Madison Motril and here with me today are Carlo Apud and Harry Mendoza. So first, I would
like to tell you about your rights as our participant. You may withdraw anytime, refuse to answer
questions, or tell us if you feel uncomfortable at any point during this interview. This interview
will take 30 to 45 minutes and is currently being recorded but the data being recorded and the
recording itself will be kept confidential and will only be shared among us researchers and our
research adviser. And when we report the results, it will not be linked to your real identity. If you
have any concerns later on after the interview, you can contact us through the email address
found in the chat box right now and in the consent form. And also feel free to ask us about any
unfamiliar or unclear terms in any of our questions when we’re already doing the interview and
we would be happy to expound or explain. So before we begin the interview, do you have any
questions?

Participant 5: Um, wala naman, we can… Ay, wait lang, um, during the questions pala, is it
okay for me to answer in both Filipino and English kasi it’s… uh, parang I feel more comfortable
expressing my answers that way, so okay lang.

[Apud and Mendoza show thumbs-ups.]

Participant 5: Okay, thank you, that’s all.

Motril: So I now turn you over to Harry to begin the interview.

QUESTION AND ANSWER PORTION

Mendoza: Okay, so our first question is: among the four movies (Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy;
SupahPapalicious; Sisterakas; Beauty and the Bestie), which of these have you seen?

Participant 5: Um, I’ve watched all, um – are those five ba? Ilang movies ba ‘yon?

[Apud and Mendoza hold up four fingers.]

Participant 5: Four, so out of… um, I’ve watched three movies, um, lahat ‘yon except doon sa
SupahPapalicious.
Mendoza: Okay, based on the Filipino comedy films that you’ve watched, what are the physical
appearances, personality traits, mannerisms portrayed in dark-skinned characters?

Participant 5: Um, usually, ang dark-skinned, ang binibigay na parang interpretation sa role
nila, sila ‘yung madalas na ginagawang katatawanan, like usually, sila ‘yung parang mischievous
na type of character sa movie.

Mendoza: Have you observed any differences between the portrayals of dark-skinned characters
and light-skinned characters? If so, explain.

Participant 5: Um, based on my observation sa movies, um, dark-skinned characters are parang
more related to the lower society class while ‘yung mga fair-skinned naman, usually, ito ‘yung
mga characters na mayayaman, nasa tuktok ng social hierarchy.

Mendoza: How similar or different are these portrayals to real-life situations concerning
dark-skinned people?

Participant 5: Well, I think, at some point, parang on a surface level, medyo realistic naman
siya, kasi if you think about it, like, people nowadays, like, ano, fairer skin tones; therefore, like,
they go to plastic surgeries, they go to, like, Belo, and drink supplements, and such, which is
more available to the higher class since, you know, it requires money, while those in the lower
class, um, ayon, they just proceed to have that skin color na Filipino.

Mendoza: Okay, so, um, thank you. Now, I will turn you over to Carlo.

Apud: Thank you, Harry. Now, um, how do you understand the concept of desirability in social
settings?

Participant 5: Um, from how I understand it, parang nagkakaroon ng social norms when it
comes to desirability within the community in a way na, um, nagdidictate sila ng certain standard
na kailangan makamit ng isang tao to say na, ah, pasok ka sa category na ‘to. And madaming
category which, um, that determines whether you’re like, socially acceptable or maybe, like,
you’re like the black sheep of the society. Something like that.

Apud: Well, uh, how have you observed that Filipino comedy films portray the desirability of
darker skin colors in social settings?

Participant 5: Um, usually, sila ‘yung parang, ano, ‘di ba, pagka-dark-skinned, usually, ang
ginagawa nilang script dun sa mga movies, ‘yun ‘yung mga nilalait, so, like, ayon. Wait lang, let
me… Can you please repeat the question, so baka mayroon pa kong pwede i-add.
Apud: Okay, well, have you observed that Filipino comedy films portray the desirability of
darker skin colors in social settings?

Participant 5: Oh, okay, mali ‘yung understanding ko. So, if napoportray ba ‘yung desirability
of darker skin color characters? So, um… ‘yun nga, parang hindi nga masyado napoportray
‘yung desirability in a positive light. More of nagiging negative ‘yung outcome niya sa mga
films, na parang pinapapangit nila ‘yung view sa mga darker-skinned. Um, actually, doon sa
may, not sure what movie that is, I can’t remember, sa Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy ata ‘yun, there’s
this character na sobrang dark nung skin niya, not sure, basta any of those four na binigay niyo.
So ayon, parang super dark nung skin niya na parang hindi naman siya gaanong ka-common, it’s
too exaggerated na kasi parang wala naman sa lahi ng Filipino ‘yung ganon ka-dark na color.

Apud: Well, have you observed any differences between the portrayals of the desirability of
darker skin colors and of lighter skin colors? If so, explain.

Participant 5: Um, ayun nga, gaya ng sinabi ko kanina, there’s this parang divide in social class.
Um, ang nangyayari, ‘yung mga darker-skin-toned, um, parang ang gina – usually, ito ‘yung
observation ko sa mga movies – na ang nagiging ginagawang ugali is parang masama, while
those in the upper class is like, more, um, proper in a way that they move, they act in the movie.
So ang portrayal doon ng mga viewers is that, um, the lighter-skinned characters, ‘yung mga
mayayaman, are more desirable, ganon. They fit the standard.

