Whether it's canon sapphic representation or a popular ship cultivated by fans, here are some of the genre’s milestones in Filipino media

Words Andrea Erin Brigino
Photo courtesy of Studio Heartreak (via X)
July 1, 2024

As Pride Month 2024 comes to a close, we can reflect on the progression of queer representation and empowerment in our country. While we still have a long way to go, the scale of this year’s pride parade, the abundance of rainbows in our larger cities, and the staggering number of pride-themed conventions show how much has changed in recent years.

Women empowerment goes hand in hand with the growing pride movement in the Philippines, not only through mainstream actresses advocating for more queer representation and female artists headlining pride events but also through the growing popularity of Filipino sapphic movies and pairings to root for. Here are some sapphic milestones in Filipino media to reminisce about or check out!

T-Bird at Ako

This film marks one of the earliest mainstream sapphic representations in Philippine media, released in 1982 and starring notable celebrities Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos. It follows the crime thriller genre popular in Filipino media at the time, centering around a dancer accused of homicide. An initially professional relationship with her lawyer becomes entangled with confusing feelings amidst the heavy court case. It is an iconic piece of Filipino queer media history, with several talks about a remake of this queer crime classic.

Billie and Emma

This Samantha Lee-directed production took the queer Filipino sphere by storm in 2018, starring queer actors Zar Donato and Gabby Padilla. This movie set a new standard for coming-of-age stories with its depiction of topics such as sexual orientation at a young age and body autonomy through teen pregnancy and abortion, all while capturing a heartwarming love story between a teenager exiled to a smaller town and a new face from said town. It follows the many trials and tribulations that queer teenagers, especially, go through, becoming a comfort classic for the queer youth searching for their identity in this social climate.

Fluid

Initially following the premise of love triangles found in romantic dramas and comedies, "Fluid" adds a twist with the main character’s untapped queer identity. After catching her boyfriend cheating, Mitch is encouraged by her friends to date women. She meets George at a party, and they develop feelings for each other over time. When Mitch’s ex-boyfriend suddenly wants her back, she faces the classic conundrum of who to choose while navigating the complicated feelings of still loving someone who cheated on her and the complexities of publicly dating a woman.

Darna

The hit remake of the classic Filipino superhero franchise does not explicitly showcase a sapphic couple, which may surprise many given the popularity of the pairing of main character Darna and Valentina. As Narda and Regina, they are close friends, but as Darna and Valentina, they are sworn enemies. While Darna has a canon straight love story, the friendship between Narda and Regina has captured the audience’s attention and hearts, wishing the two girls could become the endgame ship. This brings a sapphic twist to the alter-ego forbidden romance and lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope.

The Lovers

If you’re looking for an animated fresh take on dark fantasy, Philippine mythology, or an intriguing sapphic premise—or all of the above—this breakout animated short is for you. Set in a fantasy Philippines, this thriller centers around an up-and-coming seafood chef, Sarah, navigating the pressures of a family culinary career while falling into a dangerous and intense romance with a Sirena during a career-deciding inauguration dinner. This stellar animation uses classic thriller elements through body horror while telling an intriguing story between a chef pressured by family and industry and a Sirena locked in a glass cage.