In the great drama of Philippine virality, the Sampaguita Girl and the Mall Guard have taken center stage, turning a fleeting moment into a nationwide spectacle. Opinions flew faster than Metro Manila traffic: Was the guard a symbol of oppression, or the girl a cunning agent of charm?

Social media warriors drew their lines, armed with hashtags and memes. Meanwhile, the real winners quietly emerged: the girl, now with offers of financial aid, and the guard, with potential new employment, proving once again that virality trumps virtue.

Of course, in true Pinoy fashion, calls for a congressional hearing may not be far behind—“in aid of legislation,” naturally. Will they declare Sampaguita-selling a heritage act? Mandate a national policy on viral redemption arcs? Or perhaps launch a task force on the ethics of online fame? Until then, let’s all move on. Or not. There’s always another video waiting to outrage, entertain, or distract us all over again.