PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 1

They’re not compliments:

Exploring the Differences in the perceptions of Catcalling Between Men and Women at
the Ages 13 to 19 in Barangay Greater Lagro

Art Vincent Andrew M. Tinio

Shayna Danielle S. Fernandez

Markiel Romina L. Young

Jill Anne G. Uy

11 - Amorsolo

Submitted to:

Mr. Jose Ma. Lorenzo T Fernandez

1st Semester S.Y.

OBMC Fairview

Abstract
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 2

Catcall before was defined as an expression of disapproval at theatrical performances in the form

of a whistle or squeal that mimics the sound of a feline cat. In the present, it is now defined by

many as a term referring to when a ​man ​whistles, yells, hollers or makes a comment on a ​woman

in a sexual manner. Catcalling in the Philippines is rampant and still continues to exist and likely

occurs more with the minors whether they are men or women. The research talks about catcalling

of minors that happened in Brgy. Greater Lagro. We used interviews and online surveys to

gather our information for our research. All in all the researchers got a total of 48 respondents,

42 from the online survey and 6 (3 male and female) interviews. The results showed that even

though catcalling incidents was less than 50%, it still occurs in Brgy. Greater Lagro. Most

victims were women, some were men and other genders. Due to traumatic incidents, some didn’t

share their experience. Few respondents shared their experiences like being called at, telling how

they look sexy, wolf-whistled and more. Because of the experience, most women don’t feel safe

anymore while some men say they can protect themselves from another incident. The results

suggested that stricter implementation of Anti-Catcalling should be done with heavier

punishment to lessen catcallers and the victims.

Introduction
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 3

Back then, men were more privileged than the opposite sex when it comes to what they

can or can’t do and women were not given anything whether it may be their own freedom or

right. During the 1960s, women were not allowed to get their own credit card, work on the jury,

take birth control pills, and study to an Ivy League university (McLaughlin, 2014). Divorce and

laws were only concerned with men’s decisions. Women did not have the right to suffrage. They

were also not allowed to participate in religious practices such as church affairs (Eisenberg &

Ruthsdotter, 1998). Because of these instances, in 1848, women’s rights to suffrage were in

motion. Women’s rights is the fight for the idea that women should have equal rights with men.

(historynet.com/womens-rights). Over history, it has evolved and has taken into many forms:

gaining property rights, right to vote, right to the reproductive system, etc. In the Philippines,

women’s rights were legalized on September 17, 1937. This movement had made women more

active in participating in society. According to Fritzie Rodriguez, writer/reporter of Rappler, ​“In

1998, there were 17,512 government seats available. Of the 63,531 candidates who ran that

year, only 14.3% were women. In 2013, the percentage of women candidates rose to 17.82%.

This means over 36,000 men gunned for seats, while only less than 8,000 women did.” Gender

inequality is still there, however, these changes helped women earn their own rights and freedom

here in the Philippines. In 2010, the Equality Act was introduced which states that people under

this act cannot discriminate or harass and victimize another individual which made women safer

in society. Though these moments were short when an issue arose; unwanted comments,

gestures, honking, ​catcalling or also known as ​Street Harassments,​ b​ ecame a problem mostly to

women and to men as well.

PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 4

The term ​“Catcall” came from the 17th century and it refers to a noise that was used to

express disapproval at theatrical performances in a form of a whistle or squeal that mimics the

sound of a feline cat (“Street Sounds: The Culture of Catcalls”, 2018). To answer the question,

“What is Catcalling?”, Before, its definition was: “a loud or raucous cry made especially to

express disapproval” or “a loud, sexually suggestive call or comment directed at someone

publicly” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). In the present, ​Catcalling ​is a term referring to when a

​ histles, yells, hollers or makes a comment to a ​woman ​in a sexual manner (Steffes, S.,
man w

2017). Nina Bahadur, a writer, had researched and interviewed men in New York and asked why

do they think men catcall women. Based on the results of the research, some men wanted to

appear “macho” or masculine in front of their friends, to exercise their freedom of speech, and to

express their attraction towards the women they like. “A number of men also cited women’s

attractive clothing as a reason to single them out.” (Bahadur, 2014).

A quote from a teenage boy said, “If a girl comes out in tight leggings, and you can see

something back there... I’m saying something.” An example would be the case of AJ Yabut, an

18-year-old student from De La Salle University. AJ, along with her friends, decided to go out

one night and it was unexpected. According to her, if she could have changed one thing about

her outfit, it would be her tank top. They were having fun and just chilling, yet a seemingly nice

guy went beside her. His friends came and started glazing at her as if she was wearing a piece of

meat, giving her dirty looks and started calling her names such as "miss", "ganda", etc. She felt

so degraded and it made her think about how men objectify women and how they think it is

comfortable for women to be labeled with such descriptions, which is not, hence why she feels

very unsafe now whenever she would go out (Bayan, 2016).

PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 5

According to the survey of Social Weather Stations, 88% of women ages 18 to 24

experienced sexual harassment at least once in Payatas and Bagong Silangan, Quezon City.

Across all ages, 12 to 55 and above, wolf-whistling and ​catcalling were the most common forms.

However, 34% of women experienced the “worst forms” of sexual harassment: flashing, public

masturbation, and groping.

There are many cases wherein women were catcalled. This led to many women being

insecure about their bodies and themselves. For example, a few months ago, a construction

worker was arrested in Novaliches, Quezon City for catcalling his neighbor who was just playing

with her dogs (“Construction Worker Arrested”, 2019). Similarly, last November 2017, two

Quezon City policemen catcalled a woman despite ordinance penalizing catcalling in Quezon

City (Associated Press, 2017). Correspondingly, a garbage collector was fired last December

2017 for saying "Idol, ang ganda mo" to a female student who was waiting for a ride in Barangay

Bagumbahay in Project 4 (Talabong, 2017). Because of these events, A new law called the ​“Safe

Spaces Act or Republic Act No. 11313” was signed last April 17, 2019, by President Rodrigo

Duterte and was published on July 15, 2019. It penalizes wolf-whistling, catcalling, misogynistic

and homophobic slurs, unwanted sexual advances, and other forms of sexual harassment in

public places, workplaces, schools, and online.

Although the concern of street harassment, or catcalling has been divulged thoroughly by

several researchers, unfortunately, it is mainly focused on women as the victims. There was little

attention given to the opposite sex, which is why the researchers have decided to inform that not

only women are the ones who face catcalling, hence the emergence of this qualitative study. An

example would be the case of Alex Castro, ​a former SK President and Councilor of Marilao,
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 6

experienced ‘groping incident’ at ​Cosmo Bachelor Bash ​last September 5, 2017. A member of

the audience groped at his private area while he was walking down the ramp at the ​Cosmo

Carnival 2015 ​(ABS-CBN News, 2015). The lack of studies about men being harassed is the

reason why the researchers chose this topic. Most of the research regarding catcalling is

primarily focused on women as it seems to be that the female gender is the more common victim.

Despite some men being harassed, few researches were conducted.

Problem Statement

There has been a significant gender inequality in the scope of sexual harassment. Both

men and women face sexual harassment but they are raised and seen differently. Men experience

catcalling just like how women experience catcalling too. For instance, when Gelo Dionara, a

student, was catcalled by a group of young men and women along Quezon City Circle and was

asked if he wanted to spend the night with them​. Similarly, with Liz Torongan, who faced

sexually offending comments while walking on the streets of Quezon City ( “22 People Share

Their Thoughts”, 2017). Moreover, it is important to realize that catcalling does not only happen

to women but also to men.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is for the researchers to identify the differences of perception of

catcalling between men and women.. This study will also seek to find if men catcalling women is

different or similar to women catcalling men. It will emphasize that catcalling does not choose
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 7

any gender, it can be experienced by anyone whether by their gender or age. Hence, the study

shall also further explore the situations of men who are being ​catcalled.​

Significance of the Study

This study is conducted to prevent, lessen, and inform people about catcalling issues that

are happening here in the Philippines. Future researchers may use this study to further research

about the catcalling for men and its unequal attention that is given by the society. It will also

address the ceaseless incidents of catcalling of both men and women in Quezon City.

Research Questions

The researchers aim to answer the following questions: ​First, how is it that women are

more recognized when it comes to catcalling? Second, are there differences with how both

genders cope up with catcalling? Lastly, how different do men and women perceive catcalling?

Review of Related Literature

Sexual harassment is defined as inappropriate sexual advances, requests for sexual

favors, and other verbal or physical conduct that is deemed sexual in nature. This reference

material states that this type of behavior that is considered “conduct of a sexual nature”, and

that, if unwelcome, may constitute sexual harassment. It also provides examples of sexual

harassment to help visualize the instances of such conduct in our society which are unwanted

sexual statements, unwanted personal attention, and unwanted sexual advances to the

individual/s. A study was conducted to understand what catcalls are; who is or not catcalled;
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 8

and what the consequences could grow out of this practice? Sexual harassment may happen at

work and school environments. ​Stranger harassment occurs in public places and catcalls are a

type of this kind of harassment. Catcalling someone may cause them to blame themselves for

what happens, fear of rape, body-shame, sexual objectification, and public safety. Catcalls are

discussed related to feminist theories that contrasts the romantic traditionalist position and

politicized feminist position. They gathered their data using ​Grounded Theory ​by interviewing

five young Swedish women. The interviewees explained their point of view on catcalling and

the possible consequences from catcalls. According to the women, they understood catcalls as a

“dichotomy between an innocent flirtatious act and harassment that could escalate violence.” It

is a good thing that their interviewees were not biased and that they answer from both feminist

and traditional positions. Also, the interviewees assumed that “if the perpetrator feels safe

enough to catcall and the woman is available, he will pursue his act” (​Sexual Assault

Prevention and Awareness Center, n.d.).

