The Naturale Yogi

I first learned about this comic book series when it was assigned to us by a professor when I was in University in 2010. There were only 3 graphic novels out that time and I quickly devoured them like they were Harry Potter novels. I was particularly interested because the main protagonist was a young female shaman warrior detective which was a mash up of my favorite TV shows growing up (CSI meets Charmed meets Grimm meets the Walking Dead) all set against the crime and corruption of Metro Manila. It featured Philippine mythological creatures and folklore. I had hoped that a studio would pick up this gem and turn it into a live action series. I thought maybe ABS-CBN or GMA both local Manila studios would make a TV series out of this but they didn’t. 10 years had gone by and finally Netflix announces that on June 11, 2021, a day before Independence day, an Anime series Trese would be dropping so of course I had to watch all the episodes as soon as I can. This is when I realized that Alexandra Trese isn’t only Filipino but also part Chinese at least based on what was shown on the Anime, I didn’t realize this based on just the comic books but certain things definitely stood out in the Netflix series.

1. Alexandra Trese is always wearing a black Kung Fu outfit.

2. She uses Kung Fu a Chinese martial art as compared to using the Arnis as her fighting style which is a traditional Filipino martial art.

3. She placed incense beside pictures of deceased relatives. I know for a fact that this only happens in Chinese households which I am a part of and this is how we honor our ancestors. They even go the number of incense sticks correctly which is 2 for deceased relatives because 3 is reserved for deities and saints.

Other observations that I’d like to point out are:

1. It showcases the matriarchal society of the Philippines. Mothers and especially grandmothers lay down the laws at home and that is different from the neighboring countries in South East Asia.

2. Alexandra Trese as a character is shown as a strong female lead in her own right and not through toxic femininity. I especially like how the creators made her in a way that she is always fully clothed and that her merits are all based on her ability to solve crimes and deal with the supernatural and not just because she is a girl.

Overall I am so happy that this show came out and although this is rated as an 18+ show it gives me hope for the country that we are able to create something as special as this series that completely broke boundaries here and abroad and is completely devoid of the classic Filipino cheesy story line of the poor female victim that needs rescuing or the love triangle or the mistress other woman drama. She doesn’t even have a love interest in what they’ve shown so far. It’s family and duty that she is focused on and it’s such an Asian way to think and it was beautifully showcased in this action and gore packed series.

Trese is on Netflix starting June 11. Please go and watch it!