If you grew up in a Filipino household, or anywhere in Southeast Asia, there is one object that has witnessed your most vulnerable moments. It has seen you at your dirtiest and helped you become your cleanest. It has been a toy, a weapon (in sibling wars over the bathroom), and a symbol of comfort.
I am talking, of course, about the humble, the mighty, the little innocent tabo .
Life throws messy situations at you. Sometimes, you need more than just a dry wipe. Sometimes, you need a thorough cleanse. The tabo teaches us that it’s okay to get your hands wet to solve a problem. It teaches us that a little water (and a lot of grit) fixes almost everything. So, raise your plastic dipper high. Whether it’s the classic beige one from the palengke, the fancy pastel-colored one from Japan Home, or the repurposed pitcher from your grandmother’s kitchen—the little innocent tabo deserves a spot in the hall of fame.
Do you have a favorite tabo story? Did you use it to water the plants? To catch a spider? Share your "tabo" memories in the comments below!