Millennials are often labeled as lazy, self-entitled, and conceited by older generations. If they’re not asserting their opinions online, they could be writing an essay’s worth of feelings for all too see.
It has been said that they’re notorious job-hoppers who seem to always want more and are easily offended. Are they too optimistic, too cynical, or too “woke”?
Whether they’re true or not, these so-called characteristics have been the subject of many thinkpieces and practical jokes.
But is there more to these stereotypes than meets the eye? What does it mean to be a millennial living in Manila today?
Enter iWant’s ~unfiltered~ dark comedy original series “Manilennials,” which depicts the challenges and social issues that millennials in Manila get to face on a daily basis. Here, Fifth Solomon, Chai Fonacier, Nicco Manalo, Mela Habijan, and Ria Atayde star as five friends navigating their ambitions, identities, and values while finding themselves, with the busy and colorful rollercoaster ride that is Manila as their backdrop.
Written and directed by millennials for millennials and even produced by an all-millennial team, “Manilennials” is sure to enlighten viewers and will give you five new friends to root for.
Here are “Manilennial’s” five unique individuals that will make you say “ravern!” (“laban” in normal-speak):
1. FIFTH SOLOMON AS KIKO, THE BROKE BUT ENTITLED BUM
Kiko, 29, is an openly gay man, frustrated with his career, and has a hard time motivating himself. He knows that he hasn’t amounted much in life, especially being almost 30 years of age. Always cash-strapped as he keeps refusing jobs he thinks are “below” him, Kiko doesn’t have a stable relationship and can be quite dishonest with himself.
Although he is a sweetheart on the inside, he uses anger and bitterness to hide his weaknesses and shortcomings and defend his point of view.
2. CHAI FONACIER AS YEYE, THE PRIVILEGED, WOKE ARTIST
The anti-hipster hipster. Yeye may be a pansexual, drunkard chain-smoker, but she is also a talented artist full of wit. She tries hard to be politically aware but often forgets to factor in her privileges. And even though she seems self-assured, Yeye also secretly yearns people’s affection and approval.
Aside from her poetic slangs and philandering, her eclectic and quirky outfits are also to watch out for.
3. NICCO MANALO AS ART, THE AMBITIOUS AND LOYAL WANNA-BE RAPPER
Empathetic and unassuming, Art is the one of nicest guys you will ever meet. He works in a call center and finds stability in his job, but on the side, he aspires to be known as a rapper online. He tries his best to improve his performances, but comes off as “trying hard.”
Regardless, he is a reliable and loyal friend, who surprisingly is also a romantic.
4. MELA HABIJAN AS RUTH, THE HARDWORKING, NO-TIME-FOR-LOVE GO-GETTER
Conservative and old-fashioned Ruth is a pre-op transwoman who is a caterer by profession and always strives to be successful. Her driven attitude stems from her need to prove to other people her self-worth. This makes dating just an unnecessary distraction to her.
Self-motivation fuels her, but this trait also makes her susceptible to disingenuous influences.
5. RIA ATAYDE AS MISSY, THE BUBBLY AND UNAPOLOGETIC ASPIRING LAWYER
Although she is the kikay-type, perky, and social media savvy, Missy is also vain and insecure about her looks. Although a brilliant pre-law student, she has this idealistic views on relationships and life in general, and the parameters she sets hinders her from fostering a healthy relationship. She’s at ease, unapologetic, and even protective of her “burgis” status.
In truth, she is haunted by the death of her dad, which affects her relationships, especially with her mother, whom she still lives with.
Grab your friends and binge-watch “Manilennials,” now streaming for free on the iWant app (iOs and Android) or iwant.ph. For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWant, and follow @iwant on Twitter and @iwantofficial and on Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantPH.
