Back to PNB New York's HomepageFilipinos are an ubiquitous presence in the tourist capitals of the world, no matter that, internationally, the image of the country is dire. In fact, it is believed to be in the throes of economic bankruptcy. Those of us in the know realize that while there are Smokey Mountains and street children plus those many slums in Manila, there are Forbes Park, Ayala Alabang, Dasma, San Lo, and other (Makati) villages where the rich are indeed rich. These rich travel. And, they travel often.
However, despite their acquaintance with the kind of life Robin Leach so admires, they (usually) bring along their Manila soclal habits that make them standout in New York crowds. For example, in the matter of dress, they wear the latest and the most colorful. Manila has its own list of "in" attire, be it in style, or, brand. The fashion wannabes subscribe to the latest fads, the elders having their preference while the young adhering to their own. They wear these abroad or shop for them until they drop, for Filipinos are indefatigable shoppers. If lonely for a kababayan, head for a mall or a large outlet. There you will surely find your countryfolks. Invariably, you may hear them multiplying the dollar to the peso for the cost of the desired item. "Ay, ang mura!" or, "Opps, ang mahal" may follow.
They also choose "in" scents. Both women and men use them liberally, in fact, a truly important part of their cosmetic bags. When touring Pinoys walk the streets of Manhattan they leave behind them a waft of the latest "in" Manila scent. Those who do not care to be fashionably aromatic wlll smell equally fine since Pinoys bathe regularly and more often than most Westerners. They are well-groomed albeit both sexes give away their tropical heritage by the multi-colored clothes they choose to wear, the colors reflective of the many flowers that bloom in the islands.
The men don "in" dark glasses, too. Their wives tote designer bags. The guys choose brand-name t-shirts, fashionable rubber shoes, leather belts that pinch waists, which, nevertheless, overflow on their sides, but most especially, on their fronts. They "Pssst" companions to gain attention and then asked where to go, the others reply "Doon", the length of the vowel indicating the distance.
In restaurants, they immediately kid each other. Who will blow the others out. (You should see the eyes of the Manhattan waitress enlarge upon hearing this talk of blowing the others.) This confused waitress will stand there for sometime because the group take their time ordering. They ask each other's preference, change their minds and not give specifics. Like? What kind of salad would they prefer? What dressing would they want to go with that? What kind of bread? Rye wheat or a roll? Mashed or baked potatoes? Any cream? Fat free? Salt free? "Ang dami naman!" comments a harrassed Filipina.
"Excuse me" regularly says the confused waitress since Pinoys having been taught to speak softly do not speak up. In America, it is expected. Especially in this busy metropolis where the less time wasted the better. The waitress starts to show irritation. "Ang bastos", says the pert young Pinay. "Ang sungit" adds the other. Invariably, they talk in Tagalog among themselves leaving the poor waitress even more confused. When the food comes, "Ay, ang dami!" or, "Ang laki!" are the usual comments. "Pwede pabalot" informs the experienced tourist. "Nakakahiya" says the other Pinay. In the end, there is a doggy bag.
But, why is it that when they see other Filipinos, they turn away, look past them, or, pretend they do not see them? I have never understood that. Among residents, I suspect it is because they wish to show that they have assimilated so well they no longer are conscious of ethnic origins. Now, they are all Americans, right? White, black, red, yellow and brown.
However, Manila tourists continue to bring Manila habits to New York. They giggle lengthily and gossip in Tagalog seldom focusing on what is at hand. Instead, they exchange views and opinions while transacting their business, to the consternation of the attending employee.
As they amble along the streets, they invariably bump into the fast-paced Manhattan residents who mean to get to their destination as quickly as possible. Why? I dunno, but, neither do they, so never mind. The Pinoy is shoved here and there as he searches for his companions. "Hoy saan na kayo?" he shouts, now finally finding his voice." "Dito" responds the other. "Saan ang iba?" he screams. "Doooooon" replies the other. (Quite far, it seems.) When they finally regroup they giggle as they babble.
"Saan ang subway?" inquires a tired Pinoy tourist. "Doooon" answers the other. "Ang layo" says the Pinay. "Magtaksi na lang tayo" recommends the other Pinay. After losing a couple of cabs grabbed by aggressive New Yorkers, they manage to snatch one and cram themselves inside the car. They giggle and talk at the same time in Tagalog as the cab drlves away. There is a trail of their combined "in" Manila scent wafting through the Manhattan street.
Pinoys were around.
Back to PNB New York's Homepage