As of late, Lea Salonga had a few scathing statements that were largely misunderstood by the general public again. Similar to what happened in a previous incident wherein she questioned the significance of Philippine Independence Day and whether or not we should be really be celebrating it at all, there has once again been an overwhelming reaction (most of it negative) to one of her recent tweets. This time, Lea Salonga has made some rather unflattering comments about Philippine society and the media which many associate with the ever-growing popularity of Eat Bulaga’s AlDub phenomenon.
To quote some of her recent statements:
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“Okay lang sa akin ang kababawan, pero hanggang doon na lamang ba tayo?”
“For those of you that replied about BALANCE, you rock my world. That’s what I was after. We all need fun, but that can’t be all there is,”
“Uhmmm… I have no idea what’s going on. Why did people assume I was tweeting about AlDub? I wasn’t. I don’t know about it. So why the hate?”
“I’m slowly learning about the whole AlDub phenomenon. It teaches positive values, most notably LOVE. So why the hate, AlDub fans?”
Look, before we continue, let me repeat some of my previous statements. No, I’m not really that big a fan of Lea Salonga. Yes, her singing for a lot of Disney films are quite notable and memorable, I’m actually more of a metalhead and I tend to prefer the works of Don Bluth (All Dogs go to Heaven and Land Before Time) over Walt Disney. However, I still think that Ms. Salonga still deserves our respect as she is a woman of exceptional talent. She’s one of those Filipinos who’s made something of herself beyond our shores. A true example of a success story if ever there was one and a skilled woman who truly deserves our praise and adoration.
What’s sad though is that, once again, Pinoys seem to be missing the point. Instead of making efforts to prove the woman wrong and perhaps learn from their own mistakes, so many people have reacted to her statements in a way that is very typical of Pinoys today. If anything, Ms. Salonga’s bashers only proved her right and, in the end, failed to properly defend their interests.
I’m very sorry, ladies and gentlemen, but she’s right and it looks like I have deliver another beatdown. So, get ready, because this going to hurt you more than it’s going to hurt me. Welcome to round 7, people of the Philippines.
Pinoys Attack The Messenger Instead Of Understanding The Message
As expected, people ended up attacking Ms. Salonga instead of actually taking the time to understand what she was saying. Similar to what happened to one of my previous articles, people just saw the picture and the title and reacted immediately. Like dogs with their tails getting stepped on, many of those who went on to bash Ms. Salonga never even bothered to consider what she said before letting their emotions get the better of them and acted like spoiled children who were punished by their teacher for misbehaving.
In my previous article alone, people immediately made all kinds of assumptions and came up with rather creative insults and what not to throw at me. If I remember correctly, there was even one guy who even went on to think I’m some kind of Caucasian foreigner despite the article not mentioning anything about my nationality or ethnicity. People were all too eager to attack me without bothering to read my article or its entirety or my repeated comments that stated that I wasn’t the one who chose the picture for that particular article.
Seriously, I’m starting to think that if a benevolent alien messenger ever came to the Philippines to warn us of a catastrophe such as the sudden sinking of our islands, we would probably attack the alien instead of hearing out what he/she/it had to say.
Pinoys Are Addicted To Shallow Programming
Look, let’s get this straight: I don’t have a shallow side. I have a PSYCHO mode. This is when I giggle like a lunatic while running around like a headless chicken.
With that in mind, Ms. Salonga’s right, there’s nothing wrong with being shallow every now and then. Unfortunately, what she was hoping for was that there could be more to us than just shallowness. Sure, things like AlDub does make people happy, but when it seems to be the only thing we like, what does that say about us as a people?
Ms. Salonga wasn’t necessarily bashing the AlDub couple, she was simply wondering if we actually had more to offer as good entertainment. As I’ve written in a previous article about talent, we have to ask ourselves if cheesy romance and sordid affairs are the only things that qualify as “good entertainment” for the Filipino people. While there are definitely gems like Heneral Luna, Abakada… Ina and Magnifico, few give them any real notice and, more likely than not, they’ll be all but forgotten when films like Etiquette for Mistresses or Ex with Benefits are the only films that garner any significant popularity.
Pinoys Are Still Obsessed With False Gods
Remember what I said about Idolatry?
Sure, we like to claim to be Catholic and that we worship Jesus Christ our Savior and all that. However, do we really mean it? The Bible itself warns of the dangers of idolatry but how many of us are even aware of the definition of idolatry?
So let me ask you this, how can we be the Christians we claim to be when we jump to the defense of celebrities who probably don’t even know us? How can we be Christians when we’re willing to insult others for only telling the truth about the celebrities and politicians whom we treat like gods in their own right? How can we be called “Christians” when we are completely beholden to the local media who dumbs us down and supports the tyrants who continue to oppress us as a people?
***
So now, let me issue my challenge again:
Prove me wrong…
I HAVE RETURNED TO LAY WASTE TO OUR ENEMIES!
I hate it when people you try to educate call you “elitista”. Minsan pa ang reply sayo ay “Ikaw na magaling” or “Edi Wow!”. Isa pa sa usual arguments ng mga yun ay “Walang basagan ng trip” or “we just want to have fun!”. I’m amazed at how you still continue to do this Grimwald. More power. 🙂
@Eduardo Rusca If I tell you, “You’re an idiot and let me educate you.”
Would you bounce happily along and agree?
If you know you’re not an idiot, why would you react negatively? Mashado kaseng balat sibuyas ang mga tao, and highly influenced by these local seryes that the media is feeding them. Instead of thinking, hormones would kick in first before their brain starts to function. So would you be surprised if the word “idiot” is used and stressed a lot of times to describe the typical Pinoy? The behavior is already a give-away
You’re correct because most “pinoys” are easily agitated and shallow like what the article said. You bark at them they will hunt you down.
“They don’t think they just react”, apparently is true and it also applies to those “elitist” or “educators” by saying “Putangina ang bobo mo naman! Halika dito turuan kita!
Of course not. Been there, done that. These “elitista” and “educators” as you describe them. Always asses the situation first. Maybe not all, but majority of them does. So before they lay down the “stupid” verdict, the situation has been well-assessed already. So it’s very incomparable.
If you are a certifiable idiot, the smartest thing to do is to accept that education.
@Miauw Ming Haha. You are contradicting yourself, if you are an idiot, how can you do something smart? And who will certify them as idiots? You? Hahaha.
@Miauw Ming, I can’t agree more. Look, may example ka na nga o. 🙂 i.e. Magsasaka Sa Nayon.
I someone tells me I’m an idiot, I’ll ask first “Why?” and “What is your basis?” in a logical and professional manner.
Why?
The burden of proof lies with the one who initiated the insult. One small mistake in his part makes HIM THE IDIOT for providing an incomplete prosecution or gauging of my character.
Then I’ll bounce happily along and continue to debate with you. 🙂
after 36 years on this earth, i have learned that it doesnt hurt to hear what one has to say. if what you have to tell me will actually contribute to my development, i’m all ears. but mind you, i do have a pretty good bullshit detector and if your arguments hit red flags in rapid succession like a street fighter combo, be prepared for retaliation, because you just wasted my time.
Well then Mr T you weren’t able to debate with Grimwald on the points he brought up to show that majority of “diplomaed ” Filipinos are stupid. Those who are able to read and write like you miserably failed to debate the issue of stupidity of most ” diplomaed ” Filipinos. You confirmed you are among those qualified as stupid because what you managed to say is only to threaten Grimwald should he commits a mistake. What mistake did he commit when in fact he was factual in his recitation of stupid behaviour of the large majority of ” diplomaed ” Filipinos to which I agree. Come on Mr. T give me a break from ” talking mannequins “.
