Let’s back track a bit to the recent issue that rocked social media. In the University of the Philippines Visayas, the Skimmers performed their cheering routine sporting the bright pink and white “PRESS” attire. They undoubtedly nabbed the championship for the cheering competition of UPV’s Pahampang but not without much clamour, social media mileage and the dreaded “red tagging”.

The UPV community and activists were quick on their feet to release the #HandsOffSkimmers statement after the multiple threats, red tagging and online abuse that the Skimmers succumbed to. Although this is definitely not new for the UPV community and human rights groups as they are often red tagged and harassed online for challenging the current administration. I like to this that views and sentiments of the Skimmers are well informed and reflect the current situation of human rights, social justice, and peace in the Philippines. The Skimmers honest insights on the current fascist regime are enlightening, well, at least for those with a functioning brain. 

What I enjoy about the whole performance is the artistic way they used cheering to convey social issues coupled with relatable lines and below-the-belt anecdotes. The use of “gay lingo” was the cherry on top, in my opinion, as it made any viewer stick until the very end. As a gay Filipino, the use of the gay lingo has become a norm in daily conversations and this has allowed us to reclaim and empower the community through the usage of “gay terms”. In the case of the Skimmer’s performance, it was used to add more local and satiric flare. In short, it made the performance unforgettable. 

While some of us found it unforgettable, the some individuals have found it annoying. It was annoying enough that they would head over to their devices and send hateful speech against the Skimmers and the UPV community. But aren’t we used to online debates and the red tagging of human rights defenders? What made this stint shatter glass ceilings and cause so much havoc?

The shear honesty of the performance on what are the issues that our country faces made it unforgettable. The truth hurts rights? Some individuals who are supporting the current administration may not see the flaws (or may not admit to the flaws) of their beloved politicians. When someone brings this honesty to the main stage it can strike a sensitive nerve for some listeners, especially when one video of the performance posted by YouTube user, Ruperto Quitag, gained 260,000 views and over 13,000 likes. 

The Skimmers made social realities, which would usually be hidden, into national news. Knowing the ever-declining state of human rights in the Philippines, we can no longer turn a blind eye. “Bulan News” (the fictional media agency that brings to us real unabashed news) along with the quirky anchor “Doris Biga-ornia” has ushered a student-led critique not suitable for the close-minded, as they pointed out in the beginning of their performance. And just like click bait, the close-minded reacted on cue in the comment boxes of Skimmer videos.

Issues of capitalism that perpetuate the repression of media agencies, the on-going violence, harassment, and disappearances of journalists, and the censorship of a fearful government were brought to the spotlight. A mention of some controversial legislation such as the SOGIE Equality Bill and Divorce Bill was also an interesting (and much appreciated) addition to the performance. 

The internet-shaking performance of the Skimmers heralded a renewed fervour and confidence for student activism and student activists. In the defense of student activism, the Commission on Human Rights issues a statement of support against actions that undermine and impinge student activism. Other organizations and cause oriented groups released statements in support of the Skimmers. 

The 18-minute video of the Skimmers reminds us that maybe these days we are forgetting the power of our collective voices. We needed a bunch of college students to remind us that. Oppression is at our doorstep and it isn’t knocking politely. It’s just barging in! 

Enough is enough. Too many lives have been lost especially from urban poor communities. Many young boys and girls have lost family members to the senseless drug war. Marginalized sectors like LGBTIQ, women, workers, indigenous peoples, farmers and the elderly are further pushed to the peripheries of society. Human rights violations are front page news every single day. How can we be comforted by this thought? Are we selling our souls (and land) to our “political allies”? Will freedom be fully felt again?

This insanity has to stop and a great way to start is through our collective voices. The continued push for social justice and human rights will not be an easy. Let us remember that our privileged lives might be the blindfolds that prevent us from seeing the truth. Oppression isn’t always obvious and it is felt most by the marginalized sectors and those from the lower classes. But will our voices ever be enough?