By JACQUELINE LUCERO

In a world brimming with quirks, there's one universal truth we can all agree upon—the call of nature. But how we answer that call is a tale of two worlds, a comedic clash between the trusty tabo and the Western obsession known as toilet paper.

Our journey takes us to Hamilton, Canada, where my dear friend found herself in the midst of the bewildering Toilet Paper Wars of 2023 during a supermarket strike, while she embarked on her quest for rice and fresh produce.

The stage is set in the Great White North, a land known for its vast landscapes, unfailing politeness, and an undying love for maple syrup. But even in this paradise, peculiarities abound.

It all started with a labor strike that hit a local Canadian supermarket.

Strikes, as we know, can ruffle feathers and disrupt the flow of life. But what my friend encountered "defied all logic" according to her. She strolled into the supermarket, expecting to find a few empty shelves and perhaps some disgruntled shoppers. Little did she know that a surreal scene awaited her—a horde of Canadians stacking their carts with an unparalleled fervor, emptying shelves of the assigned aisle on end. Their target? Rolls of—you guessed it—toilet paper.

Meanwhile, the humble tabo, a plain colorful plastic dipper cherished in Filipino bathrooms, had never seemed so exotic. While Canadians waged full-scale battles for TP supremacy, my friend couldn't help but chuckle to herself as she headed to the produce section to secure her own priorities—rice, ulam, and fresh produce.

Now, let's pause and journey to the Philippines, a tropical paradise where resilience reigns supreme. Here, the tabo is more than a bathroom fixture; it's a loyal companion, a symbol of practicality and eco-friendliness. Our priorities are clear: water, soap, and a skillful deployment of the tabo for the ultimate cleanse.

In Canada, however, where resources seem endless, and the variety of toilet paper rivals the number of hockey teams, the sight of shoppers frantically hoarding TP during a labor strike left my friend puzzled. Was toilet paper truly the linchpin of survival during a crisis? It seemed like a classic case of "first-world problems."

Of course, we're all in good humor here, fully aware that different cultures have their unique quirks and priorities. The Toilet Paper Wars of 2023 serve as a whimsical reminder that even in the oddest situations, people's reactions can be both baffling and amusing.

Let's dive deeper into this cross-cultural comedy, shall we? What makes toilet paper so alluring, even in the face of empty supermarket shelves? Is it the plush softness, the comforting texture, or perhaps the psychological reassurance it offers during uncertain times? In the Philippines, we might not fully grasp this TP obsession, but we can certainly appreciate the humor in it.

As we reflect on the Toilet Paper Wars of 2023, we must also consider the global context. Toilet paper shortages have made headlines worldwide in recent years from Canada to the United States. Who could forget the great toilet paper hoarding frenzy of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic? It seems that, for reasons still shrouded in mystery, toilet paper has emerged as a symbol of comfort and security for many.

In the end, the “Clash of the Tabo and Toilet Paper” is a testament to the diversity of human priorities. Whether it's hoarding TP, securing rice and produce, or employing the humble tabo, the beauty of humanity lies in its ability to adapt and find humor in the quirks of life.

We may not fully comprehend the allure of TP stockpiling, but we can certainly appreciate the laughter it provides and the shared experiences that make our world a wonderfully strange place to live, no matter where we call home. So, let's raise a tabo in solidarity and say, "Here's to life's peculiarities and the moments that make us smile!"