Traversing beyond just fairytales, Malikmata Magazine, the 28th volume of iCommunicate, echoes the communal narratives and beauty of Philippine folklore during its launch on February 19 at Terrasse MNL, Lancaster Hotel in Mandaluyong City.
With the whimsical ideas of the students from Bachelor of Arts in Journalism 4-1D, Malikmata serves as a magazine that bridges unheard stories to people and highlights the sophistication of Filipino folklore and storytelling.
“What I love about Malikmata is the genuineness of the content. Hindi siya tacky, hindi siya trivial, hindi rin siya [parang] sobrang fairytale-fairytale. It's grounded on facts and it’s grounded on research and that’s what journalism is,” said Professor Jairo Bolledo, iCommunicate Adviser, in his message of appreciation.
Unfolding chapters of sophistication
Known for her brand as the “glamorous aswang,” Yudipota graced Malikmata’s magazine cover. A 28-year-old drag queen icon from Bacolod, she is known for serving edgy, alternative looks in RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines. Truly, from glamour to aswang, Yudipota accentuates Malikmata’s folklore-inspired magazine.
Malikmata presented stories from every section of the magazine. Culture editor Lawrence Coruno explores how superstitions coexist and clash in Filipino Muslim societies through their own culture and narratives.
“In this narrative, nakita natin na gaya ng nakalakihan nating mga relihiyon, mayroong mga pagsasalungat at pagsasama. Salungat ng paniniwala at sa kung anong mundo ng banal na salita. This story explores ‘yong complexity ng buhay and ‘yong complexity ng beliefs as tao,” said Coruno.
Delving into trends and traditions, lifestyle editor Bridgette Yutuc presented the differences between charms, amulets, and talismans and their relevance to Filipino society, ranging from being discreet to uninhibited.
Among the presented stories include “Sa Mundo Kung Saan Tahimik,” which narrates the story of two lesbian tikbalangs being married to each other, and “Mythical Queerness: Reclaiming Sirenas and Dyosas among the LGBTQIA+ community,” which delves into the stories from the queer community.
Furthermore, Malikmata also presented legends of Cordillera from the comic book “Gayang,” and featured stories of various Filipino lore-loving writers and artists including “Moymoy Lulumboy” a book series written by Segundo Matias Jr. and “Maria, the Off White Lady” an art toy designed by Klaris Orfinada from Antipolo City.
Never-ending tales
Bella Dela Merced, Malikmata’s Editor-in-Chief, led the most awaited unveiling of Malikmata. She shared her own sentiments in Filipino’s folklore and storytelling, and recognized everyone’s input in the creation of the magazine.
“This magazine is the vision, is the modern interpretation of the folklore that we have, and I hope that as we end Malikmata ay hindi matatapos ang discovery natin and hindi matatapos na ipagpatuloy natin na kilalanin ‘yong kultura natin kasi there’s so much more,” said Dela Merced.
For Malikmata Magazine, the world is a neverending fairytale—the pages only keep on turning. The pursuit to breathing life to mythologies is endless.
“Sana tandaan natin na ang kultura at ang mitolohiya ay mananatiling humihinga dahil ito ay nasa bawat isa,” she added.
As their story reaches its ‘the end,’ BAJ 4-1D establishes their ‘happily ever after’ as they unveiled the sophistication and elegance of Philippine folklore. Malikmata insists on never stopping the search for more, as there’s always something beyond those mere fairytales.
Article: Maui Balmaceda
Graphics: Ericka Castillo
Comments