Janina Saspa

Ripping Pictures

Sinaunang Letrato

I have no old pictures of my parents because they are currently residing in USA, and our family albums are with them so I can’t compare my recent picture to anything besides this pic. That’s my lola and lolo who passed away a very long time ago and that picture was taken years before they passed away. (wala akong makita....). As you can see, my lola was wearing a very conservative dress, turtle neck with a shawl over her head. Now, hindi uso yon... the shawl becomes a skirt..

Anyway, if there is any chance that I could show my first birthday dvd, there are tons of people including my parents who wore 80’s costume... HAHAHA.. with the poofy hair pa and high-waist pants and short-shorts. Sobrang nakakatawa yung itsura nila.. But, that’s the way I think because our style is different from them... so wala lang nakakatawa sila mama..

I watched it recently and well, it was very entertaining and interesting :))

I could really compare changes in fashion and style specifically, form their time and from ours. Way back, nauso yung wild bangs pero ngayon there’s lots of variety or styles sa hair. Like Cleopatra bangs with layered style pa.. And the way we dress of course, when the video was taken (that was I think 1990), the style back then is very different and I think that they are more outrageous and sophisticated rather than the style now.. that’s just me...


My style is very different from my mom (when I saw her in that video I was laughing), I am the type who will wear colorful and interesting pieces that will project my personality. The fashion now is very dynamic unlike before, people actually follow trend and conform to it... love it.

These are pictures of my mom. :)

My mom's older pic :))

My mom's recent picture.. pabata effect daw :))

COMPARE

:))

Janina Saspa

Conformity vs Individuality

Conformity and Individuality are two opposing forces visible in society every day. Ironically however, they can co-exist in harmony to produce a well-balanced society.

Conformity is synonymous with uniformity wherein a single entity or a mass is given the privilege to set a standard which an individual’s compliance is mandatory. Governing bodies usually have the right to control this standard. In a scholastic setting, an administration has the say if students should or not wear a common dress code. When the given standards or rules are met by the individuals comprising the mass under control, harmony, peace and order would exist, given that the standards are rational, reasonable and to some extent, embedded with values.
Individuality on the other hand, would be a product of one’s desire to freely express ones’ self when this may contradict the set of norms that exist in the society.

In my opinion, a society cannot exist without balance between conformity and individuality. You can’t go to a wedding wearing a bamboo skirt if the theme is European, right? But even in conforming to society we show one bit of ourselves, because that is the essence of being an individual (diba sabi nila we are created uniquely). Individuality for me is in every sense or our being, therefore; it cannot be avoided even in the midst of conforming to society.
On the other hand, we can always choose to be united with society and not be stereotyped by other people. For example, sa states, high school peeps have different kinds of categories:

1. We have the nerds (they can’t help it if they are naturally smart and they think the way they do.)
2. The Goth or emo-tastic people (if you think life is sad, i think they want to show the gravity or what they feel, nothing wrong right?)
3. Jocks and Cheerleaders (wala tayong magagawa kung they are naturally mayabang and conceited, they are worshipped nga db?)
4. Preppy and loner (there is nothing wrong if you are happy being alone and if you want to be yourself)
Etc...

Conformity allows us to have order and discipline in society, that’s why these categories are formed, because people are afraid that everybody would prioritize what they feel and who they want to be, causing chaos. People clash because of their individuality and conforming to society helps hide surfacing personalities that might cause misunderstanding between people.... blah blah blah.. gets?
Haha. Ang hirap mag-english. Anyway, I asked some people about their own opinions about conformity vs individuality...

dana torio: sa tingin ko dapat may tamang balance between the two, conformity is okay, lalo na pagdating sa moral norms ng society, ganun pero pag nasusuppress na yung identity ng individual at nararamdaman niyang hindi na siya free to express himself, dun na mali yung pagcoconform

Nicola Roa: individualityNicola Roa: conformity is mandatory sheephood lang

colleen balarbar: Aahh Okay

colleen balarbar: Uhh i think individuality

janina: whhhy?

colleen balarbar: uhm. hmm. ksi lahat tayo unique gnyan?

colleen balarbar: Mali ba?

