Show Malu Fernandez What ‘Wit’ Is: Be Intellectually Mean
After the Carl Ocab ghostwriting issue and the Misrepresentation issue, here now comes another sizzling hot scandal (though not blogging related anymore) that hits the blogosphere. Though initially I have promised NOT to write a reaction about this anymore because there are lots of posts about it already, reading some disturbing comments on some of the posts pushed me to voice out my opinion and some concerns.
What “sizzling hot scandal” am I talking about here?
For those of you who still don’t know, there’s a Manila Standard columnist, Malu Fernandez, who wrote an article entitled “From Boracay to Greece” and published in the People Asia magazine. In the article, she made some condescending remarks about OFWs such as:
However I forgot that the hub was in Dubai and the majority of the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) were stationed there. The duty-free shop was overrun with Filipino workers selling cell phones and perfume. Meanwhile, I wanted to slash my wrist at the thought of being trapped in a plane with all of them.
While I was on the plane (where the seats were so small I had bruises on my legs), my only consolation was the entertainment on the small flat screen in front of me. But it was busted, so I heaved a sigh, popped my sleeping pills and dozed off to the sounds of gum chewing and endless yelling of “HOY! Kumusta ka na? At taga sann ka? Domestic helper ka rin ba?” Translation: “Hey there? Where are you from? Are you a domestic helper as well?” I though I had died and God had sent me to my very own private hell.
On my way back, I had to bravely take the economy flight once more. This time I had already resigned myself to being trapped like a sardine in a sardine can with all these OFWs smelling of AXE and Charlie cologne while Jo Malone evaporated into thin air.
To read the full article, click on the thumbnails:
These images, together with enraged blog posts and comments, spread in the internet like wildfire. And as if to throw more wood to the fire, she wrote a second article which seemed worse than the first one.
Here are some excerpts:
As I type this, I’d like you to know that it’s not about whining, complaining and bitching but just stating the facts. Just recently, I wrote a funny article in my magazine column and my friends thought it was hilarious. It was humorous and quite tongue-in-cheek, or at least I thought so, until the magazine got a few e-mails from people who didn’t get the meaning of my acerbic wit. The bottom line was just that I had offended the reader’s socioeconomic background. If any of these people actually read anything thicker then a magazine they would find it very funny. Most people don’t get the fact that they need bitches like me to shake up their world, otherwise their lives would be boring and mediocre. I obviously write for the a certain target audience and if what I write offends you, just stop reading.
Although it may sound elitist to you the fact is this country is built on the foundation of haves, have-nots and wannabes. One group will never get the culture of the other. Although I could mention that it is easier to understand someone who has a lower socioeconomic background that would entail a whole other page and frankly I don’t want to be someone to bridge the gap between socioeconomic classes. I leave that to the politicians in my family who believe they can actually help. Now I seriously ask you, am I being a diva or are people around me just lacking in common sense? Perhaps it’s a little of both!
She has been called a pig, swine, and an elephant and many have disowned her as a Filipino. Nick of Tingog.com calls for her forced resignation in the article, “Fire Malu Fernandez, Boycott Manila Standard Today” and many have joined in the cause.
While it is understandable that many bloggers are blowing off steam by throwing invectives at this woman (because who wouldn’t, if you hear somebody insulting your kinsmen?), I say we must keep our cool and stop giving this woman a reason to think that her assertion is right: that the middle class cannot be as “cultured” as she is (or as she thinks she is).
To lash out such insults on OFWs is definitely stupid and wrong. I’m not irked about how she insulted our “heroes” (I don’t consider OFWs as national heroes but I give them the proper respect and admiration for hardworking individuals who earn their living decently, the very same respect I would want to have if I do decide to work overseas) but rather, I’m quite annoyed at how she would poke fun at those who’re working hard for their own and their family’s survival. For someone who is rich, she ought to know the value of money, unless, of course, she didn’t acquire it through hardwork but rather through inheritance or by some other means.
And her contention that those whom she offend with her articles aren’t educated enough to appreciate her acerbic wit is simply outrageous based on the fact that she depends on her friends’ opinion on what is deemed “enlightened” or “learned”. Perhaps what she’s missing is that it is not important whether all your colleagues approve of all what you’ve said. Rather, the mark of a truly intelligent statement is when there may be different opinions about your stand and not everybody agrees with it, still, respect is given to your ideas because everybody agrees that it is based on sound reasoning. In this case of Malu Fernandez’ article, I think everybody agrees that she has to straighten out her facts and that her reasoning is unsound. And please, do you derive the worth of a reading material from its thickness?
So, what do we need to do to let this woman know how wrong she is?
First, I must comment on how other bloggers are lashing out at her because of her size. While it is true that she had it coming, I’d rather not take that approach. Why? Because it will only show her and others who may be observing all these craziness that, perhaps, she may have said that truth: that the middle class isn’t cultured. I think we should go show her what real wit means, not by calling her names, but by pointing out the absurdity and the preposterousness of her statements in a decent manner. Yes, I do understand that people can get emotional. But emotions do not originate in any place other than the brain. It can be controlled or kept in check. If we are to show this woman that we are educated people, then let’s not do it by lashing out at her like some suicidal animals or go hurling uncouth words at her that you might only hear from a deranged person out in a street fight.
If you want to be mean to this woman, then be intellectually mean.
I think it’s still good that this woman’s article got published in People Asia Magazine. In that way, she can still be publicly reproached, if only the editors of the said magazine would publish some of the readers’ opinions about her article. I believe that print media, such as a newspaper or magazine, should be more liberal in terms of the differing opinions published in their papers. However, if the article is as scathing and distasteful as the article discussed, then it shouldn’t have been published at all.
Post script:
It would have been a different case, though, if Malu Fernandez is a blogger and posted the article in her blog. Hey, wouldn’t that have been a great idea? What if she is a blogger? Oh, the traffic and all the comments! 
Others who have also blogged about this:
- Malu Fernandez Flies Economy Class by Bryanboy
- Supilin si Malu Fernandez ng Manila Standard Today by Shari
- Diva or Di Bale Na Never Mind by Cyber Jaywalker
- The Devil Wears Jo Malone by Maruism
- Bitter, Spiteful Snob by Jae
- The Abominable Snob-Woman by Ailee
- Go Ride Magnolia Fragrance Malu F by Valkyrieangie
- Malu Fernandez by Ederic
- The Malu Fernandez Campaign Index at AWBHoldings.com
- Between The Writer and The Editor by Jayvee Fernandez
- Ang OFW at Malu Fernandez Isang Elitistang Manunulat
- Bad Cholesterol, Very Bad Cholesterol by Jhay Rocas
- Let Them Eat Cake by Sparks
- I Pity The Fool
- Moral Issue of Elitism
- Mala Malu Nuestra Senora de la Matapobre by Manuel Quezon III
- The Hullabaloo That Is Malu Fernandez by Dementia
- Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Okay, I wrote the infamous “Know Your Jologs” series, but it was written in jest and in a satiric manner. What she wrote was condescending and very distasteful. I would never ever attempt to write in such a distasteful way. She calls it wit. I find it tasteless.
Also, if BRYANBOY reacts to Malu Fernandez, that means she’s gone too far.
Ade said this on August 18th, 2007 at 11:14
[...] Continue reading this entry [...]
Show Malu Fernandez What ‘Wit’ Is: Be Intellectually Mean - “Anyone Can Blog” | Pinoy Bloggers Society (PBS) - PinoyBlogoSphere.com said this on August 18th, 2007 at 11:26
to Ade: Malu Fernandez’ article is in a whole different level. On a level where self-absorbed people lurk.
