Being Astig in their own ways

MANILA, Philippines - Astig.

Filipinos — especially the youth — use the colloquial term to describe something cool or something awesome.

Ramon Bautista, an “Internet action star,” Suzuki Philippines ambassador and author of the best-selling book, Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo, takes on the word and expounds on what it means today.

“Astig, ibig sabihin cool, yung alam mo kung ano gusto mong gawin sa buhay,” Bautista says. “Syempre kasama yung pagiging pogi dun, di lang sa itsura, pero sa attitude din,” he adds. The pogi attitude, according to him, is feeling good about yourself and being proud of who you are.

A self-proclaimed pogi, Ramon also says that being astig is not something you brag about, rather, it’s what people see in you. He explains that what others see — what you do, what they hear from you — is what makes you astig.

Ramon also adds, “Hindi rin pwedeng yabang ka lang nang yabang, dapat meron kang maipagmamalaki. Dapat alam mo kung paano dalhin sarili mo.”

During work, he says that being astig is being able to share the kaastigan. He does this by motivating his co-workers. That way, “you give them confidence,” then more things can be done efficiently.

Ramon shares that being astig also applies to brands. “Astig ang mga motorsiklo ng Suzuki, malakas ang dating at maaasahan, parang ako.”

Ramon also shares a line from Suzuki’s jingle (Astig Ka Sa Suzuki) — “Ang dating extra, ngayon ay bida,” with which he can relate to. Before, he just played as an extra in some music videos and now, he has become an “Internet action star.”

Asked on how other people can become astig like him, Ramon says that confidence is key. One must believe in him or herself and have the courage to stand for something. He believes that everyone has “the potential to be astig.”

Meanwhile, Tutti Caringal, vocalist of 6cyclemind, also puts some thought in the word, explaining that being astig is being able to weather the storm. “Astig ka kung hindi ka natitinag, kung nalalagpasan mo lahat ng pagbabago.”

Bassist Bob Cañamo adds that astig is also being in the music industry for more than a decade. “Eleven years in the industry, astig talaga.”

Herbert Hernandez, the band’s lead guitarist, adds that the band is astig because despite all the changes that happened during those 11 years, it makes music and still rocks.

Tutti shares that 6cyclemind’s kaastigan can be seen through performances and heard through the music. â€œIt’s definitely an overall performance, not only through the eyes and ears, but through the heart. That’s the astig message we send.”

As a band, both Tutti and Herbert agree that they must set a good example to their audience. “They look up to you, so hindi pwedeng magset ng bad example,” Tutti explains.

The band also participates in different activities. “6cyclemind participates in school tours, with different organizations, sometimes with charities, for different causes,” says Tutti. “It’s somewhat similar to corporate social responsibility,” adds Herbert.

As Suzuki Ambassadors, 6cyclemind believes in the brand’s Astig Ka Sa Suzuki campaign. According to the band, more than the sales, it’s the knowledge about safety riding. â€œIbang klase kasi eh. Yung effort hindi lang para makabenta sila, pero para din matulungan yung mga nag-mo-motor maging responsable, kaya astig,” says Tutti.

The band also agrees that the past year with Suzuki Philippines was exciting. “Ang daming bagong experiences, new friends,” says Bob. “Yung mga safety riding seminars nila, very helpful, astig talaga,” adds Herbert.

According to Tutti, the band identifies with the brand because Suzuki interacts with their consumers. “Like how we interact with our audience, they also interact with their customers,” explains Bob, citing how the brand communicates with the customers not only through dealerships, but also through Facebook.

The band also gives tips to the young generation about being astig. Sincerity, among others, is really important. Also, having the perseverance to pursue your dreams is a key. “Maging totoo ka lang sa sarili mo, magiging astig ka,” Tutti says.  Bob adds that people also should “respect others; we, as a band, as Filipino citizens, as individuals.”