‘Lato-lato’ – latest Filipino craze
MANILA, Philippines – ‘Lato-lato,’ a toy consisting of two plastic balls connected by a string, has piqued the interest of Filipinos of all ages.
Throughout the day, and sometimes even at night, many people usually hear the pitchy and intense sound of the toy in the streets or within one’s household.
The situation is no different in the field of media as the sound of lato-lato seemed to have chimed in on a journalist’s live report.
“[I] was doing a live report yesterday regarding the Mayon’s possible eruption when kids nearby played with their lato-lato. [It] can be heard in the background,” INQUIRER.net reporter Neil Mercado quipped on Friday.
On a lighter note, lato-lato craze continues—even in Albay!
Was doing a live report yesterday regarding the Mayon eruption when kids nearby played with their lato-lato! Can be heard in the background.
It’s everywhere! pic.twitter.com/Vi39bHOrLC
— Neil Arwin Mercado (@NAMercadoINQ) June 16, 2023
Mercado, who was reporting about the restiveness of Mayon in Albay, viewed the lato-lato interruption as a temporary breather.
Meanwhile, his viewers also tagged the incident as humorous.
Twitter user Christian Capuyan said, “Nakakaloka, lato-lato everywhere!” (It’s amusing! Lato-lato everywhere!) while quoting Mercado’s report.
nakakaloka lato lato everywhere! https://t.co/njv08qxQnS
— Christian Capuyan (@itsxtiancapuyan) June 16, 2023
Although many find it amusing, some get irked when they hear the clacking sound of the toy.
With one quick Twitter search, a viral meme pops out about a user jokingly complaining about the distinct noise it produces at night.
alas 9 na may naglalato lato pa rin pic.twitter.com/5bH0THLyWR
— Jongdae Hamada (@vicentejian) June 7, 2023
There are also other complaints that use a different meme format.
Kung saan-saan ko na naririnig yung lato-lato pic.twitter.com/nYzPPQaaVj
— Josh Cruz (@joshoocruz_) June 9, 2023
It’s uncertain whether or or lato-lato will last and if it will stand the test of time.
But one thing’s for sure.
This toy is currently sweeping the hearts of many Filipinos.