As a result, catcalling may have effects on women’s well being and body image

according to Sophie Fisher, Danielle Lindner, and Christopher J. Ferguson (2017). They used

the “Objectification Theory” to study catcalling. According to Barbara Fredrickson and

Tomi-Ann Roberts (1997), Objectification theory is “a framework for understanding the

experience of being female in a culture that sexually objectifies the female body. The theory

proposes that girls and women, more so than boys and men, are socialized to internalize an

observer’s perspective as their primary view of their physical selves.”. This study was conducted

by making participants watch experimental video and control video. A street wherein a man was

catcalling four women was shown in the experimental video; Meanwhile, in the control video
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 9

showed the same street, same women, and same men but there was no catcalling that happened.

They perceived the effects of catcalling on the participants’ self-objectification and body image

by giving them questionnaires before and after watching. This study was concluded as null for

there were no effects on women’s well being and body image after watching the experimental

video and control video.

According to Fairchild (2010), harassment varies on the “context in the situation” that

affects the preference of the victim. Contextual factors, such as age, time, appeal, race, and

location may affect the preference of the victim. Results of Fairchild’s (2010) study showed that

participants were mostly being sexually harassed once a month. Some people don’t feel harassed

because the perpetrator is attractive or young while some feel harassed because the perpetrator is

unattractive and old. During night time and being alone generates fear, as well as, public places,

public transport, and parks or gardens. When women are with their group of girlfriends, they feel

“less” harassed and see it as flirtation. They also tend to respond when they are with their

girlfriends; however, they don’t verbally respond when they’re alone or when it’s nighttime.

Moreover, women also verbally respond when the perpetrator is young and attractive.

According to the research ​Street harassment as a determinant of self-esteem and

self-objectification among selected female students​, the researchers wanted to raise awareness of

the increasing numbers of catcalling or street harassment that women have experienced in their

daily lives and how it negatively affects the psychological well-being of women. This may result

in women being conscious of their own bodies and that they don’t feel safe wherever they go.

The researchers believed that the reason men were doing these street harassments was to make
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 10

themselves feel superior and at the same time get the attention of women who they feel attracted

to (Manalo et al., 2016). ​Glamour Magazine said that some women are catcalled because of the

choice of clothing, like skimpy or revealing clothes. It has the vibe of “asking for it” that makes

men can’t take control of themselves. They tried to do a little experiment by having seven

women wearing both revealing and conservative clothes. As expected, regardless of clothing,

women still get catcalled. ​According to Newcomer (2016), women who were being catcalled has

increased depression and restricts themselves from social interaction due to the irrational fear of

being catcalled. They get depressed because they don’t feel safe about their bodies anymore.

They have called it “self-objectification”. They are more conscious of their bodies and that

women feel that they’re just “sexual toys” for men. The researchers get their participants from

different colleges or universities within Manila. Results showed that catcalling most happen to

college students when they’re alone and walking towards school. It mostly happens a few times a

month. There are also results from self-esteem and self-objectification which has quite high

results. In conclusion, catcalling results in shame, anxiety, and depression. It also affects the

women’s perceptions about themselves (Rooney, 2016).

Men are also being sexually harassed; however, there are many pieces of research,

information, and issues about women being harassed and only a little about men. Ma. Fatima V.

Bullecer and Trisia Jeun G. Valencia (2017) created a study about young heterosexual men as

victims of street harassment since most studies are for women. According to Gardner (1995), the

definition of street harassment is “that group of abuses, harrying, and annoyances characteristic

of public places and uniquely facilitated by communication in public.” Difference in gender is

evident in cases of harassment, even men can be harassed too, yet there are still few studies
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 11

about them. People should recognize those men who encounter it too. Five men between the ages

20-28 were interviewed and the participants answered without any restriction. The researchers

asked open-ended questions because this encourages the participant to relive and tell their stories

in full description (Waters, 2016). They used thematic analysis, which is “a method for

identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns within data” (Braun & Clarke, 2006). With this,

street harassment can be experienced by men and women because anyone can be victimized.

