Malu Fernandez: Hate ugly Filipinos (v.2)
By attysy on Aug 29, 2007 in Op-ed Columns
Don’t we ever run out of scandals? Lately it has been the fierce and fabulous author Malu Fernandez of People Asia magazine. Allegedly she already resigned from her writing job due to the numerous complaints against her article of June 2007 titled “From Boracay to Greece!” It is a travel piece recounting her summer spent in the beautiful island of Boracay fighting off insects and protecting her immaculate pedicure from the white sands and then jetting off to Greece to see the goddesses but having to go through ugly Filipinos en route.
What exactly did she write? She said that to save on ticket going to Greece, she bravely took the economy class via Emirates with a stopover in Dubai only to remember that the latter was the hub for OFWs. She “wanted to slash her wrist at the thought of being trapped in a plane with all of them.” She was tormented in her sleep with “endless yelling of “HOY! Kamusta ka na? At taga saan ka? Domestic helper ka rin ba? I thought I had died and God had sent me to my own private hell.” On the return trip (of course she had to fly back somehow), she “resigned [her]self to being trapped like a sardine in a sardine can with all these OFWs smelling of AXE and Charlie cologne while my Jo Malone evaporated into thin air.”
With these lines, Malu offended our sensibilities, went against political correctness and doomed herself to public condemnation.
Our sensibilities say that to travel for leisure is a privilege and a luxury. Millions of our countrymen brave foreign shores in search of the proverbial three meals a day. Hence to vacation in Bora or, rather and, Greece in one break is something we whisper a prayer for and count our blessings. How can Malu be so ungrateful and even pick on our OFWs?
Malu writes for the sosi crowd. For outsiders, sosi means sosyal - a Filipinized word of ‘social’ referring to high society and the rich and/or famous. It is obvious from her article that Malu is part of this class (otherwise she will not be a credible source so essential in sosi magazines). Well, she scrimped on her plane ticket to shop for more accessories and her nose spotted the difference of AXE and Charlie, scents of the masa (masses) and her exquisite Jo Malone. That is how socialites are.
She flaunted political correctness when she dared to be true to herself and called OFWs for who they are: a noisy lot intruding into personal space sacred to others in small places like economy seats. At least she is honest with her thoughts. She ought to have injected the value of empathy - understanding that it is beyond the OFWs themselves and largely attributable to socio-economic factors beyond their control.
She is publicly condemned for pointing out albeit unintentionally the stark truth that we are a society of pretenders – of OFWs buying branded goods and perfumes instead of prioritizing and saving up for the rainy day vis matronas spending three hours at hair spas only to go to their charity balls, of migrants fighting for survival while public servants swim in pork barrel, of urban professionals concerned with the next gimmick or new car or exotic vacation with our national budget in perpetual deficit because of low tax base and tax evasion, of mall goers hugging dogs and cats and ignoring young children on the streets begging for alms. Damn, we sure deserve what we see and don’t see. Don’t we just hate Malu and hate ourselves for hers and our hypocrisy. How could we look away?
Let us hate the ugly Filipino in us enough to do something about it.
Author’s note: I rewrote this piece to better reflect what was on my mind. I certainly do not agree with Malu but neither do I with the name-calling and condemnation.
I couldn’t agree more, but at the same time wonder and feel a bit embarrassed thinking that I might have done a “Malu Fernandez” in my recent blog which had some pet peeves that had something to do with other people… and behavior that could have been beyond their knowing due to background, upbringing and so forth…
regardless, good post and an eye opener for me too
Roy | Aug 30, 2007 | Reply
Well as I read from another blog that there is always a Malu Fernandez in each and every one of us!
chase | Aug 30, 2007 | Reply
i have been more than ready to let this malu fernandez issue die, but the fact that this piece surfaced defending her actions–well, i just had to put my 2 cents in.
as a writer, malu fernandez should be able to see that in journalism, generalizations imposed are a very dangerous thing especially if one does not see the other side of the coin.
that said, don’t kid yourself, many people are aware that our society is full of poseurs, you are hardly enlightened by pointing that out.
however, what is wrong about people who earn their money and want to spend it on something they deem is worthy? aren’t OFW’s worthy enough to buy branded products? and what is wrong with a matrona spending how many hours for their hair? all your comments defending malu fernandez, are as discriminatory and as foolish as the one’s she has unintentionally made. i see where you are coming from, but you align yourself with the generalizations she’s mistakenly made, you basically shoot yourself in the foot as well.
not all OFW’s need to save up–i know of plenty rich families who’s breadwinner’s are working abroad because of the opportunity to do what they love in a better environment and not for the sole purpose of putting bread on the table.
furthermore, if in turn, you have sided with malu in saying that yes, these OFW’s are so and so, labelling them to be pretenders and ugly filipinos, as you put it–well frankly,
that’s the pot calling the kettle black.
please remember, yourself and your comrade miss fernandez are hardly separated from the society you so harshly condemn.
kaye | Aug 30, 2007 | Reply
at the expense of the “ugly OFW’s”?
airen | Aug 31, 2007 | Reply
i get your point about some people being total poseurs, about our society being a glaring contradiction of sorts but that is not really what Malu Fernandez wrote. we all read what she said and it does not, not even a bit, promote social awareness nor did it enlighten the \\\\\\\\
marian | Aug 31, 2007 | Reply
Same feathers…MataPobre…
If you can’t take the smells of OFW’s don’t take on economy class.
