1. Umbrella or hat. Cultural thing - umbrella can be used both in sunny days and rainy days. I was reminded of the dual use of umbrellas. This was so because in Pennsylvania I remember, (when I first came here in the U.S.) people would stare at me when I used an umbrella while walking outside during the summer. Being assimilated to Pennsylvanian culture I started not carrying umbrellas around. The weather wasn't so hot either (because of being farther away from the equator).
1. Umbrella or hat. Cultural thing - umbrella can be used both in sunny days and rainy days. I was reminded of the dual use of umbrellas. This was so because in Pennsylvania I remember, (when I first came here in the U.S.) people would stare at me when I used an umbrella while walking outside during the summer. Being assimilated to Pennsylvanian culture I started not carrying umbrellas around. The weather wasn't so hot either (because of being farther away from the equator).
In the Philippines (since it's closer to the equator), the sun is harsher and more intense, it's common to see people walking around with umbrellas. In fact it has become some sort of fashion accesory. People will own several umbrellas in all shapes and sizes. If people are really extreme (and if they have money), they'll have one to match their outfit.
An example of this (but not to the extreme), I saw in my cousin. We were in the market place and she wanted to buy an umbrella (you'd think that the situation would be quick and simple: wrong-o!). She compared prices of the umbrella, and studied the colors (while she did this all I was thinking was just why couldn't she just pick one and get it over with already - my rational - it'll function the same way whether or not it was floral print or plaid design).
When we got home, she told my aunt that she found a bargain (in buying the umbrella). My Aunt studied the umbrella. She studied the thread linings, and commented on the poor quality of today's umbrella.
Wearing a hat makes a difference. I'm not a hat person because I find them irritating and tight (never got used to them because of my puffy hair). Before I decided to wear a hat or a viser, my black hair absorbed all the rays of the Philippine sun, I'd be wearing a helmet of heat, no wonder I got headaches. Then one day I wore a hat (wow what a difference). I didn't get any headaches and my hair isn't as dry (and damaged by the sun).
Cultural tidbit: (disclaimer- interpreting this could be done in several ways, there's implications, historical baggage and all the other stuff- so I'll just say it as bluntly as possible)-- another reason for the hat and umbrella is to protect oneself from getting dark (sure there's also getting overexposed to the sun and skin cancer issues), -- main thing (I think) is so that the person doesn't get dark.
You know how in the U.S. getting a tan is trendy (sign of summer and returning from a vacation). In the Philippines, you don't want to get a tan. You want to be as white and light as possible. It's weird how this concept is being reinforced in the Philippines- this idea goes back to colonial days. The media is also reinforcing this, in all the commercials I've seen I noticed that the actors were light skinned. There's also beauty products that campaign this idea. One slogan said "Reveal the White in You." Another "A Whiter you in seven days. There is a sense of harmony- it's not like the dark-skinned Filipinos are being persecuted. People joke about being dark, lighter whiter skin is the ideal- it gives status and privilege (especially if one aspires to be an entertainer or movie star).
Posted by Michael Diezmos at September 7, 2006 10:48 PM