Apud: Well, uh, do these portrayals factor into your own perceptions of the desirability of darker
skin colors and in what way?

Participant 5: Um, ayun nga, um, wait lang, let me formulate my answer muna. I, parang,
tunggali ako sa thought na bini – sa portrayal na binibigay ng, um, film industry ng Philippines
in a way na they put the dark skin-colored people in a bad light, pero ako, ever since bata ako,
parang, I actually view dark-skinned people to be up in the hierarchy, something about their skin
color actually makes them parang much more unique and parang ganun ‘yung idea.

Apud: Okay, thank you for that, I’ll turn you now to Macy.

Motril: Thank you, Carlo. So, for the next question, do your perceptions of the desirability of
darker skin colors align – nag-aagree ba sila – or do they contrast – nagdidisagree ba sila – with
these portrayals and how so?

Participant 5: Um, I think, ‘yun nga, parang marerepeat lang ‘yung answer ko kanina na I do
not agree with how the Philippine film industry portray [sic] these characters kasi nga, ayun, ever
since bata ako, I view dark skin color as, um, more unique and more majestic in a way so parang,
um, parang they’re up in the hierarchy of standards.

Motril: So, if your perceptions contrast with these portrayals, what are the other factors that you
consider for these? Like, um, ‘yung cinonsider mo when you were formulating ‘yung perceptions
mo, ano ‘yung mga naging, um, like, sources mo for that. Puwede siya maging media, or real-life
situations, or, um, mga news, ganun.

Participant 5: Um, mostly talaga, social media, kasi especially in modern times, there’s more,
like, acceptance and equality when it comes to, um, skin color in general.

Motril: So, have you experienced a change in your perceptions? So, baka nung una, nag-aagree
sila, nag-aalign sila, tapos ngayon, contrast na sila. So, have you experienced any cha- any such
change, and what brought about this change, if any?

Participant 5: Actually no, the beliefs I had before, the beliefs that I hold now, which is the
stand na there should be no discrimination against dark-skin-colored people.

Motril: So, how do your perceptions of the desirability of darker skin colors manifest – or paano
mo sila na – paano sila nae-express in your personal interactions with dark-skinned people?

Participant 5: Um, I think parang wala naman siyang specific manifestation since, um, wala
namang division in terms of how I treat people based on their skin color.

Motril: So, for the next question, do your personal interactions with dark-skinned people align
or contrast with portrayals of dark-skinned people in Filipino comedy films and how so?

Participant 5: Um, yeah, uh, ayun nga, sinabi ko kanina parang exaggerated ‘yung ginagawang
role ng mga dark-skinned, uh, people sa mga movies, pero, um, because given nga na
exaggerated siya doesn’t mean that it’s right and most of my interactions, um, skin color doesn’t
really, you know, um, like, portray a person, like their personality and how they interact with
people.

Motril: So for the last question,would you consider Filipino comedy films to be effective and
accurate representations of dark-skinned people? If so, explain why, and if not, what
recommendations can you provide so that this genre – ‘yung Filipino comedy – portrays
dark-skinned people more effectively and accurately?

Participant 5: I do not believe na they are accurate representation [sic]. In fact, these
representations that they make are actually, parang, degrading in a way. And I think, um, mas
magi-give light ‘yung portrayals ng dark-skinned if parang, um, they give major roles to these
characters, kasi usually, sa mga movies, um, these characters get, like, sa ano lang siya, side role
lang siya, like an extra. So, if maybe, puwedeng ang proposal doon, gumawa sila ng movie
wherein they put importance in the acceptance of dark-skinned people in a way na they tell the
viewers na, ah, this shouldn’t be how you perceive them, this shouldn’t be how you treat them.
Instead, do this, do that, ganun.

WRAP-UP

Motril: So ayun, that wraps up our interview for today. Thank you again for joining us and
taking the time to participate in our study. If mayroon kang magiging questions or concerns after
itong – after this – you can contact us again through our – through the email address in the chat
box and in the consent form, so ayon. Thank you ulit, and we wish you a great day.

Participant 5: Okay, bye-bye, thank you!

 INTERVIEW 6 of 6: 12/5/2022, 7 PM
VENUE: GOOGLE MEET

INTRODUCTION

Motril: So, we are now currently recording. Once again, we are Group 1 of 11-Amorsolo. I am
Madison Motril, and here with me today are Carlo Apud and Harry Mendoza. So, first, I would
like to tell you about your rights as our participant. You may withdraw anytime, refuse to answer
questions, or tell us if you feel uncomfortable at any point during this interview. This interview
will take 30 to 45 minutes and is currently being recorded, but the data being recorded and the
recording itself will be kept confidential and will only be shared among us researchers and our
research adviser. When we report the results, it will not be linked to your real identity. So, if you
have any concerns or questions later on after the interview, you can contact us through the email
address found in the consent form and the one sent in the chatbox right now (Participant: Okay).
And feel free also to ask us about any unfamiliar or unclear terms in any of our questions later on
in the interview and we would be happy to expound. So, before we begin the interview, do you
have any questions?