What MF did was the highest degree of pagyayabang at panglalait. Donya Buding to the highest level!
“And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Mt. 19:24)
lex | Aug 31, 2007 | Reply
Filipinos are a lazy lot. They prefer to shoot the messenger of bad news rather than reflect and reform on the bad aspects that were pointed out.
Take this celebrated Malu Fernandez case.
Let us assume for the sake of argument that Malu Fernandez is indeed a bigot and an elitist. Does that in any way affect whatever grain of truth she wrote about her personal experience with SOME OFW’s uncouth ways?
I am an avid reader of blogs and I am very much dismayed that even some of the top bloggers (tinggog http://www.tingog.com/social-concerns/malu-fernandez-people-asia-article-controversy-manila-standard-columnist.html , Manuel L Quezon, http://www.quezon.ph/?p=1473 Sassy Lawyer http://www.sassylawyer.com/2007/08/23/where-humor-ends/ ) in the philippines, failed to see this important point.
Instead of being beacons of logic and reason, they are the ones at the forefront of this character assasination attempt on the poor commentator.
If we keep on shooting the messengers, in the end, no one will be alive to tell us what is wrong. Not knowing what is wrong, filipinos will never be world class, and will always be the slaves to the rest of the world.
No wonder that even after all these years, our top exports are still the Domestic helpers dotting Hongkong and Singapore!
Amlq | Sep 1, 2007 | Reply
We got an interesting thread going here…
What I was wondering is, how the article got through the editor, considering that its content had subjective commentary and opinions that were not too flattering.. opinions that were a bit harsh even and showed her lack of consideration or empathy… or understanding of where other people are coming from…
Did her editor feel that there was nothing wrong with the article?
Does this reflect how our elite view the Filipino proletariat?
Roy | Sep 2, 2007 | Reply
the title is all wrong it should have been Filipinos Hate Ugly Malu Fernandez.
tsaka pano magiging tama title eh member c Malu ng Ugly Filipinos at mukha namang tuwang tuwa sya sa sarili nya. so malabong maging totoo na malu hate ugly filipinos kasi para mo na ring sinabi na malu hates malu
KIOKUPS | Sep 3, 2007 | Reply
I had to read your article twice to make sure I understood exactly what your position was. And still I’m not sure it’s clear what you are defending. I do think you have missed the point. I am equally disturbed by the post of Amlq in this column.
Malu Fernandez was not trying to offer any “sharp insights” or “grains of truth”; she was not trying to deliver a message of how pretentious Filipinos are; that is all your own interpretation. All she was doing was being insulting, in a sadly misguided attempt to be funny, towards a group that had no way of knowing what she was writing. All one needs to do is to read her reply in the Standard, and her subsequent apology, to confirm this.
Our sensibilities tell us that outside of constructive criticism, when you cannot possibly help but think negatively of others, then at least you should keep those thoughts to yourself. And most certainly the last thing you should be doing is publishing those thoughts in any magazine, regardless of who supposedly reads them.
If one really wanted to offer constructive criticism about intrusions into personal space and other ‘uncouth ways’, there are much better ways to deliver that message; ways that are kinder, and more likely to have the positive effect that any real constructive criticism strives for.
As for the thoughts that you yourselves have shared; yes, Filipinos are not perfect. The pillars of our economy, the OFWs, are not perfect. The charity “matronas”, the young urban professionals, our government leaders — none of them are perfect. But so what if they’re not? No one should be asking them to be, and no one, in this entire affair of the last several weeks, has been trying to say that they are.
All that the people are saying is: it is not right to be condescending towards OFWs, who are making huge sacrifices, for themselves and their families, which benefit the entire nation too. What does it matter if they use, or aspire to, branded goods, that they can afford using the sweat of their brow? What does it matter if others do? Is it so evil when people making an honest living, treat themselves to things they enjoy?
On the matter of being Filipino: as a matter of fact, the Filipino is already world class. You will find us everywhere in various fields and industries, and at different levels. Many people around the world already value our talent. It is a shame that not everyone in our country does. Personally, as a professional working abroad, I am proud to be identified with all other OFW’s, including the ones cited in Malu Fernandez’s article.