A bill entitled, The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 has been considered as a

landmark legislation as it finally gave a name and legal recognition to unwelcome sexual

advances. The law defines Sexual Harassment as “committed by an employer, employee,

manager, supervisor, agent of the employer, teacher, instructor, professor, coach, trainer, or any

other person who, having authority, influence or moral ascendancy over another in a work or

training or education environment, demands, requests or otherwise requires any sexual favor

from the other, regardless of whether the demand, request or requirement for submission is

accepted by the object.”. According to the Philippine Commission on Women, “this policy brief

provides the rationale for expanding the coverage of the ​Sexual harassment (SH) and other forms

of sexual violence in public spaces. It is a social issue that is deeply rooted in power relations

between men and women, and underlies the view that women are still deemed as sex objects and

the “weaker sex”.

However, a public proposal was made by Vivien Rose de Guzman (2015) because

Republic Act (RA) 7877 or Anti-Sexual Harassment Act in 1995 does not end sexual harassment

since it is just limited to workplace, education, and training environments; however, sexual
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 12

harassment, as stated by the author, happens in all places and anytime. Hence, a proposal for a

separate Anti-Street Harassment Act. De Guzman (2015) defined street harassment as “A form

of gender-based violence that happens between strangers of opposite sexes in a public space

wherein certain verbal (catcalling, unwanted whistling, sexist slurs, consistent requests for

someone’s name or location after they’ve said no, sexual names, comments, and demands) and

nonverbal expressions (leering, flashing, public masturbation, groping) offend and threaten the

security of the person at the receiving end.”. The Anti-Street Harassment Act can be utilized by

legalizing, preventing, and responding. Legalizing refers to the act, itself, being accepted.

Preventing includes public awareness by asking for help from the NGOs. NGOs can help in

spreading information by organizing events and producing infographics about street harassment.

Preventing also includes providing legal support and attention the victim, as well as, observing

the police and authorities if they’re doing their part in preventing street harassment. Responding

refers to how can the authorities make the people follow the act by giving sanctions and penalties

depending on the severity of the street harassment case. The public proposal was made to

decrease street harassment and create a healthy environment. It also gives importance to mental

health issues since street harassment causes anxiety and depression. The instances that occur

during catcalling are unwanted sexual advances, homophobic slurs, etc. The law was called

“Safe Spaces Act or Republic Act No 11313” which was signed last April 17, 2019. It included

all the street harassment, its degree of offences and penalties such as unwanted sexual innuendos,

propositions, sexual attention, or suggestive comments and gestures. (Trinity College, n.d.)
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 13

When it comes to being apprehended for committing sexual harassment such as any form

of verbal or physical conduct that is deemed sexual in nature., the harshness of the penalty

depends on the offence committed. The penalties will include but not limited to; community

services, payment of fine or imprisonment. This should also be applied in sexual harassments

through the internet as it is considered to be a cybercrime is also included in this law so that

women will be able to increase the safety of sexual harassment that will happen anywhere in

their day-to-day lives.

Methodology
Two methods were applied in this study which is the interview method and the survey

method. The researchers interviewed three male and three female respondents to cite their

anecdote about catcalling (13 to 19 years old) from Brgy. Greater Lagro. A survey was also

conducted through google forms which consist of at least five questions. Our method of

sampling was ​convenience sampling since the researchers reside on Barangay Greater Lagro. By

interviewing three male and two female teenagers, the researchers were able to decipher if there

is a difference between the experiences and perceptions of male and female teenagers when it

comes to catcalling. Correspondingly, by conducting the survey, there were also pieces of strong

evidence and data that shows how both genders see and face catcalling. These methods helped

the researchers to learn and discover more about the effects of catcalling towards teenagers. For

all that, the interview method was challenging for both the researchers and interviewees since

catcalling is a sensitive topic in society today. Despite the fact that it was difficult, the

interviewees were still able to tell their experiences of catcalling properly. Another challenge that
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 14

the researchers were able to face was conducting and sharing the survey. All respondents were

able to give adequate data, however, according to the answers from the survey, 45.8% of the

catcalling incidents did not happen in Greater Lagro.

Data Collection
The data was gathered by taking down field-notes in order to chronologically organize

the evidence that was given by the respondent. Audio recorders from the standardized laptops of

OBMC were used for documentation as detailed reference that the respondents used. The

researchers were able to find secondary sources through online websites, journals, and articles.

Data Analysis
The researchers analyzed the answers of the respondents on the survey and interview by
comparing the similarities and differences of their answers. 59.5% female respondents on the
survey method dominated the other genders which consist of male (33.3%), non-binary (2.4%),
and queer (2.4%). Out of the 42 respondents who answered, there were only 24 respondents that
consist of 2 male, 19 female, and 3 non-binary/queer, were catcalled.

