Who are you among these characters in a Pinoy barkada?

A big part of getting through life is to be able to socialize with others not just on social media, but IRL (in real life), too. One of the best ways to socialize is by being part of a barkada and there’s no better time to get together than during San Miguel Oktoberfest!

Like any social group, a barkada is a complex group of people in which every individual plays a distinct role, most often based on their personalities. When out drinking, for example, each character’s qualities are highlighted. Can you relate to any of these?

The Planner
The planner usually serves as leader of the group. This person takes pride in setting the time and place where you guys will meet. He or she is the most active in your chat groups – creating polls, following up, and setting the calendar invite. In extreme cases, the Planner even gets your order in advance like what San Miguel beer to buy and what pulutan. This person plays the critical role of not only getting the group together physically but is often the common thread among other members who may not necessarily be close friends. This person may not be the most fun or entertaining, but without them, the group may never get together.

The Flaker
The opposite of the Planner, this person may be disorganized, always late, or has agreed to several gimmicks happening simultaneously. He or she often gets chided by the rest of the group. When that person does show up, however, he or she can easily pick up right where you left off. After a quick ribbing, this person is often welcomed back enthusiastically. The Flaker is usually nominated to pick up the tab for the night. How many times have you heard the line, “Pa-1 case ka naman ng San Miguel Pale Pilsen!”

The Humble Bragger
This is the person who innocently (or not) laments about getting tired from all of his or her fabulous getaways, includes the branded logos of bags, watches, shoes in Insta posts, and adds more details of personal feats in stories every time he or she gets a little tipsy. This is also the person, who encourages the whole group to reply to the Planner, is the first to invite you to go on a night out and on trips, and is always enthusiastically present in every milestone of your life.

The Shy Performer
Every barkada has that one individual, who has the God-given talent of singing but is paralyzed by stage fright. No coaxing by the group will get this person to showcase his skills. By the end of the night, however, don’t be surprised if this person will run up on stage at a San Miguel Oktoberfest to jam with bands. This person serves as the barkada’s claim to fame and is often a source of a little envy by the Humble Bragger.

The Cryer
A night of fun social drinking is never complete without that one person in the group, who will cry before the end of the night. Whether it is because of unrequited love, burn out from work, or is simply too sensitive to jokes, oftentimes the inconsolable crying is followed by caring advice or boisterous laughter from the barkada.  Another source of the Cryer’s despair may be the unrequited love and absence of the Flaker.

The Drunk Denier
Despite the many years of being exposed to drinking, this person seems to get intoxicated simply by the sight of alcohol. The quietest in the group, he or she suddenly becomes the most boisterous after just a single bottle of Red Horse Beer. This person’s low tolerance serves as the reminder to the group that a session of drinking should be fun but must also be responsibly done. This person is usually in the close proximity to the Planner.

JOMO is the new FOMO
All these individuals play a critical role in keeping the barkada together. It’s even more important to remind ourselves to go out and meet up with our friends when social interaction is often limited to mobile chat groups or on social media. The fear of missing out or FOMO on social media has led us to always look down on our phones or hunch over our screens even when surrounded by friends.

Why not revel in the joy of missing out or JOMO, instead? Go on a short digital hiatus and spend more time with friends over San Miguel Beer. Not only is it beneficial to the individual, it is also helpful in maintaining the dynamic of the group.

For the month of September until October, take advantage of the many San Miguel Oktoberfest events and promos all over the Philippines with the sounds of OPM music along with the best Pinoy beer. At San Miguel Oktoberfest, your whole barkada can come together in a celebration that should be shared—not just on social media but also in face-to-face interactions with your friends. What are you waiting for, then? “Tara na!”

Visit the San Miguel Oktoberfest Facebook page for event and promo details.