Of ampaos, honor and creed

Rice crispies or ampaos are very prevalent in the country. There are round and square ones; plain or with peanuts. Sweet and brownish outside, the round ones are hollow inside. It was a growing up food for those who grew up in the province and a most anticipated pasalubong for kids who grew up in the metropolis.

Unfortunately today, ampaos have attained a derogatory and negative meaning akin to “bobo” (stupid). What a shame! Someone just used ampao to describe a politician so brainless. Other terms associated to ampao are: doltish, dumb, foolish, idiotic, imbecilic, inane, moronic, mentally deficient, senseless, etc. Choose your pick because of one’s political socialization, a leader is now saying there are ampaos in our midst.