The 12th of June marks the country’s celebration of Independence Day and is observed by Filipinos as a regular holiday.
On the internet, this usually signifies the rebirth of a well-loved tradition known as the #RP612Fic, a comedic, modernized retelling of the nation’s history as narrated by netizens.
With the hashtag #RP612fic, or “Republic of the Philippines June 12 fiction,” Filipinos posted flash fiction on historical characters and events with a contemporary spin. These are often shared with pictures and clips, some edited, as an alternative to historical narratives every year.
The hashtag made its way to the top of the country’s trending list once again as users shared their wittiest to the most absurd entries, topping one after another.
Here’s one in context with celebrity vlogger Alex G.’s viral “cake-smearing scene.”
The legendary Battle of Mactan did not escape from the trend as another user posted a “reenactment” of their ferocious combat.
In another tweet, a user posted Tandang Sora’s album, T.S. 1899, in a parody of one of American artist Taylor Swift’s hit albums, T.S. 1989.
Here’s a clip of “Kween Katipunera” Yasmin Marie Asistido covering the historical “Cry of Pugadlawin.”
The same user also posted a photo of sexy vlogger Toni Fowler edited as another “Katipunera” who embodies the viral lyrics of her song M.P.L.
A Twitter user shared a “rare footage brave Katipunera” using the trendy local toy “lato-lato” to fight off enemies.
The same user posted Miss Universe titleholder Michelle Dee’s pageant walk as a way of “dodging the Spaniards’ bullet”.
