SOCIAL COMMENTARY is everywhere, especially now with social media being used as a medium to spread news and information.
Whether through TikTok or YouTube videos, or long essays on Facebook, there are many ways for one to express their thoughts on current events.
However there are those who would spark creativity and showcase their artworks and among them is Kapitan Tambay.
Many are familiar with his distinct artstyle and his ability to entertain the public about current events, which all began during the pandemic.
"I'm a professional animator, until now freelance animator ako. Back in 2020, noong nagsta-start yung pandemic, nagfre-freelance ako sa animation pero dahil nga pandemic, medyo bumaba yung influx ng projects for animation."
"So nagkaroon ako ng kaunting freetime para gumawa ng gusto ko at that time, maglabas na rin ng frustrations through komiks," he started in an exclusive with SPIN.ph.
What started off as a hobby to burn some time and avoid the 'tambay' mindset during the pandemic, turned out to open the doors for the artist. His first work immediately produced the results.
"So gumawa ako ng comics, I posted it on my page and then after a few hours, nagulat ako grabe na yung traction, ang daming nag-react. Naaliw ako na may audience pala so after a couple of days gumawa ako ng isa pa. Nagre-react din ng events sa pandemic and surprisingly enough mas grumabe yung reach nung post na iyon. Doon ko naisip na, 'Baka pwedeng gawin ito on a regular basis."
Where it all began
Talking about current events isn't something that's new for Tambay as this has been rooted in his family. Oftentimes they would share their thoughts about Philippine society, though this would only be limited within the circle.
"Sa household kasi namin, kapag may political opinion ka or may masasabi ka tungkol sa lipunan, what's happening around you, usually sa pamilya kayo-kayo lang nag-uusap," said Tambay.
With his works venturing into social media, Tambay realized that his voice has touched a broader audience.
"Yung opinion no limited lang sa loob ng bahay niyo. Nagkatoon lang na nagkaroon ako na yung medium ko lumalabas na sa bahay dahil sa social media, sa internet."
"Nagkataon lang na maraming nag-a-agree sa sinasabi ko so na-e-echo din yung sentiments nila so nagkaroon din ng kaunting beses," he reflected.
Dealing with bashers
With his works making an impact in social media, there's no denying that Tambay will be on the receiving end of criticisms.
"Of course marami (mga bashers) pero wala e ganun talaga ang social media e. Medyo kailangan kapalan yung balat, yung paninindigan mo, yung opinyon mo, you believe in it hard enough."
"Hindi mawawla yung bashers kahit anong opinyon mo, kahit sabihin mong itong mansanas kulay pula, may magsasabi sa iyo sa internet na, 'Mali ka."
Initially he struggled to deal with the constant barraging, but eventually he slowly welcomed it.
"Noong una medyo apektado talaga kasi hindi ako sanay na makihalubilo sa maraming tao at the same time lalo na overnight tapos madalas na sineseryoso ko yung mga comments and messages nila."
"Pero ngayon hindi na kasi natuto na akong lumangoy sa sea of hate."
Struggles of being an artist in the PH
However there are other struggles that he had to endure. Besides the stream of online hate, Tambay likewise had to contend with the usual problems plaguing Filipino artists.
Does the huge following mean a lot? Here's what Tambay discovered.
"As an artist, as someone who gives commentary online, tapos may following pa ako, hindi ko alam kung ilang percent yung sumusuporta sa iyo kahit gaano kalaki iyon, yung magbibigay ng opportunities para lumago as an artist."
"Halimbawa you have 100K followers, lahat ba iyon sumusuporta sa iyo? Lahat ba iyon willing ka bang tulungan? Lahat ba iyon, kapag naglabas ka for example ng libro susuportahan ka ba?" he reflected.
"Yun yung isa sa mga struggles locally, medyo kulang pa ng kaunti sa support."
What keeps him going?
Yet despite these lingering concerns, the grind never stops for the Kapitan. Seeing the impact of his artworks, he realized one important insight.
"Wala pa akong reason para huminto tsaka madami pang umaasa na halimbawa may relevant issue sa government. Parang there's a time na mag-e-expect sila ng opinyon mula sa akin," he said.
"Tsaka ano rin kasi there's a certain level of responsibility na rin kapag meron ka ng boses, kapag may nakikinig na sa iyo,"
In addition, the feeling of having his works recognized by the public in conventions would warm his hearts.
"Tsaka alam mo yung isa sa mga masasayang experiences ko habang nagko-comics noong unang beses ko mag-con kasi lahat ng comics ko puro online lang yung reactions, yung haha reacts, magta-type sila ng, 'haha!"
"Noong unang beses ko mag-con, nag-print ako ng mga artcards/postcards tapos nilatag ko lang sa table ko. Tapos may mga dumadaan tapos parang mas masarap yung dating na nakikita nila tapos nakikita mo silang audibly laughing, naririnig mo yung tawa nila sa personal."
And this would ultimately push him forward.
"Halimbawa may 10K haha reacts online, mas matamis pa rin yung nakita mo in person kahit isa lang tumatawa sa gawa mo. Mula nun, mas lalo akong na-inspire na gumawa pa."
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