By Graziella Roberto
Filipinos are known for their friendliness and how they warmly welcome everyone. Thursday’s episode of “Iskoolmates” delved into the special connections of “Zoomers” or Generation Z friendships in an episode titled “Gen Z Friendships: Beyond Labels and Stereotypes.”
Hosts James Ramada and Tricia Bersano graciously welcomed the two friendship duos—Jims Vasquez and Ria Corocoto, the straight guy and girl best friends; and Lance Christian Juarez and Renz Allen Mayag, the straight guy and openly gay best friends. The best friend tandem shared their insights and experiences on their friendships and how to overcome the challenges they’ve encountered.
Different Yet Unfiltered Communication
The episode started by tackling how the guests described their friendship dynamics. Ria answered it, stating, “I really push the conversation. When I’m the one who’s chatting, I really go all in on what I want to say—I will really say it. Sometimes, Jims just become speechless.”
According to Jims, he responded to her chats by simply reacting to it.
Moreover, Lance and Renz also shared how they shared conversations. They said that Lance is the one who will start the conversation and will stop chatting once Renz replies. He said he teased Renz to add thrill to their conversation.
Despite their differences, they discussed their shared similarities, stating, “We have different hobbies but we still find common ground—like on-the-spot impromptu. If he’s g[ame], then I’m also g[ame].”
Building Boundaries
The discussion continued on exploring opposite-gender friendship and its boundaries. The guests were asked if they would allow their romantic partners if he/she has a GBF (girl best friend) or BBF (boy best friend).
Lance expressed his opinion, stating, “For me, it’s okay to have friends of the opposite gender but only to a certain level of closeness unlike you and your partner have. You should be best friends with each other.”
Ria also pointed out her side, stating, “I won’t cut Jims off, but I will distance myself from him… of course, I have to respect my partner and think about what he’s thinking because I want him to have peace of mind.”
She added that she has a physical boundary with Jims. Their physical contract is through fist bumps and high-fives only.
The hosts furthermore discussed with the guests on how they explain to their families the friendships they have since the older generations are often to misconceptions and stereotypes. They said that they clarify to their families that the friendships they have are truly platonic.
“My parents are traditional but through the course of times their beliefs have changed. My family is becoming open because our family has an LGBT member. So, they get why my Renz is my friend,” Lance added.
Other Challenges Considered
The episode also tackled the challenges of friendship in today’s generation, and the traits the guests find on choosing a friend.
They shared their perceptions about friendships based on the experiences they’ve shared with one another.
The episode ends with a bottom line: friendships should be not what they can do for you, but about what you can do for them. Through the love and effort you pour, a friendship may last for a lifetime.
-jpv