Participant 6: Hmm, no. Siguro after na lang mag-interview, I’ll ask. I’ll form up some
questions.

Motril: Okay, sige, so I now turn you over to Harry to begin the interview.

QUESTION AND ANSWER PORTION

Mendoza: Okay, thank you, Macy. So, our first question is, Among the four movies – Girl, Boy,
Bakla, Tomboy; SupahPapalicious; Sisterakas; Beauty and the Bestie – which of these have you
seen?

Participant 6: Um, I’ve seen the… um, Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy one. That one stuck to me
since my mom really likes Vice Ganda, ‘cause, um, they’re super funny and um, we would find
ourselves watching it in Cinema One. I don’t remember if we watched it in cinemas, but, um, the
story of that one really stuck to me.

Mendoza: So, based on the Filipino comedy films that you have watched, what are the physical
appearances, personality traits, or mannerisms portrayed in dark-skinned characters?

Participant 6: Um, I think, in the movie – ‘yun nga, ‘yung Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy – um,
there was this one character that was, um, super, super… dark-skinned, although I know, like, her
character – um, her in real life, she’s not really that dark, um… And, uh, she had kinky hair in
that movie. I don’t remember from what ethnicity she was, um, but she was one of the adoptive
kids there, I think.

Mendoza: Have you observed any differences between the portrayals of dark-skinned characters
and light-skinned characters? If so, explain.

Participant 6: Um, I definitely see differences, uh, between the portrayals of dark-skinned
characters and light-skinned characters. In the movie kasi, um, Girlie? Uh, the name of the girl –
she is, um, very… She-she is light-skinned and she grew up in America. And in America, they’re
rich. Um, and as for, um… The other side of the family, which, ‘yung… ‘yung tomboy and ‘yung
bakla, I don’t remember their names, sadly. Um, they… They’re a bit more darker-skinned and
they’re poorer. So, like, the girl and the boy, um, who were raised in America, they’re
lighter-skinned and they are served, uh, with a silver platter. But, um, the bakla and the tomboy,
uh, they were raised with hardships and I think they were, they’re – In the pictures, there’s none
kasi they’re being portrayed by the same character, but, um, as I said, this very dark-skinned girl
with kinky hair in the movie was part of the family with the bakla and the tomboy, so, um… It-
To me, it goes to show that, uh, they have thi–um, Filipinos have this perception that if you’re
dark-skinned, you’re most likely very poor, and if you’re light-skinned, you’re most likely rich.

Mendoza: How similar or different are these portrayals to real-life situations concerning
dark-skinned people?

Participant 6: Um, in the movie, the dark- the very dark-skinned, kinky-haired girl – I’m sorry,
I’m not good with names – she’s usually made fun of by the… By the kids, as well. Um, uh they
– she would have, uh, bitter back-and-forths with the, with the bakla, but they- It’s only because
they’re close, and, um… For real-life situations, it’s… To me, I think it’s similar but… But the
difference is that they make it look more lighthearted than it actually is, ‘cause I know people
who are darker-skinned, they are, um… They actually tend to be more exposed to bullying, so –
because they are dark-skinned. Like, um, a while ago, I think I saw a, uh – a Tiktok video of this
half-Nigerian, half-Filipino girl, and she said she was often bullied because she was black, so,
um… yeah, that’s about it. Basta, uh, to me, since, I mean, I’m – I don’t have that experience,
right? So, of course, I wouldn’t know how it feels like, but um, I see it a lot with my… With my
helpers here at home, ‘cause they – they’re from the province, and they, uh, they come here on
their first day, they’re usually very dark-skinned and as they spend more time here, they often try,
uh, a lot of whitening beauty products. And I often ask them why, and their answers – because
oh, I just want to be lighter, oh, I – oh, I just want to… Um, they never really give me a real
reason why they do that, because I never really found anything wrong with dark skins in the first
place. Actually, there’s this one cosplayer that I follow, she’s also dark-skinned, and even though
the character she’s, um, cosplaying, like in the game or in the anime, it doesn’t matter ‘cause
she’s, um, she’s – she’s doing what she wants, so yeah.
Mendoza: Okay, thank you for your answers. Now, I will turn you over to Carlo.

Apud: Okay, thank you Harry. For the next question, how do you understand the concept of
desirability in social settings?

Participant 6: Um, desirability meaning?

Apud: Uh, well, uh, the value, benefits, or useful– usefulness that come with something. Um, to
determine ‘yung how preferable something would be.

Participant 6: So, um… Wait. So in this setting, the desirability is to be lighter-skinned, is…
Am I correct?

Apud: Well, uh, in general. Kung ano, what’s ano, what – how do you understand ‘yung
desirability in social settings. ‘Yung social settings, ito ‘yung, you could be the – ‘yung site
where you interact with other people.

