You can’t buy class

“Although it may sound elitist to you the fact is this country is built on the foundation of haves, have-nots and wannabes.”

This sentence, horrific in both grammatical structure and intention, is the product of Manila Standard Today columnist Malu Fernandez, who suddenly finds herself in the eye of a furious tempest surrounding some very appalling comments she made about Filipino overseas contract workers in her column, Fierce and Fabulous.

While I do join all other Filipino bloggers who have said their pieces about Miss Malu Fernandez, and add my name and voice to the growing list of people seeking her ouster from the Manila Standard Today, I would also like to point out Malu Fernandez is right. Miss Malu Fernandez hit the nail on the head when she wrote the quote at the beginning of this entry: “Although it may sound elitist to you the fact is this country is built on the foundation of haves, have-nots and wannabes.”

The Philippines, like any democratic country, does have its social divisions, although rarely do we see the elite flaunt its riches and so-called class so tactlessly and insensitively, as ironically exhibited by Miss Malu Fernandez. This is not the first time I have read potentially controversial pieces by writers blessed to lead lives of privilege and wealth *cough initials CL cough*.

However, never have I read such a brazen display of contempt for the struggling Filipino.

Suffer Miss Fernandez the indignity of Axe Deocologne! Pity the privileged journalist the abhorrent trauma of flying economy!

We do live in a society of haves, have-nots, and wannabes, Miss Malu Fernandez. We, the middle class and masses, have the comfort and joy of an honest day’s work and the privilege of friends and family – here and abroad – who value us for who we are. Sure, we have not bank accounts overflowing with *undeserved* wealth, but at the end of the day, a piping-hot bowl of lugaw is more filling and heartwarming than the little Beluga caviar appetizers they serve over at first-class.

We would never mock the social standing of another human being, Malu Fernandez, for the sake of satire, sarcasm, ‘acerbic wit’ or humor.

There is just no accounting for class, Malu Fernandez, and, sad to say, class is something that, apparently, you have not.

Care to read more? These bloggers weigh in on Malu Fernandez:
Mahaderang matapobre sa OFWs
Still more on ‘La Diva Loca’
The devil wears Jo Malone
The abominable snob-woman
Bitter, spiteful snob
Supilin si Malu Fernandez ng Manila Standard Today
Fire Malu Fernandez, Boycott Manila Standard Today and People Asia Magazine

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16 Responses to “You can’t buy class”

1. Chong says:

   August 17, 2007 at 10:34 pm

   God is just. You may be rich and bitchy and complaining about OFW olfactory offenses, but you look like a made-up frog in ill-fitting clothes highlighting lard-ish excess. God bless the universal law of compensation.
2. jj says:

   August 18, 2007 at 10:05 am

   haha! way to go ganns!
3. Lego says:

   August 18, 2007 at 8:28 pm

   hey gannsidoo! I just spent most of the afternoon yesterday reading the blogs and comments about this ML person.

   the comments are hilarious, full of wit and sarcasm. bilib ako sa mga pinoys talaga!
4. Ganns says:

   August 18, 2007 at 11:19 pm

   Chong: You never fail to make me laugh!

   JJ: You’re alive! Hahahaha! Will add you up sa Multiply.

   Lego: Read your piece too. ;) It’s a mob, I tell you.
5. charlene says:

   August 20, 2007 at 6:25 pm

   Ganns! Charlene here. I like your take on this; no weight comments, no attacks save for the matter at hand. She has no right to be a Fernandez!
6. toto says:

   August 21, 2007 at 12:33 am

   . . . a really bad cholesterol she is.
7. Ganns says:

   August 21, 2007 at 12:53 am

   Charlene: Hi, how’ve you been? :D Are you two related?!

   toto: Now, now. Let’s keep everything above the belt. ;)
8. Chong says:

   August 22, 2007 at 3:08 am

   Ganns….check this out….

   http://technews-isaw.blogspot.com/2007/08/ddos-on-manila-standard-today.html

   all this because of Malu Fernandez….tsk tsk……
9. Ganns says:

   August 22, 2007 at 4:17 pm

   Wow, that’s really something. Tsk tsk tsk.

   I’m pretty sure Malu has realized by now the extent of the damage she’s done. Let’s see what happens next.
10. charlene says:

    August 23, 2007 at 1:20 am

    Ganns naman, you just made me cry (boo hoo) No, not related. She should change her last name, she doesn’t deserve it :)

    There’s an alleged apology here: http://www.geocities.com/fernandez_malu/

    although I doubt its authenticity and sincerity.
11. ganns says:

    August 23, 2007 at 2:05 am

    Thanks for that link, charlene. On a side note, we should meet up and catch up. :)
12. Chong says:

    August 23, 2007 at 5:03 am

    ….since malu fernandez resigned from her “writing” stints….and looks like her business is going to tank thanks to her “acerbic wit,” where shall she go?

    I hear there are lots of opening at Dubai….perhaps Malu fernandez should take that into consideration?
13. Arnold Gamboa says:

    August 23, 2007 at 11:01 pm

    Malu Fernadez goes down.
    http://www.gmanews.tv/story/57424/Manila-Standard-columnist-quits-after-getting-OFWs-ire#
14. Tricia says:

    August 25, 2007 at 1:51 am

    A true blooded rich doesn’t fly economy class, they are always on business & first class.

    OFW’s doesn’t carry 17kgs of handcarry because they have the money to pay excess baggage.

    If you stink you don’t have to make an effort to be notice, coz it will really show.

    She’s the GREATEST PRETENDER I KNOW……..
15. the jester-in-exile says:

    August 28, 2007 at 7:13 pm

    malu apparently hasn’t really quit: http://cmfr-phil.blogspot.com/2007/08/malus-back.html
16. Ganns says:

    August 28, 2007 at 7:16 pm

    Oi vey! Thanks for that link, jester.

    Haaaaaay.