Wednesday, June 09, 2010

What's the big deal with going topless?


A chunk of the world's population sees nothing wrong with going topless. There are tribes where women walk around with upper extremities uncovered all day long, and swathes of beaches the world over where people are not just topless but completely naked. I, however, was born and raised in a country where a lot of women, especially in the provinces, still swim in shorts and a t-shirt. I am still reeling from the shock of being told by an uncle back when I was 18 and galavanting in a bikini on a deserted sandbar in Camiguin, "You look scandalous, hija." But that just goes to show what the environment that I grew up in can be like. My friends and I think nothing of spending a week in Boracay dressed in bikinis practically the entire time. And my mom scoffs at my bikinis saying, "Mine were tinier than those." But the topless thing is still a stretch for me, even on a beach in Europe where it's expected. I was on a private lake in the Adirondacks with Céline and Alida two weeks ago, and I couldn't even do it then! Clearly, it's not as natural for me as it is for, say, Brooklyn Decker up there (you're welcome, male readers, by the way).

The real reason why I thought this belonged on my list is not just because I had an "I never" to conquer—though that's also true. But the way I see it, we only get one chance to be young and carefree. Gravity and metabolism will only cooperate for so many years. So before I hit 30, I want to both fully accept and celebrate my body, just the way it is. Sunbathing sans bikini top on a beach in Ibiza is not such a bad way to start, don't you think?

And it would be pretty cool to snap a photo during this moment (shot from the back in a most tasteful manner, of course) and many sunsets from now show it to a wide-eyed granddaughter.

"Is that you, lola?"
"Look at my mole."
"Oh, yeah!"

* a wink and a nod to all the Filipinos who grew up circa 80s *

3 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness! I know! When I was in Spain I went top-free and it was so nice... no tan lines hahahaa
    I like the new layout, very cute

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  2. I am looking forward to knowing that joy, Jodi! Heehee :-) Thanks!!

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  3. Wink back atcha for that 'Look at my mole' comment!

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