Supreme picks

Who to follow: Michael Christian Martinez

The Winter Olympics at Sochi has yet to begin, but figure skater Michael Christian Martinez has already set history by being the Philippines’ first Winter Olympian in two decades and by being the first-ever figure skater to represent Southeast Asia. Figure skating may not hold much esteem in a tropical country, but Martinez seems to be born for the ice, his lithe and graceful body expertly moving around the rink. His recent performance at the International Skating Union’s Junior Grand Prix won him a bronze medal, but it was his electrifying performance at the Nebelhorn Trophy that clinched his spot at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Seriously, this guy has skills and seems to defy gravity, and it’s going to take more than the rules of physics to explain how he can contort his body and balance himself on two thin blades. His blades of glory will certainly bring Pinoy pride, proving that international recognition in the field of athletics can be sophisticated, poised, and cool (literally). He is
@michaelolympian on Twitter.

What to watch: Bekitaktakan

Ten seconds into the YouTube vlog Bekitaktakan and you think you’re going to watch a comedic take on human sexuality, even if the subtitle is Ang Beki Vlog with a Purpose. For its pilot, host Jayvhy answers questions from Twitter users on the age old question: Is homosexuality normal? Surprisingly, Jayvhy answers them intelligently, adding a healthy dose of wit and sarcasm in his responses. In fact, when asked if homosexuality is a disease, his sources are the Psychological Association of the Philippines, American Psychological Association, and other international groups that deal with human behavior. He is a good (and funny) representation of the gay community, offering a fresh perspective on gender identity. One Twitter user asked, is being gay a choice? Is it a phase? His answer: “Ay, true. Phase lang talaga ito. Pag gusto mo maging lesbian, push natin yan,” before seriously saying, “Ang choice mo lang e kung paano mo tatanggapin ang sarili mo ng buong buo. Irerespeto mo ba ang kapwa mo tao o ikaw ay mamumuhay ng punong puno ng nega?” We can’t wait for his second video, and until then, we’ll keep his advice: Life is too short para maging chaka.

What to see: ‘Where My Body’s Been’

Supreme's very own Carina Santos comes from three generations of artists. Her brother is Luis Santos, her parents are West Gallery owners Soler and Mona Santos, and her grandfather is the venerated artist Malang. But through the years, Carina has developed a style of her own, infusing her creations with pop culture references that introduce high art to the current generation. Today, she is launching “Where My Body’s Been,” an exhibit of her most recent work. Unlike her previous work, this exhibit will feature another side of the artist, using more of her hand by painting and sewing instead of creating assemblages of existing images. According to Carina, she was inspired by a Mark Strand poem, and if that will be of any basis, we know the pieces will be dreamy and pretty, which are Carina Santos trademarks.

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Tweet the author @kojibberish.