It has been pointed in many articles and by
several Filipino sociologists that Pinoys are probably one of the most
prejudiced people in the world. This is very evident in the way we point
out or refer to foreigners not on their stock or race but on their physical
appearance. Thus, Afro-Americans are still called “negro” the Chinese are
called “singkit,” and the Japanese are referred to as “sakang.” Thus, it
is not surprising that Filipinos would tend to discriminate their own.
For example, Christian traders will never give credit line to Muslim customers
and establishment owners like bars, lounges, and even hotels would place “dress
code” signs and only implement such on Filipinos and will make exemptions to
foreigners. News clips about Ryan Layug's case can be read here.
The latter example became a controversy again
when a Filipino soldier posted online his complaint over a Kalibo airport
lounge area where he was denied entry because the place is exclusive to Koreans
only. A Filipino soldier named Ryan Layug,
a native of Pangasinan reported to local authorities in Kalibo that he was not
allowed to enter the premises of a VIP Lounge in Kalibo Airport as the staff of
the said establishment and its Korean owner said that Filipinos are not allowed
to enter as the place is exclusive to Koreans only.
As someone who traveled around the
Philippines nearly half of his life, it is indeed disappointing and one
cannot help but to be furious. I experienced this kind of treatment due
to policies and procedures implemented by bars, restaurants, hotels, and inns
like not subscribing to dress code. I remember one incident where I was
not allowed to enter a karaoke bar in Cagayan de Oro City because I wore
sandals. The bar manager said that I should have worn shoes. And
seconds after I was rejected came a group of foreigners who were not only
wearing slippers but sandos as well and they were allowed to enter with no
questions asked.
What the Filipino soldier did was admirable
and took matters courageously by complaining to local authorities.
Probably, it is innate in him by virtue of his profession to be very
brave each time he encountered situations like these. The question is,
how many of us Filipinos can do the same? In my case, I just turned around and
never set foot on places where I was rejected and even demanded the same from
my friends. It is not right but how are we going to set this thing right?
image credit: Ryan Layug's Facebook page
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