#BinibiniBiyernes: Kristine Laguardia

For today’s #BinibiniBiyernes we introduce you to Kristine Laguardia! A 19 year old woman who works in the film industry as an assistant director and from time to time in a camera department. “Sumasaiyo” is a short film she worked on with direk Jermaine Tulbo that was entered in Cinemalaya this year and Sorok Film Festival last year. She also has worked with direk Miguel Legaspi’s films which are “Narding”, a short film and “Rocket to the Moon”, a music video by Riot Logic. This year she’s currently working under Alpas, a clothing brand, as their graphic designer.

1. Tell us a ‘lil bit about yourself! Your age, gender, and your work!

Hello! I’m Kristine Laguardia but you can call me Tine! I’m 19 years old and a woman. My preferred pronoun is she/her! I work in the film industry as an assistant director and from time to time in a camera department. “Sumasaiyo” is a short film I worked on with direk Jermaine Tulbo that was entered in Cinemalaya this year and Sorok Film Festival last year. Also, I have worked with direk Miguel Legaspi’s films which are “Narding”, a short film and “Rocket to the Moon”, a music video by Riot Logic. This year I’m currently working under Alpas, a clothing brand, as their graphic designer.

2. How can you empower women through the work and advocacy you have?

Growing up, I was raised in a conservative religious family I didn't have a clue or a voice of what women are. I've always taught of what women should NOT be and should NOT do. Laging may bakod pag binabanggit nila ang katagang "kababaihan". Nakatakip ang utak ko, nakasarado ang mata ko, at nakapikum ang bibig ko sa bawat pagkaalam ko sa kakayanan ng isang kababaihan. Nang tumanda ako, I was introduced to the world of art and dahil sa sining, na-diskubre ko hindi lamang ang sarili ko pati ang kakayanan ko bilang isang babae. Through painting, I’ve fallen in love with women’s features. Through film, I’ve always wanted to make women lead films. Through art, I’ve shown how women are oppressed and sexualized by society. Expressing what I feel towards women and their courage has been always my advocacy. I make sure that women can do it too. Women can do it.

3. October is the month of halloween, known for a time where people put on costumes and makeup to achieve their halloween character. What role does make up /art serve during halloween and for all other occasions?

For society, makeup or dressing up has been looked up as tools for only beauty but they don’t realize that it is also a medium to create an artwork, to express your craft, and to showcase your skills. You express creativity and beauty through this medium.

4. Any quote from a film or artist that you would like to share in celebration of spooktober?

“Hindi ka babae lang. Babae ka.” pretty sure this quote isn’t from a movie or an artist but this one struck me so hard. We don’t underestimate women’s capability.