Close Up Fights for Freedom to Love with Love Rules Exhibit

 

It's 2019 now, a millennia has passed and yet, I noticed that love still has rules. We still live in a world where something as naturally human as love is controlled by society's old conventions and traditions. Which is kinda stupid because everyone has a right to love, whom and how they please. What are some of these barriers? 

Age gaps, same-sex relationships, cultural differences -if you happen to fall in love with someone who is not "right" for you then people will talk smack behind and in front of you, and this stigma continues to hold people back from experiencing the most beautiful feeling in the world.

 

Close Up Philippines recently held their #FreeToLove campaign and with that, wonderfully illustrated how we can right the wrongs of our society with the #LoveRules Exhibit. The murals made by graffiti artist Jappy Agoncillo each highlights a perceived barrier to relationships, and how Filipino couples overcome these differences - from age and cultural gaps, the stigma around online dating, to acceptance of LGBTQIA couples - championing love above all else.

Where love has rules, take a stand and let love rule.

I love this campaign, because I too wish that people will not be quick to judge on something that is not even about their own life. I myself experienced the same barriers, the same criticism and open hostility on my choice of who I loved. Which is kinda stupid, and I am happy that despite that, there are a handful of people who supported me on my journey with love.

A panel discussion was done with four outspoken and open minded individuals each with their own story of finding love without fear or doubts, facilitated by Vicky Herrera. The discussion focused on celebrating and fighting for all forms of love, even in a society where love still has rules.  Radio DJ and host Katz Salao talked about being confident in going after what she wants, and even making the first move, going against the Maria Clara stereotype of Filipina women. Mother of two Andi Eigenmann mentioned her story, her pressures of leaving Manila and showbiz and in finding freedom to love despite what everyone else expected of her.

Indoor cycling instructor EG Bautista shared his coming out experience, and overcoming his fear of judgement of his same-sex relationship. Finally, actress and entrepreneur Issa Pressman discussed how she remains open to the possibilities of life, even as her relationships unfold in the public eye.

By bringing forward and highlighting these diverse stories in its #FreeToLove campaign, Closeup continues to empower everyone to get close and choose love, hoping to create a more accepting and respectful world.

To learn more about Closeup's #FreetoLove campaign, visit https://freetolove.closeup.ph/about

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