ESMIRINGHOY: THE WORD WENT VIRAL—IS THE NATION DISTRACTED?

The Psychology of Virality, Katiwalian, at mga Isyung Hindi Dapat Matabunan

*Dr. Rodolfo John Ortiz Teope, PhD, EdD, DM

Honestly, I find the word “esmiringhoy” annoying.

Bilang isang single father, nakatuon ang araw ko sa trabaho at pagsusulat. Work, work, work. Write, write, write. Articles, books, concept papers, policy papers, political intelligence analyses, and proposed legislation—there is always something to finish.

Kaya kapag paulit-ulit kong naririnig ang salita, napapaisip ako sa mga Pilipinong may mas praktikal na iniintindi: pagkain sa mesa, pambayad sa kuryente at tubig, matrikula, at pangangailangan ng pamilya.

People want food on the table. Bakit parang may unlimited rice ng “esmiringhoy” sa feed?

But here comes the joke: the word I wanted to ignore has now become the subject of my commentary.

Pati pagkainis ko, naging bahagi ng aking advocacy. Akala ko iiwas ako sa trend—ginawan ko pa ng analysis!

I do not receive payment for my writing. It is my advocacy: to encourage reflection, informed discussion, and public accountability. Hindi lahat ng sinusulat ay may bayad; may mga isinusulat dahil may nais tayong maiambag sa lipunan.

Apparently, you do not have to enjoy a trend to help keep it alive. Some laugh, others imitate, and people like me complain. Pare-pareho pa rin kaming napapalingon.

Behind the expression, however, is a person. Evelyn Batuigas brought allegations of marital mistreatment, infidelity, and inadequate support to a public service program. A viral clip cannot establish anyone’s guilt. But one expression she used for sexual intimacy became a widely repeated joke.

Dumating ang reklamo. Ang kumalat, punchline.

Evelyn subsequently appeared on Boss Toyo’s Pinoy Pawnstars vlog. Public personalities joined the conversation, including television host and beauty queen Joy Barcoma, whose post was documented by PhilSTAR Life. That visibility can open opportunities in content creation, although it does not establish Evelyn’s earnings or a lasting influencer career. 

Kung may magandang oportunidad para sa kaniya, mabuti. Hindi kailangang manatiling malungkot ang isang tao para paniwalaang may pinagdaraanan siya. Ang pagsikat ay hindi rin awtomatikong nagpapawalang-bisa sa kaniyang reklamo.

What interests me is how audiences turn one moment into someone’s public identity.

Psychology and sociology offer useful explanations. Relax lang—hindi ito graduate-school comprehensive examination. Wala akong ipapasang blue book.

Agenda-setting theory, developed by McCombs and Shaw, explains how media prominence helps shape perceived importance. Framing, associated with Robert Entman, concerns how emphasizing selected details shapes interpretation. Applied here, a repeated expression can become more memorable than the complaint surrounding it. 

Sa madaling salita, maaaring alam natin ang punchline pero hindi na ang buong kuwento. Parang binasa ang pamagat ng libro, tapos handa nang magbigay ng book review.

Berger and Milkman’s research on emotional arousal and sharing helps explain why surprising, emotionally activating material travels. A funny expression takes seconds to share; a complicated family dispute requires patience. 

Bandura’s social cognitive theory suggests people learn from observing what gets rewarded. Goffman’s dramaturgical perspective helps explain how audiences influence public performances. Together, these perspectives suggest that visible rewards can encourage imitation, while viral personalities may face pressure to repeat whatever first attracted attention. 

These are possible explanations, not psychological diagnoses.

Kapag palakpakan ang natatanggap ng isang biro, natural na may gustong umulit. Pero paano kung may bago nang gustong sabihin ang tao, at ang hinihintay pa rin ng lahat ay ang dati niyang linya?

Maraming nakakakilala. Pero gaano karami ang nakauunawa?

The same question matters when we turn to national affairs: budgets, corruption, and the West Philippine Sea.

There is no evidence presented here that this trend reduced public scrutiny of those issues or was organized to distract us. People can enjoy memes and follow serious news. Demonstrating an actual diversion would require audience and coverage data.

Ang tanong ko ay tungkol sa ating nakagawian: kapag may bagong nakaaaliw, binabalikan pa ba natin ang mahihirap na tanong?

