A soldier by day and a comedian by night.
This is the life of Mhyljone Rhandy Escoto, who goes by the stage name Chikita Ssang.
Escoto is a reservist of the Philippine Air Force with the rank of sergeant.
Escoto identifies himself with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community.
He rewrites the narrative of strength and courage in the ranks of the PAF, juggling the rigors of military life and the spotlight of comedy, breaking barriers with every punchline.
What was once considered the exclusive domain of men, the air force opened its door to all regardless of gender who are interested to serve the country. Taking the opportunity, Escoto challenged not just the skies but has also set out to shatter gender norms.
For Escoto, the seamless transition from the stern of commands on the military field to the stage lights is no small feat.
By day, Escoto dons the PAF uniform with pride, which becomes not just his attire but a symbol of dedication. The weight of duty is shouldered with precision—each step, each salute, an embodiment of discipline.
"Ganahan ko kay wala ko ka-feel ba nga abi bayot ka dili ka pwede. They accepted me despite ang military nailhan jud sya nga panglalaki [I like it because I didn't feel judged, as if I'm gay and not allowed. They accepted me despite the military being known as a male-dominated workforce],” Chikita said.
By night, Escoto sheds off the regulation khaki uniform with a different kind of uniform—that of a stand-up comedian.
The transition is smooth, yet one can feel the atmosphere shift. He subverts social conventions with each joke he tells, shattering preconceived notions of what an individual should and should not be. His canvas is the stage, and every punchline he delivers adds a vivid brushstroke of authenticity to his dual persona.
Escoto’s decision to join the Air Force Reserves was not merely a choice but a statement. In a society where traditional gender roles persist, his determination to break into a male-dominated field stands as a symbol of progress.
“Sa training nakita nako naa’y lalaki, babae, and ako bayot, and you know basta bayot kay yaya lang, go with the flow lang. Pero na-inspire ko samot kay nakaya nako bisan bayot ko [During the training, there are men, women, and me, who is identified as gay, and, you know, being gay, they say I am weak. I just go with the flow. But I'm even more inspired because I've proven that I can do it despite being gay],” says Chikita.
Escoto’s inclusion marks a shift in the longstanding traditions of the military forces.
In recent years, the PAF has actively worked to promote gender diversity and inclusivity.
TSgt. Rimcu Irish Francis A. Gonzaga, a military instructor at PAF, acknowledged the importance of this transformative period, saying, "Regardless of your profession, position, and gender orientation, isa ra among panan-aw sa inyo [we see everyone the same]—a trainee."
The PAFR actively fosters an inclusive environment within its ranks. For Gonzaga, gender stereotypes or preconceptions among trainees are no longer new to them.
“Every training, na ta’y ginatawag nga program of instruction nga mao among ginasunod para maka-produce og quality reservist. Since time immemorial, ginadawat na sila as long as they are wearing the uniform, sundon nila kung unsa’y military standards [In every training, we have what is called a program of instruction that we follow to produce quality reservists. Since time immemorial, they have been accepted as long as they are wearing the uniform, and they must adhere to military standards],” he added, ensuring that the diverse needs of all trainees are acknowledged and met.