Of course, Lea Salonga was right. Filipinos are shallow. She proved it herself when she twitted: “Okay lang sa akin ang kababawan, pero hanggang doon na lamang ba tayo?” and starred in that trashy play, Miss Saigon.
Trashy play? You, my friend, know nothing about theater and the nuances of literature and high culture. I humbly suggest that you do not comment about something you obviously know nothing about.
@Jake P. Robinson What the hell are you talking about high culture? Miss Saigon? Are you dull? One of the characters there, the Engineer, sung merrily for 20 minutes or so about how he pimped himself and his mother as if it is the grandest job in the whole world. You call that high culture, dumbass? I’m sure you didn’t notice that because you just watched and listened to that odious play without much thinking.
When a player can’t make it in the ‘pro leagues’ he becomes a coach. When a lawyer’s practice doesn’t do well, he becomes a judge. When an actor’s or playwright’s career is uneventful, could he become a critic? This might be what we are seeing here.
Lea Salonga has achieved heights that very few.. even in Broadway and Hollywood stars.. have; and there is no one, (none), in this barren landscape who might come within ‘shouting distance’, (never mind ‘close’), to what she had achieved at a very young age. Is this so hard to see? So.. what’s with this dissing and bad-mouthing of this rare ‘Philippine property’? Can we please read and write about something else.. please.
Sent from my iPad
Lets not forget, Leah started in theater when she was a kid. When she was at her “awkward stage”, she tried the movies, starring in those movies(with Herbert Bautista et al.) with sucky production numbers from start to finish. Hindi ba kababawan din yun? My point, everyone has to start somewhere.
“Pinoys Attack The Messenger Instead Of Understanding The Message”
I know right? I find it bizarre when people easily become overly defensive when faced and challenged with criticism. Instead of stepping up to change, they step up and judge the person and attack him “personally” as if they know the person inside out. Instead of contributing a healthy debate, they just trash-talk their way in.
Yun din naman ang ginawa ng author nitong artikulo na to di ba? judging the people as ‘mababaw’, ‘bobo’ at ‘walang kaalam-alam’ sa mga nangyayari sa paligid nila dahil lang nahook sa Aldub – as if the author knows every Aldub fan inside out.
Mind you, marami ring defenders ang artikulong ito na panay name-calling at trash talk ang pinagsasasabi kagaya ni ‘domo’. Mabuti at nawala na.
Judging is different from describing. Most bashers, as this article suggests, would think of creative insults to throw at the person they’re bashing. This article is not judging. It’s called constructive criticism. Plus how the commoners handle criticism vs. these “elitistas” as you describe them are different. Commoners are usually, and rather violent, as opposed to the other
Oh really? ‘Constructive criticism’ – that’s the common excuse of writers who lack intellectual humility, becoming so caught up with their own bias and prejudice.
Here you are, talking about being judgmental and then calling the ‘commoners’ more violent than the so-called ‘elitistas’. Wow. You should learn to listen to what you’re saying.
In the first place, these recent articles by GRP are using insults and prejudgment to get their message across – and they failed.
Marami ng nagpahayag ng kanilang counter-arguments but the authors and their defenders would just shun them and would label them as ‘excuses’ or ‘you missed the point’ or ‘you’re just butthurt’.
Kayo nalang ba palaging tama? Stop being so full of yourselves and start doing what you preach.
@Eneri87:
“In the first place, these recent articles by GRP are using insults and prejudgment to get their message across – and they failed.”
This is where you failed: always relying on EMOTIONS rather than logical thinking and as always, grasping straws.
Either you’re missing the point or you’re just TROLLING. If you ask me, I think it’s the latter.
Well too bad I’m here to once again slam your mediocrity. What’s the matter utak squatter? Can’t tell the difference between elitism and constructive criticism? And no I’m not being an intellect here.
Umepal ka na naman domo. Hay naku!
So are you asshurt who always thinking that the articles of grp are “elitist”. Cry me a river!
*always think*
Fixed
The question first is saan ba na sinabi na LAHAT ng nanonood ng aldub ay walang alam sa paligid nila? Why don’t you try pressing ctrl+F and search “aldub”. Tingnan mo kung ano bang mga sinabi tungkol dun. Kung sa akin kasi, wala akong nakita na sinabi na negative tungkol dun eh. Wala naman kasi talaga masama dun. From my POV, ang aldub kasi (And many other things in our local media) is like junk food. It’s not bad every now and then, pero kung yun na lang lagi, well, good luck na lang. Pero wala ka naman ata isyu dun di ba? Na kapag sobra, masama? Sure naman, agree ka dun…
And lastly, can you ask yourself kung may mali ba sa mga sinabi sa article? Pero bago ka pala sumagot, can you interpret it in this way? For example, yung statement na:
“Pinoys Are Addicted To Shallow Programming”
Instead of interpreting it as ALL pinyos are addicted to shallow programming, can it be interpreted it as MOST pinoys? Maybe you’ll say na dapat maging explicit siya kung ganun, pero why bother? Generalization sya oo, pero hindi ba common sense na yun na hindi ibigsabihin nun ay lahat ng pinoy ganun? Siguro kung pinagpilitan nya na AS IN LAHAT ng pinoy ay mababaw, okay lang na mag-react ka ng ganyan. Pero hindi eh. Link related:
http://getrealphilippines.com/2015/09/dont-generalise-not-all-filipinos-are-like-that/
Just don’t get too caught up in your rage. If anyone is being biased and prejudiced, ikaw yun eh. You are saying na ano? Sila na lang lagi tama? Then prove them wrong. It’s that simple.
@AG very well said. thanks for proving a good point.
????????
So you think only Pinoys succumb to this “kababawan”? Lahat naman meron eh! Siguro mataas lang talaga ang level nung sa mga Pinoy. But it doesn’t really tell you who you are as a person. Iba yung nagci-criticize sa nanghuhusga. Remember, kasalanan din sa tao at sa Diyos yun!
Excuses, excuses…
Either you’re missing the point… or you’re just TROLLING. I think it’s the latter.
I just said my piece and have no intentions of replying BUT YOU ARE WRONG.I was a fan of Lea since I was a kid. Now, I am just a fan of her singing voice, not as a whole. Thank you!
“wag ka maghusga ng ganyan sa Pinoy kasi ginagawa rin nila yan sa ibang bansa” – laos na ang argument na yan.
God, I love this.
Pinoys really need to know what the f**k they’re doing.
We’re dumb.
one thing i can say is that we cannot please everybody. we cannot be on the shoes of others particularly famous one….the important thing is we are not making mess of other. Tv is an idiot board that can be controlled by anybody. we are already aware enough of what we must digest and must be spit out.
And not one has the right to dictate on how people should enjoy their lives. Hindi naman natin alam ang kwento ng bawat isang nahuhumaling sa mga ganyang “kababawan” eh!
Isa pa, it is very unethical to put down someone from the industry where you also belong.
Don’t you think your message did the same thing? You say 1. Filipinos does not read the context. Theirs nothing to read. The reason why they get upset is because of the constant rant ms. Salonga does when her conviction differs from the public. Your statement might hold validity but what is wrong is that you think only the Philippines or Filipinos act this way. News flash – EVERYONE DOES. 2. Filipinos like shallow stuff – don’t we all? We all need a good laugh and sometimes, it comes from the shallowest places. You do not see a precious beautiful sea shell in the deep ocean but rather, you see them near the shore. 3. You accuse of idolatry. Faith is what we make it. Not one religion and group can dispute that. Bottom line, stop the insanity and uplift rather than criticize. Majority of Filipinos didn’t miss the boat. They chose to see the vast ocean Inspite of seeing the boat close by. Not because they have to but because in the big scheme of things, poverty, hatred, or whatever life threw at them is not even an option. You sit in your glass walls and say your statement of which you’re entitled to. But maybe silence is golden would be a better approach. Until you’ve walked their shoes, no rants or explanation can suffice.