Prudence said this on August 18th, 2007 at 11:46
Haha, another grilling spree in the blogosphere
! tsk tsk she could’ve been a very controversial one if she was a blogger 
“Most people don’t get the fact that they need bitches like me to shake up their world, otherwise their lives would be boring and mediocre.”
I don’t find her witty at all. Senseless writing, more like a litany of rants! It’s weird her article got all the way to a magazine. Her article better fits BULGAR or ABANTE. She admitted that she is indeed a b-atch
…I couldn’t add anything more but say that she’s such a mediocre herself and boring- another first class “diva” wannabe of her specie. 
I think other than Malu who should really set the “facts” straight, the editors of the magazine should be liable for such thing happening.
I think someone could show her articles to a shrink. I think she needs a lot of help.
Maki said this on August 18th, 2007 at 12:12
I’m particularity horrified at the fact that a magazine let the offending passages go on print.
Ade said this on August 18th, 2007 at 12:28
to Maki: It’s just unbelievable she’d call herself a diva. Women who’re worthy of being a diva don’t call themselves such.
Prudence said this on August 18th, 2007 at 12:35
to Ade: Maybe the magazine editors thought they were being “liberal” for putting it to print.
Prudence said this on August 18th, 2007 at 12:37
i agree that we should not be emotional in responding to this creature, however tempting it is. yes, it is also great that this came out in a magazine because we can also write the editors and tell them how we felt about this !@#*ing article. in fact, these editors should be equally liable for letting this piece of work see print. i am going to write about this in my blog and tell my friends in manila to write the editors of People Asia and Manila Standard and demand a written public apology from this woman to the hardworking OFWs (like me) that she offended with her distasteful ‘wit’.
Mike said this on August 18th, 2007 at 13:47
Dropping by again. I agree with your points. That was one really condescending article that Fernandez wrote. It is inexcusable and she deserves to be fired.
But let us not be overly emotional in criticizing her. I doubt if calling her a pig, etc. would make her realize her mistakes. It will make her defensive and will only give her more weapons/materials which she can use. Why would we give her the satisfaction to say, “O tignan nyo those lower classes they are mean, they are calling me baboy.”
So instead of being held accountable for her original article she can now distract us from that issue by pointing at the personal attacks against her and making herself look kawawa.
bill said this on August 18th, 2007 at 19:19
i might have been carried away last night joking around with the rest of the blogging world but the truth is, deep inside i do share the same thought as you do. you wouldn’t even see me calling her any other name in my blog besides the things that she had already said so herself: a wannabe (from my point of view) and a b*tch. (but i haven’t blogged about her yet…)
honestly, i don’t blame her that much because for me, she’s hopeless… her character and ideology is as shallow as a nutshell whether she knows it or not. I’m more concerned with the editors that allowed her article to be published. that is a big flaw for them.
anyone who reads that entry should have known its effects unless they meant the issue to grow as huge as its becoming.
so my say,
“i’d like to see a public apology from the magazine’s staffs and an announcement that they have fired Malu Fernandez. Anyway, her writings are obviously ridiculous and it just doesn’t work for her nor for the magazine itself.
andianka said this on August 18th, 2007 at 19:23
i am curious to know if lately she can still manage to sleep soundly at night.
sa dami ng gusto magpakulam sa kanya 
nakakatulog pa kaya yun?
MARU said this on August 18th, 2007 at 19:24
OMG! Now she talks about people from the low socio-economic class getting irked by her writings! That she helped “bridge” the gap between the have’s and the “have-nots”, that she shook the world of people, etc. etc. In the first place, who is she to classify herself as one of the “have’s? She probably doesn’t know what it means to be rich. She thinks her attitude would make up for her lack of wealth. Second, how the hell did she bridge the gap? By her insinuating that OFWs are “have-nots” and that wearing AXE and cheap colognes mean you are a domestic helper? She is placing people in boxes, categorizing them according to her misguided and wrong standards. If she doesn’t want people pointing out her flaws (her weight, for example), why did she start belittling other people in the first place? The fact is, people can go on and on, especially those who are more well-off than she is, and make her feel small, just like how she made other people feel small. I don’t even know where to start to point out her wrong impressions about people. I have never seen such a bitter person, such a wannabe.
raspberry said this on August 18th, 2007 at 19:33
I drove-by a few blogs and they’re all lashing out that girl in their entries. Just what the hell’s wrong with her. She’s acting like a Primadonna but she doesn’t look like one. Oh well, we just can’t obliterate the race of those people. Geez.
Arlo said this on August 18th, 2007 at 21:05
You’re right Tess, most of the blog reactions that get linked to are the ones loaded with name-callings and ad-hominem attacks.
It’s not that I’m complaining that my reaction gets barely linked to, but perhaps it is because I wrote it in Filipino, and I do have that effect of causing nose to bleeds with my Filipino speaking and writing.
Buwan ng Wika pa naman ngayon, tsk tsk tsk.
Nonetheless, the campaign still goes on. People will and have argue that there’s a “Malu Fernandez” in all of us. Question is, until when will we tolerate this “malu fernandez” in and outside us? I say this kind of thinking is on the side of Malu and the rest who are like her.
As for me, let’s start fixing this problem by getting rid of the most obvious Malu Fernandez in our midst today, Malu Fernandez herself.
jhay said this on August 18th, 2007 at 23:47
I am so tempted to write a “Know Your Jologs Special Edition: Malu Fernandez”. But I am holding back. And the motivation to hold back is getting weaker by the moment.
Ade said this on August 19th, 2007 at 8:00
Guys, I’ve searched for “malu fernandez” at friendster, and look what I’ve found!!!
http://www.friendster.com/user.php?uid=5282975
I’m sure this is the real deal!! Care to spam, anyone?
Show-Ender said this on August 19th, 2007 at 11:52
I cannot believe this woman would justify her bigotry with more discrimination about our countrymen, classifying our society in some pseudo-fascist way. And if she really think she is part of what she calls “haves”, she is in fact acting like, in her own categorization, a big wannabe.
Although some people may have found her article humorous (her friends? maybe her editors even?), she, no, THEY should have realized that not everyone would understand an inside joke. That is not wit, that is arrogance and ignorance generalizing all the OFWs, discriminating Filipinos and putting us in a bad light. She is not a diva, divas I know are worth other people’s time and attention, she on the other hand, is not even worth the effort and the blog pages we put her on. -sigh- I just had to caved in and jabbered about her. Bah I shut up now.
joiz said this on August 19th, 2007 at 13:29
I’m with you 100% on comments regarding her size, Dr. Tess. Most comments on blogger entries tend to be nasty commentary on Miss Fernandez’s size and looks, which certainly don’t speak well of the majority of people incensed with her.
If we wish to dwell on the rather un-classy way Miss Fernandez has chosen to dwell on the OFW situation and the *roll eyes* perils of flying economy, it would do us a world of good and justice to conduct ourselves, too, with the most refined and intelligent class.
ganns said this on August 19th, 2007 at 15:19
Very well said. I still don’t get it why her editors did not rebut her article. It’s degrading the dignity of the OFWs, her own countrymen, moreover, us, Filipinos. I’ve read somewhere her reaction about the criticisms against her, and she said that…
Does she have sources with what she claim? Okay, let’s say it’s a fact. But then, with the tone of her article, it seems that she’s ridiculing the OFWs.
christian said this on August 19th, 2007 at 17:36
you are correct on so many accounts regarding her article, and even with the emotional blog entries in response to it (including mine. hehe!). i did try to avoid the trap of using her size as a retort to her crassness. non-sequitur e. hehe! and yeah, i would be as offensive as her if i did that.
anyway… i like your retort. cool, calm, collected and well-thought of. something we can not say about the person being discussed.
will be dropping by more often. ;p
valkyrie said this on August 20th, 2007 at 8:24
So ganun pala yung tungkol sa journalist.
