This isn’t just a weird flex, it’s an inappropriate one too.
Facebook user Sian Madarang is now being slammed on social media after he posted a now-viral video on Sunday of himself wasting water inside a bathroom. His caption also reads like he was teasing victims of the ongoing water crisis. It says: “Hi to Manileños. Weird flex but ok.”
The video shows a bucket overflowing with water coming from a running faucet. Although his face isn’t on cam, Madarang’s hand can be seen holding a tabo (dipper), scooping out water from the bucket, and immediately splashing it on the floor and into the drain.
He also puts the bucket on its side to take the water out. He then throws the bucket angrily with the faucet’s water still running and the bathroom tiles flooded with water.
The video sparked outrage among netizens, especially since many Filipinos living in Metro Manila have been experiencing hours-long water interruptions ever since the month started. Households, as well as schools and hospitals, are affected by it, too.
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) earlier said that the water shortage is due to high demand brought by an increase in population. Manila Water, the water provider that established the water interruptions in the eastern part of the metro, said its limited supply was caused by the drought. However, Maynilad, which services the western zone, is not affected by the alleged lack of water supply.
It’s a serious and sensitive topic which has no concrete long-term solution yet, aside from praying for rain.
The video had over 1 million views, 4,600 reactions, 20,600 shares as of this article’s posting. Netizens, naturally, were enraged.
Allysandrea Denise Alonzo Tan said: “Just because there’s no water in [M]anila doesn’t mean you should waste water. It’s possible that there’s no water shortage where you are but there’s a brain shortage.”
“Bro, this is not a joke. Please be aware that people are suffering from the water crisis in different parts of [Manila] and you insulted them all with your post,” said Benjie Espique. “You could be in jail by this type of attitude. It’s social media and please be careful of everything that you are posting. Don’t be a dickhead bro.”
Keboy Alfaro said in Filipino: “You do have water but you’re ugly.”
Louise Anne Gulfo Soriano said in all caps: “I DIDN’T FEEL BAD THAT YOU WASTED WATER, I FEEL BAD FOR YOUR PARENTS’ MONEY THAT YOU WASTED TO PAY FOR THE WATER.”
Frederick Cadiz Madelo said: “I am from [M]indanao and I do not like this form of shit! You will never know how hard the [M]anileños are facing today. Stop this kind of insult.”
Madarang then posted a comment defending himself. He said: “Come on. Guys stop the hate. We’re mad at water that’s why I did that. Because there’s no water in Manila. That’s why I poured the water so it would reach Manila so they’d have clean water. [T]hanks (sic) me later.”
It doesn’t work that way, bud.
Top tip for everyone: People aren’t ready to laugh about this issue yet.