Motherhood statements. Tell me, what do you have against criticism? Why so allergic to it?
“Ms. Salonga wasn’t necessarily bashing the AlDub couple, she was simply wondering if we actually had more to offer as good entertainment. As I’ve written in a previous article about talent, we have to ask ourselves if cheesy romance and sordid affairs are the only things that qualify as “good entertainment” for the Filipino people. While there are definitely gems like Heneral Luna, Abakada…”
Yan ang isang sinabi sa article. hmmm…
what is entertainment? diba it is an act that provides amusement or enjoyment? so, when someone is being entertained, it means the subject is entertaining to that particular person. so when the majority or a lot of people were entertained by a particular program or show, then it is rather more entertaining. so for me, walang shallowness sa entertainment dahil iba iba naman tayo ng taste. eh sa dun xa na-entertain. like Grimwald, di ba sabi mo more on metalhead ka kaya you’re not really a fan of Ms. Lea Salonga? kasi dun ka mas naeentertain. ako, fan ako ni Ms. Lea Salonga. So kanya kanya yan. being entertained by something which doesn’t fall to your standards doesn’t mean you’re stupid or idiot or whatever insulting word you’ll use kasi in fairness naman sa lahat ng shows, pinag-isipan naman yan, pinagtrabahuan like aldub. hindi naman sila tumunganga lang at biglang nagustuhan ng marami.
sa mga ibang aldub fans naman, wag naman din tira ng tira. ang shallowness dito bashing na unreasonable naman. alamin muna bago at mag-isip ng maraming beses bago umatake.
ako rin personally made some mistakes at kasalanan ko na pag di pa ko matuto..
peace
And that is good.
Unfortunately, there are still so many people who behave more like rabid dogs than human beings. Like, I remember my gramma telling me a story about how people in a movie theater once went berserk because of how, in one film, FPJ died at the end. I’d like to think that that’s just history now but, more likely than not, a lot of people still have the same mindset.
Can any of these Aldub, Pastillas, or whatever fan write their own article to express clearly their thoughts? They are especially welcome to write a counter against GRP articles if they indeed feel like they are “insulted” by these.
Pinpoint exactly which articles and cite phrase by phrase, paragraph by paragraph and word by word those articles, GRP or otherwise, they think are offensive to them.
If they are that organized and their cause is well-founded, it shouldn’t be a problem, right?
Vincent, a lot of valid and clear counter arguments have been posted through the comments section already. Take time to read some. Not everyone opposing these articles are Aldub/Pastillas fans, some are highly-educated as you are and the rest of the writers of GRP. Now, if your mind is closed because your judgment is blinded by your prejudice against your ‘bobo and mababaw’ fellowmen, wala nang patutunguhan ang diskusyong ito.
“…a lot of valid and clear counter arguments have been posted through the comments section already.” – I know that and I have read them (to answer your “Take time to read some”). Ang napapansin ko lang kung saan-saan nanggagaling yung mga saloobin nila. Thus I’m beginning to have problems identifying where they are exactly coming from. But of course, I have an idea where they are coming from but I will not express it yet because I could be wrong and I’m ready to test my impression. That is why I am requesting for an article organizing their thoughts and ideas so that we can have something to discuss, clearly. Isn’t it how disagreements should be settled properly? Hindi yung ganito na umaabot sa palitan ng mga salitang minsan na wala nang kinalaman sa article. (That actually goes for both pro and against GRP.)
“Now, if your mind is closed because your judgment is blinded by your prejudice against your ‘bobo and mababaw’ fellowmen, wala nang patutunguhan ang diskusyong ito.” – Now this is the problem. I am just requesting for a write up for them air their side and but you’re already assuming that I have a closed mind because I am blinded by my prejudice. Does my asking for a write up sounded like I am not ready to hear the other side? I was hoping that my comment would be received as paving a way to hear their side. It’s also invitation actually to get your ideas together so you can squarely meet Grimwald’s “Prove me wrong…” challenge. It could also help reduce misinterpretations that could lead to an ugly exchange of words, don’t you agree?
“Not everyone opposing these articles are Aldub/Pastillas fans, some are highly-educated as you are and the rest of the writers of GRP” – I’m not saying all of them should write although that would be better. My point is someone should stand up for them, someone who understands them. Why don’t you do it? You seem to be one of them and sounds like you’re educated enough.
Also on the third, isn’t that the point of some of the GRP articles? Aren’t too much of these shows adds to their “ignorance”? If not, then say something about it-in another article.
Express your thoughts as a united voice, clearly directing us to how you want us to view your stand, not this way where some opinions were fired by emotion. – That is all I’m saying.
“wala nang patutunguhan ang diskusyong ito” – If this is still how you think after what I said, then I think between you and me, I am not one with a closed mind.
@Vincent
I think some really tried their best to clearly share their counter-arguments. If we just keep an open mind to the thinking of others and put ourselves in their shoes, maybe, just maybe, we can understand where they’re coming from.
As what Tony Robbins said, “To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” Given that the writers have the “greater minds”, aren’t they the ones who are supposed to reach out to the “lesser” ones?
Changing the way people think (which I guess is the main purpose of this blog) won’t just happen overnight. I admire GRP for not giving up on their online crusade for change but I really think they need to improve or better yet change their approach.
You see, the way they present their ideas only elicit anger and negative reaction. The superiority and elitism which are highly evident in some of the articles targeting Pinoy Stupidity, coupled with insults and prejudice toward the ‘mababaw and bobo’ Pinoys, will not enlighten the minds of the common tao.
Perhaps what some of the readers are looking for is a fair and balanced analysis. Our addiction to ‘shallow’ TV shows will have some serious damaging effects – it’s a fact – but the writers could have presented it with a bit of intellectual empathy.
To Lauren:
“I think some really tried their best to clearly share their counter-arguments. If we just keep an open mind to the thinking of others and put ourselves in their shoes, maybe, just maybe, we can understand where they’re coming from.” – To tell you the truth, I’ve been reading over and over again their comments regardless of its sense hoping I could catch where they are coming from. So far, I’m struggling. Maybe I unconsciously kept a closed mind or maybe I’m just not keen on details or maybe I am not used to the way they speak and its blocking my senses. That’s why I requested for a write up expressed in a similar way as a GRP article does.
“As what Tony Robbins said, “To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” Given that the writers have the “greater minds”, aren’t they the ones who are supposed to reach out to the “lesser” ones?” – My request for a counter article is my way of reaching out. My way of saying “hey guys, let’s sort this out.” If I seem to be up so high based on my previous comments (because I think that is the way others see it), well, consider this as me going down from it and ready to hear the other side speak. My only condition is for them to express it in a civil way.
“Changing the way people think (which I guess is the main purpose of this blog) won’t just happen overnight. I admire GRP for not giving up on their online crusade for change but I really think they need to improve or better yet change their approach.” – As one of the GRP writers, I’ll the keep the “change the approach” advise in mind. I also acknowledge the fact that it is not an overnight endeavor. It could even be beyond our lifetimes. That is also a reason why I asked for a counter-article. I hope that would give some GRP writers who want to delve on this again a basis on how they will write and convey their message more effectively.