11 out of 24 respondents on the survey method cited their experiences when they were
catcalled. First, a trend was seen on the answers of the 11 respondents, their experiences
happened on the streets and infrastructures such as footbridges. Second, they all emphasized that
they were wearing clothes that weren’t revealing. Third, one was groped while walking on the
footbridge. Lastly, 10 respondents were catcalled by men, while one respondent was catcalled by
gays. Similarly, with the interview method, the two male respondents were catcalled by gays,
and the one male respondent was catcalled by a group of females – while the two female
respondents were catcalled by her batchmate and a construction worker, respectively. The three
male respondents were victimized on the streets, as well as one female respondent – while the
other female respondents were victimized in her school.
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 15

The perpetrators who were mentioned by the 16 respondents (survey and interview) were:
truck driver, pedicab driver, a construction worker, men, homosexuals, and guard. From this, it
can be seen that the incidents of catcalling in Greater Lagro and other areas near Greater Lagro
were being done by men. Catcalling does not also choose the clothing of the victim, as well as
the time of the day since it was mentioned by the respondents that they were catcalled during day
and night. One even mentioned that she was catcalled almost every day. The researchers would
want to emphasize that, the respondents did not mention if the truck driver, pedicab driver, and
guard are either men or women. They would also want to put emphasis on the fact that, not all
the 11 respondents experienced catcalling in Greater Lagro, but they experienced it near Greater
Lagro.

Catcalling has an effect on the victim, it can be seen in both the surveys and the
interviews, 27 out of the 29 respondents have answered that after the incident they felt ashamed,
uncomfortable, conscious, harassed, unsafe, violated, disrespected, objectified, and invaded.
Both men and women had an idea that they were catcalled because of their appearance and
clothing, however, it can be seen that catcalling greatly affected them since they thought that the
reason why they were catcalled was mainly because of their appearance and clothing rather than
thinking of the environment or perpetrator. It also implies that these effects made them react on
the incident because 20 respondents would do an action, 9 would ignore or avoid, and 2 were
undecided or did not answer.

Men and women who were victimized, have the same effects and experiences, except that
the perpetrators of the opposite genders are not the same, as well as how both genders handle the
incident. The perpetrators of men were gay and women, while the perpetrators of women were
men. Men were more likely to respond physically and verbally while women were either going
to do an action or ignore the situation.
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 16

Scope and Limitation

The scope of this study is limited to men and women at the ages 13 to 19 who are living

or working in Barangay Greater Lagro for the researchers used convenience sampling. Interview

of three male and two female respondents was conducted for two consecutive weeks. Survey

through the use of Google forms were sent to the selected institutions, companies, and

organizations for a span of two to three weeks. After which, the data collected, transcribed,

interpreted, and analyzed for three consecutive weeks.

Results

Both the online survey and interview respondents’ were able to answer the questions

provided by the researchers. These answers would be able to aid the researchers in answering the

research questions. The results would be divided into two: the first part would show the answers

from the online survey and the second part would show the answers from the respondents from

the interview.

Online Survey

The online survey was conducted last September 29, 2019, to ensure that many

respondents will be able to answer. Within those weeks, the researchers were able to acquire 42

respondents.
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 17

Figure 1. Genders that answered the survey

Figure 1.2. ​Graph for “Have you ever been a victim of

Catcalling” and genders that answered yes.

The survey is divided into two sections: ​“Yes, I have been catcalled” a​ nd ​“No, I have not

been catcalled”.​ Each section has a set of different questions that corresponds to what the

respondents answer.
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 18

Yes, I have been catcalled section.

Figure 1.3 Graph for the respondents who answered the question, “Did it happen in

Greater Lagro?”

Figure 1.4 Graph for the age when they were catcalled.

The researchers decided to enclose some of the information answered by the respondents.

They also asked if it would be fine if the respondents could share their experiences when they
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 19

were catcalled. The researchers also included that this question is optional as some respondents

may not like sharing their experience. Out of the 24 respondents who answered this question,

only 11 shared their experiences. Most experiences are about being called names or whistled.

After the experience, many respondents said that they don’t feel safe anymore. They feel

anxious, uncomfortable and scared of their surroundings, thinking that it would happen to them

again.

No, I have not been catcalled section.

Here are the tallies for the questions in this section:

Table 1. ​Factors that the respondents think Catcalling is still happening

Factors Number of Respondent’s opinions

Can't resist 4

Men are perverted 7

Appearance 18

Release Sexual Tension 1

Bad Behavior 6

Misinterpreted 1

Tolerated 1

Sense of Entitlement 1

Unclear Answer 3

Table 2​. Responses towards Catcalling

Responses Number of Respondents

PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 20

Do an action 20

Ignore or Avoid 9

Undecided 1
No Answer 1

Lastly, men and women shared what their perception of catcalling is. 22 women said that

catcalling was it was sexual harassment, disgusting, disrespectful and is something to be frowned

upon. While 5 men have the same idea with women but what makes it different was that they

included that catcalling is not only exclusive to one gender, it can happen in any gender whether

male, gay, lesbian, etc. Some respondents added that it was sad how catcalling is very common

not only to adults but to minors as well.