_cathy_l: hahahal a little bit of both?pero pra saken ngayong decade or basta latelylmas nagprepredominate ung individuality pra sken ahhahahah kase hindi na tayo as restricted as beforel well hindi naman sa hindi na tayo nagcoconform oo pa ren pero mas encouraged lng na matuto tayo idefine ung totoo tayol_cathy_l: i mean totoong ikawl_cathy_l: hhahahaha

Lucho Ayala: hmmm.Lucho Ayala: meron mga taong conformist at individualist diba?Lucho Ayala: di pwedeng mawala yun.Lucho Ayala: meron talaga.Lucho Ayala: ngayon.Lucho Ayala: malamang mas kailangan ng society ang conformist.Lucho Ayala: para umasenso, diba?Lucho Ayala: pero marami namang individualist. na wala lang pakialam.Lucho Ayala: tulad koLucho Ayala: isa nakoLucho Ayala: nakikinabang lang sa mga ginagawa ng mga taong may pakialam sa gobyerno, etc.Lucho Ayala: either way, Lucho Ayala: tumatakbo naman ang society ng mabutiLucho Ayala: though pwede natn sabihin di mabuti.Lucho Ayala: haha.Lucho Ayala: individualist, isang reason kung bakit meron yan.Lucho Ayala: opposed sila sa government.Lucho Ayala: or illiteracy.Lucho Ayala: etc.

pattyfatz reyes: Nagcoconform ka na lang kasi takot ka sa iisipin ng mga taopattyfatz reyes: tama ba yan?janina: okay na yan

Chino de Vera: ah. yung conformity depende. minsan kailangan lang talaga i break yung rules para maka achieve ng progress Chino de Vera: tapos ayos yung individuality. cool yun janina: individualist ka ba or conformist?janina: hahaChino de Vera: individualist janina: yn thanks chino

yey :))

The Picture of Parents...//CHOI, Han Na

This picture had taken in Sokcho Kangwondo, Korea 15 years ago. This place is seaside and many people go travel until now. I asked my parents why they had worn such clothes. My mom said it was autumn during that time. Early morning and late night in autumn is very cold. For them to wear long and thick pants was for adjusting the weather and for comfortable while they go around.

This present picture had taken in my church few months ago. My family attended worship on Sunday and we usually wear something decent. My parents’ style is so simple and never have bee changed since 15 years ago. I think my parents’ style influences my style as well. According to my parents, wearing comfortable and suitable clothes in proper situation is better than wearing fashionable clothes everywhere or every time.

Korea has beautiful and distinct four seasons in a year. We must follow the mode every season and it makes us to look different every time. This also influences people how they dress themselves.

Style Report

Does the course affect the way the students dress?

We think that it depends on the course one's taking and his or her own perspective. We also think that the course somehow affects the students.

Take a look at the style photos we took around the U.P. campus:

FA STUDENTS

Fresh from the uniform, Madge says that her style is self-expression. She wants to be all-out now since she no longer has to wear a uniform to school. She says that her course did not affect her style.

She thinks that clothes that are on trend are nice but thinks that it's not for her. She is more of being different from the crowd than joining it. She also says that her course affected her style and way of dressing.

She claims that her style is not affected by her course. She wears clothes that would express her. She says that her style evolved through the years.

Isa says that her sense of style is from herself, and is not affected by her course. She also says that she has been "reincarnating" from first year to now. She had been four different persons, according to her. It is because she does not like it when her style is in trend. She wants to standout.

Non-FA STUDENTS

Kat says that her style is not affected by her course. She dresses the way she wants to dress.

Kristina says that even if she already has her own style, she's willing to explore more now that she's in college. Her course, however, has nothing to do with how she dresses.

Karen says that her style is influenced by her inspirations, not her course. She finds inspirations from classic movies.

Mabel says that her course has nothing to do with how she dress. She had this kind of style ever since.

Mithi says that her style has evolved, but her course did not contribute to it. Her peers had a great impact on this so-called "evolution"

Generally, they were not affected by their course in terms of style. Nonetheless, some had progressed and said that their course had an involvement to it. A few dress to express themselves, despite the consequences of the weather condition, activities, and whatnot. Whereas others said that they're very experimental and wanted to try various styles.

