Rica Peralejo, a 26-year old actress, entered the Ateneo as a Freshman this month and the first issue of The Guidon for the school year (the campus newspaper) had a picture of her on the front page participating in group dynamics during the Freshman Orientation Seminar and looking like she was having fun. There was a part in an article by Boy Higad in The Katipunan which noted that Peralejo did not exhibit any “diva-ish” behavior during the Orientation Seminar.
To be 26-years old in a freshman batch whose average age is probably seventeen and to be a national celebrity in the midst of freshmen who on average are local heroes of their own school and to be “game” in participating at the Freshman Orientation Seminar speaks well for Ms. Peralejo.
Being “game” is very much part of Philippine culture. People are judged on whether or not they are “game”, especially in situations where a certain degree of informality or generosity of self is expected. To be “game” is to participate in the game in several ways, not just in terms of following the rules. After all, one can be part of the game and let everyone know that you do not like the experience. Then you wouldn't be “game”.
To be game, more importantly, is to want to play the game while playing the game and that takes a buying-in of the game itself. To be game is to (appear to) accept a collective game and in the process, accept a collective ritual. In the end, especially here in the Philippines, to be game is a symbol of one's acceptance of the collectivity itself.
2 comments:
But isn't being "game" just conformity?
Hi Omi. Welcome to Bourdieu blog. I guess to be "game" is conformity but I think it is more than just going through the motions but appearing to enjoy playing the game. To be game is more than just action but more importantly a(n external manifestation of) disposition.
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