This may become a regular, or more likely irregular, feature. Shorter articles asking why things are the way they are here in the Philippines. For the most part I won’t have the answer, that’s why I’m asking. I may have gotten an answer that didn’t really ring true, or conflicting answers, but probably no answer at all.
My first entry is, “why is everything so loud in the Philippines?”
I’ll qualify by saying that when I was much younger I played in bands. Rock, blues and then jazz. I’m no stranger to loud music. On more than one occasion we/I were/was told to turn it down. I still play for my own enjoyment, and it’s not quiet though it pales in comparison to what goes on around here.
My most recent example was when I was trying to purchase an item from a local music store. I was at the store to pick up the item I had ordered. They had the music playing so loud that the saleslady standing directly in front of me could not hear what I was saying. I could not hear what I saying. I stopped and started several times, but I could not hear the words coming out of my mouth. Frustrated I walked to the front of the store where the amplifier was, and turned it WAY down. I think all six of the employees were fairly shocked, as their entertainment had been interrupted – for a customer no less.
Music is just one aspect but everything here is done at extreme volume. If there isn’t any noise, someone will feel the need to create it.
I don’t know the answer, so I ask the question, “why is everything so loud in the Philippines?”
Feb 18, 2014 @ 21:47:03
Yes, too loud. Got to have some kind of noise everywhere. From a house dinner with friends or family that MUST have the TV on even if no one is watching or at Paradise Beach where a live 70′s cover band is needed to complete your weekend beach outing.
Because, you know, building sand castles with my daughter on a lazy beach morning isn’t complete without a tried & tested cover song from Earth, Wind & Fire in big, loud speakers near you.
Feb 19, 2014 @ 07:05:19
So a lack of completeness without the noise. But why? Is silence equated with loneliness?
Feb 19, 2014 @ 20:30:42
I believe so. I didn’t write it above to keep it short. It’s fair to say the culture, in general, is quite dependent on being in social groups. I see that in my family or friends. There has to be some sort of sound in the environment to keep it festive and have a sense of being in a group.
That’s been my experience anyway. My experience with having visitors is that they want the tv or radio on because it’s “mingaw” or lonely. Many times I have people walk in and just turn on the tv because the quiet room was boring or depressing to them.
Being by yourself or, say, traveling alone is not a welcome situation. And having some sort of noise represents a sense of comfort that there is something “going on” all the time. That’s my take anyway.
Feb 19, 2014 @ 20:54:58
Yes, barkada is very evident here. It is unusual to see anyone out by themselves, but large groups are very common.
I didn’t put the need for the noise together with the group situation. It seems to me they can make plenty of noise on their own without the extra additions
Thanks for your take on it!
Mar 04, 2014 @ 18:10:15
Ambot pud.
Mar 04, 2014 @ 18:37:07