An X (formerly Twitter) user drew attention to a video of a TikTok user expressing their ‘hot take’ on what Filipino cuisine best represents Filipino culture.
With the caption, “who is this BURGEES,” the post showed a screenshot of the said video, in which they shared their opinion on how they’re sick of people recommending a famous childhood favorite fast food chain as “the testament [to] Filipino culture.”
who is this BURGEES 💜 pic.twitter.com/YinWz3FpGT
— 🦖 (@blobzter_) October 17, 2024
@bittersweetblood I wouldn’t be caught 💀 near that infamous bee. #culturecritic #happyplace #hottake ♬ Hey It’s Me – Official Sound Studio
The TikTok user then proceeded to recommend restaurants that will show “who we truly are at our healthiest and most abundant,” further citing that it’s the kind of food their mother served.
The post generated a lot of replies, with people sharing their own opinions, as well as criticizing the “bourgeois” mindset the original uploader had.
yall forgetting that mesa and mary grace is hella expensive for ordinary filos? it's stupid when people put it in the same statement as jollibee. who in their right mind would think that ordinary filos will go to mesa and mary grace to taste home? the rich makes me angry really https://t.co/vGqxHRc66S
— mulan 🍀 (@cschannie) October 19, 2024
genuinely thought she was gonna say Eat at a Karinderia but nvm ig
— Aubrey 🍼🔫 (@kikiamaubrey) October 19, 2024
ive always thought that bougee filipino restos like mesa are made for foreigners in an "ilalabas mo lang yung magagandang plato pag may bisita" kind of way bc theres no fucking way i'd dine in those restos on the regular. https://t.co/CiQGlStaK4
— chappell kwan (@parasaluman) October 21, 2024
I beg you to eat at a turo-turo for once in your life 😭
— Kevin, MD (@mrboooojangles) October 19, 2024
From someone who grew up in poverty, KUYA J'S WAS THE PINNACLE OF LUXURY EATING FOR ME 😭😭😭
— httpChris♡ (@SetoIsSleeping) October 18, 2024
eating at expensive ass restaurants is not “showing who we truly are” because half the filipino population would never even get to dine at those restaurants https://t.co/dCVWyJausY
— lucy pearl 🔪 (@tanginaco) October 19, 2024
GIRL?????? https://t.co/zcrY9uQ2o9 pic.twitter.com/Xqz2NivT8d
— katsu! (@katsucore_) October 19, 2024
A social media user even expressed how he would always recommend “balut, fishballs by the kanto, a Binondo food trip, a homemade meal at a friend’s place, or local beers at a nearby pub.”
Nah. Whenever non-Pinoy friends are here, it's always balut and fishballs by the kanto, a Binondo food trip, a homemade meal at a friend's place, or local beers at a nearby pub. They come here for authenticity, not bland spectacle.
Also, sure ka Mesa na standard mo? Lol. https://t.co/96Awb4jrVQ
— Pipo Gonzales (@ordinarypipo) October 19, 2024
if i wanted to show someone who really are, i’d bring them to the nearest kwek-kwekan, ihawan, angel’s burger, and the nearest karinderya coz mesa ain’t that good and the price???? that’s not who we are sis https://t.co/Gc03tuxezT
— xam ◡̈ ིྀ (@xam_of_coups) October 20, 2024
Some defended the significance of the childhood favorite fast food chain, since others saw it as a place where celebrations of achievements and significant occasions were done.
girl im surprised this one had the audaciy to speak like that. jollibee isn't simply a fast food restaurant but rather a sign of achievement and celebration, like that is literally the go to place of people whenever they want to celebrate bc restaurants like mesa is expensive asf https://t.co/hwINRGf64m
— miya | semi semi ia (@miyyyaaa0_0) October 19, 2024
omg what’s wrong w Jollibee dndjdjdbd I always recommend Jollibee, Dimsum Break & Potato Corner LMAO https://t.co/31cfdFWyxu
— Angel :•) Panpan 08.28 ! (@angelazydoodles) October 19, 2024
Oh wow, your sugar-free hot chocolate must be life-changing. But hey, some of us are happy with Chickenjoy and gravy. Mesa is cool, but Jollibee is Filipino culture. Sometimes, it’s about the joy of simplicity, not just who has the fanciest guava. Lols!
— Wilsen (@wilsenki) October 19, 2024
I think when they say that Jabee is a testament of our culture, they're referring to the exp of dining in it rather than the food. Because Jabee is associated with many different milestones we exp during our growing years since it is usually celebrated there by common folks. 🤷♀️
— _savvvvvv (@dittttttttto) October 19, 2024
Jollibee isnt loved for the quality of food, its the experience of eating there on a sunday afternoon asking your mom to buy you a 1 pc chickenjoy when life was good and you were happy
— Cashew (@LyneyYami) October 19, 2024
On the other hand, Book author Marcelo Santos III shared how he would rather show the Filipino culture by attending a Filipino birthday party.
Kung may isasama ako para mapakita ang kulturang pinoy, makiki-birthday kami. Imagine, lumpiang shanghai na hinati sa gitna, hotdog on stick with marshmallow na nakatusok sa pakwan, matamis na spaghetti, menudo, mechado, caldereta, pansit bihon! Yung hindi ka pa tapos kumain… https://t.co/woYZxQNbAD
— Marcelo (@akoposimarcelo) October 19, 2024
There were posts that seem to generally agree on some of the statements of the ‘hot take.’ One expressed how critical thinking was not being used by those who are criticizing the post.
Not to defend her or anything
But bayabas in sinigang is super common sa probinsya. Tapos pinya is what we add to anything when we feel fancy.
Tinawag niya lang na guava and pineapple para tunog fancy and unique, pero I swear it's more common than you think. https://t.co/puRs6fGKLu
— Magindara | Cannibal mermaid Vtuber (@MagindaraVT) October 20, 2024
please open the schools 😭 bring back media literacy 😭😭 when did they say to eat at mesa or mary grace everyday? everything is just a burgis problem to twt 😂 they clearly mentioned “as a testament to filipino culture” cause they serve true filipino food that reaches the https://t.co/3YdTiRNkmX pic.twitter.com/YWLibRaccA
— ً (@zoeification) October 19, 2024
One social media user pointed out the seemingly ‘privileged’ and out of touch take of the original uploader.
Alexandra, it is true though, our poor not being able to afford healthier food lol get yourself out there, baby girl. You’re too clothed w your mama’s healthy and esspensive ulams. Good for u, happy for u 👍 now let others enjoy Jollibee as a luxury & symbol of pride— https://t.co/OKddW16IRa pic.twitter.com/rT08wouVBp
— meryl 🎱 (@cleaxxxmj) October 19, 2024
While the creator’s “hot take” has ignited debate, it’s important to remember that both sides of the conversation are valid. Choosing one dish over another isn’t inherently bad; nostalgic favorites certainly hold a special place in our hearts. However, we must also acknowledge that our cultural identity is rich and varied, encompassing a diverse array of flavors and experiences that contribute to the tapestry of Filipino cuisine.
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