“Diskarte” Culture: Is it a Lifehack or a Lack of Discipline?
In the Philippines, “diskarte” culture is celebrated as cleverness, ingenuity, and the ability to stretch every peso. Ask someone who’s benefitted the most from an “unli rice” promo; it’s often admired as a uniquely Pinoy skill. That being said, we have to ask: is our cleverness turning into exploitation? And is our resourcefulness slowly becoming a lack of discipline?
Cleverness? or Entitlement?
The debate over “diskarte” culture blew up through a viral Facebook post on “why we can’t have nice things.” It listed examples familiar to many: unlimited drinks at Burger King being stored in Coleman coolers, S&R refillable drinks passed around the table, and Mang Inasal’s “unli rice” shared by multiple people. The post ended with a simple yet pointed reminder: practice public etiquette even when no one is looking.
Reactions were mixed. Some shared additional examples, while others criticized those who had partaken in these behaviors. Some joked that this is how “squatters” get by: cheating the system and calling it “lifehacks.” What started as nostalgic, albeit frustrating, content revealed something deeper: everyday choices often reflect entitlement. At the same time, the comments hinted at subtle class divides, with terms like “squammy” being thrown around in ways that could feel dismissive.
More Than Just Prices
Some argued that inflation, and to a greater extent, corruption, drove these actions. It’s valid to think that wages don’t always keep up with the cost of living and that the high price of goods encourages resourcefulness.
But since these “lifehacks” existed long before today’s economic climate, as the post suggests, then cleverness isn’t just a reaction to price. “Diskarte” culture is about habits, trust, and social etiquette. Cleverness alone cannot guarantee fairness; without discipline, shortcuts become loopholes, slowly eroding the generosity they were meant to honor.
Small Acts, Big Impact
Public etiquette rarely appears in dramatic moments. It reveals itself when you take only one refill or enjoy a cafe’s free add-ons without hoarding. These small acts separate clever “lifehacks” from outright abuse. Because while resourcefulness is admirable, exploitation isn’t.
The perks highlighted in the post weren’t just free extras; they were opportunities to show respect for others and honor the trust behind generosity.
READ: It’s Time We Stop Glorifying Pinoy Resilience
“Diskarte” culture can be both a “lifehack” and a lesson. The real question isn’t who to blame; it’s whether we handle these privileges responsibly and balance cleverness with the self-discipline that keeps trust alive.
