RE: VIEW Magazine redefines narratives, writes new scripts that could shape society

As the world continuously evolves, many people embrace new trends that might seem unconventional and unacceptable for others. From unique fashion sense, music preferences, hair color, and even the way and who they love—many are trying to change the old scripts that caged them from being who they truly are. 

These stories of unconventionalities are the narratives that inspired and gave life to RE: VIEW Magazine, the 32nd volume of iCommunicate, the official magazine of PUP College of Communication. 

True to its tagline, RE: VIEW Magazine is committed to redefining narratives and changing the old scripts in all the stories they featured in their issue. 

“Every story, we wanted to make sure na at least we’re gonna break one stereotype para at least we can change the minds of the readers/audience,” Lourence Angelo Marcellana, RE: VIEW’s Editor-in-Chief, shared in an interview with The Communicator. 

In just four months of featuring various stories that break stereotypes and challenge the existing norms, the magazine produced by senior BA Journalism students 4-1N (1nsurgent) shared and amplified the stories of personalities such as Jy Marie Wkwkwkwwkwk, the professor with an unconventional way of teaching and connecting to students. RE: VIEW also featured Crimson River Tattoo, an all-female team collective art space, and many more. 

A sound that breaks the glass

As the final cracks of glass shattered, RE: VIEW launched its cover story last July 24 at the Marilag Events Hall, Quezon City. 

The cover features the story of the queer Filipina rap artist SHNTI who thrives in the male-dominated genre of music and continues to carve her own path and write her own script that challenges the existing narratives in the industry. 

According to Marcellana, SHNTI best represents their 120-page magazine because even today, the local rap scene remains largely male-dominated, with women being sexualized and objectified in many songs. 

“SHNTI is one example of who breaks stereotypes. It breaks the common trend in this industry—it’s only for male and the main subject is they sexualize women,” the editor shared. 

Starting from mellow to now exploring electrifying sound, SHNTI’s music, as she noted on her Spotify, reflects her youth. Among her most-streamed songs are “Fuck It (I’m in Love Again)” and “Best Life” which tackle themes of love, social inequality, and systemic failure. And in one of her latest releases, the rapper showcased her musical prowess in “(not)shygirl”, an empowering anthem on overcoming shyness and stepping into personal authenticity. 

RE: VIEW’s cover was applauded by one of their magazine advisers, Prof. Jairo Bolledo. “Napanindigan ng RE: VIEW ‘yong theme nila,” Bolledo highlighted in his message. 

The launch was also attended by the Department of Journalism Chairperson Renalyn Valdez, Assoc. Prof. Prestoline Suyat, Prof. Lailanie Teves, and RE: VIEW’s media and organizational partners. 

Reviewing the challenges

Beyond its ultimate goal to redefine the narratives and change the old scripts, RE: VIEW Magazine is also produced by 1nsurgent as their final venture in their college journey. And just like the others, their team also faced the usual challenges in this project. 

In his closing remarks during the launch, Marcellana shared that they faced various challenges such as financial constraints, time pressure, and other individual problems while producing the magazine. 

He also shared in an interview with the publication, that the biggest challenge was time pressure, which affected some aspects of the production such as the cover, layout, and even the launching day of the magazine. 

“The biggest challenge we had was we were not yet satisfied. Kasi parang it was earlier July when we finally had a cover story.” He also recalled that they faced difficulties in the layout as they wanted to make sure that in every design and element–even their layout design and typography–to challenge the conventional presentation of a magazine, yet made sure that it was readable and presentable. 

Despite these setbacks, the team stayed committed to its advocacy and successfully launched RE: VIEW Magazine–an issue that not only documents stories of people challenging convention, but also encourages readers to question the narratives they have long accepted.

"May we continue to redefine the narratives that shape us for many years," Marcellana highlighted as he delivered his closing remarks. 

Article: Rolan Muyot

Graphics: Jan Mike Cabangin