Pinoy Idle

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Once an original is appreciated, imitation follows. Sometimes, the imitation looks better than the original. Fashion, entertainment, sports, jobs, politics, technology. Of late, there were tv programs being aired locally were imitated or copied from its original concept in the USA. Pinoy Big Brother and Wheel of Fortune were popular programs patterned after the original hit tv shows from the mainland. Young pupils when asked what their ambitions in life were?… many answered.. “I want to join “Pinoy Big Brother” so I’ll be discovered as an entertainment talent.” Some wants to join the “Wheel of Fortune” to have a chance of winning a major prize given to winning participants. Lately, “Pinoy Idol”, patterned after the popular program American Idol was aired locally. Anything that was conceptualized in the U.S. can be expected to have legions of following locally. A colleague who is a holder of a US tourist visa filed for a two-month vacation leave. Before he left, he made it known to us he might go on extended leave if work to be done exceeds this requested leave. Allegedly, he was invited by a relative and several friends who were in the construction business to earn dollars by working while on vacation. Work to be done were repair of apartments that includes repainting, lighting fixtures, bath rooms, removal and replacement of carpets, door locks and other related works. Work is relatively easy compared to similar work done here. Safety goggles, proper work clothes, mechanized tools were provided by contractors. Seemingly, he was enjoying his vacation since he was earning in dollars, aside from the fact that he’s on paid vacation leave. A week before the two month vacation comes to a close, he called up advising us he’ll be back to work as scheduled. On the day he reported to work, he told us – the vacation leave was not worth the earnings he got. He was able to work only for a month and on the second month… work was stopped. He was told, tourists are restricted from working and people who employ them will be penalized if they got caught. However, he was allowed to stay and worked at home as cook and do other house hold chores as dish washer, gardener, house cleaner. Although he was compensated for everything he did, not getting the job and work he was promised when he left, he felt cheated. Not losing his sense of humor and still afford to join us making fun of what happened he was frustrated to be a model, an idol to American dreamers, instead he called himself.. PINOY IDLE.