Unmasking the lolas: Production and signification of drag in Eat Bulaga's kalye serye
Date of Publication
2017
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Communication Major in Applied Media Studies
College
College of Liberal Arts
Department/Unit
Communication
Thesis Adviser
Clodualdo A. Del Mundo, Jr.
Defense Panel Chair
Miguel Q. Rapatan
Defense Panel Member
Shirley O. Lua
Jason Vincent A. Cabañes
Julio C. Teehankee
Abstract/Summary
This study investigates the process constructing meaning behind drag performances in Philippine television. A drag performance is the act of crossdressing and cross gender acting to entertain. This is very evident but an understudied practice in Philippine media where famous comedians have performed drag on television at one point in their career (e.g. Wally Bayola as Lola Nidora, Michael V in his various female roles). To study how drag characters are constructed and invested with meaning, I interview production people involved on the subject, do a semiotic analysis of selected episodes of Kalye Serye, and conduct a content analysis of the script. I also analyzed published interviews with Wally Bayola and the Head Writer of Kalye Serye, Jenny Ferre. Using social semiotic analysis posited in social semiotics theory, this study argues that drag is used to capitalize on Eat Bulagas best comedians. However, the use of drag in Kalye Serye also challenges our understanding of drag, as drag becomes a tool to repackage actors who have a history of sexual or marital misconducts to effectively preach about morality and values.
Abstract Format
html
Language
English
Format
Electronic
Accession Number
CDTG007122
Shelf Location
Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall
Physical Description
2 computer discs ; 4/34 inches
Keywords
Drag shows--Philippines; Comedy; Television programs--Philippines; Television series--Philippines; Filipinos; Eat Bulaga
Recommended Citation
Cao, R. D. (2017). Unmasking the lolas: Production and signification of drag in Eat Bulaga's kalye serye. Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/5293