The Story of Aling Marites

The most talked about name "Aling Marites" is now buzzing online.

The majority of Filipinos already overheard that name. On every corner in the streets, there is always someone who is called an "Aling Marites". On social media, there are lots of memes about her. Who is she? Is she a superhero? A fictional character or does she exist? Now let me give you some hints about who she is and what makes her famous.

Aling Marites is a name given to someone who is very updated on the latest happenings around her, whether it is about the latest in showbiz, politics, or some information about an ordinary person. She is the source of the latest "chikka" or gossip in her place and immediately shares it with her "Mari or Kumari" (friend). Then Mari asks her "ano ang latest"? ( what is the latest?). It is where the name Aling Marites (Mari + tes )came from.

There are two sides to every story that she spreads. Don't be complacent! Some stories that she tells you to have no proper source. She might only hear from somebody or somewhere. One thing is for sure it is truly happening but the situation might be reinvented since it has passed from one person to another.

However, on the other hand, her drama can also teach us lessons. Aling Marites also has good sides. She can bring engagement to other people. For example, if she makes up some story and tells you that someone is lonely or in need of help, then she also wanted to ask you if you are lonely or if you need anything (she just wanted to know about your situation). If she asks you, "Hey, you look so thin now", it means that you might need some medication or you are in a food shortage. Then, if she tells you that your husband is busy on his phone talking to somebody, she wanted to remind you to watch for him, thus he might have another woman. She wanted you to improve yourselves if keeps on telling you "hindi ka yata umaasenso sa tagal mo na nagtrabaho"? ( "you've been working for a long time and why you have not made some improvements"?)She also wanted to bring fun and delivers useful news into our daily lives. Like, when she sees their neighbor bought a new home appliance on sale, then she immediately tells her group where it is purchased.

Do we need Aling Marites in our lives? Most of us aren't aware of our mistakes until somebody will tell us. Aling Marites focuses on the negative sides of the story. She will always look for our mistakes and wrongdoings, which is why she criticizes us. Especially the youth today who are addicted to this worldly work. Who doesn't even care about their parents and respect others, I'm sure Aling Marites is like a CCTV watching their moves.

Above all let's admit that gossip or "chismis" is our best pastime especially when we are with our closest friends. So one last question. Do you know somebody who can be called an Aling Marites? or are we one of the Aling Marites out there?

Images are arranged via Canva

Your buddy,
@juichi