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 to 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 aims to enlighten viewers by giving you five new friends to root for.
Here are Manilennials’ five unique individuals that will make you say “ravern!” (“laban” or fight in normal-speak):
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-trapped 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.
Chai Fonacier as Eye, 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.
Nicco Manalo as Art, the ambitious and loyal wannabe rapper
Empathetic and unassuming, Art is one of the 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.”
Mela Habijan as Ruth, the hardworking, to-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.
Ria Atayde as Missi, 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.
Manilennials now streams for free on the iWant app (iOs and Android) or iwant.ph.