Interview

The researchers were able to interview six (6) (3 female and 3 male) minors that

experienced catcalling. The tables below showed the questions and their answers. The

respondents’ names were redacted for information privacy.

Participant A (Female):

Questions Respondent’s answer

Question 1: What is your perception of Participant A: I think it is wrong kasi parang

catcalling? it puts them in power over girls na cinacatcall
nila and yung cinatcall naman parang wala
naman magagawa ung girl right diba kasi
wala naman siyang proof like kasuhan sila
and yeah parang it affects your mental health
pag cinatcall.
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 21

Question 2: Please provide a brief description Participant A: Noong first time ako
of how you were catcalled. na-catcall was— 2 years ago, when I was 12,
so, since nasa village ako, mag-isa akong
umaalis ng bahay, so pag umaalis ako ––
parang— may construction worker sa village,
so sila yung usually, nag-cacatcall

Interviewer:​ anong ginawa niya sayo?

Participant A​: name calling like “psss [name

calling]” parang uncomfortable

Question 3: How did you feel when you were Participant A: To be honest di ko alam kung
catcalled? anong gagawin ko –– kung dadaan na lang ba
ko or do I call them out kasi –– takot ako
kung ano magagawa nila sakin

Question 4: Do you have any idea why you Participant A: ​Feel ko wala naman kasi
were being catcalled? akong nagawang mali -- um in my position
parang I’m just doing what I want and in
cases of catcalling nandun lang naman yun eh.
Even if I cover up macacatcall at macacatcall
din naman. So in my position, I didn’t do
anything.

Question 5: Do you still feel safe after the Participant A: No kasi it will happen naman.
experience? Why? Hindi naman maaavoid yun.

Question 6: How did you cope up with this Participant A: ​Since wala naman akong
experience? magagawa, at first I stayed silent pero I
opened up sa friends ko and sa family ko and
parang I let it past nalang since wala naman
na talaga akong magagawa.
Figure 1. Participant’s A (female) answers

Participant B (Female):

Questions Respondent’s answer

Question 1: What is your perception of Participant B​: Sobrang laking issue ng

catcalling? catcalling sa Pilipinas at sa tingin ko di naman
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 22

mawawala yun. Siguro ang pwede natin

gawin para maiwasan ito ay mag ingat at
maging handa palagi sa kung anong pwedeng
mangyari. Dapat matuto ang mga babae na
ipaglaban yung sarili nila at yung kalayaan
natin na iexpress yung gusto natin sa paraan
ng pananamit.

Question 2: Please provide a brief description Participant B​: Nasa school ako non and may
of how you were catcalled. mga kalevel ko na cinatcall ako kahit
nakauniform lang tapos nung may dance club
medyo revealing kasi ung suot ko non kasi
kailangan tapos ayun sila ulit parang
tinitignan nila yung ano ko.

Question 3: How did you feel when you were Participant B​: Siyempre mas naconsious ako
catcalled? and ayun nabastos.

Question 4: Do you have any idea why you Participant B: Siguro kasi ung body ko or
were being catcalled? sadyang ganon lang talaga sila. Kasi kahit
anong gawin ko kahit magbalot o hindi
nacacatcall parin ako ng mga tao.

Question 5: Do you still feel safe after the
experience? Why?
Participant B:​ After ko macatcall, I never
felt safe around those boys anymore.
Nagkaroon ako ng awareness na “ay may
ganito sila so kailangan iwasan ko tong mga
to.” Hindi sa takot ako pero its my way to
prevent being catcalled.

Question 6: How did you cope up with this Participant B:​ Sinumbong ko sila sa teacher
experience? tapos ngayon iniiwasan ko nalang din sila.
Figure 2. Participant’s B (female) answers

Participant C (Female):

Questions Respondent’s answer

Question 1: What is your perception of Participant C: ​It’s very disrespectful.

catcalling?
Interviewer:​ Yung pagtawag raw ng mga
lalaki sa babae ay compliment lang daw yun.
Ano masasabi mo about dun?