Participant 6: Oh. Um… I think it’s… I think it mostly depends on the person, kasi desirability
is subjective, right? I… I never really had any bad opinions on um, what people like? I mean, of
course, sometimes I would disagree, but um… As long as they’re not pushing that desire onto
others, like, let’s say, um… ‘Cause I know here in the Philippines, uh, people often use beauti–
beauty products and whitening products because they want to be taken seriously. ‘Cause, um,
like, sometimes, uh… ‘Yun nga, when you’re darker-skinned, you’re o- you’re often made fun of
and you’re bullied. So, I have no problem with them, um, doing that, because it’s for personal
reas– I have no problem with them, uh, wait – with them using such products if they– if they just
want to, y’know, live a better life, but, um… I guess I would just usually ask the question why.
Because then again, I don’t really have, um, an opinion – a biased opinion, at least – on anything.
Like, if that’s what you want, as long as – whether it’s good or bad, to me, as long as you’re not
harming others, I guess, it-it’s fine, kasi it’s… It’s your personal choice in life, though – But
sometimes, it’s not that easy, right? ‘Cause, um, uh, people really do push their standards, uh,
their desirability and stuff like that to other people, so… Um, so I think that’s just the… The
issue for me.

Apud: Well, uh, how have you observed that Filipino comedy films portray the desirability of
darker skin colors in social settings?

Participant 6: Hmm. Well. I haven’t really seen much darker-skinned people in, um, comedy
films. Like, um, ‘cause most of the actors are usually around lighter, tan, to like, white-ish, or
maybe that’s just because I don’t watch a lot of movies anymore as much as I used to. But from
what I can see, and from, like, what the ads are… Um, there is less desire for darker skin colors
in social settings, kasi nga we’re, um, we’re very Americanized, and I think that’s one of the
things that, um, influenced us wanting to be, um, lighter-skinned. Because nga it’s, um, it’s our
society’s standard that if you’re lighter-skinned, you’re more beautiful, and they fail to see the
fact that if you’re darker-skinned, you’re still very, very beautiful. Um, which is why, like, I
don’t understand why people have that standard that if you’re lighter-skinned, you’re pretty,
‘cause, um… One of… One of the things I often complain about is, uh, body hair. And one of the
things they would tell me is that “Oh, it’s okay, you’re light-skinned eh.” And I was like, what’s
that got to do with… With anything? So, um, I think Filipino comedy films fail to portray that
kind of desirability of darker skin. If anything, they either don’t touch at it at all, or they just
poke fun of it, just like in ‘yun nga, in Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy nga. The dark-skinned,
kinky-haired girl, she’s, um – uh, since it’s a – I understand ‘cause it’s a comedy film, right? But
uh, more often than not, she is, um… Usually one of the ones made fun of.

Apud: Well, uh, have you observed any differences between the portrayals of the desirability of
darker skin colors and of lighter skin colors? And if so, explain.

Participant 6: Hmm. Well, like I said before, um. The actors kasi are mostly light-skinned, so n–
um… Yeah, they’re like, tanned to light-skinned and they don’t – and most of them don’t really
have darker features. I know if ever they do have darker features, they’re going to be bashed for
it, because nga, uh… she doesn’t- they, or – he/she, or they don’t fit n society’s standards of –
Filipino society’s standards of being – of being pretty, uh, and light-skinned. Um, like, but then
again, with the… Uh, in relation to the movie that I was – that I said earlier, um… ‘Yung
difference nga is ay ‘yung… ‘yung social status nila, kasi nga, um… The girl and the boy in the
film is [sic] from America and they are, they are light-skinned, and they’re rich. Like, very rich.
And then, uh, the bakla and the tomboy, um… They’re n– they’re not exactly too poor, but, uh…
They just have enough to get by the day, so… I know that in the movie, the bakla and the tomboy
are more dark-skinned compared to the girl and the boy, regardless of them having the same
actor.

Apud: Um, do you… Do these portrayals factor into your own perceptions of the desirability of
darker skin colors and in what way?

Participant 6: Um… Hmm. It doesn’t, because I see people… Um… It doesn’t portray any
factor in my per– perceptions, because I don’t really base my perceptions of people based on
their outer appearance. ‘Cause there are – I am aware that there are beautiful, handsome people
who have ugly personalities. And there are, um, not so attractive people who have greater
personalities, and I don’t really base my friendships on skin color, because like I said, I have,
um… I have helpers here at home, um… that are from the province, and, uh, they are – they are
dark-skinned. Well, not now because they’ve used, like, beauty products to lighten themselves
up, but um… Sometimes, some of them come ho – go home to their, um… provinces, and then
when they come here, they’re all darker-skinned, and I never really, um, bashed them for that –
excuse me – um, yeah.

Apud: Well, okay, thank you for that. Now, I will turn you over to Macy.

Motril: Okay, thank you Carlo, so for the next question. Do your perceptions of the desirability
of darker skin colors align – nag-aagree ba sila – or do they contrast – nagdidisagree ba sila with
these portrayals, ‘yung mga nasa Filipino comedy films? And how so?