“You see, the way they present their ideas only elicit anger and negative reaction. The superiority and elitism which are highly evident in some of the articles targeting Pinoy Stupidity, coupled with insults and prejudice toward the ‘mababaw and bobo’ Pinoys, will not enlighten the minds of the common tao.” – Upon review of the articles (assuming we are talking of the same articles) I don’t think they are insulting to the Filipinos. But granted that it does, I still agree with the means that the message was conveyed. I’ve met a few citizens from some developed countries (i.e., Americans, Australians, British, etc.) and I saw something in them that is somewhat scarce among Filipinos-the ability to receive criticisms no matter how it is expressed. Those Americans, Aussies, Brits that I’ve met respond to criticisms positively. They show resistance at first, of course (there is a yelling spree in the board room), but it all ends well (well, at least to those that I know). Granted that these people that I am talking about are well-educated, however, even some Filipinos whom I consider well-educated lacks that trait. Just look at most of the country’s politicians. Maturity is one of the things I envy from other citizens and I hope that Filipinos will have a lot of that soon. And I guess GRP, in its being frank, is trying to teach that to its readers; to those that they criticize. Yes, I expect and understand that negative and angry reactions. I would be surprised if there will be none. But, I believe it is one former MMDA chairman who said something this: “resistance to change is only at first. Until they see the benefits of what you are trying to do.”
“Perhaps what some of the readers are looking for is a fair and balanced analysis. Our addiction to ‘shallow’ TV shows will have some serious damaging effects – it’s a fact – but the writers could have presented it with a bit of intellectual empathy.” – As I’ve said in one of my comments: “One sees red while others sees blue.” To me and some readers, it’s balanced enough. So I think it is all about what people want to read or hear from an article. Had it been inclined to noontime shows I guess a lot of people will still say the article is balanced. That is why I believe a counter-argument would be helpful. Maybe its my being a frustrated lawyer-judge that I “summon” the other party for a “formal reply.” I’ve read the case of one party now I’m readying myself to receive the other. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that, in fact, that should make them learn to write and express their thoughts clearly. My problem is I can only read an organized argument.
In one of my comments, I tried chopping one of Ilda’s articles to what I thought is a bite-size chunk and reduce it to a question of “agree or not then explain” hoping to catch their what is in their minds. Unfortunately nobody replied to it.
Intellectual empathy – Well, as I’ve said, I think it’s quite hard when you’re also trying to be frank and honest. Based on what I have seen so far, some people will take empathy as pampering. But ok, I will also keep this in mind.
“She was simply wondering if we actually had more to offer as good entertainment” . Karamihan po ng pinoy walang cable, ilang tv channels Lang napapanood. So sana po mag produce siya ng educational programs na mapapanood araw araw para nman po may matutunan ang taumbayan Lalo na mga bata. Napansin nman pala niya na shallow na tayo.siya na sana gumawa ng paraan kasi matalino siya, may connection siya she can surely help. Kasi pag sasabihin pa natin na magbasa sila ng mga newspaper at libro san nanaman uli kukuha ng pambili niyan. Punta sa mga public library, san kukuha ng pamasahe? Ang gaganda po ng mga sinusulat niyo, pero hanggang Jose rizal na Lang. Po ba tayo lahat kelan Kaya darating ang mga Andres bonifacio. Sino po kays mag lead sa atin sa pagbabago. Sa mga tanong din po Kaya ng mga bigatin di nila itry tanungin sarili nila Kung paano na ba sila makakatulong o itry magbigay option. if we have all the resources why can’t we try to change the things we want to change. Alam ko naman Marami natulungan si mam Lea pero alam ko din na dun sa tanong niya pwede din siya makatulong para Hindi tayo mabaon sa kamangmangan I’m sure yung iba gusto din manood ng makabuluhan pero nga lahat yata ng may kuwenta ngayon kelangan may bayad (cable etc.) pati signal nawawala kelangan bumili ka ng tv plus pra luminaw mamaya wala na talaga pag di ka pa bumili. Wala ka na yata mapspsnood na educational programs pag break time o labasan ng mga bata sa school.
Pasensya na at hindi din naman kasi malaki ang maitutulong ko. Sa katunayan nga, hindi rin naman talaga ako Jose Rizal. Ang totoo, kung tatanungin mo ako, mas malapit pa ako sa mga katulad ni Vlad Tepes na bayani ng mga Romanian, si Dagonet na alagad ni King Arthur at ang kagila-gilalas na si Marquis de Sade.
Kung tutulong ako sa pisikal na pamamaraan, magiging “kriminal” ako…
I miss “Sineskwela” and “Hiraya Manawari”. Entertaining and educational at the same time.
I lived in the US for a long time and I’m actually glad that a lot of Filipinos are “mababaw”. We know how to lough despite adversities. If shallow entertainment will help us get through our problems even just for an hour, then so be it. Just to keep us sane. Dito sa US, anong sagot nila sa problems? Psyche meds, na hindi naman nakakatulong. Marami pa rin ang suicidal at a very early age. But I also agree with Lea that we also must give more quality entertainment to people who are looking for more than just fun, something that will challenge creativity, intellect and imagination with fun mixed in.
COrrect, we Filipinos abroad have survived the craziness of life in the US, people here are so serious and intellectuals that they don’t knowhow to laugh. Filipinos, we have our own ordeals, especially in our Beloved Country, riddled with poverty, joblessness, crime, etc. What’s important is to laugh, I think with ALDUB, people are not following it because of “shallowness-es” but they found an escape with the Eat Bulaga’s Kalyeserye. I read a story during the Great Depression in the ’30’s, people were in dire need but no job, people lost their jobs, money, homes it was a terrible time, and came along a cute 3 year old girl with curly tops, her name was Shirley Temple, people in the depression flocked the movies to watch her and they said Shirley Temple was their escape during these times of Depression. If you watch her film now, it may seem shallow to you, but I believe God used mediums, it maybe shallow to a few, but God always look out for the majority who are struggling and give them an Escape. That is my take, I can watch intellectual stuff, and I can watch shallow stuff. But we’ve got to give our Kababayans a break, what they are going through is hard enough, in time, give our Kababayan time. Look, people are flocking the movie Heneral Luna, why? SocialMedia, Filipinos are into it and when they read the good review, they go and see it…now Heneral Luna has become a surprised hit…so we use Social Media to educate and offer our Kababayans alternatives but to make comments or write ups, it hurts…I’m sorry but it does hurt and that is why they attack with cutting remarks. Who will not react that way if their “egoes” have been maligned? Thank you for taking time to read my take on this. God bless us all. God bless the Philippines and God bless the Filipino People!
We Filipinos complain a lot about how a few individuals/families hold something insane like 95% of wealth in the Philippines. That explains why most people don’t feel any major improvement in their lives even when we’re told the economy of the Philippines is growing fast!
My point is, this “kababawan” is what keeps people satisfied with the status quo. We may complain but we don’t really take action. We have been dumbed down and reduce to immature, overly sensitive, SHALLOW and insecure people. And we seem contented to keep it this way.
@Vegerot,
Yup, I’ve heard that a lot of times, too, on how fast the Philippines is growing. Yet, you only see evidence of this growth among big business, but not in the quality of life of your average Filipinos. If this isn’t pure and stupid Government propaganda, I don’t know what is. Evidence of these bullshit propagandas can also be seen in the media, television programs, and movies. It’s not surprised Filipinos are ignorance and proud; they’re all kept in the dark.
Aeta
Mababaw ang Pinoy – it’s because the Catholic Church spoon-feeds people rather than encourage them to think. It’s better to go to a Bible study where you can analyze scripture and voice your opinion, than go to mass – the content of which is already available in more depth in YouTube.
