The surprising rebrand I didn’t plan but needed
AI didn’t just follow orders, it gave me a direction I missed.
I was stuck on “how.” ChatGPT gave me the “where to go next.”
To set the scene, here’s a story.
My husband and I always have a Sunday market run. But before heading home, I stopped for “taho.” In the Philippines, it’s a warm silken tofu with sago (tapioca pearls) best served in the morning. Vendors usually add two sweet toppings by default: condensed milk and arnibal (brown sugar syrup).
But since I’m monitoring my sugar intake, I asked the vendor for tofu + sago only. No milk and no arnibal.
The vendor paused. “Unsa to, ma’am?” (Come again?) I repeated what I said earlier. He nodded, yet reached for the condensed milk anyway. I had to jump in: “Ayaw na butangi ug gatas.” (No milk, please.)
He looked confused, then smiled. I know I’m guilty of ruining the “taho” tradition.
Heading home and holding my plain taho like a rebel, I realized: We are always on default. That taho vendor is a perfect example. That’s why he seems confused about my request. People default to “the usual,” even when it’s not what you want.