That said, it's pretty discernible that the course of an individual can impinge on his or her style, in one way or another; but it cannot wholly amend it. One's course can assimilate the style of a person, for that reason of diverse fashion cultures and modes; but we strongly deem that it is still up to the person if he or she will accept and adopt it or not. :)

♥ Tin, Rj, Yana, Hana, Andeng, Josie and Janina

From twist and turn to bump and grind. | Rj Santos

Ok, here is a picture of my dad when he was still in the... Seminary. Can you believe it, wala sana ako dito. :-)) Anyway, as you can see, he likes to wear polos a lot. Well, maybe it's because he was required to wear polo... You think so? I also noticed that he likes to wear slim fit pants. Overall, I would say that I'd still wear the clothes he used to wear when he was a kid. He's more into the classic look than fashion. He also told me that he prefers to wear comfortable YET 'his' style clothes. He is not choosy when it comes to clothes though. he is very casual and will only dress up when needed. :-)) Having said that, I would still say that my father has a good taste in fashion and I have to say that he influenced me somehow.
Hookay, now, here are my pictures...


As you can see, we both like to wear clothes that fit our body. We rarely wear loose clothes. I am inspired by many things and that's the reason why the three pictures of me don't have one thing in common. I am inspired with the British Punk Acts, the beach, white and black, cartoons, movies, music (UTIOG!!) and many oh so many more. Anyway, I believe that if me and my dad was born on the same year, our style would be similar.

Fashion evolves in a way that it joins the flow and the evolution of our lifestyle. It changes when something new or fresh has been discovered. I have to say that even if fashion continually change, there are some garments that would remain forever and would not go 'laos'.

Mommy, mommy. We just like to party. - Josie Lim.

The photo above is my Mom during the 80s, during a time where she was about to go to a party. She is already married, but she still is pretty much a fashionista following the trends of the 80s. The hair consists of mall bangs with plenty of hairspray and waves curling down - the hair trend of the era. The dress is empire cut, with vertical stripes, and the hemline falls to the thighs. She herself made the crocheted vest. She wears black stockings with flowery details in them, plus she adorns her feet with black pumps. Mom accessorized her outfit with pearl jewelry.

I asked her why she chose that outfit. Mom said she wanted to stand out and look fashionable. She chose a dress falling below the knee since she is pretty much conservative. Mom also said that the crocheted vest and stockings are to make her feel warm, since it was December and the climate was pretty cold. The stockings are a must to prevent blisters that the black pumps might cause.

Around twenty years later, year 2008, I show up at my Highschool Graduation Party in this outfit.

The dress's hemline is above the knee. I wore fishnets for two reasons - one, to be fashionable, and two, to also prevent blisters in my feet. I also wore black pumps - but they're textured. I also wore pearl accessories! But this time, they're in the form of a layered necklace. My dress reminds me of the holes that my mom's crocheted vest has. I used to have really long hair, but I cut it off last March 2008 to follow in the trend of the Posh bob - and also because the weather was scorching hot.

The photos prove that my mom and I have the same taste when it comes to fashion, despite the generation gap between us.

This is a photo of Mom and me, during my cousin's wedding last year.

XOXO,Josie.

On Conformity and Individuality. Josie Lim.

Conformity is important in retaining the order of society. Following the rules and trends renders one safe from social suicide.

Individuality, on the other hand, derives from free thinking and is risky. One wants to express his or her self better than everyone else. It is a spark of creativity. The individualist stands out - an element of shock.

Both conformity and individuality are important. Conformity creates followers, and individuality creates leaders, without which society cannot function. The same goes for fashion. Conforming to a certain trend for so long is boring; so the people seated on top of the fashion world start a new trend with their individuality.

I believe that one must know when to conform and when to express individuality. A good fashionista knows how to conform and at the same time express individuality.

On my case, I usually show my creativity by being individualistic. Being in U.P, I can dress up as much as I want, and I don't care. But I still conform to the conservative standards of society, though. You'll never see me wearing backless tops, or wearing a low-collared top. I won't be caught dead in a dress with such a low hemline. Last week, I wore a pair of maong cutoff hotpants, but I wore them over black leggings. I don't like showing too much skin, but I love being creative with my outfits.

