You have to be over 18 to watch Deus Sex Machina (DSM), the sketch comedy group that presents sex jokes through readings.
DSM has been around for years, and has been collaborating with the ongoing Fringe Manila multiarts festival which opened in February. The group advocates “sex positivity,” and pushes for a more open conversation on sex and consent—a touchy topic in the Philippines. Its members are professionals from various fields such as finance, IT, art and advertising who describe themselves as “talented people who have nothing better to do than writing sex jokes.”
In 2016, two DSM members, Sabrina “Sab” Schnabel and Pepe Bawagan, met at a rehearsal for a Fringe show, and they kept a hot secret from their friends—they were hooking up.Eventually they realized they’re spending more on motels than on rent and decided to be in a real relationship. Schnabel and Bawagan recently married, and DSM put together the tribute show “To Have and to Ho” at Draper Startup House Philippines, with materials centered on the couple (their friends and family were there, too).
As in previous DSM shows, everyone was assured that they were in a safe space, and the audience may approach a DSM member at any point if they feel uncomfortable. Thankfully, the show went on for almost three hours without any holdup.
“To Have and to Ho” opened with “Star Wars: The Sexual Awakens” written by Rob Cham. It is a Star Wars skit that saw Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren playing with his lightsaber and somehow becoming the charming filmmaker Charlie from the movie “Marriage Story.”
This was followed by other pieces: “Oh Yeah, Gimme that Anarcho-Transhumanism, Baby” by Marceline Bell, “Conyo Problems” by Lexi and Bernikai (pen names of the bride’s entourage who were not DSM members) and “Diri Mi Gikan” by Glerren Bangalan.
The highlight of the show was “Love, Cargo Pants,” a mini musical by Palanca winner Dustin Celestino that discussed Pepe’s endearment with utilitarian bottoms, his anime fantasy and other embarrassing kinks.
The bride wrote “Tropical Gothic,” while the best man Levi Tan Ong did “Crystal Balls.” The finale was the “Erotic Rap Battles of History, Part 2” by Marco Sumayao, hosted by Carl Cuevas, a follow-up to the first rap battle performed by the couple.
While the materials are geeky, entertaining and low-key political, some pieces felt rushed and raw, even cliquish. Between using serum as lube and pregnant vampires, there was a mock wedding with a handmade sign that says: “Just got married at a sex comedy show” held by a bearded guy with long hair people called “Jesus.” It became an instant photo booth that evening.
If you can’t find a match on Tinder or Bumble, maybe join DSM. They are open to new members.
