BANANACUE
REPUBLIC
Vol I, No. 4
Sept 29, 2004

 
 
 by Leoncio Olobia

ARCHIVE #024

Table of Contents 

Archive:
September
October

CULTURE:

Pinoys in the High Seas   

Working on cruise ships can be great fun for someone who likes adventure.  In my vessel, I work with more than 200 Pinoys coming from different positions, though I should say the bulk is from waitering and engine-related jobs.  A minority of us come from the managerial and music departments who have to dazzle our comrades with expert knowledge and opinion of a lot of things, especially on areas of wit, insult and ridicule.  These countries come from post-communist rule so they can be more inferior than our beloved Pinoys.

My concern lies on the distorted image our Pinoys tend to present in their day-to-day conduct.  First, the mispronunciation of 'p' and 'f' has earned us the phrase "you have a froblem?" (notice the ridiculous sound).  For instance, a Pinay waitress would politely ask a Caucasian guest if he would like a cup of coffee: "can I get you a cuf of coppee?"  This is totally outrageous and degrading to our education system.  Though I must realize they have not enjoyed the privilege of elite education, still we all embrace the humiliation and disgust. 

Oftentimes, I ignore the situation by dazzling them with my upper class ways or whatever, but still the image of distorted "f's" and "p's" haunt me.  I am seriously disturbed by this outcry especially in an international setting. 

This brings to a careful examination of our education system.  I understand the old alphabet system does not include these dreaded letters along with v, w, x, q, etc., and a lot of our folks lean on this defunct style, yet they must realize we are an English-oriented culture in some ways.  We cannot deny the fact that we were brought up with English words in our midst and to slap our face with mispronunciations can be a serious problem.

Another issue worth pondering is the abundance of clique and exclusivity in their midst.  They are so confined to their little world of mundane existence.  I cannot imagine how they survive in their claustrophobic life: eating together like in the army with infinite rice and a bowl of broth, going out to ports like ants or just about anywhere, you see them inseparable.  I have to exclude them to avoid traffic jam in public places.  Seriously, this “rice culture” becomes an eyesore when you embark on a journey with a good mix of people. 

Why can’t they learn to adapt to certain ways?  Why can’t they enjoy the freedom of change?  Why can’t they hide their roots sometimes?  Why can’t they simply be cool?  I have no answer because in a world of cruising, individual survival is very important.  Whatever way of existence you have, it doesn’t matter because the thought of earning dollars is priority.  These people are married and have kids in school back home and they miss them so much.  They cannot allow themselves to go out, have fun, learn their “f’s” and “p’s” while working 15 hours in the galley.  It is a simple but financially rewarding experience after all.

"Why can’t Pinoys learn to adapt to certain ways?  Why can’t they enjoy the freedom of change?  Why can’t they hide their roots sometimes?  Why can’t they simply be cool? "