Honestly natatawa ako dun sa Malu Fernandez na yun. Not because of her article, natatawa lang talaga ako sa reasoning niya. Para sakin non-sense yun. Kaartehan lang ang laman, no humor at all.
Yeah, if it is a blog, comment-power-up yun. Haha. The traffic!
Gean said this on August 20th, 2007 at 11:24
to Mike:
“…i am going to write about this in my blog and tell my friends in manila to write the editors of People Asia and Manila Standard and demand a written public apology from this woman to the hardworking OFWs (like me) that she offended with her distasteful ‘wit’.”
— That’s good. Do it and I’ll be reading what you’ll post. You hold the power to voice out your concerns
Prudence said this on August 20th, 2007 at 12:49
to Bill:
“Why would we give her the satisfaction to say, “O tignan nyo those lower classes they are mean, they are calling me baboy.”
— That’s why I wrote this article. If ever she googles her name and she finds those articles limiting its content to just calling her so and so, she might just actually convince those neutral onlookers that she’s indeed right in saying that the middle class has no breeding. Now, we don’t want that to happen right? So, it’s what I’ve been saying all along. If we want to get back at this woman, let’s do it with intelligence and class. Even if it is so tempting to pour out all our anger, we have to show that we know how to control ourselves and conduct ourselves properly.
Prudence said this on August 20th, 2007 at 12:53
to andianka:
“i might have been carried away last night joking around with the rest of the blogging world”
— that’s why I wrote this post: so that those who were overwhelmed by emotions to have a grip of themselves and see that they’re behaving in such ways that are more detrimental to the campaign against this condescending woman.
““i’d like to see a public apology from the magazine’s staffs and an announcement that they have fired Malu Fernandez. Anyway, her writings are obviously ridiculous and it just doesn’t work for her nor for the magazine itself.”
— I’m not really expecting some form of apology from the magazine editors. I’d prefer that they publish a statement as to why they chose to publish such an article and to say that they’re willing to face the consequences of such an action.
Prudence said this on August 20th, 2007 at 12:59
to Maru:
Yes, I think she’s still sleeping soundly. I don’t think she’d be easily bothered by the idea of a bunch of bloggers calling her pig or matapobre. It will take much much more to shake her up thoroughly.
Prudence said this on August 20th, 2007 at 13:04
to raspberry:
I think she has every reason to think that she’s financially better off than most of us…because she really is. But the flaw in her beliefs is that she believes her being rich makes her a better human being or someone who deserves better respect than the rest of us.
I wouldn’t really blame her if she “puts people into boxes” or categorizing people. Aren’t we all guilty of such to some degree? We see some woman wearing a very short skirt and a top with a plunging neckline and get the impression that the woman is a “slut” or “easy to get”. Or we see a guy who’s a bit on the “soft” side or effeminate and we label him as someone who could be “gay”. We have some form of prejudices, each one of us. However, the difference between Malu Fernandez and our silent prejudices is that, in the articles she wrote, she flaunts that she has every right, above all other people of the “lower socioeconomic classes” to hold such prejudices because she’s a diva and she’s cultured.
Prudence said this on August 20th, 2007 at 13:16
to Arlo:
“…Oh well, we just can’t obliterate the race of those people. Geez.”
—Well, we really shouldn’t. She’s just one of the rotten ones in a basketful of good eggs.
Prudence said this on August 20th, 2007 at 13:21
to jhay:
Get rid of her? But how? And why?
Prudence said this on August 20th, 2007 at 13:41
to Ade:
Then, by all means, write your post! We’ll be waiting for that, if in case you decide to write about her. Hehe.
Prudence said this on August 20th, 2007 at 13:44
to ganns:
“If we wish to dwell on the rather un-classy way Miss Fernandez has chosen to dwell on the OFW situation and the *roll eyes* perils of flying economy, it would do us a world of good and justice to conduct ourselves, too, with the most refined and intelligent class.”
— My sentiments, exactly. Why should we give this woman more reason to think that those who’re not as rich as she is are uneducated, immature beings who act like children calling one another names during a playground fight?
Prudence said this on August 20th, 2007 at 13:49
to christian:
“Does she have sources with what she claim? Okay, let’s say it’s a fact. But then, with the tone of her article, it seems that she’s ridiculing the OFWs.”
— it seems that she thinks what she sees and hears are enough basis for what she calls facts.
Prudence said this on August 20th, 2007 at 13:52
to valkyrie:
Thanks.
Prudence said this on August 20th, 2007 at 13:58
First, I must comment on how other bloggers are lashing out at her because of her size.
word, tess. word.
john marzan said this on August 20th, 2007 at 16:14
word, tess. word.
john marzan said this on August 20th, 2007 at 16:16
shame on you Malu! Fire her!
Fire Malu Fernandez, Boycott Manila Standard, and People Asia Magazine
Jun Macarambon said this on August 20th, 2007 at 18:52
ATTENTION, all bloggers:
perhaps we should create a BLOG ROADBLOCK?
A “Roadblock” is the placement strategy used by advertisers to create a big buzz when launching a new campaign. For example, at exactly 8pm on Easter Sunday, all channels, from ch.2-5-7-9-23 would show the same TV commercial at exactly the same time, hence creating a roadblock… no matter where they go, the viewers see the same thing. It cannot be IGNORED. Even by media.
We can do the same here, we of the thousand blogs!!!
I also suggest that all of us bloggers put up the same Title and include a graphic (something like a “Fire Malu!” logo, Ghosbusters style) that we can all put up on our blogs simultaneously.
Both the title and logo should show some restraint, as some of us are more reserved than the likes of myself, who publish posts with titles like “You’re Bacon, Bitch!!!”.
I think we can come to a concensus here. Ideas? Suggestions? Artwork? please send me an e-mail: spanxster@gmail.com, or drop a line at http://www.spankyenriquez.blogspot.com
spanx said this on August 20th, 2007 at 19:28
It seems that the pinoy blogosphere has united under a common hatred for one Malu Fernandez, a self-proclaimed “diva” who, by her own admission, needs 17 kg of makeup and accessories to look remotely human.
More eloquent bloggers have already said their piece. There is nothing I can possibly add to further convince the world how big (and I mean that in the most literal sense) a nincompoop Manila Standard Today columnist Malu Fernandez really is.
But oh, how she must love the attention – the most that she has gotten in her “illustrious” writing career. For who has heard of this Malu anyway? All signs indicate that she’s just a sad, lonely woman who gets kicks out of exaggerating the details of her so-called fabulous lifestyle and alleged wealth (what baffles me is why she can’t afford a freakin liposuction). Her insubstantial writing does nothing but magnify the emptiness of her life. If I don’t loathe her so much, I’d actually pity her.
Much as I hated wasting precious hours of my time on this ugly pig, the psychologist in me needed some answers. As Gen puts it (somewhat mockingly, if I might add), I believe that people are inherently good. There must be something – anything – that explains her almost obscene bravado and reckless condescension.
So, I googled her. I didn’t know what I was looking for, but I wasn’t really surprised to find out that other than the barrage of hostile posts from enraged bloggers, there is absolutely no information available on the Malu Fernandez in question.
Where are all the “friends” whose names she reverently drops between ill-conceived lines touting superficiality, vanity, and arrogance? Where are the members of the jet set class who found her deplorable article so funny? Where are all her politician relatives whose efforts, as she flippantly hints, absolve her of her unrepentant egocentricity? Where is her family?
