Days Of Girlhood: Fhukerat And The Sweet Aftertaste of Social Stardom

Candies have a way of leaving behind a sweetness that lingers long after the last bite, tickling our taste buds and leaving us craving more. That’s exactly the effect social media sensation Fhuerat has on us. With every post, we’re left longing for the delightful aftertaste they bring, eager for what’s next.

As we close out September with Metroscene Mag's "Days of Girlhood" issue, we sat down for an honest and heartwarming chat with Fhuerat, where they shared the sweet, bittersweet moments of their life.

Mysterious First Bite 

Trying out a new candy could give us a mix of emotions; curiosity, excitement, fear, or even agitation; full of mysteries and uncertainty, just like how social media works. This is how Fhukerat described when asked about how her online life was going;

“I started 4 moths ago and I never imagine this anything to happened. Many creators begin their work only for enjoyment at first, with no expectation of becoming well-known. But, if their material strikes a chord with others, it can unintentionally take off.”

Most TikTok content creators used the platform for different purposes, and for Fhukerat, it was solely for entertainment. Posting videos that view counts does not really have that much gravity over the stats of her account, and an account that does not gain that much attention. It was until her paths met with the circle of friends that a lot of netizens were always anticipating for as their comedic relief. 

This circle personifies an invisible bond, a candy with a tough coat and frenzy chewy filling. 

Since before the pandemic era, penpal and sending out letters were already a culture, that was why socializing online as a norm was never weird. For Fhukerat, meeting friends online and from the distance were the same as the ones we make in real life since they offer support, diverse perspectives, comfort, wisdom, and opportunities. The growing fame that their circle of friends have on social media strengthen bonds between them and create a greater sense of mutual trust and shared experiences. The need to stay relevant might encourage candid discussions on mental health and personal development, which can ultimately deepen bonds.

The connections we make on social media carries the same weight as the ones we make in real life, and just like how we fight, banter, tease, and play fight with out real life friends, we also face hindrances and different difficulties in terms of being in a platonic commitment. When asked about the memorable experience, Fhukerat shared a friend’s win followed by the reality that were faced when socializing online took its toll. Fhukerat stated that “Overwhelming obstacles include severe scrutiny, the need to produce continuously, and mental health issues. My Friends sometimes help me to out by being frank with one other, sharing personal stories, and reassuring each other of their value beyond material possessions. This knowledge on both sides can serve as an effective defense in trying times.”

Chewy and Enticing; The Girlhood Lingering Taste

There are candies that are hard to chew, but these candies make us learn about the virtue of patience. These types of challenges are getting more difficult to avoid since we are growing in the generation of digital world. The least we could do when facing such problems is to use them as motivation and inspiration to keep going in life. Growing up in the digital age has changed girlhood by giving voices more visibility and facilitating self-expression, but it has also brought us pressures like the need for affirmation and online comparison. In this situation, friendships frequently become essential for overcoming these obstacles because they provide support, encourage genuineness, and aid in the formation of a common identity. We can celebrate their individuality and feel less alone in their experiences by working together and having candid conversations. 

When a candy is so tough, there will always be a surprise filling awaiting inside. It will always be a surprise. Some flavor might suit our taste, some might not. Some might be the sweetest we’ll ever have, while some leaves a bad aftertaste. The fear of waiting for what’s inside the tough shell is like the fears being experienced by content creators like Fhukerat. Fears often include concerns about judgment, comparison, and not being good enough. Friends play a crucial role by offering encouragement, sharing their own insecurities, and reminding you of your unique strengths. Their support can help transform those fears into motivation, fostering a sense of community that makes taking risks feel less daunting.

That is why emotional support is important to establish in a platform wherein your every move might be interpreted in different ways, wherein your authenticity might be posed as something exaggerating and unaccepting, but for Fhukerat, it is important that there are people who express themselves freely on social media and share their ideas and experiences without worrying about being judged. Social media has become a platform for her to open up her shell and make connections that values and promotes openness. 

Friends are not the only thing Fhukerat gained, but also loyal followers that  helped her grow in the industry. Bonding with her followers became more meaningful which goes beyond just numbers to a true community. The internet is fast pacing and people change their perspectives on things quickly. And to not lose herself before losing her followers, Fhukerat admitted that it was a common challenge in maintaining authenticity in striking a balance between one's own expression and the expectations of the audience. To stay rooted despite the chaos, navigating this while staying true to oneself necessitates ongoing introspection and friendship support.

So what does it feel like socializing online? A real ecstasy and sweetness. It is despite the distance and the screen that divides us, the real taste of a sweet friendship and the ecstasy from the adrenaline keeps us together. Meeting strangers online is not always that bad, sometimes you just have to meet the right ones that makes every moments last. 

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Metrocene Mag September 2024 COVER: DAYS OF GIRLHOOD

Featuring: Queen Dura, Fhukerat, Ernalyn, and Perlas

Creative Director, Art Director and Editor-in-Chief: Mark Elwyn Baccay  (@markelwyn)

Photographed by Lee Morale (@leemmorale)

Set Design and Production by  ROCKETSET (@Rocketsets)

Videography and Lights Direction by Hans De Barras  (@Bastahans)

Makeup By Ely Styles (@ElyStyles)

Hairstyling by Mharhea Banting (@workwithmhar)

Fashion Direction and Styling by Cha Fronteras  (@chafronteras) assisted by Jasper Añonuevo (@jasperuevo) and
   Lynus Martin (@lynus) 

Fashion Design  from THE FUTURE IS YOU (@thefuture____isu) and 

Accessories from Le Charme (@le.charme___)

Story by Trisha Caseria (@trisharchives.j)

Brand Partners:

Aputure Philippines (@aputurephilippines)

Light Rentals by Paul Rana (@paulichromes)

Chicken Chingu (@chickenchinguph)