Participant 6: Um, well, it definitely contrasts with the, um, portrayals of darker
skinned-colored people. Um… Because like, like I said, I really do base my perception of
people, um, based on their personality and how well I get along with them. Um, even if I – even
if I don’t get along with them, I don’t usually speak up about it, I just, like, not talk to them at all.
They… align or contrast [indiscernible] Um, but I just think it’s… It’s weird that they portray
dark-skinned, uh, people like that? Because one of the – one of the – one of the factors that I’ve
observed, um, as to, uh, why they’re dark-skinned is because of the very hot environment they
have in, um… In the province. I asked one of my helpers, um, di-did you go out? Or like, I
jokingly asked her, anyare sa’yo? Uh, ano, like… In a sense that did you do anything when you
were in your province? And she’s like, she didn’t go out at all, but I observed that she did come
home darker than she – than when she left. So, um, and she – and I asked her about that, and she
said, I think it’s because of the heat in… In the… In the province, that’s why people are usually
darker than they actu– than they – than they are. And then like, when they come home here,
when they come home here in the– in the city, it’s cooler? And, um, my mom also told me that
it’s ‘cause they don’t have enough money to wear sunscreen, that’s why they’re dark-skinned like
that. Um, honestly, I don’t kn– I don’t know if that’ll help, but that’s something I found
interesting, that may help y’all, I hope? So, yeah.

Motril: So since your perceptions contrast with the portrayals, what are the other factors that you
consider for these? Like, ‘yung, um – When you were formulating your perceptions of the
desirability of darker skin colors, ano ‘yung mga naging sources mo for it? Like, pwedeng, um,
other media, or news, or real-life situations. ‘Yung mga ganun.

Participant 6: So, like, wait. Could you repeat the question.

Motril: Um, since your perceptions contrast with the portrayals, what are the other factors that
you consider for these? Um, when you were formulating ‘yung perceptions mo of the desirability
of darker skin colors, ano ‘yung mga, like – what were your sources that you consulted for it?
Um, so maybe, you, um… Consumed other media, or you watched news, or had real-life
situations na nagcontribute to the perceptions – ‘yung perceptions mo of the desirability of
darker skin colors. So ano ‘yung mga naging factors na ‘yun.

Participant 6: Um, definitely the media had a big impact on how I formulated such perceptions.
Because I know that in the media, of course, in social media, they would, uh… Of– they would
make fun of you if you’re dark-skinned-colored, like – ‘cause I never – I never see it, like,
happening, but I know that it’s happening ‘cause I hear it in the news, I – and, like, I hear it from
some people, like, whenever they make – uh, whenever they tell me stories, I hear it from them,
so um. And whenever I hear it happening, I alw – I’m always like, that’s very wrong. People
shouldn’t bully somebody because of their, um. Because of their skin color. And I’d like to add,
‘cause I think I was more into the love, um, the romance – rom-com movies. One of them is
Diary ng Panget, and I know that in Diary ng Panget, um, the main girl there – she is also
dark-skinned. Or like, she’s, like, tanner than the usual Fil– um, Filipino actresses. And ‘yun nga,
she’s um, ugly because she has, like, a lot of, um, pimples on her face, and stuff like that. And,
um… When she had her makeover, she… She, for some reason, became lighter, and, like, of
course, her face cleared up and stuff. I did kinda observe that she became lighter in a w– in a bit?
In a– in a– yeah. So, definitely, media, s– uh, social media, um, movies, and, um, my helpers
here at home had, have – um, had a big impact on my perception of stuff like this.

Motril: So have you experienced a change in your perceptions of – of ‘yun nga, ‘yung
perceptions mo of the desirability of darker skin colors. Have you experienced a change in them?
So, baka nung una, nag-align sila with the portrayal,s in Filipino comedy films, and ngayon,
nagcocontrast naman sila. So have you experienced any such change and what brought about this
change, if any?

Participant 6: Mmm, I think not. I don’t think it did anyth- wait. ‘Cause if, if the question
means that when I watched this movie, I thought darker-skinned people are being… always
people to poke fun at and make-make jokes on… Um, that… Um… Then, yeah, it would have
changed, definitely. ‘Cause I see people as people, regardless of their skin color. And ‘yun nga,
since the BLM movement was – uh, is still happening, I know it’s still happening, it’s just not as
voiced out for some reason anymore, but it’s still happening, um – I don’t really think I
experienced much changed, it’s more on – um, it improved, ‘cause I never really had that, um,
kind of perception about dark-skinned-colored in the first place. I just took the film as it is,
because I never saw – as a kid, of course, ‘cause I watched it when I was young – I never thought
much of it, but now that I’m like, uh, a bit more mature, I… I look back at how the film is and
how they’re portraying dark-skinned people, or, like, in other films, how they’re portraying
dark-skinned people, I realize that, um… They’re all… They’re all bad, and, um, dark-skinned
people shouldn’t be made fun of, of course, and… And I think people have this perception that if
you’re dark-skinned, you’re automatically dirty? And like, if you’re light-skinned, you’re
automatically, like, clean, which is definitely not the case, ‘cause I’ve seen light-skinned people,
who are, like, one of the dirtiest people I’ve ever met in my life, um, and very unorganized so it’s
- It’s really got nothing to do with skin color, it’s got something to do with, um, how they’re
brought up, um, and their personality.

Motril: Okay, so for the next question. How do your perceptions of the desirability of darker
skin colors manifest – or how are they expressed – in your personal interactions with
dark-skinned people?

