Would You Be Korean, Filipino?

Eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh “to anyone” (2NE1)…   It’s funny how the Korean culture has fast become a trend, so-to-speak, to a lot of people, and literally, anyone. The Korean way of life, especially here in the Philippines, has rapidly influenced Filipinos’ practices.

As a child, I got to witness and experience a bit of the Korean life. Downtown Makati never failed to give me a glimpse of how Koreans are. They have slowly invaded barangays and turned the once barren houses and lots into a place where commerce flourished.

Korean couples strolled around parks while the little ones were tailed along by their yayas as they played as if it were their last. The once Filipino-owned stores flooded by Koreans have become Korean-owned commercial centers that cater to their needs.

Yet, this was just the beginning of my reality. As I have come of age, I became more exposed to Korean culture—education, food, fashion and beauty, and entertainment and music.

Education

Call centers around the metro are very much active at present. Agents looking sleek in their thought-out work wear can be spotted smoking cigarettes while having their midnight break. Sure, this is just but a norm to nocturnes but during the day, a different pack could be seen.

Students, fresh grads, and even professionals fill up streets, offices, and homes for another job. They take time to teach (part-time or full-time) Koreans basic written and conversational English.

It might not be a shock that a lot Koreans are studying in the Philippines because of economic reasons. And to prepare for this, Koreans hire tutors to make sure that they are equipped and ready for battle in our schools and universities.

Food

Nothing beats the Filipino cuisine. Who wouldn’t love the way it titillates our taste buds for a very indulging, satisfying, and placating experience? It delights a wide variety of preferences and cravings—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy.

Korean noodles

The Bicol Express is a very inviting dish that satisfies the spicy tongue with its milky and zesty combination. And for the more adventurous types, they go for nothing else but chilis.

Pinoy version

This is where Korean cuisine starts to entice Filipinos and other nationalities alike. Their famous Kimchi (a spicy side dish of fermented mixed vegetables usually served at every meal), has become the standard for most enthusiasts of spicy dishes. Spicy instant noodles became in demand thanks to this (watch this for a fun video on spicy Korean noodles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-GrkDtVwXs), and even some of our local instant noodles have localized it by launching a Kimchi-flavored variant.

Fashion and Beauty

Korean fashion

Britney Spears wore it in her first music video—“Hit me baby one more time!” Indeed, Koreans have already influenced the world of fashion long before I had the chance to experiment on what would look good on me.

Many would envision a typical Korean wearing colorful tops, tiny skirts, stripped leggings or knee socks and whimsical sneakers. Not to mention they are obsessed to have fair radiant skin (Snow White Syndrome; check this out: http://zofona.com/korean-society.html) and the perfect hair to match it.

Entertainment and Music

Back in high school, F4 (Flower Four) was so popular, but now Korea-novelas have conquered our local TV stations! Even other Korean films (forgive me, I can’t remember the titles) are out there in our trusty old Quiapo.

Stories of different sorts with a love story theme could be found almost everywhere where DVDs are sold. Filipinos are just so entertained and amused that some would have pins, pictures, mugs or what-have-you of their Korean idols.

The music industry also came in shock with the influx of Korean music as it too became a hit in our country. K-pop was embraced in our country as well thanks to the internet! Songs of Wonder Girls, Cassiopeia, Super Junior, 2NE1, and the like became hits in many parts of the Philippines

Even Sandara Park (a member of 2NE1) became very popular in the Philippines with her love teams and countless advertisements, gigs, and movies. It took her a year or so before she decided to go back to Korea and start anew.

Now, wouldn’t you want to be Korean?

                   

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