One of my favorite Twitter memes happens every year during the Philippine Independence Day.
#RP612fic (Republic of the Philippines June 12 fiction) was the brainchild of Paolo Chikiamco in 2009. During Independence Day, Twitter users post single-tweet stories of alternate histories of the Philippines.
Coming up with a good story in less than 140 characters (the hashtag should be included in the tweet) is quite challenging, but a lot of Twitter users rise up to the challenge admirably. You see tweets referencing famous (and not-so-famous) historical events, reimagining historical figures interacting with modern technology, and even re-imagining Filipino literary works (like the Rizal novels, Florante at Laura, or Ibong Adarna). A lot of the tweets are pop cultural mash-ups, but some remain true to the speculative fiction roots of the meme (like this beautifully illustrated story from Gerry Alanguilan).
The Spanish Occupation ended when the Spanish surrendered to Bonifacio and Rizal's astounding machines. #RP612fic pic.twitter.com/Mj4lS5z2nI
— Gerry Alanguilan (@komikero) June 12, 2014
This is the second year I’ve joined #RP612fic. Since it’s often difficult searching through the Twitter archives, I’m posting the tweets I posted this year:
- “Yes, it was me who did it,” admitted the tearful senator on national television. “I hereby render my resignation.” #RP612Fic *
1:03 AM 12 Jun 2014
"Yes, it was me who did it," admitted the tearful senator on national television. "I hereby render my resignation." #RP612Fic
— Jade (@Antifornicator) June 11, 2014
* I should’ve used “tender”, not “render”; but I rarely bother editing my tweets.
- 2054: Filipino netizens celebrate “Matuwid” PNoy, the inspiring leader who tamed Philippine politics and restored public trust. #RP612fic
5:45 AM – 12 Jun 2014 - Archaeologists puzzled over the fossil skeleton recovered from a Benguet mine. It appeared human-like, except for the horse skull. #RP612fic
2:27 PM – 12 Jun 2014 - After a momentous Vatican decision, the Philippines remained the only nation that outlawed divorce. #RP612fic
2:35 PM – 12 Jun 2014 - During his oath-taking speech, former actor Pio Pascua came out as the first gay president in Asia. #RP612fic
2:38 PM – 12 Jun 2014 - After heated discussions and (a some moments of physical violence), Congress was still divided on the National App Bill. #RP612fic
2:50 PM – 12 Jun 2014 - Experimental psychic beacons gathered Leftists in Santolan, to be gassed by the military. It was known as the 1986 EDSA Massacre. #RP612fic
3:31 PM – 12 Jun 2014 - The long-abandoned pit in Ortigas is deathly quiet. Except for an occasional hiss, like from a giant snake. #RP612fic pic.twitter.com/AZGkXGtSUg **
6:00 PM – 12 Jun 2014
2054: Filipino netizens celebrate "Matuwid" PNoy, the inspiring leader who tamed Philippine politics and restored public trust. #RP612fic
— Jade (@Antifornicator) June 11, 2014
Archaeologists puzzled over the fossil skeleton recovered from a Benguet mine. It appeared human-like, except for the horse skull. #RP612fic
— Jade (@Antifornicator) June 12, 2014
After a momentous Vatican decision, the Philippines remained the only nation that outlawed divorce. #RP612fic
— Jade (@Antifornicator) June 12, 2014
During his oath-taking speech, former actor Pio Pascua came out as the first gay president in Asia. #RP612fic
— Jade (@Antifornicator) June 12, 2014
After heated discussions and (a some moments of physical violence), Congress was still divided on the National App Bill. #RP612fic
— Jade (@Antifornicator) June 12, 2014
Experimental psychic beacons gathered Leftists in Santolan, to be gassed by the military. It was known as the 1986 EDSA Massacre. #RP612fic
— Jade (@Antifornicator) June 12, 2014
The long-abandoned pit in Ortigas is deathly quiet. Except for an occasional hiss, like from a giant snake. #RP612fic pic.twitter.com/AZGkXGtSUg
— Jade (@Antifornicator) June 12, 2014
** This had the most favorites and retweets from my #RP612fic posts (among them Paolo Chikiamco — I’m still a little giddy from it). Probably because of the reference I made to an Ortigas urban legend that was very popular during the 1990s. The idea of using this construction site has been in my mind for some time now; it was fortunate that I passed by the area yesterday and I was able to take a photo to accompany my story.
- The giant kaiju is destroying Manila.
“Mary, help us,” whispers the General as he activates the Monolith. #RP612fic pic.twitter.com/CTtiqsfLRB
6:22 PM – 12 Jun 2014 - Rumors were confirmed! It was revealed that VPres Enrile, grandson of the former Senator, was actually JP Enrile in a cloned body. #RP612fic
8:38 PM – 12 Jun 2014 - Little Pepe was grounded after his mom found out that her favorite pair of Manolo Blahnik was thrown in the Pasig River. #RP612fic
9:10 PM – 12 Jun 2014 - “My phone was stolen,” explained Emilio Jacinto when his intimate videos with Andres Bonifacio became the latest public scandal. #RP612fic ***
9:31 PM – 12 Jun 2014
The giant kaiju is destroying Manila. "Mary, help us," whispers the General as he activates the Monolith. #RP612fic pic.twitter.com/CTtiqsfLRB
— Jade (@Antifornicator) June 12, 2014
https://twitter.com/crazyangelblue/status/477067460441804800
https://twitter.com/crazyangelblue/status/477075363856928768
https://twitter.com/crazyangelblue/status/477080787591102465
*** Because I think they are among the cutest slash-pair from the Philippine revolution.
As much fun as it is writing tweet-length fiction, what’s even better is reading through the various submissions: laughing at the historical jokes, being satisfied at noticing the references, and admiring the creativity of many Filipinos on Twitter.
Thank you, Paolo Chikiamco, for coming up with #RP612fic. It’s a great way to celebrate Independence Day, whether you believe in Philippine independence or not.
Mugen: True. But I remember reading more diverse speculative fiction ideas from last year. May naka-stash na akong ideas for next year, hehe.
Last years’ #rp612fic isn’t as festive as this year. Hopefully, a lot of good short stories come up next year.
Ngayon ko lang na-gets yung Edsa pit na tweet mo. Lol.
Dude, you should post more stories next year! I still have some unused ideas I want to try.
Ms. Joanines won the Ms. Universe contests for five years
Hmmm, alternate… make it Portuguese… but hmmm, would we be called Philppines? No, make it Joanines after John I of Portugal.
In an alternate universe, the Germans actually snatched the Philippines from the Spanish, making us their colony and that spared us from Japanese aggression in WWII. Many locals were however forcibly conscripted in the invasion of the French East Indies. When SEATO was formed in 1965, the Philippines was excluded and many SEA nations still demand formal apologies from an adamant Manila.