Participant C: ​Disrespectful parin siya kasi

PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING
Question 2: Please provide a brief description
of how you were catcalled.
Question 3: How did you feel when you were
catcalled?
Question 4: Do you have any idea why you
were being catcalled?
Question 5: Do you still feel safe after the
experience? Why?
Question 6: How did you cope up with this
experience?
Figure 3. Participant’s C (female) answers
Participant D (Male):
Questions
Question 1: What is your perception of
catcalling?
Question 2: Please provide a brief description
of how you were catcalled.
23
hindi naman lahat ng tao pare-pareho yung
pag-iisip na kung compliment ba yun o hindi.
Participant C: ​Galing ako sa school and
pumunta kami sa Robinsons para maggrocery.
Paglabas namin sa store may mga lalaki na
nakaupo dun sa may benches. Bigla akong
tinawag ng lalaki at sinabi “Uy Miss,
pamasahe naman oh.”
Participant C: ​Sumama loob ko dun kasi
isipin mo, straight from school tapos
nagmimind lang naman ako ng sariling
business tapos biglang gaganunin ka.
Participant C: ​Hindi ko alam. I mean,
nakauniform naman ako? As far as I know,
naglalakad lang naman ako.
Participant C: ​Hindi na honestly. Lagi kasi
kaming pumupunta dun sa mall, madalas ako
pa magisa. After the experience na yun,
sinabihan na ako ng mom ko na huwag na
raw ako pumunta sa mall magisa.
Participant C: ​Nagrant na lang ako sa
friends ko kesa naman sa ikeep ko sa sarili ko.
Respondent’s answer
​ articipant D​: ​Uhh ung perception ko sa
P
catcalling nakakaoffend siya kasi di mo
naman kilala yung tao tapos bigla ka nalang
tatawagin tas kung ano ano sasabihin tas yun
edi siyempre mahihiya ka pagkatapos nun.
Participant D​: ​Eto kasi yung nangyari --
nung naglalakad ako papuntang OB may
susunduin dapat ako kaso nung dumaan ako
sa BDO may dalawang gay tas yung isa sabi
niya sa akin "Hi Kuya, baka naman." mga
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING
Question 3: How did you feel when you were
catcalled?
Question 4: Do you have any idea why you
were being catcalled?
Question 5: Do you still feel safe after the
experience? Why?
Question 6: How did you cope up with this
experience?
Figure 4. Participant’s D (male) answers
Participant E (Male):
Questions
Question 1: What is your perception of
catcalling?
Question 2: Please provide a brief description
of how you were catcalled.
24
ganon kasi ang weird naman non di ko naman
sila kilala tapos bigla kang tatawagin tapos
yun na nga siyempre same sex diba tapos
tatawaging "hi kuya" edi weird yun.
Participant D​: ​Wala naman akong
naramdaman. Nahiya lang ako medyo pero
okay naman.
Participant D: ​Siguro desperate na ung mga
gay hahaha ewan ko.
Participant D: ​Oo safe na safe kasi kaya ko
pa naman depensahan ung sarili ko kung may
mangyayaring problema o iba.
Participant D: ​Wala -- wala akong ginawa
pagkatapos nun kinalimutan ko nalang.
Respondent’s answer
Participant E: ​Panong perception?
Interviewer: ​Kung ano tingin mo sa
Catcalling. Kasi diba may controversy na ang
Catcalling raw is when men catcalls women.
Para sayo ano yung tingin mo?
Participant E: ​Catcalling sa akin, hindi lang
siya applicable sa babae, applicable siya sa
lahat, babae, lalaki, bisexual. Harassment na
siya sa lahat kasi wala ng consent. Yung
parang finoforce ka o binabastos ka na lang.
Participant E: ​Habang tumitingin ako ng
damit, may lalaking biglang humarang sa akin
tapos inaalok alok ako bumili ng damit. Tapos
biglang hinawakan yung kamay ko tapos
sabay sabi “Baby, baby, sige na bili ka na sa
akin.” Hindi naman na siya naging aggressive
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING
Question 3: How did you feel when you were
catcalled?
Question 4: Do you have any idea why you
were being catcalled?
Question 5: Do you still feel safe after the
experience? Why?
Question 6: How did you cope up with this
experience?
Figure 5. Participant’s E (male) answers
Participant F (Male):
Questions
Question 1: What is your perception of
catcalling?
Question 2: Please provide a brief description
of how you were catcalled.
25
kasi andun parents ko pero nakakatakot parin.
Participant E: ​Natakot kasi andun na yung
parents ko pero nacatcall parin ako.
Participant E: ​Most likely na nacacatcall
dahil maganda o gwapo, mostly physical
attributes.
Participant E: ​Hindi. Nung hindi pa ako
nacacatcall, feel ko safe pa ako kasi lalaki
naman ako, wala naman mang-gaganun sa
akin o mambabastos sa akin. After nun,
parang naiba na yung paningin ko na hindi
lang pala yung mga babae ang nacacatcall.
Natakot na rin ako
Participant E: ​Wala naman ako masyadong
ginawa. Inintindi ko na lang yung situation.
Ang tumulong sa akin talaga yung mom ko.
Sabi niya sa akin na pag pumilit parin,
humingi na ako ng tulong. Huwag raw ako
masyado magdwell dun sa nangyari.
Respondent’s answer
Participant F: ​Sa akin, it’s not exclusive to
one gender. Hindi lang siya by words, it can
both go ways to men, women. It’s either
verbal or physical basta naooffend ung tao.
Participant F: ​Nangyari yun sa simbahan,
pero hindi nangyari during mass. May
napansin kasi ako nung tuwing mass, may
isang grupo ng babae na hindi nagfofocus sa
mass parang nakatitig sa akin. Tapos after ng
mass, yung mga babae unti-unti lumalapit na
to the point na katabi ko na. Nakita ko yung
katabi ko na babae parang nilalapit niya yung
kamay niya sa **** ko. Nung tumayo ako,
parang nahawakan niya yung **** ko tapos
sabi ng babae “Ay sorry hindi ko sinasadya.”
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 26

