Anik-anik, a term brimming with nostalgia, maximalism, and the joy of collecting, is a delightful aspect of Filipino culture, and in this article, let’s take a closer look on its significance.
Anu-ano ang Anik-anik?
Anik-anik is basically those little things we just can’t let go of, either because they hold memories or seem handy to have around. It could be random stuff we’ve collected over time or cute items we’ve picked up from stores, like Sonny Angels or Smiskis. Picture a drawer filled with ticket stubs, dried flowers, souvenir keychains, and handwritten notes—ganyan talaga ‘pag may anik-anikism ang mga Pilipino!
Why Do Filipinos Love Anik-Anik?
Professor Felipe De Leon, Jr., former Chairman of National Commission for Culture and the Arts, says it’s because Filipinos are natural maximalists. We like filling our spaces with memories and connections, and the more we live, the more stuff we collect. Anik-anik is like a scrapbook of our lives—a fun way to show who we are through our stuff. Plus, it’s practical. In homes where resources are tight, people hang onto things that might come in handy later, like market bags, cardboard boxes, or even old fast-food containers.
Anik-anik and Sticker Art
Stickers serve as miniature canvases for creativity. Artists and enthusiasts craft unique designs, often reflecting their personal style or conveying messages. Just as we collect anik-anik, enthusiasts gather these tiny artworks, adorning notebooks, laptops, and everyday objects to add a touch of whimsy. For others, it can be a piece of political commentary pasted on a brick wall in a public space. Sticker art celebrates individual expression, mirroring how anik-anik embodies our personal narratives.
dami dyan sa blumentritt