BADUY! (Ninang ko po?)

“BADUY”- uncool, unhip; not in style, old-fashioned; low-class.

Not rarely have people used this term to describe me– well mostly from people who knew I won’t mind hearing it from- those with conventional style and taste. But I’m sure a few more think it but don’t say it. It’s ok. Baduy ako and I hope you won’t mind me (or you) being so.

They say it in different ways. “Ate, baduy mo!”, my brother teasing me. “Doktora, maganda damit mo this morning” – an unexpected covert comparison to what I was wearing during the afternoon party (am I just paranoid). “Mommy, No!”- my daughters resisting change of dress I’m recommending. “Baduy!”- a classmate taunting when I claimed to be a fan of Filipino “love pairs.” The eyes of a colleague looking intently at my clothes and not saying a complement (“It’s bad to lie Ninang”- you have a point!)

Rarely, my daddy will comment “wow Ganda dress! (Thanks daddy!) in my Facebook posts or when we see each other. Like saying “this is unusual of you!” And so I wonder about the times when he is quiet about it. On the otherhand, whenever my brother and I will meet, I know “no word” is affirmation of acceptability of clothes and shoes (I can’t hear you!).

The response to being called “Baduy” is a matter of perspective. Many will see it as vulnerability and weakness, reflecting lack of knowledge and know-how of what is acceptable to the “taste-affluent” society. Some think of it as strength, being able to rise above the arbitrary standards of others. “Baduy” is most often an unwelcome criticism to those who are sensitive and trying to meet the expectations of others. Weirdly so, “Baduy” can actually be a “complement” to one who appreciates attention. It’s a term that can cause one to be defensive, to improve, or be apathetic.

So how do I take it? With a bit of these varied perspectives- vulnerability, strength, criticism but constructive (I think, depending on who says it hehe), complement (for the attention, Thanks!). With regard to dress and shoes, something that will help me improve; with regard to taste in movies and actors/actresses- deadma (a.k.a. Can’t change!). 😊

Uncool, unhip, low class.. Cool, hip, sosyaaall (!).. It matters..to enjoy who you are no matter what they call you. Celebrate your choice but positively receive criticisms. “Enjoy (not the comment really, but) the connection (a.k.a. Attention), and relationships and friendships (a.k.a concern 😊).

In the end, it’s not what you wore, but what have worn you out (persevere in doing good!). It’s not how others look at us, but how God sees us. It’s how pristine we are inside (purified and being sanctified by the blood of Christ!) more than how “world-tasteful” our outfit and accessories are. It’s not which actors or artist, movies, literature, authors, and books that inspire us, but ultimately to whom we live our lives for and place our hope in (the one true living God, I earnestly hope!).  In the end, those who will make it to eternal life won’t be wearing fashionable clothes but white robes; and they won’t come from popular members of the society but anywhere “from every nation, tribe, people and language”.    “Baduy” is only temporary. 😊 (Taaamaaah! -with showbiz accent 😋)

“After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9-10)

I long for the white robe. 😊

– Ninang thoughts which I hope are not so Baduy