Using 'Pobla' to refer to Makati City's Poblacion area opposed by residents, according to barangay captain
"Tara, Pobla?"
It's no secret among the youth (and youths at heart) that the Poblacion area in Makati City is the go-to spot for an enjoyable drinking experience with friends with its many bars and restaurants that come alive at night.
But because of its long name, many have opted to shorten it into the easier-to-pronounce term "Pobla." It has since been the word used to refer to the entertainment mecca, whether it's on posts on social media or in mere casual conversations.
However, it seems that the informality of the name has ruffled the feathers of its residents. Barangay Poblacion's captain Benhur Cruz took to his Facebook account to announce that a resolution has now been approved objecting the use of "Pobla" to refer to the barangay, Makati City, or any area within the territory.
According to the resolution, which was passed by the barangay's council, residents of the area "highly considers the image and values the rich heritage of Poblacion including its name," which is why using "Pobla" to refer to the barangay is "found to be offensive and derogatory to the community."
A quick search on Google reveals that "Pobla" is the Spanish equivalent of the words "poor neighborhood," "working-class neighborhood," "slums," among others. This is according to Tureng Multilingual Dictionary, which has translations to English, French, German, Spanish, and Turkish words.
A few netizens have voiced out their support for the new resolution.
"This resolution is good. My observation and real talk lang: this misused of term Poblacion to Pobla started from conyo or yuppies, and when the City of Makati has approved numerous business permits to establish restaurants and bars. Sad to say, ang dating tahimik at malinis na pamumuhay ng taga Poblacion ay nag-iba na. Naging maingay, marumi at sobrang traffic," one netizen commented.
Meanwhile, some individuals on Twitter had a different opinion on the matter.
One user wrote, "There is nothing unique about the name 'Poblacion'; stop trying to own it. I lived in Kalibo and there was a Poblacion near where I lived. Poblacion is a common noun, literally means 'town.'"
However, he did admit that "'Pobla' is an ugly, unwieldy, unpalatable word."
Another one argued, "Mas madali naman kasing sabihin yung 'Pobla' kaysa pahabain pa as 'Barangay Poblacion'. Also, people are referring to only a specific area in Brgy. Poblacion. Kaya nakasanayan ang term na 'Pobla'. Gimikan eh. Hindi naman po magdo-door to door ang mga tao sa buong Brgy. Poblacion."
Mas madali naman kasing sabihin yung POBLA kaysa pahabain pa as BARANGGAY POBLACION. Also, people are referring to only a specific area in Brgy Poblacion. Kaya nakasanayan ang term na Pobla. Gimikan eh. Hindi naman po magdo-door to door ang mga tao sa buong Brgy Poblacion.
— ricci (@ricci_richy) February 7, 2023
Makati’s Poblacion used to be Manila’s red light district in the 90s. It transformed into a more hipster neighborhood, with independent pubs and hole-in-the-wall restaurants.