Consider the budget controversy. The Supreme Court’s October announcement addressed unconstitutional increases affecting the 2024 and 2025 budgets and specific invalid provisions in the 2026 budget. It should not be simplified into a claim that every provision of all three budgets was unconstitutional. Its spokesperson also clarified that the decision was not yet final and executory. 

I will stop the legal explanation there. Baka mamaya, ang reader naman ang mag-file ng motion to dismiss this article for excessive discussion.

For Filipino families putting food on the table and paying bills, the practical questions are straightforward: who proposed the questioned allocations, where did the money go, and what happens next?

An unconstitutional allocation does not automatically prove theft or individual criminal guilt. But citizens deserve a clear accounting.

Kung kailangang pagkasyahin ng pamilya ang bawat piso, dapat kayang ipaliwanag ng gobyerno ang bawat pondong ipinagkatiwala rito.

Corruption investigations make that demand urgent. In January 2026, the Department of Justice reported confirming 14 nonexistent flood-control projects. An August Palace statement said investigations into alleged ghost and substandard projects continued. Individual liability must still be established through proper proceedings. 

Sa pamilyang binabaha, hindi abstract ang usapin. Nasaan ang proyektong binayaran? Bakit basa na naman ang higaan? Bakit kailangang ilikas ang mga bata?

Ang meme, puwedeng lampasan. Ang baha, pumapasok sa bahay.

The West Philippine Sea also demands sustained attention. On October 19, the Department of Foreign Affairs summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan over remarks Manila regarded as conveying a threat of force. Developments like this require informed debate about diplomacy, deterrence, and civilian protection. 

Hindi sapat ang matapang na caption kung hindi malinaw ang estratehiya.

We should scrutinize how the government defends Philippine rights, protects fishermen, manages partnerships, and prevents miscalculation.

The risk of becoming entangled in a proxy conflict deserves careful discussion. Broadly, a proxy war involves an external power pursuing conflict through a local partner or armed actor. An alliance or military cooperation alone does not establish that the Philippines is already fighting one. Our country has its own interests and agency.

Pero makatuwiran ang mga tanong: kung lumawak ang labanan, paano poprotektahan ang mga komunidad? Ano ang mga limitasyon sa paggamit ng ating mga pasilidad? Sino ang nagpapasya, at paano ipinapaliwanag ang panganib sa mamamayan?

We need partnerships that strengthen security, diplomatic channels that reduce escalation, and decisions grounded in Philippine interests.

Budget accountability, corruption, and national security connect through a practical concern: can the government deliver protection when people need it? Wasted or diverted resources can leave less for public services, maritime capabilities, and emergency preparedness.

Dito nagiging mahalaga ang tiyaga ng publiko. Kapag mabilis tayong nagsawa sa paghingi ng sagot, mas madaling lumamig ang usapin kahit hindi pa ito nalulutas.

That is a risk to examine, not a proven consequence of the “esmiringhoy” trend.

Nor should Evelyn carry the blame. Creators, celebrities, news organizations, and audiences all choose what to amplify.

Hindi naman kasama sa obligasyon ng isang nagreklamong misis ang pag-audit ng national budget. May mga opisyal tayong binabayaran para roon.

Enjoying humor does not cancel civic responsibility. We can welcome opportunities for ordinary people while protecting their dignity, avoiding harassment, and keeping allegations separate from established facts. We should also remember that declining intimacy does not itself prove infidelity; consent remains necessary within marriage.

Ang hinihingi ko ay kaunting tiyaga pagkatapos ng tawanan. Basahin ang paliwanag. Balikan ang imbestigasyon. Alamin kung ano talaga ang napagpasyahan. Huwag hayaang ang dami ng shares ang maging sukatan ng katotohanan.

I will return to my books and policy papers now. Sana, sa susunod kong pagbukas ng feed, may magandang balita tungkol sa kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino. Kahit iyon naman ang mag-trending.

Tumawa tayo. Pagkatapos, magtanong pa rin.

Nag-viral ang salita. Ang problema ng tao—at ang problema ng bayan—nasusundan pa ba natin?

