Not too long ago, I came across this online banner ad for a supposedly high-end Makati condominium. Expecting the same sales pitch, still, I clicked. You all know how these developers make their sales pitches, right? Design, location, amenities, etc. But what engaged me is that this particular condominium claims to exude the so-called "cool Britannia" lifestyle.
Ah. So kids there would be living with their mums and playing with their best mates. Not being able to use your mobile phone can be caused by a flat batt. Bloody 'ell!
By the way, did I mention I saw this ad during the London riots?
It never ceases. That longing to un-Pinoy things. I say, the visuals of Hollywood are partly to blame. Not that there's anything wrong with daydreaming of having a hotdog at a Sabrett pushcart in New York, but it's actually the same idea as having a Tender Juicy at the MRT station in Cubao. Speaking of trains, don't we just love the NY subway, The London Underground, or the Hong Kong MTR? I bet some of you don't know that the LRT2 Katipunan station is underground. Can the yellow cab be far behind? I think we have better transports in Toyota Avanza taxis that ply Metro Manila streets.
A balikbayan cousin saw this Makati coffee shop in one of his vacations. "Wala naman ganyan sa San Francisco," he remarked. Apparently, the name of the establishment had the name of the County in it. (It looked like a rip-off rather than sosyal)
Call it colonial mentality. Fascination. Strange that we see this un-Pinoy-ing as typically Pinoy. While I may express my view in James Soriano's mother language, I cannot disconnect myself nor my lifestyle from being Pinoy, not even if I should reside in those "British" condominiums. Not that I don't have a choice, but why go through the torment of an identity crisis when you can simply be Pinoy. That includes being proud in taking the jeep, eating fishballs, and speaking in your native dialect.
During the bus hostage crisis, I'm sure some people hated being Pinoys. Fine. I dare you to transform. (Autobot or Decepticon?)
In the end I still wonder, why do we keep wanting other lifestyles or identities, when we have one that's uniquely Pinoy?
It's all a matter of appreciation.
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