Why are they not defending one of their kind? Or are they too shamed by the idiotic ramblings of an insignificant, overeager “journalist” who regards elitism as some form of religion?
When I showed the controversial article to Gen – the reluctant IS-bred, Melbourne-schooled member of the elite crowd, so reluctant that she actually wears a pair of Islander slippers in intercontinental flights (no kidding!) – she laughed at me for building up too much steam. In response to my incensed ranting, she only had this to say: “Yan, what’s economy class?”
That comment would get Jojo all fired up, but that is so typically Genee. And if you know her as well as I do, you would know that her words translate to: “Who is this woman and who gave her the right?”
Amen.
(On that note, I can’t wait to read what Paolo Mendoza has to say about the subject.)
If the editors of Manila Standard Today have any sense at all, they would fire Malu Fernandez asap. If only to salvage their credibility.
If you were to believe Malu Fernandez, anyway, she hardly needs the few bucks that a local paper could scrape for her words of non-wisdom.
Or maybe she does need the money to save up for a much-needed liposuction? One wonders. But one hardly cares.
Pampi said this on August 20th, 2007 at 22:20
[...] sa mga nag-post ng link si Dr. Tess, na nagsabing “If you want to be mean to this woman, then be intellectually [...]
Proyektong Malu Fernandez | ederic@cyberspace said this on August 21st, 2007 at 0:08
@ Prudence:
We can never really tell if Malu is “better off” than “most” of us, especially those selling cellphones and cheap perfurmes. I somehow trained myself already to not see people based on what they do, since where I live, people who make burgers in McDonalds may be Harvard or Princeton students. So, she really couldn’t say that she’s better off than most of the OFWs.
I heard Princess Diana worked as a nanny before. So how can she categorize all nannies as poor?
raspberry said this on August 21st, 2007 at 0:18
I blogged my 2 cents about her at http://burymeinthisdress.com/blog/2007/08/21/the-hullabaloo-that-is-malu-fernandez/
Malu Fernandez is alta sociedad. Been hearing that name in society columns for years.
dementia said this on August 21st, 2007 at 0:47
shame on her!
the editor of Manila Standard trying to do some damage control by disclaiming Malu as part of their writer but on his second comment on my blog he accept that Malu was really their writer but only on sundays. No wonder… editor doesnt know their writers. tsk tsk
Jun Macarambon said this on August 21st, 2007 at 9:01
to raspberry:
If you read my comment carefully, I qualified that I think Malu Fernandez is FINANCIALLY better off than us (unless, of course, you own a yacht and you live in 20 other cities in the world in 12 months). And she’s part of that elite social circle who have big parties every week (or maybe every night). We just don’t know that much about her because we are not part of her “world”.
And “poor” is a relative term. Did you mean financially poor? Spiritually poor? Mentally poor? If your example is the late Princess Diana, then, of course, you couldn’t say that she’s financially poor anymore because she wasn’t a nanny anymore when she became princess.
And I’d say, if we’re going to talk about local nannies, then most of them are poor. But if we’re going to talk about nannies in other parts of the world, then, perhaps, maybe they’re financially better off than most nannies. But they can still be considered relatively poor (and that depends on whom you’re comparing them with).
Next time, read comments more carefully.
Prudence said this on August 21st, 2007 at 9:15
[...] The Index: Bitter, Spiteful Snob (UPDATED!!) Si Consuela Swine Mentality: UPDATED Fierce and Fabulous Ingrata Still more on “La Diva Loca” More on The Diva or was it Di Na Bale (Never Mind) Malu Fernandez Matapobre Ba o Nagpapakatotoo lang? Matapobre Ba o Nagpapakatotoo lang? MAHADERANG MATAPOBRE SA OFWS Just another acerbic wit? Elitist Mindset in Action The Devil Wears Jo Malone Putting on the “Other’s” Shoes Malu Fernandez: The hate continues… Malu Fernandez’ Condescending Statements on OFWs The abominable snob-woman The Bigotry of Malu Fernandez and In Defense of the Filipino Migrant Workers Panawagan: Patalsikin, Boykotin On the Democracy of the Pinoy Blogosphere a.k.a Malu Fernandez, Take Your Cue Fire Malu Fernandez, Boycott Manila Standard, and People Asia Magazine I am Filipino and Proud to Be One! Malu Fernandez: What’s Economy Class? How To Piss Off Hardworking Filipinos And Pinoy Bloggers? YOU’RE BACON, BITCH!!! (or how the Pinoy Blog Community is frying up Malu Fernandez) Malu Fernandez - Persona Non Grata Dear Malu Fernandez Episode 18: Paglipas On Malu Fernandez: we have feelings too you know Gigil Mala Malu, Nuestra Senora de la Mata Pobre Bad cholesterol, very bad cholesterol Ang OFW at Malu Fernandez isang Elitistang manunulat! Da Daily Donkey Goes to Malu Fernandez! Show Malu Fernandez What ‘Wit’ Is: Be Intellectually Mean [...]
The Malu Fernandez Campaign Index « blog @ AWBHoldings.com said this on August 21st, 2007 at 9:53
to Jun Macarambon:
Is he the real news editor or just a poser?
Prudence said this on August 21st, 2007 at 10:02
I think he is a news editor of Manila Standard.
By Francis Lagniton
News Editor
1. SC upholds Mining Act of 1995
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=feature_feb10_2006
http://www.superferry.com.ph/news/NEWS_view.asp?id=148
Jun Macarambon said this on August 21st, 2007 at 10:15
to Jun Macarambon:
But it’s possible that the commenter is just using the name. Did the commenter provide a valid email address or a site?
Prudence said this on August 21st, 2007 at 10:37
@Prudence:
Thank you for reminding me to read comments very carefully. I hope this time I have read your comment carefully. It was you who said that you do not know the kind of lifestyle “I” live. I do not want to refer to myself because I am no match even, perhaps, to you. What I want to point out is that seeing a total stranger whom you know nothing about, except perhaps the fact that she looked like a DH to you, or that she was wearing “cheap” perfume, and then thinking that she is “poorer” than you, is downright stupid, if I may say.
I do not care if Malu Fernandez is indeed elite, what I want to point out is that no one here can say that you and I are more “well-off” than others, because we are all strangers to each other. If we know each other very well then perhaps we can compare, but simply looking at each other and making fun of each other’s preferences and jobs is certainly not logical.
It is true that majority or all, perhaps, of the “katulongs” in the Phils. is relatively poorer than those who do it in richer countries, but then it is also possible that a daughter of a rich businessman or a politician (who is richer than the richest in the Philippines) chooses to work as a babysitter to earn some money for herself, just for the sake of feeling independent.
You say that there is a certain extent of Malu Fernandez in all of us. I beg to differ. Hypocrisy aside, people who, perhaps, live in first world countries are less judgmental of one’s relative wealth when it comes to jobs. Of course if you’re a politician or the owner of a big business, people might assume you are rich, but if you are working as a nanny, people will never think you do not own a house and a BMW, because here, that is very possible. That may not be your “standard” of being rich, but certainly that is not being poor either.
raspberry said this on August 21st, 2007 at 11:15
Oh, btw, a case in point - we have a very rich Jewish businessman here who owns the biggest discount store in the country, he died recently and stories about him go like this: He can be seen working in the store just like any employee, he has a smile in his face that can’t be wiped out, parang parating “jologs”, he likes mingling with everyone. If Malu Fernandez saw him as one of the “bakya” crowd, I bet she would have thought she is richer than he is. Pagsama-samahin mo man ang peso ni Malu, hindi malalampasan ang dolyar nitong taong to. Btw, I saw her friendster profile, sa abroad man nag aral si Malu, hindi naman kilala yung school. And it doesn’t mean that being invited to parties attended by elite people make you rich.
raspberry said this on August 21st, 2007 at 11:39
[...] The jester-in-exile (JEM): (aside to camera) Hello, friends, you’re with the jester-in-exile, and welcome to another episode of Life of the Rich and Shameless. As you all know, anybody who’s become a common servant of sorts — waiter, bartender, busboy, jester — in places where the aristocrats hold court is familiar with the different personalities of the alta de sociedad. Who better to smell the stench of their shit than us blue-collar folk who clean their bowls and wipe their asses for them? [...]
