Filipinos have a curious attitude about status symbols, or what we call, aspirational products. For example, they wear diver's watch even though they don't dive, never have and most likely never will. Susmaria, some don't even know how to swim. I suppose, being called as such, status symbols have more to do with image than practicality, and aspirational products have more to do with fantasy than common sense. Blame it on advertising and Hollywood? I don't know.
There appears to be a pattern in the Pinoy's buying habits. The first time he makes extra money or could afford one, he will buy himself a pair of Rayban sunglasses. Never mind if Rayban sunglasses are the favorite target of snatchers. So it is dubious if a guy sporting Raybans really bought it brand new or "second-hand" or an imitation, but that's not the point. He thinks he looks cool, just like those actors in the movies.
Filipinos also go for denim jeans, Levi's naturally, and 501 preferably. I have yet to visit a tailoring shop that does not produce imitations at half or a third of the cost. Like Rayban shades, Levi's are hot stuff among thieves. But better than Rayban, a pair of used or worn, torn, faded Levis seem to appreciate in value. My brothers lost a few pairs while these were hung out to dry in the clothesline by the laundrywoman.
Thanks to Michael Jordan, everybody wants their Nike athletic shoes. This time, no imitations, it has to be the real thing. Ever noticed that the Philippines is probably the only country in Asia where almost everybody goes around in denims and athletic shoes? Like it's the national daily, casual attire. Except perhaps in hot and humid Cebu where half of the population feels more comfortable in T-shirts, shorts, sandals or thongs. Makes it easier to spot visitors, like the two guys sporting leather jackets and boots, sweating and sticking out like sore thumbs at the shopping mall one weekend. Did I mention that genuine leather belts, leather jackets and leather boots are next in the Filipino male's list of aspirational products? Yeah, the Village People look is favored by balikbayans and OCWs. Those who come from the Middle East complete the look with solid gold chains, bracelets, and rings. Jewelry is the next item in the hotlist of things to acquire. Ditto for the women, usually professional entertainers from Japan and other more affluent Asian countries. Except we call them Japayuki or Brunei-yuki.
With women, the list goes on and on. A pair of Levi's is not good enough, they also gotta have Guess jeans, Guess shades, Guess watch . . . One set of gold jewelry is not good enough, either. They gotta have at least three bracelets with trinkets dangling, at least one ring not counting their engagement and wedding rings, a necklace with a cute heart or religious pendant, and earrings. Leather purses, bags and leather shoes, well, if they can't afford the Italian variety, there are always good ones from Hong Kong and Singapore. On top of these they gotta have American brands for comestics and perfumes courtesy of a relative or friend from abroad. The clothes, the jewelry, the bags and shoes, cosmetics and other accessories -- thank heavens these can be paid for in installment, usually four-gives. There is always somebody selling these stuff in every office building. Like there is always some enterprising individual renting video tapes, selling Avon and Tupperware, insurance and multi-level marketing schemes door-to-door, cubicle-to-cubicle.
The latest accessories don't even have anything to do with fashion but many people think they look fashionable when they have a Swiss Knife, a pager and cellular phone hanging from their belts. To me they look more like repairmen and handymen. Many women likewise strut in shopping malls holding that ubiquitous cellphone instead of keeping it in their handbags. A friend who felt alluded to defensively shot back, "because I'm expecting a call and I can't hear it ring if it's inside my bag!"