An atheist Jew once said – religion is for people who can’t think for themselves. Don’t go after religion – go for a relationship with the Creator and your fellowmen. Learn to Ask good questions. Think
@ Zaxx > That’s a very good and exact observation. Reality most times is not the norm or the acceptable principle with most Pinoys.
Please, do not make any further comments about the Catholic Church or any other religion. I could go on and on about this but the history of Catholic Church will speak for itself. As a Catholic myself we follow only one interpretation of the bible contrary to what you think that we are being spoon fed. We do not make ten thousand interpretation with each one thinking their interpretation is the right one. A church is designed by God so that His flock will have a shepherd. It is not a relationship with a religion but rather being under one leadership ordained by God. I feel sorry for that atheist, I hope he will be enlightened himself and so goes the same to you Zaxx. God Bless.
@Starburst,
You can’t deny, though, religion (Catholic, Protestant, and Islam) hasn’t done ‘Jack Shit’to convince Filipinos to shed themselves of their self-serving and aristocratic ways. So religion to Filipinos are just props to validate their identities and justify their actions.
Aeta
We are all called to do the right thing regardless of what faith we have. It is up to us to respond to that call. God never forces our hearts to open, rather, He knocks until we give in. He is like a GPS, if you go the other way, He will make it a point to meet you that way, if you still choose the detour, He will still meet you there. Aristocratic or self-serving, it doesn’t matter, we are all sinners but at the same time God’s kids. He always give each and everyone another opportunity to change. God’s mercy is abundant but we must not forget He is also a Just Judge. We are all called to do right thing until our hour comes. Thanks for your replies. I really appreciate sharing. God bless you all. Starburst
Starburst,
That’s right. You are entitled to you religion and everyone else is entitled to theirs. However, regarldess of how we feel about our religion, the religion of others, or the lack of it, we still share a ‘common ground’: this world. We should do everything possible to take care of our planet and lessen the sufferings of everyone who lives in it by being less selfish.
Aeta
Starburst,
Don’t feel sorry for the Athiests or people of other religion, because they don’t feel sorry for themselves. In fact, they probably feel the same way about you as you feel for them.
Religion is just a way for the believer to feel good about themselves, validate who they are, and justify their actions.
Other than that, religion should not encompass what is considered right or wrong, moral or immoral, ethical and unthetical. If it does, that is where problems begin.
Aeta
To Aeta,
Thank you for your reply. I don’t feel sorry for people with other religion. In fact, I’m glad that they have faith and they believe in God. It is when you doubt the existence of God (which is atheism), then it is something to feel sorry about.
Jesus came down from Heaven to go through the same pain we all went through and to give us a perfect example on how we can live our life according to God’s will despite all the hardship and pain. Then on John 21: 15-17, Jesus asked Peter if he loves Him. Peter answered “yes” 3x, then Jesus said that if he loves Him, he is to feed, care and shepherd those that that belong to Christ. If Jesus thinks that a relationship with a Creator is enough then He would not have said this to Peter. But Jesus knew that a Church is needed to reach out to His chosen ones. If we have a relationship with a Creator without knowing who the Creator is then a lot of us will be pagans. We will still be worshipping the sun, moon or stars. Christianity got spread thru the apostles, God’s first members of the church. If not for them and the continuous evangelization of the gospel, a lot of people will never know Christ and the hope and salvation He gives us. Our faith (whether it’s Christian, Protestant, etc.) teaches us the right way to live. It leads us according to Christ’s teachings. If we will all rely on what we think is right then Satan would have rejoiced because he can easily tempt us to do the wrong thing and justify it at the same time. If we just flip the Bible and try to understand it ourselves then we might interpret it in 1,001 ways, even interpret it the wrong way. That is why we need our pastors, our priests, our religion, our Church guided by the Holy Spirit to help us understand God’s word. The evilness did not come from religion, it came from man’s hearts when we allow evil over good to rule out hearts. God always knocks on our hearts despite it’s hardness. He talks to us thru circumstances, thru other people, thru our thoughts. He will do whatever He can to make us go back to Him. But man’s refusal to be corrected and reprimanded is what makes him justify his own evil ways. Up to the point that man will even use God to justify his acts to spare himself of the guilt. But God, who can see through our hearts knows what we are up to and will deal with us with love, mercy and justice.
Religion teaches us what is right and wrong, what is moral and immoral, what is ethical and unethical. Our religion, our faith points us to the right path and how we can move on despite the odds. It is up to us whether we choose the path that leads to salvation or the path to destruction. God did not create anything bad or evil. It is man and his poor choices that creates chaos, not our faith, not our religion. God bless.
“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” St. Thomas Aquinas
Starburst,
“Religion teaches us what is right and wrong, what is moral and immoral, what is ethical and unethical.”
I disagree with that assumption. I’ve met a lot of people who are Atheist and they know the difference between what is “right and wrong, what is moral and immoral, what is ethical and unethical.”
In fact, these Atheists act more Christian-like than most Christians I know—especially in the Philippines. So, in my opinion, I don’t believe Christianity (nor Islam) is working for the Philippines, except to make their followers feel good about themselves, validate who they are, and justify what they do. That’s all.
Aeta
To Aeta,
“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” St Thomas Aquinas
I will say no more.
Starburst
Prepare for my next article!
*standing ovation*
Please sit down. I don’t want anyone to be PHYSICALLY uncomfortable.
Sige, mag paligsahan kayo sa pagalingan ng talino, ng pilosopiya, ng pag-iingles…etc! Pero isipin niyo mabuti kung bakit kaya ang bansang nirerepresenta niyo ay bulok? Hindi kaya meron tayong pagkukulang bilang mamamayang Pilipino? Isipin niyong mabuti kung ano yun kung talagang matatalino kayo!
Nick Tambolero
Yes, I’ve thought of two(2) good reasons. We Filipinos are too self-serving (makasarili at kanya-kanya) and aristocratic (hambog at mayabang).
Aeta
@Aeta
Shouldn’t GRP writers also highlight that “makasarili at kanya-kanya” and “hambog at mayabang” attitude of Filipinos? We’re done with the stupidity and kababawan thing.
Lauren,
GRP should highlight the self-serving and aristocratic ways of our people. These Filipino characteristics are the least talked about because they are considered taboo topics.
Aeta
I remember one time while I was watching tv and this I cannot forget when Vic Sotto said on their tv program “YUMAMAN KAMI NG DAHIL SA KATARANTADUHAN!” See?
Galing mismo yun sa bibig ng promotor ng kababawan!
@Nick Tambolero,
“Vic Sotto said on their tv program ‘YUMAMAN KAMI NG DAHIL SA KATARANTADUHAN!’ See?”
And the Filipino masses refuse to believe the truth behind those words, because they love “Eat Bulaga” and Vic Sotto. This is the same self-serving and arrogant of the Filipino people. The left hand strokes the ‘ego’ of the right hand, while they both wallow in the dark and murky water of their delusions.
Aeta
@Nick Tambolero,
“Vic Sotto said on their tv program ‘YUMAMAN KAMI NG DAHIL SA KATARANTADUHAN!’ See?”
And the Filipino masses refuse to believe the truth behind those words, because they love “Eat Bulaga” and Vic Sotto. This is the same self-serving and arrogant attitude of the Filipino people. The left hand strokes the ‘ego’ of the right hand, while they both wallow in the dark and murky water of their delusions.
Aeta
Igorot,
Here’s my valid argument. Why don’t you read my latest response to Eneri87?
Aeta
This only proves one thing! You’re being naive at ang bababaw ninyo mag-isip! Vic is a Comedian!
Igorot,
You’re right, Vic is a comedian, who has your brain by the balls, and can choose to loosen or tighten the grip.
