Filipinos hold fashion show while in evacuation center

Photo courtesy: @Kenzoro322 | TikTok

THE TIKTOK post of user Kenzoro322 has recently gone viral, catching the attention of many netizens for its content.

The video in question shows a group of people modeling different outfits during their stay at an evacuation center, assumedly due to the harsh rains brought on by Super Typhoon Pepito.

@kenzoro322 puksaan na HAHAHAHHAHA #fyp #bagyo #tiktokph #pageant #trend ♬ 오리지널 사운드 – 𝘀𝗰

In response to this video, many Filipinos in the comments praised those in the evacuation center for being able to find humor in the situation, knowing that this is something not everyone would be able to do.

“Our country may be corrupted, our hearts may be wounded, but the Filipino spirit is undeniably strong and brave,” one user wrote in the comments.

“It will always choose to rise despite all the chaos.”

Another wrote: “Wala talagang makakatalo sa Pinoy-core kapag binagyo na Pilipinas! Ingat po kayo.”

“Pinoy-core” or “Filipino-core” refers to the trend of videos being posted showing how Filipinos act during natural calamities, particularly during floods; instead of something to worry about, it is something they are able to make memes out of instead.

@krrmxxp Philippines flood core All rights to the video clips belong to their respective owners💗. #filipino #meme #bagyo #positivity #pinoycomedy ♬ original sound – amkar❓ – ..-':.,

Always finding a silver lining

Of all the words in the dictionary, perhaps one that is most used to describe Filipinos is “resilient.” And while yes, this has become overused and overplayed, and has sometimes even become an excuse for poor governance.

No matter all of these things, one cannot help but admire Filipinos given how they are able to find a silver lining in everything.

One such example is when, back in 2020, the Taal volcano suddenly erupted, displacing almost half a million people. This caused the destruction of several houses, as well as the ruin of crops and livestock of those living near the area.

Those displaced then had to temporarily stay in evacuation centers, but even in their conditions, they still found humor in their situation by going through the clothing donated to them, and sharing to the internet some of their wackiest finds.

Facebook user Malick Hilado posted several hilarious photos of evacuees from Batangas clad in everything from fuzzy bathrobes to police uniforms to schoolgirl uniforms, much like those donning floor-length gowns in the video of Kenzoro322.

This country’s people, after all, are known to harbor the “indomitable Filipino spirit,” for a reason.

Gaby Agbulos

Gaby Agbulos wants nothing more than to become a writer -- to be able to tell stories unheard of by the masses. She is currently majoring in Communication at the University of Santo Tomas, and after college, hopes to make an impact with the stories she writes, be it big or small.