Of Sex Scandals & Pinays

I could go on 'tagging' people for the next 2 weeks but I'm a teensy bit scared of looking like a stalker as I'd probably be tagging the same set of folks. That said, I'll probabaly resume my 'stalking' in the coming days.

I've managed to be in a festive mood this past week because of all the wondefrul blessings in the form of wonderful acquaintances, heartwarming comments, and surprising memes. Today though, I'll let loose the inner bitch in me.

In light of the recent 'Pinay Scandals', I've pledged (a few days ago) to write something in support of the campaign spearheaded by some fellow Pinoy bloggers. It's been 3 days and I still honestly don't know what to say.

I'm not skeptical about the whole thing, heck I even signed up for it. But come to think of it, it's all a matter of perception.

First off, people who 'google' the words 'Pinay Scandal' over the net are looking for the exact same thing. Pinays. Scandals. Obscenities. To put it bluntly, SEX. I even googled the word 'Pinay', and a website promoting exotic and young Pinays and Asians was the first of 3,350,000 results.

In this day and age, when a 6 year old (maybe even younger) has internet access and even a monkey can be taught to operate a computer, what control do we have over other people's perceptions about us?

I once wrote an article in support (and to straighten a few misconceptions) of a foreigner's view of the Philippines. He was bashed for sharing his impressions and sentiments regarding our beloved country hence I offered my take. Now, after almost 3 moths in blogosphere, I've learned to lighten up. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. No one should be immune to that.

We've already entered the digital age. And along with all the advancements, there will always be drawbacks. To some people, the internet is a huge part of their business or craft. There are a lot of people making a living out of it. To others, it is a diversion from life's trivialities. But to a number of people, THIS is their reality. Maybe even their whole life if you will.

As long as there are people willing to sell themselves through their pictures, sex videos, and by joining sex chats, there will always be predators willing to foot the bill. I cannot even call the former 'prey' as there are sometimes 'willing victims'. Don't get me wrong here, I'm talking strictly of consenting adults. Minors and young children are another issue.

I was asked in one of the blog communities what the word 'Pinay' meant since my blog is aptly described 'Chronicles of A Pinay Dreamer'. I answered 'I am a Filipina. I was born and bred in the Philippines'. Whenever we travel outside the country, I'm frequently asked about my race. Some think I'm Korean, some would ask if I'm part Chinese, others ask if I'm Thai. My father is part Chinese hence my 'Chinese eyes', but even then I've always considered myself 100% Filipino. A full-blooded Pinay. And I sure am proud of it.

My husband does not like the idea of me having my portrait on my blog. He says it'll strip me of mystery and to a certain degree, privacy. It was my choice to do so simply because I wish to seem more 'humane', somewhat tangible. I can post photoshop(ed) images of myself and edit it make myself look 'perfect', but that would be a misinterpretaion, an utter lie. Instead, I chose to share my battle scars because I am, after all, a mere mortal. Flawed, imperfect, and wanting.

I've been devoid of sleep since I started my blog a little less than 3 months ago. I've even turned down Joel's offer to bring me to Batangas (plus he'll foot the bill too lol) to wakeboard, quite a number of times already. And to top it all off, I'm not even getting paid to do this BUT it is my choice to go on. In all honesty, I prefer 'pro bono' blogging to maintain my uncompromisable predisposition.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to choice. I've used this passage before but I'd gladly use it again.

Ad libitum.
A plaisir.
A piacere.

At will.
At pleasure.
At discretion.

In the same way that I can choose my path, there will be others who can and will choose theirs. Matters such as these transcend race, religon, age, even gender.

Perception is also subjective. Your reputation may be established, even fabricated by somebody else. But in the end, your character is something you build up for yourself.

This, after all, is the internet. Where genuine people are rare. Where (cyber) sex comes cheap and easy. Where the imaginary is confused with reality. And where everyone is free to do or say as they please.

That said, I'm going back to the real world (for a while). Where politicians are corrupt. Where war is cliche. Where AIDS and cancer have no known cure. And where 2 little angels are tugging at my shirt as they ask for their dinner.