January 11, 2008
Two certified men share their views on metrosexuality and their passion to become fashionable.
by: aedis_aegypti
You can no longer pick out who's gay and who's straight. Masculinity has now changed many of its characteristics, embracing now the concept of androgyny and considering that effeminacy could sometimes be very manly. But with the emergence of related terms like homoflexibility, bisexuality and bi-curiosity, is metrosexuality really a sub-culture of straightness or other else? To give light to this issue and other salient things about this topic, Lorma Highlights sought for the views of two well-known Lormanians who claimed to be followers of this innovative trend.
Metrosexuality has been originally defined by Mark Simpson in 1994 as “new, narcissistic, media-saturated, self-conscious kind of masculinity.” How do the two of you define this culture?
Ariel*: I define it as just being you – doing what you want with yourself without even having the thoughts that what you are actually doing already are things originally devised for women. It is bringing out your art, just like what painters, dancers and singers do.
Miko*: Yeah, I also agree that it is a form of expression, in contrast with the old-fashioned notion of real manhood. This is something new that we, the young generation could enjoy to break free from the ordinary.
How and when did you discover that you are metrosexual?
Ariel: Well, in high school where you always have to look good in order to get girls attracted to you, I started using pressed powders. (Laughs) But this was just a secret and I only used it whenever I go to a CR cubicle. This was almost the same time when I started using my mom’s facial washes and creams to deal with my pimples. I think these were the beginnings. This led to me regularly going to my dermatologist for facials, using a complete line of skin care product for men and collecting different kinds and colors of clothes and accessories. When I have time, I also go for massages and typically, I get manicures and pedicures twice a month.
Miko: It all started when I entered college and realized that I was already addicted to collecting different kinds of shirts and jeans. I mixed and matched clothes uniquely like the ones in Asianovelas which were big hits during that time. I became extra conscious with my looks that once, my girlfriend even noted that I was looking at her pocket mirror more frequently than her already.
They say, metrosexuality is expensive and exclusive only to the rich ones. Is this true?
Ariel: Yes, you really have to be willing to spend to get the best for yourself. However, you don’t have to squander too much money to satisfy your craving.
Miko: The good thing is that we have so many choices now, unlike before. Looking good, doesn’t mean having clothes as expensive as gold. It means being able to highlight the best in you and making-up for your inadequacies.
Do you believe with the idea that nowadays, looking good is not anymore a matter of fate, but a matter of choice?
Ariel: Yes. People are too good to invent several things and means to enhance the beauty in every individual. Many of these products are affordable and available already and grabbing them together with our other grocery items when we shop is now a matter of choice.
Miko: Ow, definitely yes. Tanga ka na kung wala ka pang gagawin kung pinanganak kang pangit ka. Done were the times na kung pangit ka, ay pangit ka na hanggang ilagay ka sa kabaong.
Did you already experience being suspected of being homosexual?
Miko: Yes and it happens to me very often. But it is part of the Filipino culture to judge according to old standards and we can’t blame those who can not understand.
Ariel: When I was just starting, my parents automatically even thought of me being gay. My mother even asked me, “Anak, bakla ka ba?,” and their suspicions only faded away when they saw me already dating beauty queens and girls of high quality. I do not consider myself that good-looking. However, I know that what women are really looking for is a loyal and good-mannered gentleman who could be presentable and who could make them happy and satisfied.
How do you deal with people who tease you as being gay?
Miko: I just look at them and say, “Inggit ka?” (laughs)
Ariel: I won’t do anythings, but once they would be be seeing me with my girlfriend and they wouldn’t be able to say a thing.
A metrosexual has been described by Salon.com as one who “might be officially gay, straight or bisexual, but this is utterly immaterial because he has clearly taken himself as his own love object and pleasure as his sexual preference.” What is your opinion regarding this notion?
Miko: It has claimed already that metrosexuality is about narcissism. However, in the context of Filipino metrosexuality, the focus is not anymore on self-gratification, since I know for a fact that we dress neatly and well to woo women and boost our confidence.
Ariel: I do believe that metrosexuality is only for real men. It is something for those who have not yet surrendered their manhood and it is definitely not about 100% narcissism and vainness. It just so happened that looking good makes you really feel good.
So you two believe that metrosexuality is only for the straight ones?
Ariel: Definitely, though we should acknowledge the fact that nowadays, you really can’t determine exactly who are straight, homosexual, bisexual, and others. We are now becoming more westernized, putting more value nowadays on decisions that make you happy, not necessarily on those which could gain for you definite social approval. However, their taste on aesthetics and beauty is part and parcel of the respective cultures they have embraced and this expression is quite different from what we are manifesting in our metrosexuality. We our goaled towards looking and feeling good to ultimately gain women’s attention and this isn’t just like theirs.
Miko: Yes, I think metrosexuality is only for straight guys. It is for men who have finally decided to go against the norms to show that they have what it takes to be truer men.
How do you feel with homosexuals and bisexuals using metrosexuality as front to their being discreet?
Miko: Well, I don’t care. We shouldn’t care. We should also respect their freedom to express themselves. I have many gay friends who would always dress like us – dressing like real men. Homosexuality’s definition in our country has also changed during the recent times. Their trend now is to be more manly and that is why in salons around, you see more of them now, not as the typical screaming faggots, but as well-dressed, muscled haircutters. I think, this is even more desirable to look at - being the real you and not being like others.
Ariel: All of us should get real. However, being real and out in our society means a lot of many discrimination and misunderstanding. I hope the time comes where all preferences could be respected and treated equally.
What do you think is metrosexuality in our society headed for?
Miko: I project more developments when it comes to the availability and affordability of products and services for men as we dwell more in our habit of keeping up with the western culture. This could lead into more opportunities for men to enjoy luxuries that were originally meant for women, and of course, more metrosexuals walking around the town, boasting their moisturized, porcelain-like skin and wearing top-of-the-line clothes in very unique color combinations and with matching accessories. (laughs)
Any message to all the local metrosexuals?
Miko: Be yourself and don’t be afraid in becoming unique. Be a real man in facing the world.
Ariel: Respect begets respect. Have your own opinions and ideas and stand for them. However, learn to be humble. Keep your head high, but always keep your feet on the ground.
* Names have been changed as per interviewees’ request.