The Journal of The Jester-in-Exile: Here's Wishing Malu Fernandez, the Divalicious *slash* Witty *slash* Well-Read (Not!) CAKE-EATER a Belated Bastille Day said this on August 21st, 2007 at 13:49
I am based in New York and I came across this brouhaha only through the internet. I asked my friends and realtives about the issue and not evryone has heard of it. My point is our campaign is only widespread in terms of Philipine blogs and within the international community or OFWs. We should inform all our family and friends to boycott Manila Standard to make sure our campaign will be effective.
Kelangan malitson ang Malu Fernandez na yan.
Yun lang po.
rhyss25 said this on August 21st, 2007 at 13:55
well written prudence. you hit the mark so to speak. name-callings and such would do us no good. but then again she was so mean and although im against it she does deserve some of it. so if we cant have her boss fire her why dont we just post her pics in every airports around the world and with it, in bold letters reads “OFW hater”..hehehe
pigtoo said this on August 22nd, 2007 at 15:20
to raspberry:
“You say that there is a certain extent of Malu Fernandez in all of us. I beg to differ.”
—Well, okay, if you think you don’t harbor any prejudices, then good for you. You’re different from all of us, ordinary people who admit they have their own share of prejudices.
Prudence said this on August 22nd, 2007 at 21:39
to rhyss25:
“We should inform all our family and friends to boycott Manila Standard to make sure our campaign will be effective.
Kelangan malitson ang Malu Fernandez na yan.
Yun lang po.”
— I don’t think boycotting Manila Standard would do any good. Like some of the other bloggers, initially I thought it would be good that she’d be fired from the newspaper/magazine or if the sales of the newspaper and magazine plummet. However, on second thought, would she really be the one who’d suffer from all of these? Isn’t it that those who are the lower levels of employment hierarchy who would be the most affected? I’d say let her stay writing those articles, but we shouldn’t stop from making it known that we don’t like what she writes.
Prudence said this on August 22nd, 2007 at 21:43
to pigtoo:
“so if we cant have her boss fire her why dont we just post her pics in every airports around the world and with it, in bold letters reads “OFW hater”..hehehe”
— But that would be vandalism…
Prudence said this on August 22nd, 2007 at 21:45
First, may I commend this blog entry for being well-written.
I have read snippets from the article. I actually found it hilarious, not because of its content, but because of the apparent ignorance of the author with regards to class and ethics. if she was truly a woman of class, she would know better than discriminate OFWs. Her second article/comment illustrates her ignorance even more. She should have taken a step back, looked at the bigger (socio-political) picture, truly apologized, rather than defend herself.
But if I demand ethics from her, I also must be ethical in responding or giving my complaints to her. So yes, I agree with what you have proposed: People Asia must publish the comments against Fernandez and the article. People can also write an ethically-sound petition for her to publicly apologize and do community service. From the looks of the situation, an ethically-sound call for her to tender her resignation seems more apt. Whatever happens, we must face her and this situation in the best way manner in order for us to win.
aisa said this on August 22nd, 2007 at 22:32
@ Prudence
Actually, there are many of “us”, not just me. I am not “extraordinary”. But maybe it’s just a matter of where we live. Surely if you talk to my daughter she would wonder how come your thoughts about people are so different, maybe because she has grown up in a different “world”.
raspberry said this on August 22nd, 2007 at 23:56
Why so many people having tantrums over Malu?!
Is it hard to accept it?!
wahhhh!
kiss
Fendi
Fendi said this on August 23rd, 2007 at 8:17
Yeah, i believe she is a diva.
A Swine Diva of Asia.
Id love to see her roasted in a bamboo..
Jack said this on August 23rd, 2007 at 9:17
I find her writing crass and offensive, to say the least. It’s not about how she targeted the OFWs.
It’s how one acts in such manner not to offend others.
Respect. That’s what they taught me in school. It seems she didnt attend her deportment class.
James said this on August 23rd, 2007 at 13:26
honestly, i’m also guilty of being snobbish and condescending sometimes. actually, most of us are guilty too! don’t tell me you haven’t made any negative remarks about people you deem as “jologs” or “iskwaking”. whether we said it in utter jest or absolute despise , we can get away with it in our circle of friends. but once we publicize these comments, then here is when the aesthetic police enters the fray.
the thing is, once you become graphomanic about fashion, beauty, travel and luxurious living, people will be judging you on how you write, and more importantly, on how you look. her “acerbic wit” in reporting “facts” about her Jo Malone evaporating into thin air or her Adidas all-terrain saving her pedicure, etc. may have passed the first test. but her downright ugliness (at least according to present society’s standards, not to George Orwell’s ) just gave her the Mila’s Lechon Lifetime Achievement Award. If she were Oprah or the Queen of England, she may have gotten away with it. Anyhow, even Oprah or the Queen wouldn’t say those things.
Come to think of it, her crime would have been mitigated if she were only 200 pounds lighter.
Adriano said this on August 23rd, 2007 at 15:05
honestly, i’m also guilty of being snobbish and condescending sometimes. actually, most of us are guilty too! don’t tell me you haven’t made any negative remarks about people you deem as “jologs” or “iskwaking”. whether we said it in utter jest or absolute despise , we can get away with it in our circle of friends. but once we publicize these comments, then here is when the aesthetic police enters the fray.
the thing is, once you become graphomanic about fashion, beauty, travel and luxurious living, people will be judging you on how you write, and more importantly, on how you look. her “acerbic wit” in reporting “facts” about her Jo Malone evaporating into thin air or her Adidas all-terrain saving her pedicure, etc. may have passed the first test. but her downright ugliness (at least according to present society’s standards, not to George Orwell’s ) just gave her the Mila’s Lechon Lifetime Achievement Award. If she were Oprah or the Queen of England, she may have gotten away with it. Anyhow, even Oprah or the Queen wouldn’t say those things.
Come to think of it, her crime would have been mitigated if she were only 200 pounds lighter.
Adriano said this on August 23rd, 2007 at 15:06
nakakapangilabot balahibo pinagsasabi netung Malu’ng eto.
Ngayun pang ilan sa ating mga kababayang mga domestic helpers ang nakaranas ng mga kahindik hindik na panggagahasa ng mga arabo na kinunan pa ng cellphone video. Panu kaya natatanggap ng kanyang konsyensya ang magbungat ng ganung kataga sa likod ng paghihirap, pagpapakasakit at sakripisyo ng mga ordinaryong mga Pilipino OFW.
Panu kaya kung naging katabi pa nya sa economy class itong mga biktimang mga DH natu, na sa palagay ko’y hindi na rin kanais nais ang mga amoy dahil nalimutan na nila pagalaga sa sarili dahil sa kanilang sinapit na karanasan.