Being individualistic makes others remember you. For example, the following day after we went to school on dress-up clothes, a classmate of mine in swimming told me... "Ikaw yung nakita ko sa AS kahapon! Classmate pala kita. Fine Arts student ka ba?"

"Nope. Clothing Tech po ako."

XOXO, Josie.

Conformity and Individuality| Rj Santos

Conformity is a way of blending in with a particular group of people. It is a process in which your style, personality, etc.. are being influenced by other people. Conformity is to follow the status quo. People conform because they want to belong, or have a sense of securty from that particular group. It is somehow their key into being accepted. They also conform to get away from bullying, discrimination, and the like. People conform so that they wouldn't have to worry about what other people think about them because they know that they are secure. Conformity is sometimes caused by peer pressure which is viewed as a bad thing. People are sometimes forced to conform just to belong. This, however, can result to a good thing, depending on the situation.

Individuality, on the other hand, has no limitations, for it is a way of expressing who you are. It distinguishes one person from the rest. Everyone is an individual but it depends on that person to show his/her individualty. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to stand-out from the crowd to show your individuality, It just means being yourself, and not following the status quo. It's having a distinct character. Individuality is having your own views, style, etc... Individuality is sometimes the reason why some people stand-out. having a distinctive way of showing who they are makes them known.

I personally feel that we need both. We cannot just conform eveytime or be ourselves and disregard the 'rules' all the time. It really depends on the situation on whether you would conform or just be yourself. On the other hand, I personally feel that even if you conform to something, you would still find a way to express yourself. Conforming doesn't necessarily mean to have the exact same thing, there is still room for expressing yourself. Confomity might give you limitations but it would still allow you to 'play'.

As a child growing up in a school where there were no uniforms, religion, and where we were free to express ourselves/speak out, I was shocked when I entered a school wherein I had to wear uniform and conform to everything. I was raging mad and complained to my parents everyday. Haha. But as time flew, I realized that there was really a need to conform for us not to blend in or belong, but for formality's sake. We sometimes need to follow and let our 'craziness' rest for a while. There is time for play. So, I really think that it depends on the situation. It's bad to be an extreme conformist, and it's also not healthy to be extremely 'out there'. :-))

- Rj Santos, a flip and a flop :-))

Like mother, like daugher | Yana Santiago

Growing up, I became mommy's little girl. I remembered wearing her black pumps and applying her red lipstick when I was a little kid. Although we have a lot of differences, we have one thing in common: we love shopping. The old photo below is my mom with a couple of friends having the time of their lives at a party. She often tells me that she had those days where she needed to splurge for certain events but save like there's no tomorrow. She tells me that the trends are often recurring. From skinny jeans that was called 'baston' back then, to thick belts. Her fashion motivation is constantly changing because of the demands of her 'modeling' days. She needs to keep her wardrobe updated because of her frequent commitments. She proclaims that she has tried it all: the Farrah Fawcett signature curls, to the the Demi Moore 'bob'.


Becoming a mom has affected her way of dressing, but it did not hinder her from all the trends that passed by.



In a way, her fashion motivations were passed unto me. I love classic and simple finds. Although, I have perplexed thoughts that can be revealed by the way I dress and carry myself. I love bows, laces and anything that is girly but minimal. It maybe the reason why I am totally unaffected by trends or fads that wouldn't fit my personality.

Whatever style or 'fad' may conquer this world, we say, Bring it on!

Fitting in and Standing out | Yana Santiago

There goes a saying that 'Everyone wants to fit in'. In the same manner, there is also a philosophy that we have this unending quest to stand out from the crowd. So, what do we really want to give importance to, conformity or individuality?

Conformity is doing and thinking as others. It is following the behavior that is considered to be socially acceptable or expected. I an inspired by a lot of people. I am socially-conscious. I follow behaviors that is socially expected. Does that make me a conformist? Most of us give in to peer pressure, to what society demands of us. The crucial foundation of the idea of peer pressure is conformity. Conformity spreads into each part of our lives. It affects the way we think, act, dress and the list goes on. By giving in to conformity, we are like metal paper clips. We bend in accordance to how we are used.

