The love and light of Aunt Julie

“Go anak!” Aunt Julie claps from the stands to cheer on her cheerleader daughter Cassandra.

It’s a common sight in any UAAP game — the supportive mother who joins in the school cheers and scolds her son for not paying attention to his sister’s shining moment (and whispers later on that she had no idea her daughter was that flexible). 

The drama comes shortly after when a man nearby starts catcalling Cassandra and the squad.

“You don’t judge women, ah!” Aunt Julie snaps back at him. “They’re cheerleaders! They’re supposed to wear clothes like that. Maiksi. E, ano ngayon?” 

“That’s why you register and vote, ah,” she reminds her son and clutches her signature earring. “Don’t let toxic men win.”

These short one-minute videos have made Aunt Julie, the character crafted by content creator Mark “Macoy Dubs” Averilla, everyone’s favorite progressive tita. She’s the ninang who’ll hand you money (the coveted “wantawsan”), not because you asked, but because she loves you. The auntie at family gatherings who’ll wave you over and ask, “Do you have a boyfriend?” But instead of commenting on your weight gain, she’ll ask for your skin care advice because she’s “having wrinkles na here.”

While Macoy’s goal with their content is to make people laugh, they’re also conscious that their skits are impersonations of actual people. Whether they’re playing Aunt Julie or a government employee, there’s always a backstory churning in their mind. Aunt Julie is not just a Povedan tita who enjoys Wine Wednesdays with her Hermanas. She’s a single mother — a widow who was left to take care of her two children. Even on her own, Aunt Julie still thrives in raising her children, Cassandra and Robert Angelo, and sends them to good schools. Yet after losing her husband at such a young age, Aunt Julie carries a more open perspective.

She’ll give you a wantawsan when you bless her, but it comes with words of wisdom about safe sex and using protection. When her gay son Roberto Angelo brings a guy over, she prepares pancakes and hangs around to discuss the difference between Grindr and Lalamove. With their videos, Macoy shows it’s possible to have titas who are both aggressive and loving. Accepting and not judging.

When asked about their inspiration for the character, Macoy’s mind quickly goes to their own mother. In gatherings at home or on trips to QC or Aristocrat, Macoy would observe reunions among their mom’s high school classmates and college friends from PUP. Macoy would tag along, as the designated kid tasked to carry their mom’s umbrella and bag, and eavesdrop on the conversations. Although not a Povedan graduate like Aunt Julie, Macoy’s mother is, in their words, the original “free-flowing” tita.

Having had their parents separated when they were two years old, Macoy also experienced having a single mom. When their mom won the annulment, she took Macoy in. As a graduate and now professor at Letran, Macoy witnessed firsthand that single mothers can raise their children by themselves with huge principles in life. And just like Aunt Julie, Macoy’s mom has always embraced Macoy with unconditional love and support.

Macoy’s own coming out to their mother was very informal. There were no big arguments, tears shed, or heavy dramatic conversations. Before Macoy ever said anything, their mom already knew. “Ang mga nanay naman ang unang makakaalam,” Macoy says.

“Anak, alam ko naman matagal na. Hinihintay lang kita magsabi sa akin,” they recall their mom saying.

“Alam mo naman pala eh,” Macoy answered. “Kung ano nakikita mo sa akin, yun na yun. Tanggapin nalang natin.”

And their mom said, “Tanggap ko na. Matagal na.”

Sadly, Macoy hasn’t always found acceptance in their content creation. Last August, Macoy decided to take a step back from the Aunt Julie persona after getting bashed with hateful comments. While Macoy is grateful for the platform, they acknowledge that social media can be disheartening. “Sabi ko lang na ayaw ko yung isang flavor ng Pancit Canton, tapos may mag-aaway na sa akin,” they joke. Living alone in their apartment away from the rest of their family, content creation has been Macoy’s outlet to spread good vibes. After receiving hate for their videos, Macoy felt frustrated because all they want to do is try to make people feel better, make people feel like they’re not alone. “I hope we can lessen the hate. Di mawawala yung hate, but let’s try to lessen it and make social media a safe space for everyone.”

Turning full circle, Macoy yet again found the inspiration they needed in their mother. When she read the news about Aunt Julie’s cancellation, Macoy’s mom immediately messaged Macoy to bring her back: “Mas maraming nagsusupport sa’yo, anak.”

A week later, followers of Macoy Dubs rejoiced when Aunt Julie made her comeback.

With the circumstances brought on by this year, finding something that makes us laugh is already a rare and special blessing. Whenever I watch Macoy Dubs or Aunt Julie, that heartwarming feeling lasts long beyond my laughing, long after the minute-long video ends. Maybe people are drawn to Aunt Julie not just because she makes us laugh, but also because she reminds us that people can still be kind. With the usual narrative of families being toxic, it’s moving to see the possibility of a family member who accepts you for who you are with no conditions or hesitation. Na natanggap tayo nang matagal na. In recent months, Aunt Julie has become the tita we wish we all had and the tita we aspire to be.

When I asked about the future of Aunt Julie, Macoy confessed their worries of people getting tired of the character and them as a content creator. “Sana as long as they love Aunt Julie, they’ll still love the one who made it. Kung mahal nila si Aunt Julie, sana mahal din nila si Macoy.” As someone who has provided me much love and light, here’s hoping Macoy Dubs receives the same love and light as well.

Cover art by Louie Cudiamat