While we have made leaps and bounds in technological advancements, we still live in a world where something as inherently human as love is controlled by society’s old conventions and traditions. And while modern ideologies now persist, it is surprising to see that even in 2019, notions on age gaps, same-sex relationships, and cultural differences continue to divide today’s world.
So much so that while 90% of today’s Filipino youth dream of a world where people are free to be with the person they’re attracted to, less than half actually feel they have that freedom to do so, fearing shame or discrimination when pursuing seemingly unconventional relationships.
While support from family and close friends remains the key factor in breaking barriers when it comes to love, what we see around us on TV, movies and social media also provides an avenue to unlock conversations around long-standing relationship stereotypes. Closeup takes this matter to heart as its purpose – showing and championing different kinds of love and mutual respect for all on various platforms, in order to create a society where instead of imposing rules on love, we let love rule.
“We, at Closeup, believe that everyone should have the freedom to love, regardless of gender, race, social status, age or religion,” says Carmela Guno, Closeup Philippines Brand Manager. “Through our #FreetoLove campaign and the diverse stories we showcase, we hope to realize our vision of a world where people can get closer to each other, without doubts or fears of judgement or prejudice, ultimately allowing love to rule.”
Closeup #LoveRules Exhibit
Bringing this campaign to life, Closeup recently held its #LoveRules Exhibit, an interactive event celebrating all kinds of love through a panel discussion and different mediums of art.
Scattered around the event were four murals created by graffiti artist Jappy Agoncillo, each highlighting a perceived barrier to relationships and celebrating how Filipino couples overcome these differences – from age and cultural gaps, the stigma around online dating, to acceptance of LGBTQIA couples – championing love above all else.
Providing entertainment for the event were spoken word artists Carla Nicoyco and Alfonso Manalastas, and singer BP Valenzuela. These artists shared their personal works reflecting their experiences of love and how they choose to empower others to love freely.
Andi Eigenmann 
EG Bautista and director Gino Santos
Further opening up the conversation around #LoveRules, Closeup also held a panel discussion, facilitated by Vicky Herrera, focusing on celebrating and fighting for all forms of love, even in a society where love still has rules. The panel consisted of four outspoken and open-minded individuals, each with their own story of finding love without fear or doubts.
Radio DJ and host Katz Salao talked about being confident in going after what she wants, and even making the first move, going against the Maria Clara stereotype of Filipina women. Mother of two, Andi Eigenmann, spoke of leaving the pressures of Manila and showbiz, and eventually finding freedom to love despite what everyone else expected of her.
Issa Pressman 
Katz Salao
Indoor cycling instructor EG Bautista shared his coming out experience, and overcoming his fear of judgement of his same-sex relationship. Finally, actress and entrepreneur Issa Pressman discussed how she remains open to the possibilities of life, even as her relationships unfold in the public eye.
By bringing forward and highlighting these diverse stories in its #FreeToLove campaign, Closeup continues to empower everyone to get close and choose love, hoping to create a more accepting and respectful world. Where love has rules, take a stand and let love rule.
To learn more about Closeup’s #FreetoLove campaign, visit https://freetolove.closeup.ph/about.