The Southie Superiority and Greatness Act of 2025, which officially recognizes the existence of residents from the cities of Muntinlupa, Parañaque, and Las Piñas, and their corresponding exclusivity that deviates them from the rest of Metro Manila, has successfully made its way within national legislation. The Act garnered collective approval among the Local Government Units (LGUs) of the National Capital Region’s Southern Manila District. 

Having only been discussed by the respective mayors in just under an hour, the Act serves as the “swiftest legislation” passed in Philippine history, following reports of excessive commercialization and overcrowding in public spaces that caused anxiety, brain fog, and yearnings among the locals.

Local gatekeeping measures

Numerous alarming reports have piled up over the past months, providing further evidence of the mass invasion obviously plotted by the Northies against Southies, causing the latter to fear for their sheltered lives. A number of witnesses claim to have experienced blatant discrimination from the newcomers and have shared their increasing fear for their safety, even amid their own turf.

“These people have got to go na talaga. First, they allowed outsiders to enter BF [Homes], and now they’re flocking to our hangout spots in Town. Nothing’s sacred anymore, grabe,” Bella de Castro, a born and raised Muntinlupeño cries out. She expressed her frustrations of seeing the drastic changes in her domain over a matcha latte and a locally handmade linen top to The LuhSallian. De Castro’s appeal to her mayor, who is also her father, was heard as he’s one of the principal writers of the Act, a solid step towards a much-needed reform. 

City of Parañaque Mayor Carmela Holmes has also explained the provisions of the Act, which covers the implementation of increased tariffs and curfews for non-Southies, and the distribution of True Southie identification cards in hopes of weeding out the “sosyal climbers”. Holmes emphasizes that they will also be imposing strict sanctions against Northies caught violating the rules, which includes a fine of P100,000, a cheap number to Southies, but a huge price to be paid by others.

Instead of the predicted economic development in the South, local areas did not expect to gain significant negative outcomes, such as increased noise pollution and long lines in areas like Westgate Filinvest. According to a recent survey done by False Asia, 70 percent of residents in Muntinlupa City alone blame Northies as the main culprits for the worsening living conditions. This figure justifies the newly imposed regulations like the controversial parking fee increase in Molito as an effort to curb the growing issues attributed to the rise of visits from the North.  

Furthermore, several data from LGUs presented a concerning rise in foot traffic by the Northies, leading to congested roads and walkways. To better control the surge of visits from outsiders, several cities in the South should implement emergency measures, starting with formally declaring a state of emergency for a short duration. Under this lockdown, Northies must leave the borders of MuntiParLas as a safety measure for the natives and be encouraged to reroute toward nearby destinations such as Antipolo City.

Retracing the great divide

The tension between Southies and Northies dates back to as early as 2017. The premise of debates typically revolved around how Northies refuse and actively avoid meeting at a legitimate halfway point between the North and South, leaving Southies to adjust by traveling all the way up to SM Megamall or even to Cubao, which is still relatively far, and certainly not the “middle” they like to gaslight the Southies with.

These days, however, the conversation has finally shifted, as Northies begin to flock to the quiet streets of Alabang. The once perfectly peaceful and serene landscape has drastically changed because of the Northies, who contradicted themselves when they proclaimed to never step foot in the South, taking an interest in the modern and chic environment it has to offer.

Sophie Zoobelle de Eyala (I, BS-MGT) expressed her distress over overcrowding and long queues in Muntinlupa City’s Molito Lifestyle Center as an example. She said, “One time, I wanted to have brunch with my gals in the al-fresco areas of Molito, but I couldn’t find a seat. Super disappointing, parang I wanted to go home na lang!”

On the other hand, Mark Viyllear (III, BS-MKT) commented on the struggle of traffic and parking in Cavite City, “Even though I live close to Evia [Lifestyle Center], [the] traffic makes the b’yahe so tagal. Then when we’re there (Evia), my heart aches for Kuya driver because he gets super exhausted endlessly looking for parking.”

How TikTok fuels the hype

The rise of Northern tourists has been attributed to the TikTok trend of Northie vloggers showcasing their first-hand experience of the South, uncovering the hidden gems the locals so badly gatekeep, and for a good reason. The social media trend gained popularity because it broke a long-standing history of dispute between the North and the South by publicizing the region with unfamiliar destinations, gaining the attention of the Northies.  

Recent studies from self-proclaimed expert Southologists confirmed that TikTok content creators significantly contributed to the increase of Northies venturing to Southie landmarks, from the aesthetic cafe hunters, car guys, and shopping haul Titas.

For example, *Billmonte, a TikTok food content creator from Quezon City, shared that he loved sharing “hidden gems of the South” with his Northie audience.

“Even though lattes in the South usually cost P300, it just hits differently for the content and when you come all the way from QC! The drive to Skyway is so sulit also,” he cheerfully shared.

*Names in asterisks (*) are pseudonyms.

This article was published in The LaSallian‘s Spoof 2025 issue. To read more, visit bit.ly/TLSSpoof2025.