Participant 6: Hmm. Um. Well, like I said, I have helpers here at home and sometimes, uh, they,
um, tell me stuff like when they go home to their provinces, they would say that oh, people
admire them more, or, like, they think they’re prettier because they have lighter skin, or, like,
they would praise them – that’s the word, yeah – they would praise them, uh, for – “Wow, you
look so… you look so pretty and light-skinned!” And then, uh, it’s a- it’s an ongoing joke
between us and the helpers that when they- um, that pag-uwi nila sa probinsya, biglang iitim, ta’s
pagbalik dito sa Manila, ano, biglang puputi, ganon. So, um. Since nga I base my… Since I base
my perceptions on people based on their personalities, um… I think it’s more on the respect that
I give to people in general regardless of their skin color. The other – uh, the other day ba ‘yun?
Uh, basta I went to the mall and I saw a – I’m not gonna assume his nationality, but I saw a black
man with a black daughter, and I was looking for the wife, and I was- I was- I was looking at
them, I was like, “Wow, there are people like that here in the Philippines!” Like, as in, like, there
are actually black people who come to the Philippines, ‘cause I rarely see that around. And like I
said nga, um, since – since I do… I do art and stuff, I usually find the- the darker-skinned, uh,
people looking better than the light-skinned ones. And there’s – in the art community, there’s
always problems with colorism, so, um. So I think it’s more on just, uh, respecting and ju-just
overall, like, minding your own business when it comes to stuff like that. I mean, of course, you
can ask. Ask them questions, ‘cause that’s how – that’s how I find out these experiences that I get
– that-that, uh… I get from them – wait, but, yeah. Wait lang. Sorry, um, they’re – I’m being
called for dinner. But, um, yeah.

Motril: So, for the next question. Do your personal interactions with dark-skinned people align
or contrast with portrayals of dark-skinned people in Filipino comedy films and how so? So, less
on ‘yung perceptions and more on ‘yung interactions mo na with dark-skinned people.

Participant 6: Mmm. Um, well, it definitely contrasts with the portrayals of dark-skinned people
in comedy films, because, um… I… To- To make the air lighter, I tend to make jokes so that I
could get closer with, um, my helpers, um… but sometimes kasi they just don’t pass the vibe,
so… It definitely contrasts with how darker-skinned people are being portrayed online,
because… Because, um, uh… These people, uh, my helpers at least – they s- some of them sadly
do not have full education, and, uh, one of the things that my mom keeps telling me is that the
reason why they’re here is because she wants to teach them about, uh, stuff, so that at least, when
they get– when they go out of the house and look for a better job – or, like, a more improved job,
they n- they know, they know what’s up. So, I have – I have one helper that I’m really close to,
but since it’s not really allowed, since they’re, you know, staff and uh, people get jealous easily, I
try- I try, I try not to be too – too close with them. But I… She’s the one I talk to most of the
time, and when I talk to her, uh, I talk about a variety of other topics and she just listens to me,
so, like in the film Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy, um… I know that the… the kinky-haired,
dark-skinned girl there, she… she did – she did ad- give a bit of advice somehow, and they were
most and – she was mostly poked at and made fun of in the, um, in the film by kids, but with my
helpers, it contrasts because I don’t, um, make fun of them. More on, I try to understand where
they’re coming from, especially this, um. This one helper that I’m very close to. So, it just goes
to show that, um, dark-skinned people are very much supposed to be taken seriously, uh, as the
light-skinned people. And regardless of your skin color, you still deserve the respect as a, you
know, human being. Because, like – just because you’re dark-skinned doesn’t mean you’re a… A
monster. And just because you’re light-skinned doesn’t mean you're a god. So it’s more on the
respect, and it’s – I respect these helpers of mine a lot, because, um, they’re working very hard,
uh, they’re trying not to [expletive] up – I’m sorry for the term – and they’re also helping their
families, because some of them, uh, have a lot of siblings, so I really very much admire what
they go through. So I respect them a lot.

Motril: So for the last question, would you consider Filipino comedy films to be effective and
accurate representations of dark-skinned people? If so, explain why, but if not, what
recommendations can you provide so that this genre – ‘yung Filipino comedy – portrays
dark-skinned people more effectively and accurately?

Participant 6: Mmm. Well, of course, Filipino comedy films, um… Aren’t effective and
accurate in representing dark-skinned people, because, um, comedy films are of course, usually
very very lighthearted, and I wouldn’t really consult comedy films when it comes to issues like
these, because there’s that argument that “oh, it’s a comedy film! You’re supposed to be
laughing! Why are you taking it so seriously!” Stuff like that, which, I think is, not a great
argument, by the way. So, um, I would recommend, um… I would recommend them to just
generalize the… The jokes, and- and stuff, because… Um, a comedy film is what it is. It’s
supposed to be – it’s supposed to be, uh – it’s supposed to poke fun at, um, stuff. Or, like, it has
to be lighthearted, and, uh… When you take o- when you look at it in that perspective and just
take away the issue of, of like, dark-skinned versus light-skinned, or rich versus poor, social
status, stuff like that. It’s… It’s just actually funny, because again, um, I don’t… I don’t… When
I’m watching these films, I don’t really see it in that light, I see it as an actual comedy film that’s
just, you know, for laughs. So I don't take it too seriously or too personal, because it’s a film. But
some people, regardless of how funny the joke is, or how terrible the joke is, they would still
take it personally. So I think they just have – uh, in order for this genre to feel more inclusive to
other people, um, especially dark-skinned people, I think they just have to be a bit more sensitive
on the kind of jokes they’re making, or just not really make any jokes about skin color at all,
or-or have any discrimination for skin color at all, because, um… A comedy film should be
funny, and people should only be criticizing the comedy part of it, not, like the… the stuff, the
other stuff ‘cause… A comedy film is what it is, at least that’s how I see it, ‘cause, again, I don’t
really see, um, issues. I just watch the film, and then I laugh if it’s funny, I gag if I don’t. So, I
would suggest them to be more sensitive about s– about the topics and the social topics of– that
they’re trying to touch [sic] in the film. ‘Cause, um… Films, uh, sometimes they… Sometimes
they, um, have this, like… Kind of theme, or like, underlying theme that, um, film theorists or
film analysists [sic] usually are trying to find. And, uh… and these film analysists [sic], I think
they’re, like… one of the reasons why they find out, uh, the racism, and then the discrimination –
because they analyze the film. So, I hope that, you know, like, the future, um, comedy, uh,
filmmakers would consider just generalizing the… the jokes and not – and, you know, if they
can, maybe just base it off that character’s personality or, or… stuff that day-to-day, uh, people
actually make – or, uh, do. So, yeah.