On the other hand, Individuality is possessing a specific personality, character or characteristic that distinguishes one person or thing from another. It tells us that every person is unique. They say that true individualists are often innovators. They are original and they are never afraid to take risks. They think 'outside the bun'. It is often believed to be needed in the well-being of a person, yet it is also something that may be necessary to hold back in order to preserve someone else's rights and beliefs. Individualists practice the freedom of expression. Taken from Tom Wait's article, Love story, is an example of how individuality will take us far:

Once upon a time there was a crooked tree and a straight tree. And they grew next to each other. And every day the straight tree would look at the crooked tree and he would say, “You’re crooked. You’ve always been crooked and you’ll continue to be crooked. But look at me! Look at me!” said the straight tree. He said, “I’m tall and I’m straight.” And then one day the lumberjacks came into the forest and looked around, and the manager in charge said, “Cut all the straight trees.” And that crooked tree is still there to this day, growing strong and growing strange.

Sometimes, we need to conform or stand out depending on the situation. For example, in a job interview, we need to look 'prim and proper' in order to gain respect. We need to conform, that is. Another illustration would be in our everyday life, sometimes we need to 'power dress' to have inspiration. According to psychology, the way we dress affects the way we think- and the way we think gives people a chunk of who we really are. This is how we show our individuality. It is only stereotyping that pushes the two terms, individuality and conformity, apart. Personally, I think the two are somewhat interrelated. The former influences the latter and vice versa. We don't need to choose to be a conformist or an individualist. The two, I believe, are reasons and results that make us truly humans.

Clothing Motivations | Tin Iglesias

Below is an old photograph of my mom taken at the Hong Kong Ocean Park. She opted to wear a long skirt and tights to protect her from the country's climate condition. The activities she did on that particular day possibly influenced her choice of outfit. Light clothing's necessary since she wanted comfortable and casual to wear pieces; ideal for strolling around the park.

My mom's clothing essentially emulated the French style of woman's clothing. Personally, I think this classic look still has a place in today's fashion with diverse renditions, merely because it's lovely, comfortable and represented youthful enthusiasm! Below, on the other hand, is a recent photograph of my mom and I; also taken in Hong Kong.

Perceptibly, our outfits were influenced by the contemporary fashion. Akin to my mom's clothing in the former photo, these outfits are very casual. We did lots of walking and shopping hence the unfussy tops and flat boots worn over jeans. Also, we knew for a fact that April weather in Hong Kong's very pleasant, however, there are irregular spells of high humidity, fog and drizzle that can be chiefly wearisome. Accordingly, we brought jackets and blazers to protect us from the breezy weather.

Indeed, the nature of new fashion and styles are impossible to predict and the rate of change between old and new is consistent. We defy moving fashions by persistently reinventing images based on our instincts, behaviors and cultures, to appear new.

♥ Tin Iglesias

Conformity Versus Individuality | Tin Iglesias

As a human being my life is centered on the thin line that divides conformity and individuality. Many times I am baffled and rushed, and I draw this line too short or too long, consequently being excessively of a conformist or an individual.

Conformity is vital to life. Humans, being multifaceted animals, live in a society that functions as a whole. If there is an inaccuracy, the entire system may disintegrate. But, I think it is perfectly natural. People naturally want to belong to something bigger and be accepted by others. Nevertheless in modern terms, this approval can only be attained by going further than natural conformity and pacing into accepted conformity. At that firm stage, we tend to go after the same trends in style and personal taste, whether it is fashion, music, movies or even morals.

Individuality, resembling conformity, is vital to life even though contemporary man may not acknowledge its value. At one point, people want to be different from all the rest in one way or another. So we might form our opinions based on what we really feel. Notwithstanding, sooner or later we are forced to restrain our impulsive desires so that society does not label us as strange or weird, merely because we fear being alone.

Modern life is truly confusing, so sometimes our vision is blurred and our choices, made in the midst of perplexity, may force us in tremendous directions of either conformity or individuality. We cannot have one without the other. We cannot have conformity unless there are individuals to conform. And we cannot have individuality unless there is conformity to break free of. I strongly believe that conformity may govern our lives, but there is always a chance to make a mark, to become more of an individual than a clone. To renounce our identity by following the crowd is to deny the world of our potentially unique contribution. Although I care what other people think, because I think, and therefore I value thinking even if it is not solely mine. Caring what other people think is an indisputable truth of being a human being, and an utter necessity for being a creatively thinking one.

