It seems that every Filipino who's in the social media spheres knows someone who is the embodiment of a Marites for their cyber communities. The origins of the internet-anointed cultural shorthand are not easily traced back to its origin, though Filipino audiences are quick to adopt the term to their slang dictionaries.
Anytime there is some juicy chika (otherwise known as "tea") circulating, you'll be sure to come across the name. This moniker for the Internet's biggest chismosa is inspired by your stereotypical next-door-auntie who spends the majority of her days spreading gossip about and to their neighbors. From Manila Mayor Isko Moreno to famous TikTok user Justine Luzares, the rise of Marites seems to be a growing force for people who traffic tea and gossip about anything spicy enough for the Internet's rumor-mongering capacities.
Although having negative connotations to the name — having been made a parallel to the West's "Karen" by Urban Dictionary — I would argue in defense of our dear Marites that her chikas have the potential to be a force for truth and good, especially during the election season. After all, what good is chismis if not factual? *wink!*
Here's a 3-step guide to becoming the ULTIMATE Marites:
Sourcing: The ultimate Marites has both ears on the ground. With all the misinformation and false news on the internet, it's important for a Marites to know when and where to look for the next juicy headline. The key is to build your network of reliable sources and knowing that part of the process is looking out for targeted propaganda or fake news bearers. In this day and age where anybody can create a narrative, be well-researched, well-connected, and well-versed.
Getting the facts straight: The ultimate Marites exchanges notes with the neighbors. The neighborhood is not only your audience but as well your greatest strength. You can opt to start an alliance with the neighbor's Marites coalition to build strong bonds in the barangay. Perhaps, this shared passion for the juiciest details would not only foster a friendship but also a strategic fact-checking team to make sure your stories are in order. More importantly, the most ironed out.
Solidifying your audience: The ultimate Marites is an effective medium for enticing chismis. Ultimate Marites aspirant, it's time to channel your inner Lady Whistledown! It's not enough to know where to get the tea and who to pour it with. If the tea leaves are stale and lacking, then perhaps it's time to consider a career change. Charot! In all seriousness, your hard work in gathering your facts and crowd is put to naught if you're not an effective communicator. Can you truly call yourself a Marites if you're but an insipid wallflower whose only role is to listen? I think not.
Being the ultimate Marites is a process. And I would argue, a necessary undertaking if you want to become THE ultimate. Chika and chismis are only fun pastimes when they're stuck at the base level of being rumors. You become the ultimate Marites when you foster an audience that trusts your word not only on the gossipy tita next door topics but also on the relevant ones. Always remember to chika responsibly!
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