Patawarin nawa sya, hindi nya alam kanyang ginagawa… amen
yevah said this on August 23rd, 2007 at 16:24
Is this for real? http://www.geocities.com/fernandez_malu/
Ade said this on August 23rd, 2007 at 17:30
i can only say one thing about this malu fernandez. the nerd!!!!!
Porterhouse Steak said this on August 23rd, 2007 at 19:27
a human aberation like her should get a ligation to halt her breed. perhaps she can turn her acerbic humor and ‘wit’ against on one who did her a gross deservice - her dietician
doy said this on August 23rd, 2007 at 23:30
OFW din po ako at isa lang po ang masasabi ko sa lumalaking usapan tungkol sa sinulat ni Malu Fernandez….the wiser understands.
toon said this on August 23rd, 2007 at 23:32
tama yong sinabi ni yevah. sayang dipa niya tinuloy yong pag slash ng wrist niya. at sana itong gumagawa ng axe eh palakolin ito.
del said this on August 24th, 2007 at 3:11
[...] I’ve presented my one peso (roughly 2 cents) on the matter. Others, weighing in, have taken the high road, a path that I, not unlike Robert Frost, often wax romantic about but very seldom take. Like a [...]
Far From Neutral Notions - Philippine politics, culture and stuff » On Malu Fernandez: Why I’m angry said this on August 24th, 2007 at 3:38
All has been said and done. Lets put the issue to rest and I hope Malu have learn her lesson.
Simply Red said this on August 24th, 2007 at 4:58
Pleaseee…..
Stop maligning that creature named Malu. We should be celebrating because she is the first pig clone that can read and write. Another milestone in our Philippines swine industry. So be kind to animals, lets just reproduce her photos and be made part of our nursery coloring books in gratitude to her full transformation from a high breed pig to a not so human form.
allan said this on August 24th, 2007 at 6:02
On my way back, I had to bravely take the economy flight once more.
- u had bravely o tlagang ngtitipid klang? kunwari kapa! if ako ung katabi mo, i will have bruises on my legs and masasabi ko God must have sent me to my own private hell..ang sikip kaya!
I heaved a sigh, popped my sleeping pills and dozed off to the sounds of gum chewing and endless yelling of “HOY! Kumusta ka na? At taga sann ka? Domestic helper ka rin ba?” Translation: “Hey there? Where are you from? Are you a domestic helper as well?”
-u shud atleast be thankful hinde ka natanong “Hey there? Where are you from? Are you a domestic helper as well?” bakit ka nga ba kc nakekealam sa usapan ng my usapan?
and whats up with the name dropping? buti nga nde ako kasali dun sa mga names na mga yun ikakahiya kita cgurado na kaibigan kita…
oopa said this on August 24th, 2007 at 7:07
OFW din ako at hindi nakakabawas ng pagkatao ko ang pagiging OFW. Maaring ang sinabi ni Malou ay base sa kanyang sariling opinyun at nerespeto ko sya bilang OFW bilang isang tao na may karapatang magpahayag. Sana lamang ay naging maingat at naging RESPONSABLE sya sa kanyang mga binitawang pahayag. Sana din ay isinaalang alang nya ang damdamin ng iba. Sa mundong ginagalawan natin, magkakaiba tayo ng katayuan sa buhay at ng mga pananaw. Hindi naman nasusukat ang pagkatao ng isang tao sa pag aari na meron sya, sa mga kaibigan na meron ka, ikay ba ay alta sa syoda o hindi, hindi sa mga ganyang bagay sabi nga di ba madaling maging tao pero mahirap magpakatao.
Sa iyo Malou sana ay masaya ka sa ginawa mo at mga sinabi. Wag mo sanang ilagay dyan sa utak mo kung ano man ang meron ka, kung ano man ang natapos o kung ano man ang katayuan mo sa buhay dahil ang lahat ng eto ay pansamantala lamang. Ni hindi mo nga alam kung magigising ka pa isang umaga. Sana maging mabuting tao na lang tayo sa kapwa natin. Samantalahin natin ang mga panahon na andito tayo sa mundong eto na gumawa ng mabuti at gamitin ang mga talent na meron tayo sa mabuti. Yun lang.
Gandich said this on August 24th, 2007 at 10:19
She works for Shopwise as a mechandiser, right?
Hen Nanguo said this on August 24th, 2007 at 10:27
the Bom Chicka Wahwah girls of Axe say otherwise.
http://www.bomchickawahwah.com/main.php?loc=us
guys, buy Axe now!
Adriano said this on August 24th, 2007 at 13:47
It’s really quite funny. However, that was sorely lacking in both tact and talent. It’s sad how those who write in blogs will rarely ever be recognized as legitimate, talented writers, while charlatans and noveau-riche like this Fernandez person will be lauded (or were, at least in her case) as witty and direct “authors”. Besides, these OFWs are working their asses off for their families. Show some decency, please. I have to agree that they are NOT heroes, but they’re making a huge sacrifice for their loved ones. If you can’t respect their economic status, then at least try to be more open-minded and mature.
drop me a line
shredding_axe1231@yahoo.com
thecryingmachine said this on August 24th, 2007 at 15:18
Dang…. i wonder where this pig might be..? o sorry..swine that is? lol
well..i think theres no point asking for an apology for this self confessed intelectualy righteous lady..(if she is one). all wa of words, protest and other callings have already surfaced but still..shes one hell of ..whats the term we use in PI? ahh… MAKAPAL ANG MUKHA at WALANG HIYA…or maybe she doesnt have any at all..
well..for Malu-Balu’s info… and i guess this has been informed to her few days ago… NOT all OFW’s here in dubai are domestic helpers..only a fraction my dear..and if u had wanted to have a more comfy ride cumin back home…damn…take business class. your such one dumb ass bicth that you wind up nagging and complaining when u know youll be in a section where most of the occupants would really be ofw’s. how stupid. you couldab rented a private plane or a private jet on your way to pinas..that way you can do all the things you wanna do..like ..mainly…fuck around with nobody disturbin you…
and to the editor of this news paper,magaizine or what ever publication it was….wheeeeeeew…two thumbs up…. nice job you did… what do we call that..freedom of the press…ahhmm.. okay..i think the only thing wrong about that published article is that…it degrades a fellow filipino…hoooooray…. your all doin a good job…
i hope some actions would be done..but…lets just hope…
and lastly..for that pig..ow sori..swine i mean….its better if u had that pic of yours removed the nice view and scenery..coz your just puting dirt on it….
Herbert said this on August 24th, 2007 at 16:22
whooo huh….hearin that ladys name (if she;s one)just rings a bell in ma ear,,,
just like the sone..I just cant get enough of you baby…lol
Malu>> congrats.. for being the pinoys most love to hate person.. wheeeeew.. What an achievement youve got in there…. i hope ull cherish this one coz all i know,,,this will last for ages…
ahm..just comment on one of the bloggers note here…stating that MALU looks like a shopwise merchandiser..nahh… she looks more of a yaya in HongKong…now i wonder why she got irked by those ofw’s..
o sorry..just read a part of that article…i think one reason is that her jo malone was over powered by axed? lol
this is so so so damn funny..
Herbert said this on August 24th, 2007 at 16:32
Now this controversy has a new twist!
http://cristobtosnas.blogspot.com/2007/08/malu-fernandez-vs-bom-chicka-wahwahs-et.html
have a great weekend kabayans! take it easy!
Adriano said this on August 24th, 2007 at 16:37
Wow! This Malu is really taking a beating. My two-cents’ worth is this: she may be rich, but she is the perfect example that wealth cannot buy breeding. After all, as the old saying goes “Ang matsing balutin man sa ginto, matsing pa rin”, or something to that effect.
