“To be a fan is to be a member of a community — a family.”
This was how Shem, 32, described the meaning of fan culture. Be it about food or pop culture, fandom behavior has spanned generations, and continues to thrive in different shapes and forms.
For Shem, the Harry Potter fandom is something that will always be close to her heart. The global book phenomenon which has spawned countless movie installments, a play, and even theme parks dedicated to it has crossed generations of readers and managed to make itself relevant even decades after its publication.
“It’s a little bit different for me because I grew up reading the book and it’s part of my childhood. There are fans who are so dedicated they really keep up to date with everything. I consider myself low-key simply because I feel like Harry Potter is just a part of me–not a trend or something that will pass,” she said.
Felma, 27, is on the more intense side of being a fangirl of several Kpop groups.
“I’ve attended several concerts, bought albums, collected photo cards, and the like. I think it’s just part of the culture of being a Kpop fan. There is no shortage of materials for consumption and it’s so easy to connect with others with the same interest, so the community is really alive.”
“Once you find your favorite or bias as we call it in the fandom community, you will stay loyal to it talaga. Different flavors, but same level of dedication and love,” Felma added.
The situation is the same for Joshua, 29, who recently reconnected with his love of collecting toys. As a child, he grew up watching the anime TV series Gundam, but it was only two years ago when he found the interest to start assembling and collecting figures when his girlfriend gave him a random box to experiment with. Now, he has a shelf full of models that he had assembled on his own and even launched a social media account where he updates followers about his projects and connects with other Gundam fans.
“I like the feeling of creating something from scratch. It’s the process for me. Also, it’s pretty cool to see that other people appreciate what you do, kahit di mo sila kilala,” he said.
Shem, Felma, and Joshua may have different interests, but there is a clear underlying thread that connects them as a fan. It’s all about connecting with other people, getting in touch with your childhood, and staying loyal to what you love while creating new memories.
“It’s similar to when you enjoy your favorite childhood treat,” explained Shem. “You love it when you’re young because it brings you happiness and even as you grow up, you still find new ways to appreciate and enjoy it. It’s like your comfort food.”
All three of them agree that ice cream might be one of the best examples of comfort food — they all love Oreo Ice Cream.
Known as the brand of iconic cookies, Oreo has set the gold standard for cookies and cream flavor in the world of iced sweets.
“I have a sweet tooth talaga. I love Oreo kasi super fun yung the way you eat it. Meron silang twist, lick, and dunk commercials, right? But I’m a big fan of ice cream kahit noong bata pa ako so I remember, when Oreo Ice Cream was first introduced, talagang hinanap ko talaga so I can try,” shared Felma.
“When I was younger, I wasn’t really allowed to eat too many sweets. Naalala ko, pag may natira sa baon ko, sa ice cream talaga ako nag-splurge. So when I got older and had my own money, I made sure to indulge. Oreo Ice Cream is my favorite because it’s creamy and I love the crunch of the little cookies,” Joshua added.
“I’m a mom now and I can say Oreo Ice Cream is one of the favorites of my daughter. She’s a big fan, so much that we made it as a sort of reward for her every time she does well at school. I love the cookies and I know she’ll have Oreo Ice Cream as that for her, too. Parang you’re making a new tradition, ika nga,” Shem said.
Oreo Ice Cream is currently available in 1-liter tub, pint, cone, and sandwich ice cream versions. Similar to fans that come in different forms, anyone can surely find a favorite in the way they can enjoy this iconic treat.