Why Filipinos are going quackers over duck hair clips

If you have been out and about in the Philippines lately, you might have noticed a peculiar sight: people of all ages and genders sporting yellow duck hair clips on their heads. The cute and quirky accessory has become a viral sensation in the country, with many netizens posting selfies and videos of themselves wearing the duck clips.

But what is the story behind this trend? And what does it say about Filipino culture and identity?

The origin of the duck hair clips

According to various sources, the duck hair clips originated in China in 2015, where they were part of a larger craze of wearing plant-themed hair accessories, such as bean sprouts, mushrooms, and flowers. The idea was to create a whimsical and natural look, as well as to express one’s individuality and personality.

The trend soon spread to other Asian countries, such as Korea, Japan, and Thailand, where it was embraced by celebrities, influencers, and ordinary people alike. The duck hair clips, in particular, became popular because of their adorable and humorous appeal, as well as their affordability and availability.

In the Philippines, the duck hair clips first gained traction in Baguio City in 2023, where they were sold by street vendors and online sellers. From there, they quickly spread to other parts of the country, thanks to social media and word-of-mouth. Many Filipinos found the duck hair clips to be fun, fashionable, and relatable, as ducks are a common sight in rural areas and a staple food in many dishes.

The reaction of the authorities

The duck hair clip phenomenon has not gone unnoticed by the authorities, especially the Department of Education (DepEd), which oversees the public school system in the country. However, unlike some other countries where such trends have been banned or discouraged, the DepEd has taken a more lenient and tolerant stance.

In a recent interview, a DepEd deputy spokesman said that he sees no problem with students or even teachers wearing duck hair clips, as long as they do not interfere with the learning process or violate the dress code. He even admitted that he bought his own duck hair clip in Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, and that he finds it amusing and harmless.

He also said that teachers can wear the duck hair clips if they think it will help them motivate and engage their students, as long as they do it in a professional and appropriate manner.

The analysis of the experts

The popularity of the duck hair clips has also attracted the attention of experts and scholars, who have offered their insights and opinions on what it means and implies. One of them is a professor of popular culture at the University of the Philippines Diliman and the dean of the UP College of Arts and Letters.

The professor said that the duck hair clip trend shows the bandwagon syndrome among Filipinos, which is the tendency to follow what is popular or trendy, without questioning or criticizing it.

He also said that the bandwagon syndrome is not limited to fashion, but also applies to other aspects of Filipino culture, such as food, music, and entertainment.

He explained that the bandwagon syndrome is partly influenced by globalization, which exposes Filipinos to different cultures and lifestyles, and partly by the lack of a strong sense of national identity, which makes Filipinos easily swayed by external influences.

He also said that fads usually fade after 3 to 6 months, depending on how much they are hyped and consumed by the public. He predicted that the duck hair clip trend will eventually die down, as people will get bored or tired of it, or find something new to replace it.

However, he also noted that the duck hair clip trend has some positive effects, such as providing income and livelihood opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs and vendors, as well as bringing joy and happiness to many Filipinos who find the accessory cute and funny.

The conclusion of the blogger

As a blogger and a duck hair clip enthusiast, I think that the duck hair clip trend is a fascinating and fun phenomenon that reflects the diversity and dynamism of Filipino culture. I think that there is nothing wrong with following a fad, as long as it does not harm anyone or anything, and as long as it makes us happy and confident.

I also think that the duck hair clip trend is a way of expressing our creativity and individuality, as well as our sense of humor and playfulness. I think that the duck hair clips are more than just accessories, they are also symbols of our identity and personality.

I hope that the duck hair clip trend will continue to spread and inspire more people to embrace their inner quirkiness and uniqueness. I also hope that the duck hair clips will become a part of our cultural heritage and legacy, something that we can look back on and smile about.

What do you think of the duck hair clip trend? Do you own one or more duck hair clips? How do you feel when you wear them? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!