The TEEN-sations
JEJEMONS
People who are known for typing
strange texts in Internet chats, social networking sites, and text messaging
are first on the list, the Jejemons.
They have this style in which they combine capital letters with lower case ones
and sometimes, even numbers in words that are barely recognizable such as
“3OwwSsz p0whsz”, “emOwprinc3sxz” and “mUsXtaAh?”. They are not only stylish
when it comes to texting but also in what they wear. Jejemons have this trademark rainbow-coloured cap, also known as
the Jeje caps, which they wear just
to show off. Their choice of clothing and footwear are bright and colorful
tops, skinny jeans, and fake Supra shoes. Usually, they are also seen wearing a
belt which has a bigger buckle than the ordinary, together with their choice of
accessories – metal chains and colorful wristbands. When taking a picture, a Jejemon will always strike a pose to get
the perfect shot. From the famous upside-down peace signs, to the rock sign, to
the side view and even over-the-top angles, you name it and Jejemons have it! When it comes to their
social traits, Jejemons are talkative
especially when they are with their groups. They are very sociable because they
like to get the attention of everyone around them. Even though they have a
weird fashion sense and unusual style of writing, Jejemons are very proud of who they are.
RUGBY BOYS
Ready your gas masks because you’re
going to need them to meet the next bunch of peeps. They are Rugby Boys! Though
they are not numerous, this kind of people can be found in some particular
places in the city like Claveria and Quimpo Boulevard. From afar you can sense
what they are going to do; these are the people who always have small plastic
bags in their hands with rugby in it that they inhale. They do that to distract
themselves from hunger, not knowing it can damage their brains and may result
in mental disorders. Rugby Boys look really unhealthy and malnourished because
of their skinny bodies that seem to have no substance at all. Rugby Boys seldom
mingle with other people. They would rather spend their time with their own
kind. Rugby Boys think pessimistically. They seem depressed all the time
because of their poverty. They have no hopes for the future.
GANGSTERS
When you come across teens that
disturb the peace and serenity of the night and are seen throwing rocks at
their enemies and innocent bystanders, be sure to cover your heads! They group
together like a pack of were wolves particularly late at night. They are called
Gangsters. Gangsters are easily be identified by their clothes. They usually
wear large, hanging and loose shirts with matching shorts and sneakers or
slippers. Moreover, they sometimes wear caps and knee-high socks. Gangsters can
be spotted in certain place they call their own dubbed as their territory. They
are dangerous because they are not part of a gang. And if they don’t like you,
don’t ever try to piss them off because you surely have to beg them for your
dear life! Some gangsters own guns while most of them carry a knife or a snitch
blade, known locally as balisong.
Some even take a illegal drugs or drinks too much but it does not mean that all
gangsters are bad. As a matter of fact, some would join a gang to feel a sense
of belonging. Some are even talented, they can rap and paint graffiti but
sadly, they only use it in a wrong way.
POKPOKS
Sexy, sultry ladies in red ready to
keep you accompany at night for a price. Are you in for an interesting night?
In Davao City, young women, are often seen wearing heavy make-up, revealing
types of clothing, and sky-high heels along the vicinity of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas at the dead
of night. They are said to be waiting for their customers to earn money through
having sex. These teenagers are part of the growing number of out-of-school
youth nowadays. They are working in order to help their families and
themselves. Dabawenyos would call
them likev “pokpoks” and “prosti”, the shortcut form of the word for who they
really are, prostituted women. Pokpoks
are always associated with similar physical attributes. They are gals that have
colored edgy-looking hair and long slender legs. Pokpoks aim to satisfy the sexual needs and desires of their
customers that is why they must look good and feel good. In terms of their
social traits, they are often described as sensual because this is their way to
attract their customers. Though they know where they stand in the community
today, they seem to ignore it already because they know they are all doing it
for the sake of their families. What differentiates them from other
out-of-school youth? Prostituted women are determined. They are strong and
stand by what they believe in.
BUDOTS
Teens
with huge boom boxes ready to smash your eardrums with ear-splitting feel-good
music are here to stay! Budots, as we
would normally call them, is a distinct group
of teens here in Davao City. You may normally see them in places such as parks,
malls and even on the streets. Budots
are not your usual tambays in
subdivisions; these budots are
extremely unique in terms of dressing themselves up. When you first see them,
your first impression would be: they are so baduy!
You would totally be grossed by the way they dress up. Shorts that are too big
for them, Rapper t-shirts, fake Supra shoes, ball caps, and a bandana. Sounds
like a normal outfit for a Jejemon
right? But believe me; these Budots
have this distinct thing which separates them from the Jejemons: their speakers and their small bicycles! You’ll see that
they always have speakers on their backs, even in their bikes, which play Budots music—that certain music which is
an annoying mix of techno music that also has one-liner sentences that’s
constantly repeated! On the other hand, they are actually very friendly. You’ll
be surprised because these budots would
suddenly talk to you and invite you to join their so called budots party in the streets.
Psychologically, these budots are
just your typical teenagers who love to express themselves, in an open-minded
and carefree way, without thinking of what others may think about them.
RASTAS
They look cool, swag, and scary
sometimes. They are stereotyped as addicted to illegal weeds and when they get
high, be sure not to mess up with them. Aside from their cool looks, they also
are regarded by many as having as such an untidy appearance that it looks like
they don’t take a bath regularly. Those bulky dreadlocks, the red-yellow-green
pattern in their loose shirts and pants always bring their identity as Rastas. Usually they roam around in
groups. You can find them anywhere: in the city, in beach resorts, or on
mountain tops since they are very inclined to exploring nature. They usually
have a mountaineering club. These rastas
also indulge in the arts, which they sell as necklaces, bracelets, etc. on the
street. On the other hand, they have a deep sense in life. They play good music
with deep messages in them. It’s as if they put into music what they can’t
express in words. They enjoy having quiet time in the beach, just spending time
with their guitars, and they always bring with them their own hammocks. Even
though most of them are out-of-school youths, they spend their time in a
productive way. They spread good music and the trend they’re establishing is
worth more than you can imagine.
From their coolest moves and
fashionable attires, these teen-sations have proved to us that they are more
than those superficial airhead teens we see on reality television. From Jejemons to Rugby Boys, Gangsters, Pokpoks, Budots to Rastas, no
wonder they have made the trends of this generation.
