“Wala ka sa lugar na kinatatayuan mo ngayon kundi dahil sa..”
Like our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal said, “ang hindi marunong tumingin sa pinanggalingan, ay higit pa sa malansang isda”, but we should always remember not to let looking back at our past hinder us from growing.
Recently, one of the brightest young Filipino stars of today Liza Soberano, released a vlog where she narrated everything that has happened in her career so far. The actress shared all the good and downsides of her fame.
Although she was grateful for everything that has led her to where she is now, even being able to provide a life of comfort for her family, she was hung up on feeling caged by the many rules and limitations she had to follow in order to ensure her success. It worked for her for a while, but after some introspection during the pandemic, the only real break she had after 12 years of working, she realized she was done with just being a flower. She wanted to be able to share her story and others as well. Liza wanted to be true to who Hope Soberano was.
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And although the star, now managed by James Reid and Careless Music Manila, remained gracious in sharing her wishes to explore herself and the process of creation, not turning her back to everyone who has helped her along the way, many interpreted her words as being ungrateful and not knowing how to look back to her past.
Some, even including a few of her own fans, were disappointed in her and shared their sentiments on the Internet about how Liza doesn’t have “utang na loob”.
However, there were others that noted that Liza wasn’t actually saying anything against her former management and her past, and it is valid for her to feel thankful but have regrets. Like we all do.
the issue on liza soberano stems from filipino's "utang na loob" culture. but also–people loved her when she was sweet and quiet lang but the moment she spoke up, stepped out of her comfort zone, & became more liberated, they demonized her. it reeks of internalized misogyny tbh.
— 🌹 (@mochilusi) February 26, 2023
Liza’s vlog also reopened the conversation on the toxic Filipino culture of “utang na loob” which has been misused by many through the years it’s become something caging and toxic.
In an article by Modern Parenting in 2022, they shed a light on how one of the core values of Filipino culture, has become something that ruins bonds. It is always important to look back at your past, and everything that has led you to the moment now, but gratitude is different than debt.
By placing this weight on somebody’s shoulders, “sumikat ka dahil sa pangalan mong Liza Soberano” “sumikat ka dahil sa loveteam” “sumikat ka dahil sa…” makes it seem like she has to pay double for what she has already worked for. Although Liza is grateful for her fans and to everyone that has supported her career thus far, these statements sound so entitled that Liza owes them everything she’s earned so far. It is a form of gaslighting and power play, too.
Some even spoke out about how the industry needs more people speaking up because “utang na loob” kills creativity.
“Utang na loob” culture CAN kill creativity. Liza Soberano wanting to try something new to grow AS AN ARTIST is somehow being crucified as an ingrate? Diba you want better entertainment? Artists need to explore for that to happen. They won’t grow if the system won’t allow them.
— Reb Atadero (@rebranger) February 26, 2023
It is important to celebrate where you’ve come from but it is also okay to outgrow people and situations.
Just like everybody else who have dreams but also frustrations, she is human too. Her speaking out doesn’t mean she doesn’t acknowledge her journey.
Liza didn’t even need to give anyone an explanation of how she wanted to live her life, it was bad that she felt that she had to.
She may be a celebrity with her life in the limelight, but that doesn’t give anyone the entitlement to how she can live her life.
The only bad thing in the video was mentioning the ad for the new brand she was working with. It kind of defeated the whole video and made it seem like it was all for the reveal of the campaign she was doing with them. It could have also been worded better.
But, whether her vlog is part of a campaign or for an ad, doesn’t change the fact that it helped shed light on many things that we need to talk about. Creative freedom, being true to oneself, allowing yourself to grow by moving out of your comfort zone, rebirth, and even “utang na loob”.
banner by: @justdrawrin
