In the Philippines, gender stereotyping remains prevalent, yet over time, Filipinos are gradually becoming more open-minded about it.
Gender stereotyping refers to ingrained beliefs, expectations, and assumptions about the roles, behaviors, and traits typically linked to individuals based on their gender. This means making general assumptions about people simply because they are male or female, rather than seeing them as individuals with unique qualities.
For instance, common stereotypes might suggest that all men are strong and should be the main providers, while all women are nurturing and should manage the household. Such stereotypes can be harmful, often leading to discrimination, bias, and unequal treatment based on gender.
Challenging and dismantling these stereotypes is essential to promote gender equality, allowing people to express themselves freely and pursue their interests beyond traditional gender roles.
A recent example of breaking stereotypes is 22-year-old BS Criminology graduate Francis John Karl Padilla from Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Despite the common belief that only “straight men” pursue police careers in the Philippines, Francis is proud of having supported his studies as a makeup artist, defying conventional expectations tied to his field.
Photo courtesy: Francis John Karl Padilla (FB)
It can be read on his Facebook post last July 26, 2023, “MAKE UP ARTIST NAKAPAGTAPOS NG BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY.”
“YES PO! AKO PO AY ISANG MAKE-UP ARTIST NA NAKAPAGTAPOS NG BS CRIMINOLOGY SA SOUTHEAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (SEAIT) TUPI, SOUTH COTABATO. AT HINDI KO IKINAKAHIYA ANG TRABAHO NA’TO.”
“MARAMING SALAMAT SA MGA TAONG NAGING [PARTE] NG AKING COLLEGE LIFE CLASSMATES, FRIENDS, FAMILY RELATIVES, TEACHERS KO AT SA NAGING CLIENTS KO I SEND YOU MY SINCERELY THANKS,” he added.
While many are surprised by his choice to work as a makeup artist—a path seen by some as “unconventional” for his field of study—Francis John Karl Padilla remains unfazed, as it allowed him to complete his education and move closer to his goal of becoming a police officer.
His makeup business flourished during the peak of the pandemic and has continued to grow since then.
In addition to funding his studies, Padilla used his makeup skills to help cover medical expenses for his mother, who suffered a stroke, and to support his younger sibling’s education.
Photo courtesy: Francis John Karl Padilla (FB)
A visit to his Facebook account shows that Padilla is still passionately pursuing makeup, even as a graduate preparing for the board exam.
Congratulations!