Yes, our country is plagued by problems and ills. And what is most important now, is that we each do whatever we can, no matter how small a part, in trying to create a better place to live. It is a big challenge, indeed because none of us are perfect. And in the face of such a challenge, the biggest struggle is to weather snide, pointless comments about our imperfections, and to bear the people who make them, support them, defend them, and who ask similar destructive remarks to be repeated again.
Criticism, when constructive, is helpful. Your views and responses, are not. They are only disheartening to those who are already part of the struggle.
Ramy | Sep 3, 2007 | Reply
Take it from me. I’ved worked as an I.T. OFW in the MiddleEast, US and now Singapore. Yes, some of our kabayans are a bit funky. Like when I was once in a plane loaded with OFWs. Some of them just got drunk and very noisy. The woman was singing out loud for everyone to hear. But what can I say? these are my pinoy brothers and sisters and I love them. I go around Singapore Lucky Plaza and HK Central station just to see how they’re doing. What amuses me is their innocence. Why can’t our country provide enough income for our people so all these women dont have to risk so much? I once had become unemployed and had to work as a helper, a cook and house painter but still consider myself lucky.
I for myself feel guilty of contributing to the brain-drain.
Are we really poor or do we equate richness to having the things and lifestyle of the West?
My present job has allowed me to travel to many countries and in each one I clearly see their strong culture.
Perhaps we were westernized too early and have lost our culture and Filipino values.
As for Malu, let me be the first to contribute money for the bamboo pole for her to be tied-up to roast.
Gary | Sep 3, 2007 | Reply
Gary, since you are in Singapore, you will have also read singaporean authors/writers writing/lamenting about the “ugly singaporeans”.
But do you see the singaporeans rise up in arms asking for the head of the writer? NO.
Again, i have yet to read a blog except this one, that says Malu F was an outright lie. That the things she had observed in the plane were fabrications.
Remember, other travelers will see those same things, and some may even think like Malu. So what does our country want to project here?
Amlq | Sep 4, 2007 | Reply
HAY NAKU, PINASOSYAL MO LANG ANG ARTICLE MO ATE PERO STILL MALI TALGA LAHAT NG SINULAT MO KASI D KO NAKITA NA UN ANG IBIG SABIHIN NG MGA SINULAT NIYA UN LANG, BASAHIN MO ULIT PARA MAINTINDIHAN MO HEHE
bibisean | Sep 4, 2007 | Reply
I’ve been reading various blogs about this Malu Fernnadez issue. I couldn’t help but be floored about all the outpouring of hatred and, all because she dared write about some people’s cheap cologne!
Ascerbic wit aside :-), I agree with AMLQ. We really should not demand the head of the writer. While generalization is not responsible journalism (not all OFWs are uncouth and wear Axe & Charlie), one must admit stereotypes exist because there is some grain of truth to it. Instead of hurling vituperative words at Malu, her article (if it should be called that) should cause the people offended by it to examine themselves. For example, how do you conduct yourself when you’re in a crowded airplane? Does my smell offend other passengers? Should I be more considerate and, stop holding the aisle line whilst trying to stuff my oversized carry on into the overhead bin.
Also, enough with the fat jokes already! What does her girth have to do with the matter? What does it say when we insult Malu at the expense of others who happen to be overweight. Doesn’t it only serve to lend credence to Malu’s observations that OFWs and Filipinos are uncouth? Please prove her wrong and do not comment/blog with words that you wouldn’t let your children or your mother hear you utter.
Tes | Sep 4, 2007 | Reply
“For example, how do you conduct yourself when you’re in a crowded airplane? Does my smell offend other passengers? Should I be more considerate and, stop holding the aisle line whilst trying to stuff my oversized carry on into the overhead bin.”
Sorry, but I just have to comment. So does this mean that I have to take a bath before boarding the plane so as to be “considerate” of other people’s noses? Do i have to exchange my AXE for a Jo Malone for fear of offending your sensibilities? I don’t know how someone’s smell could speak for his/her character, socio-economic standings, and whatnots.. We are the only country that brands a person by his/her smell, it this it then… because here in Singapore, it is TOTALLY discriminating to tell someone that they STINK.. even if they do stink, even if they are a noisy lot, if they get the job done, that’s about it.. We Filipinos are often considered to be the most “pleasant-smelling” race. Would you tell your fellow passengers, of a different race, that his/her smell offends and that you can’t smell your Jo Malone because of his/her smell?? But then it’s so much easier to write about it when the person(s) concerned are Filipinos.. is that it??
