GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Filtered By: Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Book review: The priceless wit in Sen. Santiago’s ‘Stupid Is Forever’
The cover of "Stupid is Forever." Photo by Vida Cruz
In fact, the book was so well-received that it was hard to find a copy in any bookstore, even the biggest ones. Who would've thought that I would find mine in a small bookstore in Malabon?
Although not as thick as a "Twilight" novel, "Stupid is Forever" may elicit a few laughs, perhaps even during the most depressing and frustrating times. It's a perfect book to read while sitting on the toilet, taking a bus to school or work, or waiting for your flight at the airport. Just make sure you don't laugh too hard, though, to avoid the embarrassment of people looking at you.
Another good thing about the book is that it isn't fiction, so it doesn't really have a plot. You don't have to really devote your time into reading it just to understand its content; you can enjoy reading the book as long as you like—interruptions included.
Some of the one-liners and jokes featured in the book may seem familiar to some people, as they were delivered during televised hearings or press conferences, and even graduation ceremonies. And yes, hopeless romantics, many of Sen. Santiago's cheesy and naughty pick-up lines are also in the book. Go grab a copy and impress a guy or a girl with something like, "Ok lang akong mahilo, basta sa iyo lang iikot ang mundo ko."
Socio-political commentary
But besides giving a good laugh, the book is also worth reading between the lines. Many of the jokes are social commentaries on the Philippines' political, economic, and educational landscape. It gives you that lasting impression of "Oo nga, no?" after cracking up joke after joke, one-liner after one-liner.
Adding to the book's witty and comical nature are different caricatures of the senator based on her quotes, as illustrated by some of the country's best young illustrators, such as Cj de Silva-Ong, Elbert Or, Rob Cham, and Manix Abrera (who is also behind GMA News Online's "News Hardcore").
Some of Sen. Miriam's quotes in the book are responses to issues that were pressing at the time these were uttered. For instance, when a major newspaper published a controversial photo of her wearing a bathing suit, she mused: "I'm surprised the photographer used that shot. He and I had an agreement that he would take shots of me swimming in the pool. I followed all his instructions, exactly as if I were a trained dolphin."
Sen. Miriam also commented on her apparent lead in the 1990 presidential surveys thus: "I do not subscribe to the school of thought that I am leading the presidential polls because of my beautiful legs." Needless to say, this eventually became a classic and is one of the senator's signature quotable quotes.
Adding to the book's witty and comical nature are different caricatures of the senator based on her quotes, as illustrated by some of the country's best young illustrators, such as Cj de Silva-Ong, Elbert Or, Rob Cham, and Manix Abrera (who is also behind GMA News Online's "News Hardcore").
To give a sneak peek of what to look forward to in the book, here are some of what I think are the best excerpts from each one of "Stupid is Forever's" six sections:
- Wicked: "I don't mind dying for the Filipino youth and nation, but I certainly don't want to die for politicians."
- Asukal Ka, Ako Ay Sago: "Dalawang beses lang naman kita gustong makasama: now and forever."
- Death Threats For Breakfast!: "Ang sabi ng gobyerno: Don't lie. Don't cheat. Don't steal. Don't sell drugs. Don't kill. Alam ninyo kung bakit? Ayaw ng gobyerno ng competition."
- Out-of-Notebook Experience: "Gaano katalino ang estudyanteng Pilipino? Common sense pa lang nila, IQ na ng ibang senador."
- The Worst Thing About Being Married: "Five tips for a happy man's life: Have a girl to help you at work. Have a girl to take care of you and love you. Have a girl who can make you laugh. Have a girl who spoils you. Lastly, and most importantly, siguraduhin na hindi magkakakilala ang apat na babaeng iyon."
- Miriam on Miriam: "I went to see a pulmonologist and then she said, 'I'm sorry but you have cancer,' and I said, 'Yes!' because I wanted to have a challenge in life."
Overall, I think that "Stupid is Forever" is apt for an afternoon of wit and witticisms. It's a good reminder not to take things too seriously—even our politics. — VC, GMA News
