The Mystery of the Apple

As a fruit, the apple has long been popular in our country. Apart from being an agricultural and archipelagic region where farming is a primary livelihood, we are also deeply influenced by Catholicism. This is tied to the belief that it was an apple that Eve bit into.

However, over time, the symbolism of the apple has evolved in our society. Today, its image is associated with technology and viewed as a status symbol. Owning technology featuring the bitten apple logo is equated with economic and social comfort.

Yes, you guessed it! I am referring to the technologies from the company Apple. Founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, both of whom did not finish college, they aimed to start and build their own sources of livelihood.

Initially, they wanted to develop computers for use in homes and offices, but over the decades and with the rapid advancement of technology, they expanded their developments beyond computers to include cellphones, laptops, and even watches.

Apple's products first gained traction in the United States, but as a capitalist and imperialist country, its influence quickly spread not only to Europe but also to Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines.

Apple products quickly became popular among Filipinos for several reasons:Populism, Colonial mentality

The story of Steve Jobs' life

Let's start with populism. The Philippines has a rich culture, but it is also accompanied by longstanding mentalities—one of which is populism, linked to the 'bandwagon' culture. As the iPhone became prominent in the country, Filipinos were enamored with every new version released, even though its price was significantly higher compared to other products with similar functions. In reality, Apple products look quite similar, with only a few additional features, but Filipinos still eagerly buy them because they want to have the latest and most fashionable cellphones.

In fact, there are better products than Apple's, and they are cheaper, but what Filipinos seek is the prestige associated with the brand of their mobile phones.

Secondly, the colonial mentality. Having been under colonial powers such as Spain, America, and Japan, we still carry an obsession with their culture, especially that of the US. Filipinos see owning Apple products as an advantage over others and view it as a status symbol in their socio-economic standing. Therefore, they save up and allocate a significant amount of money to purchase them.

Finally, Filipinos are captivated by the famous story of Steve Jobs. Despite not finishing college, he became a billionaire in his chosen field. This is another reason why his products became popular in the country—Filipinos love romanticized stories.

Up to the present, Apple products continue to dominate the entire country. Filipinos remain under the influence of capitalism and continue to be deceived by the image it presents to the public.

In conclusion, the apple has evolved from a simple fruit associated with religious symbolism to a powerful emblem of technology and social status. The success of Apple products in the Philippines can be attributed to several factors, including populism, colonial mentality, and the inspirational story of Steve Jobs. Despite the high costs and the availability of cheaper, high-quality alternatives, Filipinos continue to favor Apple products, seeing them as symbols of modernity and economic progress.

This phenomenon highlights the enduring impact of colonial influence and the allure of Western culture in shaping consumer behavior in the Philippines. It also underscores the power of storytelling and branding in building a loyal customer base. As Apple products continue to dominate the market, it is crucial to reflect on the broader implications of this trend, including the influence of global capitalism and the societal values that drive consumer choices.

Ultimately, understanding the deep-rooted reasons behind the popularity of Apple products can provide insights into the complexities of cultural identity and economic aspirations in the Philippines. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of critically evaluating our consumption habits and the symbols we attach to them in our quest for progress and status.