House of Kilig | Reclaiming the Right to be Remembered

Challenging the themes of love, family and courtship all through community collaboration and creativity. House of Kilig reclaims their voice and their space through art while overcoming new obstacles.

Hosted by Daybreak Star Radio’s own! Noelani converses with House of Kilig on their show ‘Navigating Oceania’ which airs every Thursday at 7:00pm PST. Check the full video interview down below‼️ 👇👇

The Feeling of Butterflies

”There’s no such thing as a solo artist, as you’re so influenced by the people that came before you and the community you’re with now.” – Heidi Grace Acuña

Kai, Heidi and Moonyeka lead this interview as they kick it off with what House of Kilig means and what it stands for. Kilig is a Tagalog word that describes the experience of feeling butterflies in ones stomach when met with excitement for a person, place or thing.

Following that, Heidi describes House of Kilig as a safe space for queer and trans creatives. For them to host art events, build community, collaborate and simply be in space together.

Moonyeka goes on to describe that the feeling of such strong individualism always felt uncomfortable for them. Often times feeling shamed for being in community especially when it comes to art. With an outside perspective seeing “community art” as a lower art form compared to individual art.

KAPWA & MAARTE

”Even when we claim who we are, we don’t even get to be who we are so how about we spin it back in their face?” – Moonyeka

House of Kilig describes these Tagalog words and structures as important to their community. Although, more importantly these meanings are heavily embodied within their work.

Heidi describes Kapwa as a sense of interconnectedness and is a core value within Filipinx culture. As you may already be able to tell, House of Kilig embodies this fully within their work and community. Their emphasis on community building shows how tapped in to their culture they truly are, but the connection goes deeper, it challenges the norm.

Maarte, is a common word within Tagalog that describes the feeling of being over-dramatic, doing too much, or being in your face. Heidi shares that it was a common word thrown at them by their mother. Although, House of Kilig says that the word Maarte pushes their creativity farther. Keeping them mindful of the topics they feel the call to speak on. Never letting them get too comfortable, never letting them lower their voice.

I WAS NEVER THE SIREN

”Allow this space to be unfurling, be curious, allow the expansion to expand.” – Kai Alviar Horton

’I Was Never The Siren’ is the title of House of Kilig’s most passionate film to date. A love letter to the trans community, challenging traditional family structures and what love looks like. Although most importantly, challenging Harana.

Harana is a Tagalog word for ‘serenade’, more deeply Harana is a traditional structure for love and courtship. House of Kilig turns this concept on its head by embodying what it means to them and what it could look like in the future.

Moonyeka also shares that ‘I Was Never The Siren’ is/was accompanied by the deconstructed art exhibit titled ‘Flourish Like an Ocean’s Grief’. Creating this multi-discipline, immersive experience into their message.

Kai ends us off by grounding their vision in this idea of being remembered. Understanding that we deserve the right to be remembered how we are, even if society doesn’t allow us the tools to properly remember one another. Kai makes some beautiful connections to this idea of being remembered, through nature, community and more. All featured on the full interview down below.

So, go check out the interview and House of Kilig, supporting everything that they do‼️👇

House of Kilig Website