Aeta
Aeta, using rhetorics as weapon of choice doesn’t cut it! You don’t have a valid argument and you know that!
they have both proven their character……forgiving and willing to start anew
http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/news/107775-lea-salonga-joey-de-leon-settle-misunderstanding-kababawan-tweet-aldub?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=referral
TO ALL MY FELLOWCOUNTRYMEN:
I worked for a a year Europe as a participant of a so called intercultural exchange programm of their country. And yes I proved there how We are very mababaw. I’m a Filipino and that’s one of the Filipino characteristics I OUTGREW. Yes, I outgrew it. Because shallowness is immaturity and we never grew from it. Konting issue lang nagaaway tayu. Konting comment lang papatulan. Mas marami pang makabuluhan na pwedeng gawin or atupagin. My stay in Europe proved me that our “too much engagement of kababawan” is making us poor, miserable, unsuccessful, unorderly, country. Pag may mga matitino na gustong mangcorrect ng sobrang “kababawan” yung PINOY PRIDE ang naaapakan, kaya tama yung article, nagrereact agad HINDI NAGIISIP. Matalino nmn ang mga REPLY. Pero sayang kasi ang kababawan ang dinedepensahan. On the other hand, Heneral Luna movie has a strong message, one of the GREATEST MISTAKES of our history we keep repeating from politicians to the ordinary street people : ” Ang Kalaban natin any mga SARILI NATIN.” Dahil sa shallowness natin, we defend a shallow reasoning and maybe even die for something very shallow.
Hear, Hear! Agree 100%.
“Okay lang sa akin ang kababawan, pero hanggang doon na lamang ba tayo?”
Anu bang message nya? If she have her opinion, then let the other have their opinion.
Mga pilipino kasi, magaling lang sa salita pero sa gawa, wala. Kahit walang aldub, ganun parin. Ang mali kasi is sinisisi ang aldub o pastillas pa. Pero wala namang basis. Kung gusto nyong umunsad, kumilos kayo. Anu bang ginawa ni lea salonga para umunlad ang bansa? Nagtanong na hanggang jan nalang? Sana sinagot nya tanong niya baka may naitulong pa sya sa pag as nso diba?
Guys guys okay I see everyone’s point. Some of you approve of the writer’s tone and some don’t. But aren’t we still missing the issue here? Our countrymen display foolish behavior mainly because they are ignorant and brainwashed. We are the few who are enlightened, apparently.
So what are you doing about it?
I suggest that you use this forum to organize and find a way to educate thr masses, especially the children, and reprogram the Filipinos. That way, we won’t be proving ourselves to be as shallow as the public that doesnt know or care about articles like these.
I am in. Let us start educating Pilipinos thru social media. Let us change everyone’s perspective sa kanyang sarili at lipunan. At kung maaari, ilathala ang bawat artikulo sa Tagalog kasi ang target naman natin ay ang masa at hindi ang mga sinasabing “educated”. Ang nangyayari kasi nagkakaroon ng argument between “educated” na hindi naman makakareach-out sa mga pangkaraniwang mamamayan. Tutal gusto naman ng bawat isa ng pagbabago. Siguro magsimula tayo sa ano ba ang tingin mo sa sarili?
Alberto Tibayan,
“Tutal gusto naman ng bawat isa ng pagbabago. Siguro magsimula tayo sa ano ba ang tingin mo sa sarili?”
Let’s start with overhauling our ‘dysfunctional value system’ and how we see ourselves as Filipinos.
Aeta
Pwede po bang Filipino na lang ang usapan para makarelate ang lahat? Siguro dapat tinatanong ng bawat Pilipino kung ano ngayon ang tingin nya sa kanyang sarili. Pwede kasing yung perspektibo mo sa sarili ay maging isang inspirasyon sa ibang tao upang mabago ang pananaw nya tungkol sa sarili nya.Ang mga katanungang ano bang hangad mo sa sarili mo na magbebenefit ang ating bansa. Halimbawa, ang pagkakaroon ng trabaho. Siguro hangad ng bawat Pilipino na magkaroon ng trabaho. Magkakaroon ba ng benefits ang ating bansa kung ang isang tao ay magkakaroon ng trabaho. Malaking tulong ang pagbibigay ng bagong pananaw sa isang sitwasyon sa ibang perspective. Kailangan nating simulan ang pagtuturo.
Alberto Tibayan.
I’m sorry I’m not that good writing in Tagalog but I can understand what you’re saying.
Let’s start with the basics. The Philippines is–or was–an agricultural and aquacultural country that yielded enough rice and fish to feed its population, with surplus leftover for export. However, because of our people’s desire for modern living, we traded our rich and fertile land for “concrete jungles” to accommodate our subdivisions, shopping malls, and other commercial properties.
Filipinos abandoned their farms and moved to the cities, where the prospect of a “dream job” and a modern life awaits, only to realize that there were millions of other Filipinos looking for the same opportunities.
So many of these migrant Filipinos moved back to their provinces and tried to go back to the farm life they had left behind, only to find out that their former life had also been compromised. Farmland owners, caught in the wave of modernization, sold out to developers who will eventually transform these land into “concrete jungles.”
Because of our people’s desires to transform the Philippines from a once agricultural country that could sustain its population, into an industrialized and modern nation that will become the envy of the world, we have paid the ultimate price of driving our people out of the country to seek opportunities in foreign soil, and, worse, deeper into poverty and desperation.
This is the first of many hard lessons we Filipinos still have to learn. (To be continued)
Aeta
Isang problema ng mga Pilipino ay yung language barrier. Paano makakareach-out ang mga “educated” sa masang Pilipino kung English ang medium ng “educated” at Tagalog ang sa masang Pilipino. Sinong dapat mag-adjust? Siguro naman yung nasa “taas” ang dapat bumaba para akayin ang nasa “baba” pataas. Mahalaga sigurong malaman ang history pero mas mabuti sigurong mas alamin kung anong tingin ng indibidwal sa kanyang sarili. Kung nagagawa ng isang Pilipino na mabago ang pananaw nya sa sarili so hindi posibleng magawa rin ito ng iba.
Wow, I didn’t know my screen name is becoming that popular and now everybody wants to use it. I should be honored. Thanks, anyway, Aeta (or whoever you are). I like what you wrote.
all of you are idiots. from the upstanding, elitist writers in GRP to the mighty economic refugee, Benigno to the gullible masses of pabebe hordes. the people of the world consider you as one entity. the proto-typical pinay maid. pity yourselves for there is no escape. tsk, tsk, tsk, pinoy is pinoy is pinoy.
Well, in your case you invite personal criticism when you frequently refer to your personal life, beliefs and specific tastes in most things you write. It makes it harder to separate the message from the messenger, or to take what you’re saying seriously when your chief examples are kids’ superheroes.
Lea Salonga is a fucking lying comedian!
Being a Paid ABS-CBN Talent, probably earning millions, she can’t pretend not to know about AlDub when her mother station is doing a poorer and tasteless version of the Pastillas Girl!
And as a Filipino Twitter user herself, inspite of her claiming to be very busy on other matters, she still finds the time to comment on something that she lyingly pretends to not know about when AlDub is trending globally with 25.6 Million hits!
@ I’m Lea-R I totally motherfucking agree! Lea Salonga is troll. 😀
Sensya na, twitter user din ako pero never kong na-encounter ang aldub. I just saw some videos posted by my FB circle.
Nakakatuwa naman si Binibining Nelle!
Sana maunawaan ninyo na gaya ni Ginang Lea, isa rin siya na na Pinay Twitter user na “never..na-encounter ang aldub”!
At gusto lamang niya na ipaalam ang bagay na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagkumento sa isang forum na AlDub ang pinag-u-usapan!
