Top ten. Says who?

I recently came across a spot.ph article of what are supposedly the Top 10 Make-Out Spots in Metro Manila. To say that I was unimpressed would be an utter understatement. After all, it seemed more like the writer was just writing about the top ten free open spaces in Metro Manila (of course with the exception of Araneta Coliseum) that could just as likely be (again with the exception of some) among the top places where you wallet is likely to get snatched or perhaps the top places where other cheap nocturnal pleasures that simply ought to be more discrete than making out are done.

Of course, the top ten make out spots in Metro Manila are an all too trivial matter. But that to me is precisely the problem: trivial matters that are presented in a seemingly authoritative way. See, when we write academic papers and check on internet sources, we instinctively guard against erroneous sources. But when we read of less serious topics – say dating tips, or restaurant reviews – it seems to me like it’s far more difficult to filter out information. These days, anyone could go online and write about the most mundane topic but present it in the most authoritative manner. Which brings me back to the top ten make out places in Metro Manila – a list which, with due respect to other people’s preferences, simply bothers me. (Does Nayong Pilipino still even exist?!?) But, ridiculous as it is, it is a list, which is nevertheless posted in one of the country’s premier lifestyle sites.

Consider other top ten lists. Who’s to say that the top ten best lugaw in Manila really are the top ten best lugaw in town? Maybe they are the top ten among those that the author have tried, or maybe they are the top ten among those that attended a pre-arranged food tasting event; we never really know. Or take a restaurant review, who could possibly know that the writer is no reliable reviewer but is the girlfriend of the son of the brother of a rival restaurateur?

So, be warned. Take things with a grain of salt… even this writer.

LUIS JOSE F. GERONIMO
Entry No. 14