Hey, bats !! 

Thought I'd hop in and upload a silly little blog about my life as a Filipino Goth living in the Philippines!

As cool as it sounds, being alternative in a predominantly conservative and Christian country has its ups and downs (more downs actually LOL). You face a lot of weird looks from strangers, receive snarky comments and even encounter situations where you might be physically disturbed (luckily it never happened to me before)

That sucks right? As much as it sucks, it's part of what it's like being a goth here in my country. They're easily intimidated by someone who wears full-trad goth make-up, long trenchcoats and several layers of clothing (under the tropical heat yeah.) like can you just guys mind your own business? LOL! They get so creative when they feel threatened and go full-on defence mode and try to attack you just because you're different from everybody else. As a newbie goth who has tried going out in full trad goth and faced several backlashes and funny comments from strangers, schoolmates and other non-alts, here are some fun tips I can give to my fellow newbie filo goths who need a little boost of confidence with their style!

Tip #1: START SMALL

-If you feel like you're still terrified of whatever backlash you will face when going out in your goth outfit, try to tone it down a little. No, I am not saying you are wearing too much, it's just that I want you to test the waters first before diving in. Ease in with your style, go little and build up your outfit as you gain confidence. It's a fun way to test how you handle outdoor situations too! Like me, I started wearing black clothes with chains first, then it escalated to wearing statement eye makeup, to full trad. You just need to ease in, and get to know your surroundings and by the time you'll know it, you're already confident and happy with what you're wearing!

Tip #2: GIVE ZERO FUCKS

-No matter where you are, you will always, I mean ALWAYS face a lot of mean comments because you are alternative. You are different from everybody else and you are wearing something unconventional and something that is nonconforming to what society tells us to wear, and therefore people will feel threatened by that, heck, be defensive by what you do (even if you're not doing anything to them). It's natural for people to act out to something foreign to them and expect whatever they say to you WILL hurt. It's okay. You just have to grow a thicker skin and never let those mean things get to you. That's how they get to you. Never ever let someone change you just because they disagree with whatever your values are. Remember: YOU ARE DOING THIS FOR YOU. You don't owe anyone an apology or anything for being different.

Tip #2.5: LEARN TO IGNORE

-There will be scenarios that people will point at you and laugh, get in your way or even disturb you while you're minding your business. While these encounters might be annoying, its best that you become the bigger person and ignore it. If you can, wear earphones and play loud music so you can ignore anyone calling you names and stuff, and when someone stops you, walk away. Never engage as it will only feed their egos and entertain them. 

Tip #3: FRIENDS !!

-If you feel less confident walking out alone, and feel unsafe because you still don't know how other people will react to you, bring your friends with you. It can be someone who is alt or non-alt (as long as they get you and support your lifestyle). Only bring friends who are close to you, those who have your back. Because these dudes will be your confidence booster and your supporters. They will help you and encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and defend you from others!

Tip #4: DONT BE DISCOURAGED

-I have experienced times when I felt like I was doing too much, I got hurt by other people's comments and even received posts about me in online forums (specifically my university freedom wall). But I use that as fuel to become MORE. Whatever they say about you, USE IT TO FUEL YOUR CONFIDENCE. Words can hurt for sure, but those are just words and in the grand scheme of things, it's really nothing but just sounds that came out of irrelevant people in your life. If they think you're too much, be more. Don't fall for what they're saying. Be more, do more, be weird, crazy! Never listen to them!

Tip #5: WHO CARES IF YOURE UNCONVENTIONAL

-As a goth, wear whatever you want. Who cares if its SOOOOOO DIFFERENT from whatever normal people wear? I am a traditional goth so I wear statement outfits that emphasize my silhouette, and because I like it. If you're a cybergoth, go wear your tube hairs and masks! Victorian? Let those puffy sleeves and long gowns out! Gothabilly? GO RETRO! Try not to care if you fit the theme of the day because there are NO restrictions with whatever style you can wear on a day!

I ran out of tips, haha! But yeah, I really hope that my fellow newbie Filipino goths get out of their comfort zone and wear what they love! Don't let the haters get to you because however hurtful their comments are, you will always win the battle because you don't give a fuck and dont hate on others!

If you go out and you get comments and stares, it means its working and you're finally getting into the ways of being alternative! Hahah!

Hope these tips helped you guys, I plan on writing more of stuff like these, hope you tune in fellow filo goths and foreign goths! Love you!!

-mako_batsado