Philippines: Cappucino Revolutionaries · Global Voices
Jose Manuel Tesoro

An oppositionist group's “Black Friday” protest against Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo – which involved wearing black, buying a drink, and hanging out at a local Starbucks – has earned ridicule from Filipino bloggers. Walk this Way asks: “You're spending HOW MUCH for a stupid drink in order to show your “concern” for people's welfare?” Thingfish at Netnewsasia says: “I'll have a low fat decaf frappucino with sprinkles and a revolution to go.”” Pinayexpat in Deutschland quotes her friend Ria: “That’s not even just elitist. It’s clueless.” And even critics of the Arroyo administration wonder: “Huh?” The coffee protest recalls for Manuel L. Quezon III other stupid revolution tricks. But the protest's organizers are pleased with the result: three happy franchises in privileged areas of Manila.