_________________________________________________________

Dear Reader,

I invite you to explore my complete collection of published books now available on Amazon. Whether you are seeking in-depth analysis, strategic insights, or engaging narratives, my catalog covers a range of essential topics designed to inform, inspire, and provoke thoughtful discussion.

You can browse all my current titles, read excerpts, and order your copies directly through my official Amazon Author Page: 

Click this Image to View:

BEST SELLER

Thank you for your continued support and interest in my work. If you enjoy any of the titles, leaving a review on Amazon would be greatly appreciated as it helps bring these ideas to a broader audience.

Warm regards,

Dr. Rodolfo John Ortiz Teope

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

*About the author:

Dr. Rodolfo “John” Ortiz Teope is a distinguished Filipino academic, public intellectual, and advocate for civic education and public safety, whose work spans local academies and international security circles. With a career rooted in teaching, research, policy, and public engagement, he bridges theory and practice by making meaningful contributions to academic discourse, civic education, and public policy. Dr. Teope is widely respected for his critical scholarship in education, management, economics, doctrine development, and public safety; his grassroots involvement in government and non-government organizations; his influential media presence promoting democratic values and civic consciousness; and his ethical leadership grounded in Filipino nationalism and public service. As a true public intellectual, he exemplifies how research, advocacy, governance, and education can work together in pursuit of the nation’s moral and civic mission.

VIEWS: 718K

RETIRED FROM DUTY, STILL IN LOVE WITH THE COUNTRY

Laughter, Brotherhood, and Unfinished Service at the Probationary Officer Training Course Class 74 (PC/AFP POTC CLASS 74) Reunion

*Dr. Rodolfo John Ortiz Teope, PhD, EdD, DM

On October 17, I joined a lunch reunion of several members of the Probationary Officer Training Course Class 74 (PC/AFP POTC CLASS 74 ). I expected good food, familiar faces, and stories from their years in uniform. I also found myself listening to a discussion on the state of the nation.

Walang projector. Walang briefing folder. At salamat naman, walang kailangang gumawa ng minutes.

But there was plenty worth remembering.

Among the retirees present were Col. Bernardo Ranot, Col. Honorio Tomas, Col. Rey Surop, Col. Romeo Teope, Col. Loreto Abad, Col. Jose Balane, Col. Rogelio Farinas, Col. Benhur Aguinaldo, Col. Mario Subagan, MGen. Danilo Gaoiran, Col. Virgilio Rendon, and Col. Mario Tangonan—all members of the Probationary Officer Training Course Class 74 (PC/AFP POTC CLASS 74).

Also joining us was Col. Rey Dela Cruz, the present Deputy Director for Operations of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group. He had been one of my brother’s trusted lieutenants during his active service in the PNP. His presence connected the stories of retired officers with the responsibilities of someone still serving today.

The POTC Class 74 is a large batch, and those gathered at lunch represented only a small part of that brotherhood. My kuya, Colonel Romeo, is more than twenty years older than I am. Some members of his batch later became my students in the Directorial Staff Course or the Officer Senior Executive Course at the Philippine Public Safety College.

Kaya may nakakatuwang pagkakataon na ako ang mas bata, pero ako ang nasa harap ng klase. Sa edad, sila ang mga kuya; sa classroom, ako ang “Sir.” But teaching seasoned officers also meant learning from them. They brought years of actual command, difficult assignments, and practical judgment into our discussions.

Through those encounters, I witnessed their professionalism and gained a deeper appreciation of their service records and contributions to the Philippine Constabulary and the Philippine National Police. Ang paggalang ko sa kanila ay may personal na pinanggagalingan: nakasama ko sila, nakinig sa kanilang karanasan, at nakita kung paano nila inuunawa ang responsibilidad ng paglilingkod sa bayan.

Bilang kapatid, masaya akong makita siyang kasama ang mga taong naging bahagi ng kanyang buhay sa serbisyo. Bilang law enforcement and political analyst, educator at dating municipal councilor, at diplomatic envoy marami rin akong gustong marinig.

The years showed, of course. Most are now in their seventies. But so did the bearing: upright, alert, straightforward, and unmistakably accustomed to responsibility. These were still officers and gentlemen.

Retired na, pero sa tindig pa lang, parang ikaw pa ang mapapaayos ng upo.

