A FEW days ago, I blogged about the iPhone launch in the US and included an Agence France-Presse photo of Jonathan (not John, as he was identified in the AFP caption) Mariano, who was first in line at the Apple Store at The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles, California.
In that blog entry, I wondered aloud if Mariano was a Filipino, and guess what? He is! He posted a comment on that blog entry simply saying, “Pinoy ako (I am a Filipino)!” and included a link to his blog that documents the iPhone launch in LA and his unexpected brush with fame when he turned out to be the first in line.
How cool is that?
Here’s a YouTube video of Jonathan being interviewed by Macy Gray.
And here’s an excerpt from his entry on the questions he gets asked by interviewers:
Popular Questions
What time did you get in line?
4AM although the line didn’t officially start until 7AM. I scoped the place out since 7PM the night before.What is the big deal about the iPhone?
Many “phones” have a phone, music player, and browser, but none do it as elegantly as the iPhone. It has a simple touch interface, and the “real” internet. Not the scaled down mini mobile version.How many are you buying?
Two 8GB. One for me, one for my girlfriend.;)
Congratulations, Jonathan, and thanks for visiting @play 
July 12th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
[...] @play: Filipino 1st iPhone buyer at Grove mall in LA [...]
July 12th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Uhm,….OK…. also got one for $1200 and honestly, I can say I’m disappointed afterwards. Still love the phone I’m using in Japan. Japan & Korea’s cellphones RULES!!!
July 12th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
That’s what Pinoys are known for. If anyone criticizes something people just want him to shut up and let people enjoy. By analogy, that is the reason why Pinoys let 20 years of dictatorship pass by without lifting a finger because it is more convenient and acceptable to let the Marcoses and their cronies “enjoy” what they “worked their butt off” for. Until now the Marcoses are still enjoying the “fruits of their labor” because everyone at the PCCGG wants to let the Marcoses be and allow them to enjoy. Until now Pinoys don’t get it. That is why the Philippines is still under a conjugal dictatorship under the Arroyos. Sure Pinoys have more freedom. But are Pinoys truly free? Free from an abusive and a corrupt government? Free from the idolatry of material things? Free from poverty and want? I see a lot of people who’d rather pay for text phone cards than save their money or pay for their electric bill. I am not against people who use their money to by stuff. But I am against publicizing it as if it was the “cure for cancer.” It just ain’t newsworthy. It’s a waste of newspaper space. So what if your the first one who lined up to buy your stupid iphone? Did that make you a better Filipino? Did it make you a better person? Other than benefiting Steve Jobbs and Apple, did it benefit people in your country? Is this really what a Filipinos are are really made out of? If that is the case then the words “values” and “character” is bereft of meaning in the Pinoy psyche.
July 12th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
When is this iphone thing sold in Pinas, anyway? I’ve got to be the first Pinoy in Pinas to buy this thing. $900 a piece, right? Times 50 plus 100% tax, plus 12% EVAT. Lumagapak na P100T. Three months salary ko na ‘to, ah. But if I fast for three months …. Okey din. I would then have another sort of record: First to die starving for buying an iphone - in Pinas. Sige go. When is this iphone thing sold in Pinas? I’ve got to be the first Pinoy to buy this thing - in Pinas. Anyone listening?
July 12th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
why don’t we just be happy?? he waited and worked hard for that, he’s just giving himself a treat! and no body should dictate what should anyone do with his hard earn money…