WRAP-UP

Motril: So that wraps up our interview today. Again we’d like to thank you for taking the time
to join us today and participate in our study, so if you have any questions – if you’re going to
have any questions later on, um, you can contact us again through the email address in the chat
box and in the consent form. So, ayun, thank you and we wish you a great rest of your day.

Participant 6: Wait, can I… Can I ask why you guys wanted to touch on this topic.

Motril: Uh, I’ll pass the question to Carlo since siya ang… Um, one of our… Um, advocates for
this topic.

Participant 6: Okay, okay.

Apud: Okay, saan ba ‘ko magstart? Nagstart ‘to sa parang… well, kasi sa Twitter ako, so…
Social justice. Social justice. Kasi, um… Napapansin ko lang sa films na palaging punchline
‘yung mga taong dark ‘yung- dark ‘yung colors. Well, um, ano ‘yun, alam ko naman na parang
result ‘yun sa ano natin… Socio… socio-cultural climate natin na, ano, how we treat mga
dark-skinned people. Kasama na rin diyan kasi ‘yung sa history natin with colonization, alam mo
‘yung mestizo, mestiza, ‘yung hierarchy, ‘yung… Basta, um, medyo convoluted siya, tapos…
Dahil doon, um, nagtranslate na rin siya sa… nag[indiscernible] na siya sa ating culture rin na…
Eventually, napunta- napunta na rin siya sa films natin. Kahit ngayon, nappractice pa rin siya,
like, um, ‘yung mga ano, um… ‘Yung mga, uh… Tawag dito… Mga recent examples na hindi
comedy films, ‘yung… Gluta ni ano, ni… cancelled na Daryll Yap. About siya sa isang ano rin,
light-skinned na ano, na actress na gumanap siya ng Aeta, kaya nag… nagblackface siya, so.
Ayon. ‘Di talaga, ‘di talaga ano, ‘di talaga ganun ka… Aware ‘yung mga Filipino, even ‘yung
mga Filipino – Filipino filmmakers about sa ganitong issue na pinerpetua – pinerpetuate nila,
and… Hopefully itong research na ‘to, mapalinaw sa mga… magmake awareness na mayroong
ganitong issue about… about… na pinerpetuate natin na sana, um, maano natin, ma-stop, ma-put
a stop to this kasi ano siya, harm- Tawag dito, nakaka-dehumanize ‘to ng mga tao, mga
kababayan natin. Nakaka-dehumanize siya. Ayon.

Participant 6: Mmm, so like, with this research, you at least hope that… ‘Cause I know that
there are people who… There are films – not people – there are films that, um, hire actresses or
like, actors, to portray a particular, um… A particular tribe. And ‘yun nga, uh, they are be- they
are told to have a darker skin color instead of hiring someone who naturally has darker skin
color, and… Yeah, you’re right, it’s– it’s really – it’s really sad that they don’t do that. Actually,
you- you can put that in the last question? That, like, one of the suggestions should be that if they
are going to – ‘cause this is in films in general, that’s why I didn’t wanna, um, you know, touch
on it, ‘cause it’s for specification – but like, filmmakers should hire actual darker-skinned people
who actually have that experience so that it seems more realistic, and ‘yun nga, as Carlo said, it
is really very much so dehumanizing to those who are dark-skinned. Especially since you know,
even if, uh… No matter how much we analyze and no matter how much we observe, experience
is still the best, um, uh, the best answer to everything… and yeah, it’s something to- to take into
consideration. Um, last question. Um, this is a, uh, topic that we have in Filipino, right? Because
we’re touching about wika and stuff. So one of the things we discussed in class is the colorism
of, of um… people here. So I want to ask you all, what do you think are Filipino beauty
standards? Because… because we have, uh, we all have different perceptions on that, right? And
the Vogue Philippines just came out, and somebody criticized that – I don’t- I can’t find the video
sadly – but somebody criticized in Tiktok that yes, the woman on the page is beautiful, but it
doesn’t feel like a representation of actual Filipino beauty, but since we’ve been colonized for so
long, um, and our perception of beauty has changed to, from, like, dark-skinned to, like,
lighter-skinned and stuff like that. Uh, I want to ask, uh, what do you guys think should or is the
Filipina or Filipino beauty standard.