Adrian said this on August 24th, 2007 at 16:58
[...] Health Blog « Show Malu Fernandez What ‘Wit’ Is: Be Intellectually Mean [...]
Bloggers Invade Tasta Asia Again (And The After-Party Party) said this on August 24th, 2007 at 23:41
LATEBREAKER!
Ligtas na sa Foot & Mouth Disease and Hog Cholera ang buong Pilipinas! Ngunit isang baboy na lang ang nagtataglay ng mga nasabing sakit, plus many more (like gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and AIDS). At iyan ay walang iba kundi ang baboy na nagkatawang-tao na si Malu Fernandez. So alam n’yo na kung anong gagawin ninyo pag namataan ninyo ang tabatsoy na ito. Isama dapat sa mahabang listahan ng extra-judicial killings.
Mark M.V. Salin said this on August 25th, 2007 at 1:02
Seguro gustong mapansin ng loka lokang babaeng ito kaya sumulat ng ganitong artikulo. Well natagumpay siya pero sa maling paraan.OFW ba naman ang kinalaban ay isa sa pinakamalaking pwersa sa buong Pilipinas kaming mga OFW. Ngayon magsisi ka man sampo ng iyong mga magulang at kamag-anak hindi na maibabalik ang sakit na idinulot mo sa aming mga oFW. kapag maraming tao ang galit sa iyo mamalasin ka na sa buhay sampo ng iyong mga mahal sa buhay.You deserved what you are undergoing right now. Next time be careful sa iyong mga salita. Freedom of speech is not absolute my dear it is a privilege. Isa ka sa mga taong kinamumuhinaan naming mga oFW maybe because di ka tinuruan ng iyong pamilya ng kabutihang asal. Anyway may pagkakataon kang makabawi sa amin - kung magigiging domestic helper ka rin para maranasan mo ang hirap na dinaranas ang mga kababayan natin. To hell with you!!!!
Qatar Boy said this on August 25th, 2007 at 2:38
Malu Fernandez, obviously is an epitome of a typical individual who attained some form of “celebrity status” thru her column or as a “journalist” and that status went straight to her head. Obviously, she’s bragging about her trip or for being able to go abroad for a leisure trip. In so doing and because of her “status”, she found it “normal” to put down her fellow Filipinos working abroad as OFW’s. Such individuals who see themselves as “sosyal” and privileged such as Malu Fernandez are in abundance, I’ve heard Butch Francisco once nonchanlantly made a similar but subtle remark on TV about Filipinos working here in the States: “lahat naman ng Filipino sa America naghihirap or dumadanas ng hirap” he responded when guest former actress Bunny Paras mentioed about her ordeal here in the States. Such sweeping statement about Pinoys in the States is unfounded and unfair, and Butch Francisco made it sound like he’s an expert of the lives of fellow Pinoys here in the States. Aga Muhlach also stated in one newspaper interview the “typical OFW in the Middle East as seamen and domestic helpers” quote/unquote referring to his notion of the “typical work” of fellow Pinoys in the Middle East before he made his Dubai movie. Obviously, our fellow Pinoys in the upper crust of the society have this stupid mindset and this stupid “belief” that their kababayans who live and work abroad are always doing some form or work that may be embarrassing or demeaning, or perhaps not the kind of work that they, the “society’s sosyals and privileged” would never perform in their lifetime. These small-minded people must realize that as long as a person is not doing something illegal, that person possesses dignity in doing his work. So what if a lot of our fellow Pinoys work as domestic helpers in the Middle East, Hongkong and elsewhere? That is still dignified work.
If Malu Fernandez, her friends and associates find her “mata-pobre” article funny instead of insulting and offensive, we should never be surprised at all. To Malu Fernandez, you’re nothing compared to a lot of OFW’s if we will speak of accomplishments and financial gains. These are the very people who make the country’s economy steady thru their remittances, in case you have forgotten. Just to inform you Ms. Fernandez, here in the States, a “typical newspaper columnist” of a small newspaper like you is nothing, especially financially but I have never encountered any non-sensical, such absurd and so offensive and negative write up written by journalists here about their fellow Americans. The nerve of Malu Fernandez to even brazenly write that her article was a fun story and was intended as a joke and should have been taken with laughter! Such arrogance! By the way Malu Fernandez, if you are really a somebody who is “above” those “domestic helpers”, then why did you let your poor self take the economy section of a regular airline? Next time you go abroad Ms Fernandez, to avoid mingling again with your fellow OFW’s whom you obviously abhore, just take the first class section of a major airline or might as well rent a private jet. But can you afford that? At least I know a lot of fellow Pinoys abroad who could!
No legitimate and respected mainstream newspaper must allow such biased, unprofessional and such ignoramus “journalist” use their paper to throw arrogant and demeaning remarks or to write such distasteful article about their fellow Pinoys.
My best regards.
E. Panchang Limcauco
La Verne, California
Panchang Limcauco said this on August 25th, 2007 at 6:42
Same here!!!
I’m gonna call my family, benefactors, relatives and friends there in the Philippines and advise them not to buy those magazines and newspaper any longer. They let those stories of Malu Fernandez out, meaning they have the full consent and insisted to publish the story. What the h*ck! This is total discrimination!!!
wing2 said this on August 25th, 2007 at 12:59
Well said guys!!!
You’re kicking as* of Malu Fernandez.
ErwininIRAQ said this on August 25th, 2007 at 13:10
in ilocano… ADDA ADAL NA NGEM AWAN SURSURO NA…
SHE IS EDUCATED BUT NEVER LEARN
A NEW WORD said this on August 25th, 2007 at 13:55
.. my two cents worth.
Reading Malu’s article the first time today after hearing this from a friend described it as.. you want something to fill your day? To my regrets i clicked on the link and find what it is. I read the article, and it came as a person who’s nothing better to write about. I dismissed her point of view as nothing but discrimination and tagged her as uninformed. I asked a friend what was wrong with it until she pointed out two things, she’s fat and she offended us OFWs… true enough i searched high and low, and the blogsphere is throwing a pit over this senseless lady.
anyway, isn’t it what you write is who you are? i looked at her article like a piece of junk and left it at that. She doesn’t know any better. Ignorant and self absorved.
well, she resigned, which doesn’t save her from “late” bloggers.. but as long as there’s blogspace there’s always a Malu Fernandez… oppressor of us, the OFWs.
You reap, what you sow.
Ojie, Saipan
Ojie said this on August 25th, 2007 at 14:14
Just a bit of information on the late Princes Diana, she was a nanny before she met her real prince charming alright, but her family came from a noble and yes wealthy, well-respected and very prominent clan in the United Kingdom. Guys, the very snobbish, haughty and truly super rich and powerful Royal clan of the United Kingdom will NEVER marry their crown prince to a “nanny”, as in real nanny. (Remember the former crown-prince uncle of Prince Charles who abdicated his throne so he could marry an American commoner?) Her Royal Highness Princess Diana was said to have been personally handpicked by the Queen Mother herself (Queen Mary the mother of Queen Elizabeth) to be romantically matched with Prince Charles. Princess Di’s parents are close friends and chummy-chummies of England’s royal family. So yups, HRH Princess Diana who worked as a NANNY and kindergarten teacher came from a long line of nobility.