Pero hindi ako naniwala kasi nga nakita ko na

kanina na nilalapit niya yung kamay niya dun.
After noon, umalis na ako kasi nasa simbahan
kasi. Ayoko magcause ng scene.

Question 3: How did you feel when you were Participant F: ​Nakakabastos kasi. It’s
catcalled? exactly how one would react. Kasi diba
naharass ako physically.

Question 4: Do you have any idea why you Participant F: ​Siguro, sa physical appeal
were being catcalled? narin. Sorry ah pero wala naman kasi
nacacatcall na panget eh.

Question 5: Do you still feel safe after the
experience? Why?
Participant F: ​Yeah. I still feel safe pa
naman. As me, I know naman na I can protect
myself. Hindi rin kasi talaga maiwasan yung
mga ganito. Kaya the best thing I can do
myself is to protect myself and know what’s
right or wrong.

Question 6: How did you cope up with this Participant F: ​Tanggap ko naman na
experience? nangyayari sa lipunan natin, though
nalulungkot ako. Kaya wala akong ginawa.
Figure 6. Participant’s F (male) answers

Discussion

After the online survey, a total of 42 respondents responded to the survey, and majority

of these respondents were women (59.5%). Other than this, it is also important to note that

majority of the 42 respondents who answered the survey said that they have been catcalled, and

this majority is mostly made up of women. For the respondents, catcalling was described as

completely inappropriate, disgusting, and sexually harassing which results to the victims feeling

unsafe and insecure about themselves. The product of catcalling is the victim becoming affected

psychologically about his or her safety, clothes, and behaviour in the community.
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 27

The respondents who were catcalled said that most of them were catcalled outside of

Greater Lagro and their ages were or are 16 to 19. The respondents were asked to share their

experiences on being catcalled if it would be fine by them but out of the 24 respondents who

answered that question, only 11 shared their personal experiences. These experiences include

name-calling and whistling by the catcaller to the victim and after this, they began to feel as if

their danger was at risk whenever they go out. Respondents were asked on what they think is the

cause of them being catcalled and the majority answered that it was because of their own

appearance that could have attracted or attracted the attention of these catcallers. And with this in

mind, a major part of the respondents believe that catcalling must be solved through action.

Based on the answers of the respondents from the interview, they all seem to have a

similar idea to how Catcalling affects them, it is certain that Catcalling causes the victim to feel

discomfort and violated as they are interacted with in an inappropriate manner verbally or

physically. When they were asked on the reason as to why they were catcalled, they believe that

appearance is the main factor for them to be a “target” in catcalling.

Conclusion

The researchers were able to identify the perceptions of both men and women and it has

been realized that catcalling is possible to occur for men, disproving that the concept or idea that

Catcalling is something gender-exclusive. For women, they view catcalling as an issue here in

the Philippines wherein they cannot do anything and it disrespects them as well as affect their

mental health. While for men, they see catcalling as an issue due to the fact that can also happen
PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 28

for them and it offends them. There are different perceptions between the two genders because it

can be a factor in how it affects how their experience(s) on the matter. Based on the results of the

data, women experience catcalling often than men and with this, they are are more recognized

since they experience this issue more than men. In coping up with catcalling, women shared their

experience with their friends and family and they avoided this from happening again, while men

did not do anything, being more tolerant of the matter. Also, women often experience catcalling

more than men because ever since before, women were under men and that according to

Eisenberg and Ruthsdotter, women did not have the right to suffrage way back 1960s. As stated

in the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, catcalling someone may cause them to

fear of body-shame, and public safety; some victims of catcalling felt unsafe whenever they are

in public and became more conscious about themselves.

Recommendations

The researchers recommend a larger sample size so that it will give a stronger and

detailed results of the different perceptions and experiences of both genders. Also, the

researchers recommend getting an equal number of male and female respondents to have more

precise data. Spreading surveys or forms should also be done for a longer time, as well as, the

release of the survey through the whole scope or location of the study. Researchers should also

be mindful of organizing the data given by the survey for it sometimes give no or unserious

answer. Additionally, researchers should explore the place more so that it will not be difficult to

identify if the Catcalling incident really happened in Greater Lagro.

PERCEPTIONS OF CATCALLING 29

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