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COMM10 C Prof. Grace Mendoza

Summative Activity on Module 4
Semiotic Analysis of “Hindi Ako Bakla”
Michael V aka Bitoy is known for making parody music video on the program Bubble
Gang. One of his more famous parody music video is the “Hindi Ako Bakla” which depicts how
other people view/stereotype gay people. The music video starts with close-up shots of Michael V
and introduction of him as Tom Yam. According to Agar (2012), Tom Yam is an analogy to Tim
Yap who is a gay celebrity. The first part of the music video shows how Tom Yam is denying
allegations by his “kumpare” that he is gay. He hides his true self by using deep voice and
masculine movements. He denies the allegation by repeatedly singing the lines “Hindi ako bakla”.
But his choice of some words says the opposite about his gender. Some lyrics that he uttered are
“Echos” and “Maldita” which are words associated with gay people. He also threatens to slap his
friend if he will not stop the rumors by saying “Sasampalin kita”. This also hints that Tom Yam is
gay since it is not normal for men in this society to slap someone they fight with. This also tells
the viewers that Tom Yam is angry with his friend since he started rumors. This may symbolize
that nobody has the right to assume and tell other people the gender of someone. It is the decision
of that person when he/she will come out of his/her closet. The first part also shows Tim Yam
between two colors, which is blue, stereotype for men, and pink, stereotype for women. This shows
that he is between the two gender.
The second part began when Tom Yam removed some of his clothes. In the entire second
part of the video, more of Tom Yam’s skin is exposed. This represent Tom Yam having little
confidence to show more of his true side but still hesitant to. The change in dance movements is
evident. Compared to the first part, the movement in the second are more feminine. This is a
representation of the stereotype that if someone is “malambot” or “malamya gumalaw” he is gay.
The slight change in tone, from a deep one to a slighty feminine one, is also noticeable although
there is still some parts that uses the deep voice which just shows that he is still hesitant to come
out. The first lines in the second part lists some actions/movement and characteristic that other
people in our society consider to be gay. The mentioned lyrics are “ Di ko sadyang tumatalsik ang
fingers ko, Bakla na ba porke’t makembot ang pwet ko, Di ko inahit natural ang kilay ko, insecure
ka sa flawless na beauty ko”. It is like saying that back in the day if you do the things in the lyrics
you will be labeled gay. The use of gay language like “chika” and “bruha” is still evident and he
threaten his friend again but this time by saying “ Sasabunutan kita” which is usually done by girls
when they fight. Lastly, the lyrics “ Pare, Pare, papa-papa papa-papa-papa” shows that he is
between the two gender. “Pare” is commonly used by men to call their men friends and “papa” is
used by gay people to refer to their boy crush.
The start of the third part which is the last was signaled also by shedding of Tom Yam’s
clothes. This time his clothes are red and he also wears fishnet stockings which is commonly used
by women. In addition, more of his skin is exposed compared to the first two parts. This indicates
that Tom Yam is now showing his true identity with no filter. The traces of masculinity is nowhere
to be seen in the third part of the music video. His tone for this entire part is feminine and high
pitched. He threatens his friend again but this time by saying “Hahalikan kita” which hints that he
is attracted to the same sex. Throught the entire song he keep saying “Hindi ako bakla” but at the
end of the song everything became clear when he said “Babae ako”.
The song “Hindi ako Bakla” was released back in 2006 but somehow it is like a
representation of the state of the LGBT community in the past and the present and possibly the
future. The first part may represent the state of the LGBT community back in the days when gays,
lesbian and other part of the LGBT community is afraid to tell their true genders because they are
scared to be judged by other people. We cannot deny the fact that there was a time when everyone
who does not conform to the “normal” behavior of a men or women will be labeled as gay and
lesbians and will be judged by other people. The second part represent the present days. More
people are not afraid to come out of their closets and more people have their minds and hearts open
and accepting for the LGBT community. Just recently, the Pride March was joined by 70,000
people which is more than the 50,000 last year. This means that more people are becoming
confident to reveal their true selves. But sadly there are still people, especially the Christian
community, that have their minds and hearts closed for the LGBT community. The third part may
represent the future when everyone who is a part of the LGBT community is not afraid anymore
to reveal his/her true gender. This has a high chance of happening if everyone in the country will
stop the stigma against the LGBT community and treat everyone with equality.