Then came the conversation. Between laughter and recollections, they discussed government, public safety, and what they believed needed to change. They offered opinions shaped by years of dealing with people, institutions, and the consequences of decisions.

What struck me was how much they still cared.

Wala nang promotion na kailangang habulin. Wala nang performance rating na kailangang pagandahin. Pero kapag bayan na ang pinag-uusapan, seryoso pa rin.

Their pensions arrive. Their concern for the country never left.

Their law enforcement experience spans a demanding period. They served through the martial-law years, when public safety duties intersected with political tensions and insurgency. Those years require honest reflection, including respect for rights and accountability in the exercise of authority.

Listening to their recollections, I thought about the lessons younger officers could draw from them: how decisions are made under pressure, how institutions function, and how an order can affect lives far beyond the officer issuing it.

May mga kuwentong puwedeng pagtawanan habang kumakain. May mga karanasan ding kailangang pakinggan nang mabuti, dahil may aral na hindi basta makukuha sa training manual.

Their route into service also deserves recognition. As members of the Probationary Officer Training Course Class 74, they brought their college education into the demanding preparation for officership at the Philippine Constabulary Training Center (PCTC), Camp Castañeda, Lumil, Silang, Cavite.

At sa haba ng pangalang “Probationary Officer Training Course,” aaminin kong kailangan ko munang namnamin bago masanay sa pagbigkas. Posibleng may ilan sa mga PNP at AFP officers ngayon na hindi na rin pamilyar sa kursong ito. Even I was not familiar with it. What I did know was the School for Reserve Commission, where my father, retired Philippine Constabulary Colonel Mauro Herrera Teope, graduated.

Kaya may personal ding koneksiyon ang pagkilala ko sa kanilang pinagmulan. My father’s training and their course belong to the stories of how earlier generations prepared for officership. Magkaiba man ang pangalan ng kanilang pinagdaanan, lalo kong gustong maunawaan ang mga kuwentong iyon—dahil bahagi rin sila ng kasaysayan ng aming pamilya at ng paglilingkod sa bayan.

Before Camp Castañeda became the home of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), it was already the training ground of these officers. The camp’s history as a training site for PC and INP personnel is also recognized in Proclamation No. 1536.

Bago naging tahanan ng mga kadete ng PNPA ang lugar na iyon, naroon na ang pawis, pagod, at pangarap ng mga opisyal na ito. Para sa kanila, Camp Castañeda is part of their own beginning—the place where their preparation for a lifetime of service took shape.

That background brought together civilian academic learning and military discipline. Neither route guarantees good leadership; an officer ultimately proves himself through competence, judgment, and conduct.

Sa huli, ang mahalaga ay kung paano ginamit ang pinag-aralan at kung paano pinakitunguhan ang taong pinaglilingkuran.

Their careers took them into field assignments, communities, and government offices. MGen. Danilo Gaoiran later served as an MMDA Executive Officer, while Col. Mario Subagan now serves as Mayor of Suyo, Ilocos Sur. Others have pursued their own paths and noble advocacies, carrying their commitment to service into different areas of community life.

Magkakaiba man ang kanilang tinahak, patuloy silang nag-aambag sa kapwa at sa bayan sa kani-kanilang paraan.

Even their original institution underwent a profound transition. Republic Act No. 6975 ended the PC’s status as a major service of the Armed Forces, while the newly established PNP absorbed its police functions and those of the Integrated National Police.

Pero ang samahan nila, hindi nabuwag. Mahigit limang dekada mula 1974, may mesa pa rin silang binabalikan at mga kuwentong gustong marinig sa isa’t isa.

Our discussion also touched on retirement benefits. According to their accounts, several who completed active service as colonels receive benefits computed using the next higher grade. Section 74 of Republic Act No. 6975 provides for retirement pay at one grade above the permanent grade last held, subject to its condition.

Although they retired from active service as colonels, their retirement benefits, as discussed during our reunion, are based on the next higher grade. In that testimonial spirit, I believe they deserve the affectionate address of “Brigadier General” as a tribute to their years of service. This is an expression of personal esteem, while their formally held ranks remain a matter of official record.

