Sorry. No need to post a photo of that ice cream here because you all know what it looks like, thanks to the Internet.
I’m here to share a story. And some thoughts.
That Magnum ice cream in the Philippines is not new. I’ve been eating that for dessert for more than two years and the brand should be familiar to others (as from what I see on Twitter) because small grocery stores would carry it straight from other countries Filipino Recipes. Heck, Magnum was even around when I was in middle school (this product was released in the early 90’s). I would delight in it because there was a particular way I would eat it — since it had a thick layer of chocolate, I’d strip the bar naked of its chocolate covering then attack the ice cream proper and this feat of dexterity would perhaps be 80% of the novelty as to why I enjoyed eating it. I bought it for PHP 30.00 – PHP 35.00 if I remember correctly.
Fast forward to today. So I was out of the social media scene for about 2 weeks (I was busy getting married!). A few days before I went dark, I noticed a number of people post photos of a familiar ice cream brand on Instagram. I was delighted to hear that the product was now available locally (there was no doubt in my mind it was exactly the one I’d always get) so I nonchalantly went to 7-Eleven and bought one. Filipino Food Recipes It tasted exactly the same. And it was delightful. And I would think nothing about it afterwards. Why? Because it’s freakin’ ice cream, dude!
Whenever I walk into a 7-Eleven these days, I feel like all eyes are watching as I make my way to the freezer to grab a few bars to stock in my fridge at home. I open Twitter, and people are talking about it like it’s the worst thing ever made. Like how it’s a rip off. Like how Cornetto or Pinipig Crunch is much better. Frankly, I don’t care: on some days I want Cornetto Filipino Recipes. Other days I want Magnum. Sometimes I don’t have ice cream because I just had coffee. It’s the rewards of democracy that allows me to make mundane decisions like this everyday.
I want to enjoy my bar of ice cream in peace and not be subject to the amalgamated opinions of social media judging my every bite. And that blissful innocence was stolen, just recently.
9 replies on “How Magnum Stole My Innocence”
Gotta say, I’m with you on this one, Jayvee — ice cream is ice cream and if anyone offers to give me a Magnum, I most definitely wouldn’t say no.
However, it’s also important to recognize that people are entitled to their opinion so if they don’t like Magnum, no need to be too touchy about it. I’m more on the neutral side but form time to time, I like poking fun on Magnum, but it’s all in jest.
Drama naman ng blissful innocence bit mo. haha! I don’t think social media limits your “democracy” just because people have different opinions from what you have. 🙂
@Francis HAHA! Thanks for reading. The “drama” is really personal effects. If you read closer, I’m not bashing the product at all. Perhaps it’s more of the marketing approach: it’s good to be popular, but not too popular. =)
@Jayvee
@jayvee definitely! it’s really bizarre how people could have very polarizing opinion on ice cream. haha! It is what it is and it’s yummy. :-j
enjoy reading your blog, man. keep it up.
@francis TY kind sir!
Congratulations! (on getting married, not on the loss of innocence xD)
Congratulation Jayvee! And to your wife too!
Now about Magnum, I haven’t tasted it myself but I’m a little curious as to why the ones being sold at S&R are twice the price of those in local grocery stores. Could they be because they’re different somewhat? Am considering a taste test but then again that would be like cheating on my diet twice over. Ha ha.
Hey Jayvee!!
I was wondering about that! I remember there was another ice cream covered in Belgian chocolate back in the 1990s. I thought it had another name though (not Magnum). Am i mistaken or was there another one?
Leo
@Leo According to their Wiki page, Magnum also had other names including “Magic” and “Street”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnum_(ice_cream)