Apud: Okay, ano ba ‘to, should ba, should. Well, kasi…

Participant 6: Yeah, should or is.

Apud: Okay, well, iba rin kasi ‘yung should tsaka is eh, um… Kasi ‘yung is natin, um, medyo…
Mayroon na ngayon, dahil sa Korean– K-pop wave na ‘to, medyo mas, ‘yung mga – ‘yung
nakikita ko online, mas maraming mas tinatangkilik ngayon ‘yung parang East Asian – mga East
Asian na features. Nakikita mo rin, ‘diba mayroon, mayroon ngayon ‘yung parang, um, id –
P-Pop idols, tapos ‘yung ano nila, feat– mga beauty standard– mga beauty standards nila, like,
um, influenced siya sa – influenced sa mga Korean, Korean culture, ganun, so, I could say na
parang, ayun, parang, ano, Asian pero hindi Asian natin, may mix ng Polynesian, may mix ng
Aus- Austronesian, ganon. Kahit ngayon, we’re still looking to another culture naman na hindi
sa’tin. Pero mahirap rin sabihin kasi kung ano talaga ‘yung pinaka-Filipina – Filipino na beauty
standard kasi archipelago tayo, eh, so marami talagang standards kasi baka sa Mindanao, sa
kanila, iba. Iba. Kasi, tawag dito, ‘yung culture nila, mas on the side sila ng mga para– mas
maraming ano doon, mga Muslim, so iba rin mga culture nila doon. As well as sa Visayas rin, iba
rin ‘yung culture nila doon, kasi, um… Um… Tawag dito, um… Sila… Madaming islands din
doon, so diverse. Diverse talaga ‘yung – diverse talaga ‘yung Philippines so mahirap
ma-pinpoint kung ano talaga – pero basta sa’kin lang, sana lang, ‘yung hindi na… ‘Yung sa…
Kung ano ‘yung natural natin na ano… Natural… Natural tayo na tan, natural na… na ano ‘yung
nose natin, ganyan. Sana ‘yun, i-appreciate ‘yung ganun na beauty natin. ‘Yun- ‘yun lang, kasi
medyo broad siya na topic talaga eh, especially sa Philippines kasi ayun nga, diverse ‘yung
culture talaga natin.

Participant 6: Okay. Um, would anyone else like to add or a-answer my question?

Motril: Siguro lang, um… Just adding on to what Carlo said, um, aside from ‘yung…influence
ng other Asian cultures, um… Siguro since, like, recent development lang ‘yun, siguro mas,
um… Naging… Mas, like, longstanding ‘yung um, preference natin for ‘yung mga mestiza,
mestizo beauty, mga Euro…European, American-type na, um… type na appearances. So I think
‘yun yung – ‘yun yung what is the Filipino beauty standard, definitely a lot of, um… A lot more
preference for more Western appearances, um… So ayon, like, mas naaappreciate ng mga tao
kung, um… Like, it’s more of a– something that people see more stunning ‘pag parang “Uy, ang
tangos ng ilong! Uy, ang puti-puti ng, um, skin niya!” Parang ‘yun yung… Parang doon mas
nagiging… Doon mas na… ‘yung nabibigay ‘yung, um, appreciation natin for beauty, sa mga
Western, um, appearances. In addition nga to ‘yung other Asian, uh, cultures na namention ni
Carlo kanina. And as for ‘yung what should be the Filipino beauty standard, agree ako doon sa
sinabi ni Carlo na, um, apprec- to appreciate more ‘yung natural na… ‘Yung more natural
Filipino, um, appearances instead of looking to another culture to dictate ‘yung, um… Parang
mag-aantay na lang tayo kung ano ‘yung, um, desirable sa culture na ‘yun, tapos ‘yun ‘yung
iaapply natin dito, so definitely what should be is ‘yung more appreciation for the natural
Filipino appearance.

Participant 6: Mmm. Okay. ‘Cause I also know that – uh, yeah. ‘Cause I also know that there
are, um, lighter-skinned people here who look foreign, um, they’re also being bullied. Or, like,
some have voiced out that they sometimes often are bullied in, like, Filipino public schools,
because ‘yun nga, they– they’re poking fun that they don’t know how to speak in Tagalog
because ‘yun nga, they are… They’re foreigners, so… Wala lang, ‘cause I-I see both sides of the,
uh… of the argument so it’s up to you guys how you want to, uh, proceed with this, um… With
this, um, with this research. Any more additions? Um, before I go? Oh, yes, okay, go. Okay,
sorry. Um, so- so- yeah, I’m sorry, um… That will be all for my questions naman, and, um, uh…
I hope you guys found… I hope you guys, um, do well in your research, uh, and um, I hope my
answers brought light to some perspectives and stuff, so, uh… I hope you guys have a, uh,
wonderful night and um, good luck on your research.

Motril: Thank you, [name of Participant 6]. Thank you rin for taking the time to join us today
and we wish you a great evening din.

Participant 6: Yes, it’s no problem. Bye, guys!