Contrary to the Philippine legend that the fruit is actually Datu Duri, or that it may look like a parody of Oscar Wilde’s The Portrait of Dorian Gray, the story I’m about to tell you had nothing to do with supernatural entities. The fruit will later signify how most of us treat one another.

In southeast Asia, Durian is labeled as the King of Fruits, and since the fruit is in season, I find it only right to honor royalty. The edible flesh emits a distinctive odor, strong and penetrating even when the husk is intact. Some people regard the durian as fragrant; others find the aroma overpowering and offensive. The smell evokes reactions from deep appreciation to intense disgust, and has been described variously as almonds, rotten onions, turpentine and gym socks. Basically, the smell doesn’t appeal to everyone.

So, what’s my point? Simple. I’m like a durian. My aura doesn’t appeal to normal human beings yet a few can still appreciate my uniqueness….Weh? I’m not a big fan of the durian but if that the fruit has feelings, it may give the biggest thank you to its supporters. I’m not royalty but I know how to treat my friends well. As for the haters, I won’t hate back, I’ll be like the fruit…indifferent. However, I’d definitely be proud of my putrid being, simply because it is who I am. I won’t pretend to be a prickly pineapple, when in fact, I am otherwise.

I’m not alone, as what I’ve been foolishly told and we may always find a lot of things that may set us apart. But I just want to set the record straight. You’re not better than me just because you’re an apple or a banana! We are all fruits living in a bowl. We make the fruit salad. We have our strengths and weakness.

The next time you think about insulting a fruit that hasn’t done anything to you, you’d better think again. Think of the number of shallow people in your life that has judged you for your superficial qualities. I tell you, it won’t definitely be pretty when these fruits fight back, and it’s a good thing they don’t. Yummy!