Concerned Pinay | Sep 4, 2007 | Reply
In answer to concerned Pinay:
In consideration of your fellow passengers sharing the same small space with you and for reasons of personal hygiene, YES! It is preferable to shower before getting on a plane.
No you don’t have to exchange your cologne for Jo Malone. Jo Malone or Axe, it is not about the brand of cologne you are wearing but how much of it you slather on yourself that the whole plane reeks of it. Any scent good or bad can cause headaches to your fellow passengers when too much of it is on you that it assaults the senses. This is especially true in the close confines of an airplane.
Ma’am I think you totally missed my point. My comments were not about character, socio-economic standing or race. One doesn’t have to be rich to smell good. Personal hygiene is not exclusive to the “haves” nor is “stinkiness” exclusive to the “have nots” or some Filipinos for that matter. Believe me! It spans all races and socio economic standing. Also, I do agree with your assertion. Filipinos are some of the best smelling people I’ve come across. And just in case you’re wondering, I am Filipino hence; it is easy for me to write about my own kind and what I know.
Tes | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
i do beleive that we have rights to express ourselves … but for her ( malu) she should reflect on words she’s going to write to make her article interesting.
by reading her article several times, well, it dawned to me how shallow some people are …. and there are still plenty of us who look on others by the way they dress and status in life ….. i thought we live in 21st century where descrimination has been long forgotten….. hmmmm, why dont we try to be more possitive and encouraging instead of writing deregatory remarks …. be proud of your fellow countryman irregardless of their job ….. ahhhhh word of advice for those who want to travel if you cannot tolerate the atmosphere in economy section … fly first class or better charter a plane …. if not buy a book about the place you want to visit and better try next time when you can afford first class
donna | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
Ms. Fernandez, sana naman naging sensitive ka sa feelings ng mga ofw natin. “Charlie” at “AXE” lang talaga ang kinaya at di yung tulad mong “Jo Malone” perfume. At nilipad mo ang Greece patungong Boracay para lang magbakasyon. Haller, anu ba yan. Modesty aside, mam, parang di ka Pilipino. Masakit yan. Dollar nga ang kita ng ofw pero iniipit yun para sa pamilya, at di pambili lang ng pabango mo. Di ko rin mapapayagang magsabi na there’s a “malu fernandez” in each one of us kasi ito, she tends to generalize. Sobra ka Ms. Malu.
chara | Sep 8, 2007 | Reply
I have Gone thru her artcile not only twice but SEVERAL times and plainly, she was insulting THE OFW with her lines!
And since, itong balasubas na malu at laging titingin sa likod niya at baka may babatok sa kanya, duraan niyo na lang ng harap-harapan!
On second thought, your spit would be a waste for this mongrel!
JC | Sep 11, 2007 | Reply
I just hope na maghirap siya enough na ang option niya sa buhay ay maging OFW. Then lets see how she still smells –maybe more of a Karl Malone than a Jo Malone.
Baboy!
HP | Sep 11, 2007 | Reply
to amlq.
Read http://www.quezon.ph/?p=1473 where the writer refers to a similar incident in Singapore: the elitist-minded daughter of a Member of the Parliament puts down an unemployed Singaporean and the locals react with ire.
avatar | Sep 14, 2007 | Reply
I commend MF for coming up with such an exciting article. But ____ her for igniting such hurt in the name of elite writing. It was a good article done in bad taste. That literary piece surely attained the purposes why it’s written for. So many people were hurt and it made them realize how unfortunate the masses are in the eyes of fugly elites like her.
asdfjkl; | Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
I know that MF brouhaha has already ended but I just want to share to you my side of the old infamous story for ‘blogosposterity’s sake’. I believe she indeed is a fabulous writer with impeccably impressive sense of humor or sarcasm but what really went wrong was her insensitivity to other people’s feelings. She could have stayed realistic and true to what she felt and experienced, fine, but to blatantly hurt the feelings of OFWs in Dubai as if all the people in that side of the middle earth are all cheap cologne smelling domestic helpers is perfectly condemnable .With this inappropriate fierceness, I guess she just opened a way for those hurt OFWs and other sympathizers to give her the worst blows of ridicule and indignation. And that is fine. She fairly deserved it. Yes, did I say she is as fat as the biggest luggage bag in an economy flight that annoys every attendant? That bitch.
mynameismike | Apr 18, 2008 | Reply
Well, this issue has died out! since it has not been resolved yet, how is it that this thing just fizzled?
Ganyan naman talaga; umpisa lang palagi at walang nag-offer ng resolution to the case - and the shit hits the ceiling fan . . . laughing at everyone.
Napa-advertise pa ng libre!
What I can say to the campaign?….. Pathetic!
J Clemente | Apr 29, 2008 | Reply
hey guys,
until the next controversy - what explains our continued failure to follow through?
attysy | May 1, 2008 | Reply