Can we separate three things here?
First, the word “dinosaur” itself. It’s literally a dinosaur. It isn’t automatically degrading or objectifying. In a Filipino context, calling someone your “manok” can simply mean the person you’re rooting for.
Second, the basketball jokes. I understand why the references to playing the long game, losing, warming up for the next quarter, and giving others a chance made people uncomfortable. They can come across as treating Gehlee’s attention as some kind of competition. That is a valid concern.
But third, Ethan and Gehlee’s actual interactions. Their long conversations, shared interests, and genuine comfort around each other are separate from those remarks. The questionable exchanges does not automatically make every interaction they had insincere.
Gehlee is not a trophy and she has every right to make her own choices. But supporting Ethan and appreciating their connection doesn’t mean we disrespect her. We can acknowledge what was questionable without reducing Ethan to this issue.
I just hope we can give Ethan the same room to reflect, learn, and grow that we would give anyone else. He has already faced so much judgment, and I hope this one incident won’t become the only thing people see when they look at him. Holding him accountable doesn’t mean giving up on him. Please give him a chance to learn from this. He deserves to be seen as a whole person, too.
BBS ETHAN
#PBBCollab3point0
#PBBCollab3FirstNomi
