There has been quite a revolution happening in the Philippines, and in the rest of Southeast Asia. And it’s the good kind of revolution. Historic. Iconic. And most importantly… Positive.

In the past month, our part of the world has been gaining more and more attention in pop culture and mass media. We’re not even halfway through the year, but already our collective voice is proving itself louder than any pandemic, or lockdown.

For example, to start March 2021, Disney released the blockbuster animated feature-film ‘Raya and the Last Dragon,’ inspired by various Southeast Asian cultures, including our very own Pinoy pride. The protagonist Raya, who can be interpreted as an inclusive representation of the true essence of a strong Southeast Asian woman, is surely a solid role model for young children.

It was also such an honor when news got out earlier that week of Disney Studios Philippines announcing that Filipina singer KZ Tandingan would be singing Disney’s first-ever Filipino-language song, titled “Gabay”.

And the momentum just continued from there. A few days after, during International Women’s Day, Netflix Philippines announced that the animated adaptation of my favorite local comic book ‘Trese’ would star both Liza Soberano and Shay Mitchell, two very strong Filipino women lending their voices to one of the most popular Filipino creations of modern-day.

Now, I am hoping Marvel Comics, and perhaps even the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will eventually give more spotlight on Wave, a Filipina superheroine from Cebu.

With all these developments, it is an exciting time to be a young Filipina. For those students pursuing their passions in the fields of creative arts, literature, or similar realms, these recent milestones can serve as inspiration to fight for your dream and make a mark on the world in your own way.