Praying the Gaga away

MANILA, Philippines - (Contributor Mariah Reodica was sent to cover the anti-Lady Gaga protest organized by Biblemode Youth. We asked her to interview these Biblemoders [Biblemods? Biblemons?] and try to make sense of their Biblemaneuvers — Ed.)

You can’t make money without making a few enemies. In this case, a certain pop star holding a concert here found opposition in a religious group named Biblemode Youth, which saw it fit to rally against her for being a so-called “icon of perverted values.” I interviewed some of the protesters involved, as they walked along Roxas Boulevard and EDSA.

First up is a teacher named Char:

SUPREME: Why are you protesting?

CHAR: I believe that Lady Gaga is not a good example for our young people. As an educator from a Christian school, we must tell the world that what Lady Gaga is doing is wrong.

What’s she doing wrong?

She’s an artist, and she’s being irresponsible for the concert. We are called a Christian nation yet people are allowing the immoral and maligning acts. Have you seen the video of Judas?

Char began to lecture me, which got a little awkward, so I thanked her for her time and spent a while looking at picket signs. One of my favorites was an amusing play on words that read, “Huwag magpaka-Gaga.”

* * *

I struck up some conversations with some other protesters, including a 20-something man named Jeff.

What has Lady Gaga done to make you protest against her?

JEFF: Actually, we have nothing against her personally. Pero ang, uh…

JEFF’S FRIEND: Judas?

JEFF: Oo, ang Judas at ang music niya, at ang message ng music niya, ma-influence ng other people to do bad things. She blackmails Jesus’ blood in her song.

What do you think this protest is going to do?

JEFF: Well, we’d like to stop the concert, but if we don’t, we’d like to stop the influence.

If you had to pick a pop icon to be a role model, who would it be?

JEFF: Umm… (Laughs) actually, wala. Hindi naman as in wala, pero wala akong mapili kasi halos lahat sila, their songs are about sex, drugs, and partying.

* * *

Making small talk was getting a little difficult. I guess that people got too tired to be talkative. However, this 16-year-old boy called Josh was an exception.

JOSH: Actually, I’m not old enough to protest, but as long as I know my stand, I’ll fight for it.

What’s your sta—

We’re for Jesus Christ. And Lady Gaga, tinatapakan niya ang ating pananampalataya. We aren’t mad at Lady Gaga, just the things that she did. Medyo seductive (sic) siya… (Protesters shouting “STOP LADY GAGA CONCERT” drowned out the rest of the sentence.)

* * *

Everyone was clearly longing for some relief from the sun and the tiring walk. Some found shade under umbrellas or their own picket signs, while one man hitched a ride on the hood of a jeep. Several water bottle vendors walked along with the protest to capitalize on thirsty protesters.

I saw a little boy — an unusual sight at a protest like this.

Hi! What’s your name?

ROY: My name is Roy.

How old are you?

My name is — um, I am 10 years old.

Why are you protesting?

Si Lady Gaga, uh… (awkward silence)

Err, it’s okay. Sino ang nagyaya sa iyo?

Si Papa at ang pastor namin.

Gaanong katagal ka na sa Biblemode Youth?

Di ko alam, eh.

Roy was rather shy, so I said goodbye and turned my attention back to people holding picket signs.

* * *

I also introduced myself to Ann, who was wearing a shirt with Lady Gaga’s face crossed out Ghostbusters-style, made especially for the occasion.

Where did you get your shirt?

ANN: Provided ito sa amin, tapos yung iba, binili.

Where did you people start the rally?

(We were now walking along Roxas Boulevard.)

Sa Folk Arts Theatre.

And you’re walking towards the Mall of Asia?

Actually, I’m not sure. (Laughs)