The Bandana Chronicles

WELCOME:

I'm a motorcycle enthusiast (been riding my bike for 11 years, half of which riding my current motorcycle--a Harley-Davidson Sporster 883 R), an art collector (mostly Philippine modern art), street art fan, a toy geek (mostly Japanese softvinyl toys), and a music fan.

I decided to edit this blog and devote this space to our newest show, "Motorcycle Diaries" airing this July 15. And will also include some bits from I Witness and beyond.

The blog will cover "behind the scenes", moments, and pictures, during the production of the show.

Looking forward to your comments, reactions and suggestions. Ride on!

VIVA LA BANDANA!

For my first blog, let me talk about an accessory, a piece of cloth, a hanky or whatever you may want to call it, that has been my constant companion for more than a decade now---the bandana.

Somewhat funny and absurd, but the bandana became my trademark. In fact, I wear the bandana as a head wrap on-cam almost every time I go out on a shoot for a documentary and out of town coverage, and people usually recognize me.

I usually bring at least two to three pieces whenever I leave the house.

It's made of 100% cotton, about 1 1/2 by 1 1/2 feet in dimension and normally I wear the black one with white paisley prints. I think I own more than a hundred bandanas of different colors, some given by friends and colleagues from the network.

The bandana is basically a large hanky and commonly used for wiping. My Mac Book Pro thesaurus says, the word "bandana" itself is pretty old---mid 18th century. That's a lot of history behind a small piece of cloth.

Other uses of the bandana has since evolved. I remember from the "cowboy" movies or western flicks where actors wear the bandana loosely around the neck. So cool.

From the cult biker movie---"Easy Rider" from 1969 starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, the cool get-up by Fonda includes that rugged, macho look with the bandana around his neck, and it goes well with his radd chopper.

Bandana has been a staple to bikers all these years, as well. It serves as a second layering for their helmets, between the head and the inner shell. This is where I got the idea for wearing it and it became a habit. When I'm a bit lazy and got tired of bringing a hairbrush to fix my 'dishevelled' hair after a long ride. Such a drag.

Early on in my career, I wore the bandana during shoots when under a sweltering heat for it gives me protection for my head against direct sunlight---I'm a nose bleeder.

There's something rebellious about the bandana. When worn, one could easily be himself. Be free.

I totally admire the legendary Steve Tyler, lead vocals of super band Aerosmith, how he distinctly wears the bandana. Sometimes, he ties it on one of his leg, wearing a tight-leather pants. A large colorful bandana tied to his mike stand is unmistakably his signature on stage.

Interesting to note that the bandana has been associated with pirates and outcasts. Actor Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in the movie "Pirates of the Carribean" wears the bandana perfectly like its the most natural thing to do. Gypsy women wear it too.

In the realm of hip-hop and "gangsta", the bandana has a "symbolic, tribal meaning" too.

I remember once, we were shooting up north, in Baguio City, while hanging out in a local billiard hall, a member of a "gang" probably in his early 20's, came up to me and asked me to take my bandana off. He politely explained that the wearing of the bandana could mean a lot of things and could send a "wrong signal". Warring "tribes" could misinterpret it, that an unnecessary "rumble" or a gang war may start. I don't have enough information about this and honestly, was a bit confused. But it made perfect sense at the moment to remove it immediately off my head. When I looked around, hip-hop homies were all staring at me, coldly.

Rappers, tricycle drivers, porters, carpenters, fish ball and cigarette vendors love wearing them. I have seen insurgents and activists sport this accessory too, I don't have any problem identifying with these people.

If I may draw the line, I think this piece of cloth actually sets them apart from the "ordinary" and the usual bore.

It may be the single piece of cloth that is usually used for wiping. But for some, it could represent a person's philosophy in life; a fashion statement if you may---practical, rugged, informal, cutting edge, rebel, non-conformist, unconventional, tribal, however you may want to interpret it.

Or it could simply mean nothing.

For me, the bandana represents ME.