Sa opisyal na tala, igalang natin ang kanilang tunay na ranggo. Sa pagbibigay-pugay, buong puso ko silang matatawag na “General”—bilang pagkilala sa kanilang karanasan, sakripisyo, at paglilingkod sa bayan.

But gratitude should also make room for their knowledge.

These officers can mentor younger public servants, speak with students, contribute to community initiatives, and offer informed perspectives in policy discussions. Appropriate advisory roles may also allow those willing and qualified to serve again.

Hindi kailangang ibalik ang lahat sa opisina. Pero sayang naman kung ang karanasan ay hanggang reunion na lang napakikinggan.

As an educator, I know how a lesson changes when the person explaining it has lived with its consequences. There is value in hearing what worked, what failed, and what someone would do differently with the benefit of hindsight.

Then the bill arrived at the eat-all-you-can restaurant—and out came the senior citizen IDs for their 20% discount.

Doon, walang kailangang mag-unahan sa promotion. Lahat qualified na sa senior citizen privilege. At sa pagkakataong iyon, may malinaw na pakinabang ang dagdag na edad!

It was a lighthearted moment, but it made me think about what those years represented. Behind each ID was a lifetime of responsibilities, difficult decisions, friendships, and service. The years that now entitled them to a discount had also given them something the country should value: experience and wisdom.

Habang tumatanda tayo, nag-iiba ang halaga ng pagsasama. Ang dating ordinaryong tanghalian, nagiging pagkakataong gusto mong pahabain. Mas pinakikinggan mo ang kuwento. Mas pinahahalagahan mo ang tawanan. At sana, mas nakikita rin natin ang halaga ng mga taong kasama natin sa mesa.

To the POTC Class 74, thank you for welcoming me. I hope there will be many more lunches, many more stories, and many more opportunities for you to share what you have learned.

But my appeal goes beyond this reunion: our country should make better use of the experience and abilities of retired officers who remain willing and capable of contributing. From the national government to their own barangays, there can be meaningful opportunities for mentoring, advising, supporting community safety, and helping younger leaders exercise sound judgment.

Hindi lahat kailangang bumalik sa isang mataas na posisyon. Minsan, ang isang barangay na nangangailangan ng gabay, isang kabataang nangangailangan ng mentor, o isang komunidad na naghahanap ng maaasahang katuwang ay sapat nang dahilan upang muling makapaglingkod.

Age alone does not establish wisdom. But when years of experience are matched by integrity, reflection, and a continuing willingness to help, we should recognize the contribution a person can still make. Let us invite them into the conversation—and give their knowledge useful work to do.

Ang mga bakas ng edad ay maaari ring maging bakas ng mga aral na pinagdaanan. Pakinggan natin sila. Bigyan natin ng pagkakataong maibahagi ang kanilang kakayahan, mula sa mga tanggapan ng national government hanggang sa kani-kanilang barangay.

They may have retired from active service, but they are not yet finished loving and serving the nation.

_________________________________________________________

Dear Reader,

I invite you to explore my complete collection of published books now available on Amazon. Whether you are seeking in-depth analysis, strategic insights, or engaging narratives, my catalog covers a range of essential topics designed to inform, inspire, and provoke thoughtful discussion.

You can browse all my current titles, read excerpts, and order your copies directly through my official Amazon Author Page: 

Click this Image to View:

BEST SELLER

Thank you for your continued support and interest in my work. If you enjoy any of the titles, leaving a review on Amazon would be greatly appreciated as it helps bring these ideas to a broader audience.

Warm regards,

Dr. Rodolfo John Ortiz Teope

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

*About the author:

Dr. Rodolfo “John” Ortiz Teope is a distinguished Filipino academic, public intellectual, and advocate for civic education and public safety, whose work spans local academies and international security circles. With a career rooted in teaching, research, policy, and public engagement, he bridges theory and practice by making meaningful contributions to academic discourse, civic education, and public policy. Dr. Teope is widely respected for his critical scholarship in education, management, economics, doctrine development, and public safety; his grassroots involvement in government and non-government organizations; his influential media presence promoting democratic values and civic consciousness; and his ethical leadership grounded in Filipino nationalism and public service. As a true public intellectual, he exemplifies how research, advocacy, governance, and education can work together in pursuit of the nation’s moral and civic mission.

VIEWS: 890K