Fashion and Floods

     I don't know why it is but we Filipinos, though living in a country where monsoon rains prevail on certain months still don't know how to dress appropriately for the rains...

 

     It's common knowledge we are flood country. So why on earth do we brave the floods on barefoot or flip flops? It would have been okay if we were living during the Spanish colonial times. Word has it that back in the day, the mighty Pasig river would overflow at the height of the monsoon season and the old city of Intramuros would get flooded turning Manila into a virtual Venice of the east. The rich would frolic in the flooded streets in all sorts of floating canoes and small boats.

     But these days, widespread pollution and the threat of water-borne bacteria which can cause anything from skin irritations at best, to leptospyrosis at worst, I would dread wading in Manila's floods. My best solution would be to wear Wellies. The term Wellies is a diminutive term for Wellingtons. These lightweight rubber boots are perhaps the most practical solution for these rain-drenched days. 

     Nowadays, they don't just come in black... I've found plaid, faux croc, polka dots and camouflage patterns. wellington boots don't come plain anymore which is good news for fashionistas. Even brand name Tretorn has come up with lively colored versions that have become a fashion statement. There doesn't seem to be a limit to the designs and the imagination of these boots which were considered a lowly type of footwear. Now, wellies have become a must have fashion accessory...

     Some fashion houses are cashing in on the item. In the US, wellies are usually on sale during the spring season or fall and winter. It might be too hot and humid to be wearing them here, but on monsoon season and during tropical depressions, I would certainly recommend having a pair or two around ( I actually have four pairs, and I'm a guy.) Goodness knows what type of disease you could contract walking through Manila's flooded streets. So you'd better put these on when the waters start to rise...

      Okay, so what if you're a guy? There are patterns for men too... and these boots na pambaha have come a long way, mister... J Crew, Tretorn, Gabriella Rocha, Sperry Topsider, Gucci, Dickies, Dunlop have come up with their own versions. You don't have to look like you're going to milk a cow when you put them on... Men in London wear them regularly specially on cold, wet, muddy days. Time to bring the wellies here

         However, in some of Manila's low-lying areas flood waters rise to waist or neck deep in murky water... so if you live in Malabon or Navotas... I would recommend an inflatable boat... =)