Friday, October 20, 2006

Alala Mo Nung Sikat Yung...

I have this theory about Pinoys: we always need something to obsess about that is uso. I don't know why that is, but Filipinos tend to really enjoy trends (alliteration intended... and there it is again!). Trends in anything: food, fashion, political uncertainty, religion. You name it, we got it.

Lechon manok, shawarma, Zagu and just recently, Go Nuts Donuts. What's goes on during these "food frenzies" I don't really know, but they occur every couple of years and it always (as in always) involves some sort of consumable as a hyper popular business venture. Someone makes a lot of money making sago drinks and before you know it, BOOM! Every corner has an annoying yellow Zagu sign.

Tretorns, Reeboks, Espadrilles. Ok, so this was a while back. But remember when they were super uso? As in if you didn't wear them, you were out (play on words intended). Did you know that Tretorn is a Sweedish brand? Reebok English and Esparille Spanish? Pati yung progeny ng uso, uso din. No wonder sikat din yung K-Swiss noon.

Singles, Couples, Bakers, and Candlestickmakers for Christ. This I don't get at all. Why do you need to form a group to honor God? I have no idea. But Filipinos lurv creating "prayer groups" and "bible circles" and "charismatic organizations". Like praying in solitude is something for losers. [As you may note, I have serious issues with oraganized worship of any sort. But that is for another post. Basta, the point here is that uso ang Bible study sa 'Pinas.]

Coups, Scandals, White Elephants. In a country whose government is as corrupt as it is ineffective, it is not surprising that there is always one form of political malfeasance going on. When I was in high school, coup attempts were almost as frequent as Menudo concerts. Every politician and his mother gets implicated in scandals (none of whom ever get prosecuted). And you're not a President unless you leave a big hunk of crap the country pays billions of Pesos for (i.e. the Bataan nuclear power plant, that Expo center in Clark and the mega dike).

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