Chinelas

Chinelas.

Flip-flops.

Whatever. They're synonyms.

And they are the unofficial official footwear of the Philippines.


Why?

Well, this country is a tropical island archipelago. That's a good first reason.

The other is that they are cheap!

Around 50 pesos ($1 US) will get you a pair. There's no brand to them. But then, if your budget is 50 pesos, you don't really care anyway. If you are brand-conscious, the trendy Havaiianas go for 1,500 pesos and up.


Why?

They're in pretty colors and patterns, imported, and marketed to seem more impressive. Flip-flops for those insecure in their own self-worth.

Anyway.....

You all remember the 80s hit song My Sharona by the Knack, I'm sure.

Everybody does.

Even those who were babes in arms (or younger) remember it.

What does this have to do with flip-flops? you're asking, I'm sure.

Well, in celebration of chinelas, I've re-written the song!

Edson has been listening to me mock this as My Chinelas for years. I thought it was about time I really wrote out lyrics instead of just squealing (my singing is not pretty) ...my Chinelas! as I had been for most of our relationship.

So here they are.

So now it's time for you to play the video above and read (or sing) along to the lyrics below.

What?

You already watched the video?! Yes, watch again! I know it's torture, but Edson has endured it for over six years. The least you can do is listen for another four minutes. Consider it penance for all your sins this year...and the next. If you aren't Catholic...well, think of something. Maybe you voted for Bush.

Anyway, read / sing along now:

My Chinelas
words by Jay Plogman

Oh no! I cannot find. I cannot find.
I’ve looked for ‘em high and low: My Chinelas!
They’re not under the bed or in the shed.
Heard voices in my head cry “Chinelas!”
Never gonna stop, give it up.
They’re my favorite pair. I love to wear ‘em ‘round the
City, here and there. My my my i yi woo. M M M My Chinelas…

Please come with me to the store, to the store.
I’ll need your help in shopping for Chinelas!
Need to find a pair, a purple pair. For my feet to wear.
Never gonna stop, looking for a pair
For my feet to wear. My my my i yi woo. M M M My Chinelas…

Some people spell it c – h – i, some t – s - i.
Any way you like, it spells Chinelas!
Some lyrics I don’t understand, understand.
Wikky wacky wikky wakawoo, Chinelas!
Never gonna stop, give it up.
Always on my mind. Havaiianas, Tribu,
And many other kinds. My my my i yi woo. M M M My Chinelas…

Pretty catchy, huh?!

I should go into advertising...