It’s no doubt that we, Filipinos, love horror or supernatural stories and movies. We live for goosebumps, jumpscares, and the eerie atmosphere. We even believe in mythical creatures — yep, funny how they’re called ‘mythical’ yet we believe in them. But, it doesn’t end there. People love dressing up in costumes inspired by different horror films, especially during Halloween. And now that the spooky season has finally come… so has Gabriel Jacinto, the Dark King BR loves.
What’s in the Dark?
Gabriel, aka Gab, is a horror movie enjoyer and a dark concept enthusiast. From movies to fashion, he’ll surely be your go-to person for anything spooky. Horror movie recos? He’s got a list of them. Need fashion inspos? Girl, he can send you ideas in a snap! But of course, he won’t give you the basic fits, he’ll introduce you to unique and underrated ones, which you’ll also love, no matter how dark they seem. After all, it’s the creativity that counts!
Gab’s love for horror started when he watched the Japanese version of The Ring. Yes, the one with the ever-famous Sadako who crawls out of the TV — which most of us feared when we were kids! But, Gab was built differently. Instead of getting scared, he loved it. Looking back, he didn’t know why… but as he grew up, he realized it’s because he liked the concept of women avenging themselves and making their offenders pay for what they’ve done to them. Basically, it’s anything tragic.
Aside from loving horror films, his fashionista side also came to light. Although he said that his outfits depend on the era he’s hyperfixating on, he has this love for vintage looks — which is also related to dark concepts — that will never go away. He enjoys pink and pastel-colored fits, as an ode to the Marina and the Diamonds band. He also found delight in pearls as the movie Spencer revolved around Princess Diana and, of course, showcased her iconic and timeless fashion choices. Now, he’s deeply engrossed with Southern Gothic aesthetic infused with religious details, which definitely has dark elements in it. And this is because he appreciates the artistry and discography of Ethel Cain, who also helped him realize that his relationship with the supreme being depends on him and that no one can tell him otherwise. So it really depends on what he’s currently into, but it surely is and will be outside the norm as they usually revolve around dark concepts.
Beyond the Dark
Gab’s fascination with horror has a deeper meaning. Movies, particularly horror, became his escape from reality, especially from being bullied and outcasted. It became his coping mechanism or a way to release his emotions, “Para hindi super damdamin (yung ginagawa sa kanya),” he mentioned. Nevertheless, his way of coping was a success as he escaped from it and even enhanced his creativity.
Did the Dark Ever Get Dimmer?
Of course, since his interests were not on the usual side, there was a possibility that some of them did not sit well for some people. So, we asked him about it. He said that, “Lagi akong nasasabihan na ‘Ba’t ganiyan mga hilig mo?’” Though he said that he was not made fun of and people were not upfront about it, he surely felt the mockery in their words and tone. He felt the judgment — and sadly, even from the people he loves. Gab also shared similar experience regarding his outfits, mostly middle to old-aged adults who look at him in a judgmental way and use bading as a mockery toward him.
But, this did not stop him from enjoying his interests and dressing however he wants.. He just hopes that, “Hindi na gamitin yung “bading” as an insult when someone dresses differently. ‘Wag nang pakialamanan ‘yung iba, if it won’t hurt you to say it ‘wag nang sabihin.” And for those judgmental people, he has a word for them, “Open your mind — be more open na people will have different expressions and as long wala namang na-ha-harm, ‘wag na silang i-judge.”
And honestly, we agree. After all, it’s just interests and fashion choices. And just like Halloween, it’s supposed to be fun.
As the Halloween King
Halloween parties are also a thing in BR. And in 2022, Gab proved that he is indeed the Halloween King as he won the Best Dressed LGBTQ award. This costume became one of his favorites since he performed as an angel that progressed into a fallen bloody being. Aside from this, although he did not win in 2023, he also loved his priest outfit for Halloween. You see, Gab is truly a King when it comes to Halloween concepts because he always makes sure that his ideas are unique and unconventional. In fact, he already has an idea for his next costume, so you better watch out for this year’s contest!
The Gothic King Will Always Slay
To end, it’s really funny how people choose to judge simply because they don’t share the same interests as others. In Gab’s case, some people are not impressed with his fashion choices. But the good news? They can continue criticizing ‘cos this is not a problem for him; he doesn’t care about their opinions because he’s not here to impress them — he’s doing it for himself, to express who he is while thoroughly enjoying things he likes.
On another note, let Gab be our inspiration to never lose ourselves and to not be ashamed of what makes us happy – even if it’s as quirky as a love for Halloween. In the end, it’s not their lives, and they wouldn’t care if we had regrets. So, let’s embrace our individuality, express ourselves in different ways, and as long as we’re not stepping on anyone and are genuinely happy, that’s what matters. So this Halloween, whether you want to be a Disney Princess, the Black Swan, Dracula, or even the Grim Reaper, go for it! What matters most is your happiness.
And as for Gab? Well, just watch out and see what his costume will be this Halloween.
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