♥ Tin Iglesias

3rd reaction// CHOI, Han Na

We had a lecture about conformity and individuality for today. We had debating on these topics and I chose conformity because I thought that to be normal as other people is important to compare with individuality. I even also thought that to express one’s own style needs to make us unique and special through the way of wearing clothes. In my feeling, to wear the general clothes lets me to belong in a large part of society.

While we were waiting for ma’am Kitty, classmates asked me to teach Korean. It was my pleasure. The classroom became noisy and we also learned Japanese from our Japanese classmate. They would like to teach me Tagalog since I am not good in Tagalog. I love to learn it. I felt that sharing our culture/language made all of us to get close to each other. I think this moment would be my great remembrance.

Reation for last Tuesday// CHOI, Han Na

Last Tuesday, we had the lecture about the relationship between clothing and culture. To be honest, I could not follow some parts of the lecture. It was hard for me to copy the power-point because I was at the back of the classroom and the font size of power point was small to recognize. Even though, it was interesting to know about other countries’ culture with pictures. I thought Korea has almost the same clothing culture with Chine. But I found out that we have different clothing culture. For China, to show the upper part of the body was not allowed but to show leg was okay. But in Korea, we did not accept to show both of them since our traditional clothes, Han Bok, hid all parts of our bodies.

After the class, group mates and I went to College of Fine Arts and other places for our group assignment. Some Fine Arts students wore unique clothing styles. I think the students were also enjoyed the interview. Our question was “How you dress up relates to your course?” Most of them said “No.” They wear what they want to and they express themselves by the way of wearing clothes. I agree with their opinions. I also prefer to wear the clothes which match with my image or appearance and not to follow the trend.

I think I have learned one thing important from the laboratory exercise which I mentioned earlier. To know my own style is really important in the way of not bothering others.

JANINA SASPA

It's very Haute today

Yesterday was fun, exhausting and in a way an inspiring day to start the week. We (our group) decided to dress up because Ms. Kitty asked us last meeting to bring cameras for the activity that day (Feeling namin kami yung subject na pipicturan haha). At first, I thought that we will take pictures of ourselves and have a "reflection" about it, that's why we dressed up. LAME. haha. Then, I was wrong, very wrong. The reason behind all of it: mini THESIS report. dun,dun,daaaaan (low tone, medium tone, very low tone). So our group decided to go with the most convenient way to finish the report: to take pictures or FA students and BA students to compare them and make a PowerPoint presentation about it. KEWL.

Anyway, we were so consumed by the idea that they forgot that THEY were hungry, but I didn't. HAHA. So I bugged them to go with me to CASAA so I can buy my food (Baaaaacoooon!). Daming tae, este tao sa casaa. bummer. haha. After I ordered my take out lunch, we rushed to Palma Hall to wait for a "toki" jeep. Eh, ang tagal, kinain ko tuloy yung bacon and ricehabang nakatayo, kasi ayaw nilang umupo. HAHA. After ten years, there's still no sign of "toki" ride. Finally, we decided to take a cab which was Tin's idea, because it was excruciatingly HAUTE as in hot.

We took some pictures of quite unusual people dressed in uhhh, very unique clothes in the FA College. They were very uhh interesting and cool (see, I didn't make any comments kasi that's what I've learned: Do not judge a person, if you're not a judge, kidding! but you get me, right?). We were all fascinated and exhausted, but it was fun interviewing and pretending we know what to ask our poor victims. HAHA. When we went inside the FA building I said "mas mukha pa tayong nakabcostume kaysa sa kanila haha", which was true.

It was a day that I experienced: my first standing-while-eating-bacon and egg lunch out, my first time to interview people for a report (because I always do it when I'm bored haha) and my first time to wear something that I wouldn't usually wear (which was a pair of leggings when it was scourging hot, duh). All in all, I had a great time experiencing the "wild"(as in masukal part of UP) and I hope that we do these things often. :)) By the way, it rained so hard (nabasa yung croquis book ko at laman ng bag ko)that I was cursing all jeeps that were full of taes, oops, tao pala. haha. :)) Sorry people for the language, you know me... I know you.. It's good that you know. HAHA.