Shortening names of places has become a trend among young generations and youngsters by heart–we now have names like “Starbs” or “Nash” (in lieu of Starbucks and National Book Store, respectively), either because we’re lazy to call places by their full name, or it’s really just how we roll creatively. But there’s no doubt that today’s generation is fond of coining nicknames for popular brands and even locations.
This trend has also influenced how Filipinos call certain places in the Philippines. We keep hearing of “Bora” (referring to Boracay), or Elyu (referring to La Union). In fact, Poblacion, the hip moniker for the lively and commercial district of Makati, has been famously regarded by many as ‘Pobla’ for quite some time now. However, it seems the place can no longer be called by its shortened form as barangay officials consider it as ‘derogatory’ and ‘offensive’ to their community.
Benhur Cruz, the Barangay captain of Poblacion shared on Facebook an ordinance that declares the famous nightlife spot to be called by its full name rather than any other nickname such as ‘Pobla.’ Although the post is now unavailable, he said that referring to the district incorrectly by using coined terms is offensive to the rich heritage of Poblacion, including its name.
Barangay Resolution No. 2020-689 titled “A RESOLUTION OBJECTING THE USE OF THE TERM “POBLA” IN REFERRING TO BARANGAY POBLACION, MAKATI CITY OR ANY AREA WITHIN ITS TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION” is a call on the public to stop using “Pobla” anymore, especially if pertaining to restaurants and pubs along the place.
Pobla’ is the Spanish term for ‘working-class neighborhood’ or ‘poor neighborhood’ based on a multilingual dictionary on the internet. Since Poblacion is the second most important commercial center, next to the Central Business District, and the home to backpacker lodgings, upscale shops, tall buildings, and other huge infrastructure, the officials of the Barangay do not want to tarnish the prestigious name of the red light district of Makati CDC.
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