Paumanhin daw po!
Kailan ba kasi nung nag 25.6 million hits? Baka na miss kong mag check ng Twitter that day. Btw, don’t get me wrong. I’m one shallow human being as well. Kinikilig at napapangiti din ako sa kababawan nag aldub at pastillas. Ang kababawan ng mga Pinoy ay past-time lang. Wala namang masama sa pagiging mababaw. At hindi rin natin masisisi ang ma Pilipino na maging mababaw. Kung anong nagpapasaya sa atin kahit ilang minuto lang, why not? Besides, it’s free. Cheers!
Fuck you! Lea salonga!
Words do have away in twistings things and what we mean about them… “Elitista’s”, “commoners”, “shallow”, “basher”, this words reflect how we perceive of others. Filipinos in one way or the other are the same… Being shallow does not prove one that we are just Leathat… It is also true that neither you,Leah nor I know’s the truth behind the lives of the Aldub fans…who knows a famous and a very intelligent pinoy might be an Aldub die hard fan… “One can really not bash nor put down someone just because they feel they are educated or better than the rest…” It was an opinion that is raised and the people just reacted… It is as simple as that… “For every action there is a reaction.” There is what we call perception management. How I see things is different from other people… As to the disparring remarks about Filipinos Christianity… That remark by itself is uncalled for… my point is…. We despise others so much… Why not teach if we can and not put down those who lack the tenacity to understand things and give them the opportunity to see things the way we see them… @_@ Have great day ahead fellas…
Stay classy, Lester Tarobal.
Same old bullshit! u call this an article? like this is all u can give after 4 years in college?(kung graduate ka talaga?) haha! meygednessess! and these rabid, chauvinist people u call ‘reply-ers’ and actually praising u for it? again-haha! what a trash, rehash! and no, i wont mistake u for a foreigner. u wont pass for a foreign media org. try reading foreign news articles and learn how they construct sentences. Yours could pass as same caliber with EIC of a primary campus editorial! lels
@halaka! Haha. My sentiments, exactly.
Curious lang po ako? How great you are po in your own perspective? Milyonaryo na po ba kayo? May nagawa na po ba kayong kabutihan sa pag-angat ng mga Pilipino? Kung tingin nyo po mas magaling kayo sa writer na ito and you have a better mean na maka-influence sa masang Pilipino pwede po bang gamitin nyo yung talent nyo or skill nyo para matuto ang masang Pilipino. Siguro po naman gusto nyo ng pagbabago sa bansa natin. Kung hindi po ninyo gusto how the writer express himself, siguro naman po mas mabuting “i-educate” sya in a way how an “educated” person should do. Siguro naman po alam nyo ang salitang malasakit kung ganun po ang intensyon nyo sa writer to improve himself.
I am proud to be labeled as shallow by Ms Salonga if it means being entertained at the end of a stressful day by mindless tv. Yes I Pvr Eat Bulaga because it helps take my mind off things. Did I mention that I have a post-graduate degree and works in management abroad?
Leah is part of her statement. She is a product of kababawan too, only thing is she was able graduate to a higher level of kababawan. She must have forgotten that kababawan sells. It is the kababawan that is doing the rounds of making money in the Philippines entertainment seen. There are sex, slapsticks comedy, scandals, copycat shows and what have you,, Even the politicians resort to the kababawans just to be elected into offices that they could corrupt. Aging and fading celebritites also resort to kababawans just so they can remain in the limelight. Kanya-kanyang style lang. As Erap said before weather-weather lang yan. Kababawan will stay just like the same dog with a different collar. Solution? Filipinos (elitists of culture) should join hands to come up with an uplifted standards of kalaliman. Walang pata-asan ng ere. Mabuhay kayo Filipino.
Walter Pollentes,
I agree with what you said. Leah Salonga is part of the aristocratic (hambog) class, too. Why can’t the people see that? It’s Amazing.
Aeta
“higher level of kababawan” hahaha! natawa ako dun ah. 😀
Ang mabuhay sa ibang bansa at the expense of opportunity to most might be a burden but to some is a blessing. It is an eye-opener and humbling experience but a never ending emptiness and longing for the life back home. Abs-Cbn and other channels are very popular everywhere in the world for the very purpose of alleviating the tired, tough and obligatory life we have out here. Kababawan might be an intellectuals paradox but it is a normal persons escape from the world of responsibilities. I deal with the corporate world for years, on tough days i go home to watch cartoons. It is my “kababawan” moment but, it keeps me mentally sharp coz it relaxes my brain and lowers my intensity level. Some people have a rough life and will always defer to this so called “kababawan” mentality to alleviate hate and anger. Lea Salonga’s mentality stems from the intense rigors of trying to be the best pinay in someone else’s backyard. Her intention was to wake up people’s outlook and not insult them with a general/generic question. We are who we are but its not an excuse to not grow intelectually.
bakit nasasabi ni lea ‘to? kasi nakukuntento na ang karamihan sa atin sa “second best”, “lesser evil”, “mediocrity”, at “ok na ‘yan/pwede na ‘yan”. inis na inis ako sa resultang 2010 national election dahil sa nanalong presidente – na mahaigit nang 1 dekada sa pwesto ay walang naipasang batas at nagawang proyekto, at walang plataporma sa pagtakbo, na nanalo dahil sa bayani raw ang mga magulang niya; sikat siya; inendorso siya ng mga artista, mga kilalang grupo at ng iba pang sikat na tao. at ang mas nakakainis pa dito e ‘yung sinabi ng mga botante kung bakit nila ito ibinoto. “wala nang ibang mapili, e.” wala? correct me if i’m wrong, pero sa pagkakatanda ko ay may 9 na presidentiables. tapos sasabihin mong wala kang mapili? ‘yung isa, ibinoto si pnoy dahil lang sa magka-apilyedo sila. may iba pa na na-trauma na raw sa matalinong presidente (si GMA) kaya pinili nila ang “lesser evil” (which is, evil pa rin naman). dahil sa pagkapanalo niya, nagkaroon ng K-12 (maraming teachers ang mawawalan ng trabaho), mas malalang traffic, mga palpak na government officials (na siya ang nag-appoint), etc.
aaminin ko, fan ako ng jadine (call me shallow if you want). may nagsabi sa ‘kin na mas maganda si kathryn kay nadine, pero nagalit ba ako? hindi, dahil opinyon niya ‘yun. isn’t that the way fan should behave? walang masamang sa pagiging fan, pero ‘wag ka naman mang-bash ng mga hindi fans ng idol mo, lalo na kung wala namang ginagawa sa ‘yo o sa idol mo. people start to hate the rabid fans, hanggang sa madamay na ‘yung idols nila. ‘yung mga fans, pwedeng magbigay ng opinyon. so bakit hindi pwedeng magbigay ng opinyon ang non-fans o ang mga anti?
‘yung mga palabas natin, puro remake, rip-off, kalandian, kabit. what’s so inspiring in being a mistress? ‘yung isang weekly drama show, wala nang alam ipalabas kundi tungkol sa rape or domestic violence. what’s so inspiring in being a rape victim o abuse victim? can’t we be more creative? can’t we create our own concept?
see? there is really something wrong with THIS kind of shallowness. thanks to our shallowness that we are in deep shit right now.
The shallow of the highs and the depths of the lows.
And Filipinos are both highand low with the way they use their brains.
Elementary, my dear Watson.
If only closed minds came with closed mouths.
