Local Entertainers in Cebu, Philippines: Entertainment and Sex Work: The Struggle for Empowerment

Abstract: The purpose of this thesis is to examine why local women in Cebu, Philippines, chose to work as entertainers and sex workers. It will examine how their occupation affect their daily lives, in regard to their economy and their social relations with their families, colleagues and customers. In addition, the thesis also examines what social and economic factors can be pinpointed, that lead these women to take up the entertainer occupation, rather than seeking other types of work in the Philippines. For this research, a qualitative method was used, with semi-structured interviews that was conducted during my field studies in the Philippines over four weeks in the spring of 2014. The interviews was done with 13 local women working as entertainers. Additionally, a short participant observation also took place in local bars and clubs where the women were working in Cebu. The results have been analyzed from a feminist standpoint theory, with focus on liberal and radical feminist perspectives. Due to poverty and unemployment in the Philippines, many women (and men), find it hard to acquire a sufficient livelihood to provide for the needs of themselves and their family. The conclusion of the thesis is that, for these specific women, the choice of working as entertainers is a pragmatic and rational choice. By taking on work as an entertainer, they are able to not only empower themselves, but also the people around them.