So yes, I do agree with you Raspberry (it’s you Raspie right?) that we cannot and should not and must not judge a person by that person’s work or appearance. Chubby “sosyal na Malu” may not know it but perhaps one of those OFW’s she demeaned in Dubai would turned out to be one of the legal wives of the Prince in Dubai then she read “sosyal na Malu’s” stupid article, got super irked by it because she was herself a former OFW, then bought the stupid newspaper that allowed such stupidity published and fired all their editors, writers and yes chubby Malu outright. Hindi pa nakuntento ang dating OFW na asawa ng prinsipe, she even bought “sosyal na Malu’s” boutique and the building where it stands and gave away to all OFW’s everything in it. Okay, this is actually how I would love this issue regarding “sosyal na Malu” end. But hey, I’ve read of similar stories that had happened in real life. One good sample is Bill Gates, the richest man in this planet married a very unassuming and super simple employee in his company. Bill and Melinda Gates are very modest and very low profile despite their billions and are known to give away tens of millions to world-wide charities. If “sosyal na Malu” would bumped into Bill Gates, she would probably smirk and think of him as poor geeky loser, based on how he looks and based on how “sosyal na Malu” sizes up people. Life is a cycle, what goes up must come down. “Sosyal na Malu” being a heavy woman (pun intended) might have a heavy and painful fall in the end.
In btw., I just browsed on “sosyal na Malu’s” Friendster site, and it’s just strange (okay, funny) that she never mentioned where her “foreign alma mater” Moore College of Art and Design is located, the State and City (if it’s here in the US) or Europe? I’ve never heard of that school here in the West Coast, particularly here in California. By the way, there are countless schools of this and that here in the States that are actually counterparts of small trade schools in Pinas (TUP, STI etc. schools that the “sosyaleras” like “sosyal na Malu” would never ever attend even in their worst nightmares). Hhhhhhmmmm…..I just wonder why “sosyal na Malu” never mentioned in her Friendster site where her “foreign alma mater” is located. Hhhhhhmmmm…….
E. Panchang L. said this on August 25th, 2007 at 18:07
@ Hen Nanguo : Korek ka dyan, sa Shopwise nga sya nagwuwork at Buyer din sya ng Rustans kaya libre ang travel nya. nephew daw nya si Migz Zubiri kaya cguro feeling as if na rin ang balyena.
ariel said this on August 25th, 2007 at 19:19
Let me just remind the commenters in this blog. If you cannot make the appropriate intelligent counter-argument to Malu Fernandez’s assertions, then DON’T RESORT TO NAME-CALLING. It just goes to show that maybe Malu Fernandez may be right with some people in the middle class not being educated enough. Show that you have the kind of wit that is intelligent and not like the “acerbic wit” she pertains to. And you don’t do that by using uncouth words one might only hear from children fighting in the playground.
I do believe that we have a Malu Fernandez in each one of us, in one form or another. Well, hypocrites may disagree. But come on, be true to yourself. Can anyone really claim that he doesn’t have any prejudices? That’s preposterous. To think that a certain U.S. school isn’t popular enough to flaunt and that to be a fashionista one must be slim are already forms of prejudice.
Go examine yourselves. You can cast the first stone but remember why you’re throwing it in the first place.
Prudence said this on August 25th, 2007 at 20:13
[...] Let me just remind the commenters in my blog post about Malu Fernandez: [...]
A Case of the Pot Calling The Kettle Black said this on August 25th, 2007 at 20:25
Prudence,
You should’ve made this blog EXCLUSIVELY for people who are INTELLECTUALLY capable of, with intellectual capacity that you are expecting of, using those words that you’d like to have, be put or be published here in your glamorous and hilarious blog.
Not all is born intellect…
I understand their sides…
I understand how they feel about this Hulabalu Malu.
Take it away bloggers.
Peace yo’
Carman said this on August 26th, 2007 at 14:48
MALOU, YOU’RE SO CUTE TO ROAST….. HE,HE
MAGIS said this on August 26th, 2007 at 15:06
With due respect to you Prudence, as I understand you are the creator and traffic enforcer in this blog so to speak (correct me if I am wrong), I posted on this site, okay let me correct myself I was actually “directed to this site” by the GMA7 net portal where I found that article concerning Malu Fernandez and where I actually originally sent my reaction/comments to her now infamous and notorious article with nothing in my mind but merely to show Malu Fernandez how outraged and how livid I was upon reading her very offensive article. Though the title of your blog concerning this issue (Show Malu Fernandez What Wit Is: Be Intellectually Mean) was an outright antidote to her seemingly bitchy, cold and arrogant character, still one may never deny the fact that your blogsite just like all blogs on the net is a free-wheeling site where anyone if I may say so has the right to post their various reactions and comments on this particular issue. While you are right Prudence with your objective to show Malu Fernandez that the middle class also are equally witty or perhaps even wittier than some of her “peeps” in their social strata by posting only witty writings and comments and to avoid posting offensive words or comments directed to Malu again to show her that we are not what she thinks that we are, still I believe we should not limit the flow of reactions of anyone, unless the posting would be life-threatening. Why, even the loud and vulgar individuals possess wittiness, some of them are even smarter. Joey De Leon, probably the proponent of toilet humor (as well as his pals Vic and Tito) who was even hated for this decades ago is undoubtedly one of the smartest and most creative people around especially in the industry where he works. He’s probably the quickest wit on TV ever. So I disagree with the idea that people who name-call don’t express wittiness or smartness. Malu Fernandez herself is a master of name-calling, isn’t she? The only difference is that she does it in English and she painstakingly chooses the terms to express her offensive criticism, perhaps with the hope of making her readers believe she’s smarter than others as she believes she is. Wittiness/smartness do not always pertain to the right terms, polite words and positive language, but rather to the substance and flow of how the words and language are being used and expressed. Hindi porke nagmumura or nagbabato ng pintas ang tao lalo na sa vernacular eh bobo yung tao.
I do agree with you Prudence, and this I say with all honesty that no one (including me) is exempted with your claim that all of us have our own prejudices. I for one have very low and I mean low tolerance for stupidity and mediocrity and this is without pretensions. My human fuse would easily experience short-circuit whenever I would encounter stupid situations caused by seemingly thoughtless minds. I sometimes find myself secretly feeling critical of people whom I feel don’t meet my personal standard on certain matters like personal hygiene, stinginess, being too loud, etc. I also have prejudices on individuals who find it easy to manipulate and take advantage of others and in this particular case, I actually have voiced our my thoughts and emotions aggressively on several occasions when certain close individuals were the victims and I wouldn’t hesitate to do the same again if the same situation would arise. So yes, we all have our own prejudices. But the thing is, I always try my best to check my emotions and to pocket them. I can not recall an incident when I publicly ridicule, offend, demean and downgrade in the most hurtful way other fellow humans most particularly my fellow Pinoys.
Prudence, I’m not so sure if you were referring to my last post prior to this when you said and to quote you: “To think that a certain U.S. school isn’t popular enough to flaunt and that to be a fashionista one must be slim are already forms of prejudice.” If you will reread my post, in it I said I was just wondering why “sosyal na Malu” never mentioned the location of her foreign school. Indeed I am wondering. Why wouldn’t I, considering she’s an arrogant brag! One may just expect that she would brag about anything and everything about her and what she possesses which by the way she easily does in her column. So I wasn’t being prejudice on her with this line, I was merely wondering why she never mentioned the location of her school. And my point is that the super rich kids in our native Pinas attended only the well-known and the really expensive schools abroad particularly here in the States so it’s my expectation that “sosyal na Malu” would brag about her foreign alma mater. If ever I would throw some form of prejudice on her, it would perhaps be on her form and style of writing being a former (non-commercial) writer myself, and yes of her character or the lack of it. Regarding your last phrase, “being a fashionista one must be slim etc.,” I don’t think that would be attributed to my last posting, so I don’t feel guilty of it. I have relatives and close friends who are as big and even bigger than “sosyal na Malu”.