Problem is: people tend to forget that God Himself gave us freewill, meaning, nobody, yes nobody, has the right to take control over other people’s actions. Yes, one can give advise, or options albeit in the end, it’s anybody’s God given right to act on their own. I am an “Eat Bulaga” hater for personal reasons but I am happy for those who are entertained by AlDub and that includes my wife and most anybody else I know. Mababaw? I don’t think so. My wife’s profundity is without question and people who knows her will attest to that. Lea Salonga may have soared great heights because of her talents but that doesn’t give her the right to tell us what should entertain us or not. She is away from this COUNTRY most of the time, anyway. The only time I got to get a close look at her was when my wife got snubbed for a picture at the Manila Hotel lobby a decade ago. Who is she? I thought then. My wife told me that she is the Lea Salonga. Oh, she is? Oh! Ok…
I don’t follow “Pastillas Girl” too much but my wife doesn’t mind me preferring her over “Yaya Dub” whenever I have the time for lunch TV shows. To each their own. I guess it’s worth to have multiple TV sets at home, after all.
How Lea Salonga proved the shallowness of Pinoy’s? Come again, Mr. Thaddeus Grimwald?
“Okay lang sa akin ang kababawan, pero hanggang doon na lamang ba tayo?”
….
“Uhmmm… I have no idea what’s going on. Why did people assume I was tweeting about AlDub? I wasn’t. I don’t know about it. So why the hate?”
“I’m slowly learning about the whole AlDub phenomenon. It teaches positive values, most notably LOVE. So why the hate, AlDub fans?”
Dapat nagbasa/nagsaliksik muna bago magsalita ng opinyon.
Basa basa lang pag may time …
Many filipinos are stupid. kahit saan ka pumunta ang daming tanga at bobong pinoy. tanggapin n lng natin. period
Link
Guys, take time to read this. Baka mas may matutunan tayo. 🙂
Filipina in her 30s living in the US for more than 20 years. I got Facebook and I kept seeing all this Aldub BS in my newsfeed. Sorry to say, but good grief Pinoys are REALLY corny and yeah shallow. Heck all the artistas are halfies – that says something. What can I say “mababaw ang kaligayahan”
Dami talaga taong nagmamarunong. Sa palagay nyo ba, Yung mga taong Walang pinagaralan at hirap sa buhay because of several reason have the chance NOT to be so called “shallow” or even watch what you think is “not shallow” show like Ms Saigon? They can’t even afford to buy their meals for goodness sake! A show like eat bulaga is their only outlet to somehow forget their worries in life. They reacted because it’s their way of life. When you experience poverty yourself, your thinking might be different. But I still believe that we need to learn not to generalise Filipinos. May mahirap, may mayaman, may matalino may makitid. Yes I admit I am shallow at times and thatt makes me happy!
But you’re NOT completely shallow are you? I’m sure there’s more to you than shallowness. That’s what I’m talking about.
I mean, don’t we have more to offer as a people?
Sugestion nga?
Like maybe Gerphil Geraldine with her opera singing or perhaps an artist with the same vision and skill as H.R. Giger. That kind of thing. Something unique but with meaning.
Ako. Yes I have more things to offer and understand. Ako yun. At bakit? Because I have education and I have travelled the world and I have means. What I am trying to let you understand is not everybody is like you or like us. The level of our thinking is different from the majority of the Filipinos. Admit it, majority of our countrymen is shallow minded. Mababaw talaga kaligayahan natin. Because I would like to agree that Yun lang Ang meron Yung mga kababayan natin. You can’t expect a lot from them but just that.
I agree with what you said in your blog but I’d like you to try to step back a little and see the big picture .
I salute majority of our countrymen who are mababaw in your judgement because they manage to take life’s challenges lightly and smile and laugh.
But that’s your opinion and I respect you for that.
God bless!
Wala namang masama sa pagiging mababaw. Pero sana iniisip din ng entertainers yung kanilang responsibilidad sa kanilang taga-tangkilik. Na sa kabila ng kababawan, mababago nito ang mga pananaw ng mga Pilipino tungkol sa kanyang sarili at sa kanyang lipunang. Na sa kabila ng kababawan, kapupulutan ito ng aral ng bawat Pilipino. Na sa kabila ng kababawan, lalalim ang kamulatan nya sa nangyayari sa kanyang lipunan. Sa kabila ng kababawan, magiging inspirasyon ito sa pagbabago ng mga Pilipino. Mababaw para maintindihan at madaling matutunan ng masang Pilipino pero ang hangarin ay gawin ang bawat Pilipino na kapaki-pakinabang sa lipunan kanyang ginagalawan.
of all the comments here yours make the most sense.
mas maraming mahirap at walang masyadong pinag aralan na mga pilipino kaysa sa mga titulado at mayayamang mamamayan. wag na kayong magtaka kung bakit sila mababaw.karapatan nila yon.
This was great until you mentioned god. But you’re intelligent so i know you’ll realise what’s wrong with the god thing yourself (not trying to insult but I’m actually complimenting you).
antay ko pa sagot sa tanong ni lea..hanggang doon na lang ba tayo? does it really matter if you are mababaw or malalim…ang tanong yun lang ba kaya natin?..who gives a flying fuck if you are from the masa or have a PhD and works for upper management..the question still begs for an answer…is that all that we are capable of? wala pa akong nababasa na sinagot ang tanong ni lea…
I have nothing against others opinion with regard to tv programming but for me it’s a matter of respect. For those people who are enjoying #Aldub or any tv program I can’t blame them because it’s the exposure that they get into. It’s the innate culture that most Filipino have… Likas na masayahin kahit ano pa man ang problema.This is part of their daily routine…watching tv while having lunch. For those who don’t like it or should I say “Korni” to them is because of their different exposure. They might be in different environment… They might be a book reader , a movie lover or a performer etc. It’s like playing old songs to teens nowadays. Do you think they’ll like it? Or do you think if you share the best story that you have read will interest them? Naah! Put ourselves into their shoes.People have different preferences.The way we think is different because of our present experiences that we have now. Or you are just saying you are more sosyal because you don’t watch them…Huwag ganon! Just saying! #respect #PSWalaakongFilipinoChannel
I do understand where you and Lea are coming from. I was brought up in a middle -class family, educated in private schools, learned English at home before Tagalog, etc. I agree with both of you 99%. However, you missed one point. A bigger percentage of our population is under the poverty line. The poorer we are, the more shallow we tend to be for obvious reasons. I agree with you when you say Pinoys have become ‘idolaters’, because they have so many saints, statues, etc. before they even go to the One and only Way -Jesus. They become so obsessed with praying to these saints, go to church, and when they go home to their own abodes, they swear, they gossip, they insult, etc. They complain about their pitiful situation, when they themselves bribe, steal, lie,in order to get ahead of others. Not everyone is like this, but this is a sad perception of people who are fortunately more educated.
I guess most Filipinos just didn’t understand what Lea was trying to say. I understood what she said, and as much as I want a more knowledgeable entertainment, we can only complain about it.
Think about this. Why do you think the media would still show “shallow” TV shows? Because that appeals to the masses. I mean, would you want to broadcast a TV show that they don’t want to watch? I know I look like I’m siding with the “shallow” masses, but that’s how it works. GMA and ABS-CBN just gives what the people wants to see. But when they do step out of the mass media zone, they’re actually more creative than what we actually think. (Ever heard of Indie films?) The masses also tends to like Indie films when they give themself a chance to watch it. They’re more open-minded than what we think.
P.S. Etiquette for Mistresses does NOT glorify mistresses. I was wrong to judge the movie by the title after watching it. It’s actually the other way around though. And it was based on a book by Julie Yap-Daza, but not like those usual Filipino Wattpad-based stories.
“Siniskwela”, huh? I used to watch that in my school when I was in Grade 3. We’d go to the library to watch that. It might be a good idea for kids though =)