Palawan Dance Guru Jay Loyola transitioned as a transwoman by the name of Sydney Loyola, reacted on how Dominador Fresnillo, the master of ceremony during the Sikatugyaw Festival opening ceremony at City Coliseum last Feb 4, by addressing her as “Ginoo” or Mister during the awarding rites.
Loyola was given an award by the Provincial Government of Palawan as Champion of the Arts in Dance however she was currently in the United States and failed to accept it personally, but watching the live stream and some videos posted online, she felt disrespected by Fresnillo.
“I was offended by the insensitivity of the host, I specifically requested that I’d be addressed according to the identity I represent, that I’m Trans and I present myself as female and my pronoun is she/her,” Loyola said on a statement sent to Palawan Daily News.
Loyola added that she felt disappointed in how Fresnillo addressed her by the said misgendering. We immediately called the attention of Fresnillo, who works in the Provincial Information Office, regarding Loyola’s reaction. He said that what happened was not intentional. He mentioned that the script he got doesn’t contain Mister or Miss of all the awardees mentioned at that time.
“Nobody briefed me, even Sir Sam. I’m totally unaware. Kung nasaktan man sya—I am expressing apology to her. That was purely unintentional. I am not insensitive. Hindi ko alam kung paano ipapa-abot yan. That was a blunder on my part but that was purely unintentional,” Fresnillo said during a phone interview.
Fresnillo is a veteran host in many events of the Provincial Government for almost four years. He said that he was tasked beforehand in hosting the opening ceremony of Sikatugyaw Festival with former Miss Universe Catriona Gray as a guest.
“If I’ll get a chance to chat with her, hihingi rin ako ng pasensya, I’m totally unaware of the situation and of course by addressing her as Ginoo is purely unintentional because I am unaware of the situation,” Fresnillo explained.
We told Loyola of Fresnillo’s apology, and she accepted it right away and promised to get in touch with Fresnillo to clear the air. Loyola would like to take this as an opportunity for a lesson, not only for Fresnillo, that using correct pronoun and gender preference to trans folks in public events should be properly noted with extra care, misgendering people should be avoided since Palawan especially has a history of Babaylan that is considered gender-neutral and was given high respect.
“Calling out Mr. Fresnillo is not about verifying, it was merely ignorance. It was my invitation to be a part of this dialogue, to fully engage in the articulation of our individual—and our collective humanity. When it comes to the topic of gender, some folks have a hard time understanding the fact than more than two boxes can be checked. Gender identity is complex. It cannot be labeled. How exactly can one go about understanding the concept of gender identity without judging others for being who they are, and most importantly, remaining compassionate without overstepping boundaries? — It’s simple, be respectful. I’m glad to know it was an honest mistake, and I understand where Mr. Fresnillo is coming from. I will reach out to him and Cecilia (Fresnillo’s wife) who happens to be my classmate in high school at Holy Trinity College,” Loyola said.