I have seen it several times in my Facebook News Feed but ignored it. This time, I have managed to click the link and read the blog post which criticized Filipino foods. In my own assessment, I can say that this post or review about Filipino cuisine in general has become viral.
As you can see in the screen shot above, the post is indeed viral! - 29,000 likes, 55 Google+1, 62 shares on Stumbleupon and 394 tweets.
After so many comments received by the post, the author decided to add the word "street" in the title. From "I would Rather Go Hungry Than Eat Filipino Food Again!" to "I would Rather Go Hungry Than Eat Filipino Street Food Again!"
The author inserted this note at the top of the post:
Hey guys. Thanks for all the comments. We are doing our best to read, approve and reply to all of them (apart from the ones which include swear words). We found that most of your feedback is constructive, and decided that the word “street” should be added to the title, to better reflect our experience.
Is there any hidden agenda on this negative review about Filipino Foods?
In blogger-point-of-view, maybe YES! And why I say yes, here are some of my speculations:- The post is well-researched mentioning some of the favorite dishes of Filipinos.
- The author really knows the power of social media and she knows the fact that Philippines is the "Social Networking Capital of the World".
- Since the post is all about Filipinos and our culture, there is greater gravity for it to be shared to all Filipinos lurking in social media website especially Facebook.
- If I can get the analytics of this post in Facebook, I'm pretty sure that around 50% sharing/liking the post are Filipinos.
- A perfect LINK BAIT - bloggers know what I mean. Since the post was shared many times, chances are - it can attract the attention of some bloggers (Filipino bloggers). And these bloggers will blog to defend the image of our Filipino foods - and even link to the viral post. The author wins! (GA sours high!)
On the Brighter Side: The Effect of Viral Post About Filipino Foods
The author of the blog post: "I Would Rather Go Hungry Than Eat Filipino Street Food Again!" was just honest about what she experienced on her travel to the Philippines. Those things experienced by the blogger were the realities in the Philippines. Of course you cannot tell the blogger to experience the goodness of Filipino foods because the blog's tagline says: "Travelling like tramps around the world for less than $25 a day".
Many Filipinos defended the quality of Filipino cuisines by commenting on the post. Here are some of the comments worth-mentioning:
From abe:I appreciate your opinion and I’m very sorry that the food from the places you visited didn’t satisfy your appetite. Honestly, most of our food (specifically those being sold in the streets) are not served to please foreigners. They are meant to satisfy our locals with limited budget as well as please those who are daring and adventurous enough to eat our sweet, strong, fishy but yummy dishes.
And to generalize filipino cuisine as unappetizing as well as to invite others to subscribe to your opinion is but unfair and by far an insult to the intelligence of those who are interested to taste our local dishes.
And it seems no one told you (and I’m telling you now) that if you want to experience the best of Filipino cuisine you have to (1) be invited in someone’s home and be served with deliciously authentic Filipino dishes coupled with hospitality that will give both your appetite and heart the satisfaction it needs. and (2) you have to actually look for decent filipino restaurants but be ready to pay a couple of bucks. sad to say, the first option is quite improbable if not totally impossible coz I doubt if there’s any local who would be willing to welcome such a rude person in his/her home unless plotting someone food poisoning.
From clarisse:I can’t help but feel bad because you had a horrible experience with Filipino food. We Filipinos have a long way to go in terms of food tourism, which is a shame really, because we have such a diverse cuisine which is not just oily, fatty and salty. :) But, I salute you for trying our street food, because even I would have second doubts about eating at a roadside eatery. Well, I guess it really depends on the location and the cleanliness of the owner.Though the article has hurt the feelings of true blood Filipinos, kudos to the bloggers behind etramping.com for this viral post and a perfect link bait. I would not be surprised if viralnova.com will feature this article in their blog. The blogger give us some hints on what article type has the tendency to become viral.
Truth be told, I was looking forward to reading your posts about our food: sinigang, lechon, adobo, sisig, bulalo, inasal, etc. but they were nowhere to be found! But what i find quite appalling and embarassing for my country is that you were not able to taste our local fruits, specially our mangoes (specially the Guimaras variety) which is the best in the world. These mangoes are known for their quality and are exported. Sadly, even the average Filipino may find it on the expensive side. I truly hope you won’t let this experience prevent you from coming back here. And I hope, for your tummy’s sake, that you will have a local to show you around the next time. :) If there’s one thing that could be said about Filipinos is that we don’t want our guests to leave until they have tried the best of everything. Specially our food. :)