‘Unpopular opinions’ become fight against provincial stereotypes, misconceptions

By
Dan Manglinong
-
June 11, 2018 - 5:31 PM
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(Philstar.com file photo/with edits by Uela Altar-Badayos)

The “unpopular edition” Twitter trend has seen numerous users come out with hot takes on the pressing issues of today.

While the phrase ‘unpopular opinion’ usually connotes a willingness to express a hot new take at risk of public crucifixion, some have used the Twitter thread to proudly share little known facts and erase misconceptions about the provinces they hail from.

Provincial pride

One user has tried to dispel the misconception that “Bisaya” is the only language spoken in the Visayas.

Hiligaynon is just among the languages apart from Bisaya spoken in the Western part of the Visayas, where Capiz can be found.

One resident from Cebu proudly shared the comfort one experiences in his hometown.

The beaches in Cebu province are known to rival those found in nearby Palawan and Boracay. This list of beaches in Cebu showcases the natural seaside elegance of its many islands.

In South Luzon, one Mindoreño meanwhile has spoken out against the common misconception that his home province is located further in the south than it actually is.

The island of Mindoro, divided into the provinces of Occidental Mindoro and Oriential Mindoro, is situated just north of the Islands of Palawan and Panay.

Mindoro, along with the provinces of Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan form the Southwestern Luzon region of MiMaRoPA, islands often mistakenly thought to be part of the Visayas region.

One user has called on the government of Camarines Norte to protect its emerging tourist hotspot.

Located just off the coast of Vinzons in Camarines Norte, the Calaguas Islands have been called “The Next Boracay” and “The Boracay of the East” by tourism blogs and outlets.

For some, the trend is the next step in the fight against provincial stereotypes.

Media portrayal of Bisaya speakers has been a concern over the years. In a 2013 article by Ethnic Group of the Philippines, a housewife originally from Mindanao recounts how television portrayal of Bisaya speakers pressured her to learn Tagalog and train herself to remove her accent.

A 2011 article by Binisaya.com discusses media stereotypes of Bisaya as being subservient to the Tagalog. It takes note of the use of the words ‘dodong’ and ‘inday’ to which the stereotype is attached.

As some have explained, ‘inday’ for one is actually a very intimate term of endearment used among girls.

Interaksyon