The idea of beauty that is always presented by the media is the big-eyed, narrow-nosed, high-cheek boned, light-haired, fair-skinned, long-legged models that you see endorsing every product, from candy to cars. Anyone that came close to that so-called ideal is considered a "looker". It bugs me the way it has shaped and formed young people's minds (and those who just haven't grown up) on what the definition of beauty is.
What's beautiful?
There are those who obviously grew up with such colonial mentality that they opt for drastic changes and go under the knife to "anglo-fy" their ethnic Pinoy nose, or constantly wear colored contact lenses to hide what they think are their ordinary black eyes or dye their hair with a color so drastically different than their original hue that the whole look just doesn't add up. And then there are those who choose to enhance and showcase their best features by sensibly using make-up, clothes and accessories that fit their coloring and body shape to achieve a nice and original look.
I think you can easily tell what people's idea of beauty is in the way we doll ourselves up. The degree in which we undertake to enhance or change the way we look denotes how we see ourselves and how comfortable we are in the body we're born with.
All I know is there are those empty shells who are stunning when you first meet them, but all you hear is one monotonous hum when you get to know them. Their attractiveness seems to wilt and fade under the glare of scrutiny. Then there are those who look okay, but then bloom before your very eyes the longer you spend time with them (Note to the boys - the type that has nothing to do with how much alcohol one has consumed, okay!? Hehe...). Looking good can only bring us so far. Beyond that, there's just gotta be something else.
As it has always been said - beauty is only skin-deep. Sure, there's nothing wrong with making ourselves as pretty as we possibly can, but let's not stop there. Let's invest in our minds and spirits, as well, as they last longer than our finite bodies. True beauty is way deeper than skin. It emanates from within and transcends our physical limitations or attributes.
What's beautiful?
There are those who obviously grew up with such colonial mentality that they opt for drastic changes and go under the knife to "anglo-fy" their ethnic Pinoy nose, or constantly wear colored contact lenses to hide what they think are their ordinary black eyes or dye their hair with a color so drastically different than their original hue that the whole look just doesn't add up. And then there are those who choose to enhance and showcase their best features by sensibly using make-up, clothes and accessories that fit their coloring and body shape to achieve a nice and original look.
I think you can easily tell what people's idea of beauty is in the way we doll ourselves up. The degree in which we undertake to enhance or change the way we look denotes how we see ourselves and how comfortable we are in the body we're born with.
All I know is there are those empty shells who are stunning when you first meet them, but all you hear is one monotonous hum when you get to know them. Their attractiveness seems to wilt and fade under the glare of scrutiny. Then there are those who look okay, but then bloom before your very eyes the longer you spend time with them (Note to the boys - the type that has nothing to do with how much alcohol one has consumed, okay!? Hehe...). Looking good can only bring us so far. Beyond that, there's just gotta be something else.
As it has always been said - beauty is only skin-deep. Sure, there's nothing wrong with making ourselves as pretty as we possibly can, but let's not stop there. Let's invest in our minds and spirits, as well, as they last longer than our finite bodies. True beauty is way deeper than skin. It emanates from within and transcends our physical limitations or attributes.
--oOo--
PINOYexpats' latest issue is now online. Homeward Bound tackles the joys of going back and re-experiencing our beloved Pinas.
5 comments:
empty shells. I like that. hahaha
re: Eurotrip
Itinerary done. J will take tuesday off to take us around.
Haaay - I've met a lot of empty shells in my lifetime...hehehe...
Woohoo!!! Ilang tulog na lang - kitakits na tayo!
easy to say for someone as pretty as you, hmp! :P
for me, what is always important is what the brain has, and what knowledge and wisdom one has learned. i had known someone who uttered these words, "mabuti nga pag ang mga kaibigan mo di maganda, para mas angat ka" (talking about herself). i pity her. she is pretty - yes - but with a pea-size brain. lately her 'so-nice' pretentions gave her away.
Ruth - Uy, I grew up with brothers who made fun of how I looked so it's not like I didn't want to go under the knife at some point in my life! Heheh! They also made fun of my kaartehan/vanity so they really gave me a chance to find some balance. Hehe - who knew it would pay to have mean brothers? :) Love you, my bros! Walang pikon!
Bing - Ganon talaga eh no? Our true selves will eventually show whatever our packaging maybe. It resonates more than how we look talaga. Kaya ang iba gumaganda pag lalo mong nakilala, at ang iba pumapangit!
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