Words by: Paolo Vera, Year 13
SPOILER ALERT: If you aren’t caught up with the TV show, please don’t continue reading this post…
Okay, so the Philippines isn’t exactly Westeros. There aren’t any dragons flying over us – just delayed PAL flights – and winter is definitely not coming anytime soon (or ever). However, the politics in our country does resemble the feudal system present in the world of Game of Thrones. Like in Westeros, where Lords and Ladies are given dominion over certain areas of land, provinces in the Philippines tend to be dominated by a single family. You may have even heard the term ‘dynasty’ thrown around. This, however, is not the only parallel between the Philippines and Westeros. The current presidential race is starting to shape up strikingly similar to the events on the show:
Vice President Binay – Is he as rich as a Lannister?
Binay isn’t the most liked man on social media right now. Facing numerous graft charges and countless political scandals, the Binay family is in a bit of a mess. However, like the Lannisters, the Binays are currently in power and – if the allegations are true – have access to a ridiculous amount of money. Both the Binays and the Lannisters are also known for worming themselves out of difficult situations, so don’t count the VP out yet; after all, he is known for his cunning. Just like the Lannisters during the War of Five Kings, Binay pulled a surprise comeback in the 2010 Vice Presidential elections and beat out current Presidential opponent Mar Roxas for the VP slot.
Mar Roxas – Stag of the ruling Liberal Party
Okay, so even though he’s not the most popular character on the show – definitely not popular with his daughter Shireen – Stannis Baratheon is technically the rightful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. As his older brother King Robert had no rightful heirs (his “kids” being born out of #twincest), Stannis is second in line to the throne, which is why the honorable Ned Stark endorsed Stannis’ claim. Like Stannis, Mar is also backed by a powerful endorsement, that of current President Noynoy. Mar also has some serious experience in his tenure as a public servant – serving as a Congressman, a Senator and in numerous cabinet positions across three presidencies. Indeed, it is Stannis’ military experience that compels Ned to support him, thus drawing another parallel between the two pragmatic men.
Grace Poe – Winning back the throne for her father
It’s no secret that the 2004 Philippine Presidential elections were probably rigged. Ex-president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo isn’t known for her honest, trustworthy character, after all. It is hence widely believed that Grace’s father, “King of Philippine Movies” Fernando Poe Jr., should have won the metaphorical “Iron throne.” Although FPJ did sue GMA for electoral fraud, the Supreme Court – filled with Gloria’s cronies, go figure – ruled the case in favor of GMA. Tragically, FPJ died later that year. Fast-forward to today, and Grace Poe, FPJ’s adopted daughter, is taking the political scene by storm. Topping the 2013 senatorial elections, the neophyte senator has now thrown her hat into the ring for the 2016 elections. She is, after all, topping every single survey published. Grace has been frequently compared to another powerful, strong-willed female character looking to restore her family name…none other than the Mother of Dragons herself, Daenerys Targaryen. Both of the two feisty females have spent a long time away from home, with Grace working in the USA and Khaleesi busy liberating Slaver’s Bay in Essos. But make no mistake, these women mean business – even if both ladies lack in ruling experience.
The threat beyond The Wall: China
Creeping in from the north and slowly encroaching our land, China are basically the White Walkers. And we should be very scared. There is no magical ice wall protecting us from this threat.
Ultimately though, whether Stark or Lannister, Poe or Binay, in both Westeros and the Philippines, your last name in politics matters.
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