Image: Facebook/@mmkofficial
After “Maalaala Mo Kaya” earned backlash for choosing the story behind the song “Titibo-tibo,” it seems the episode surprised even skeptics.
The episode portrayed the life story of Libertine Amistoso, the composer behind the controversial song, which has been slammed for portraying being lesbian as a phase.
The episode’s trailer was also criticized for showing the protagonist transform from boyish to girly when she falls in love with a boy—to her mother’s delight.
Some feared it would send the wrong message, which is that a gay person could be converted by finding the “right” person of the opposite sex to be attracted to.
However, after the episode aired on Saturday, June 16, it seems most of these concerns were addressed.
Tin, played by Maris Racal, was accepted as bisexual by her boyfriend (Jameson Blake) and came out in an emotional scene.
— sean (@kiten16) June 18, 2018
#MMKTitibotibo important points. pic.twitter.com/iC00yXcVqN
— sean (@kiten16) June 18, 2018
The episode also focused on the conflict arising from her parents’ dreams for her—including wanting her to marry a foreign man to support their family. In one scene, she confronts her parents about judging her decisions, including loving another girl.
— sean (@kiten16) June 18, 2018
While there was praise for the episode, criticism still weighed in on the song and the way the episode was promoted.
“I was pretty happy with how it turned out,” said Dana (@_cdfd_). “But I’m still strong on how the song ‘Titibo-tibo’ is poor (or should not qualify as) representation because of its horrible word choice.”
Image: Twitter/@_cdfd_
“Titibo-tibo” has confusing meanings, given that the word is equated to being lesbian and tomboyish. Both words are not necessarily the same, and the song fails to distinguish between sexual orientation (the sex one is attracted to) and gender expression (how one expresses their gender).
“They actually talked about bisexuality. And emphasized that it’s not a phase,” Regina Rebueno (@reginarebueno) observed.
Image: Twitter/@reginerebueno
Iya (@radiomusings) shared her “conspiracy theory”: “MMK deliberately used the “bad” footage from their ‘Titibo-tibo’ episode knowing that if they had used the “good” footage homophobes and traditionalists wouldn’t even watch the episode. Charot.”
Image: Twitter/@radiomusings
“Wow if only ABSCBN decided to have this as the highlight of their teaser for that MMK,” noted @keiakamatsu of the confrontation scenes shared on Twitter.
Image: Twitter/@keiakamatsu
“But in defense of those disappointed (or who “bashed”) the MMK ‘Titibo-Tibo’ teaser, I believe the reaction was justifiable given the limited content which can be framed homophobic,” s/he added. “That is REGARDLESS if it was a teaser and was said to be a strategy to lure anti-LGBTQ viewers.”
Image: Twitter/@keiakamatsu
Racal, who had advised critics to view the episode before commenting on it, seemed to be thrilled at the responses and wished followers a Happy Pride Month:
Image: Twitter/@MissMarisRacal
“Yun naman ang importante, ang mabigyan ng importansya lahat ng tao sa mundo (That’s what’s important, that everyone in the world is given importance),” she said. /ra
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