I Saw The Sign

There are signs everywhere, if we know how to look. Whenever we go to places that are unfamiliar to us, we look for signs so we don't get lost. A sign, or signage, is any kind of visual graphics created to present information that is culturally significant to a specific group of people.  It is composed either of symbols, emblems, or words, or a combination of two or all these, and is used for identification, giving information, directions, or warning. It can be found in such places as streets, inside and outside of buildings or other structures, and even in various modes of transport. 

The use of signage can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians and Romans. Stones and terracotta are common materials for signboards. Tools of trade were also used as signs for the obvious reason that it was their business, hence now we have the word “trademark”. Nowadays, people have become more artistic in creating signage to the extent of employing expensive materials to flashy multi-media presentations. Yet, the simple do-it-yourself creations catch our attention more than the flashy ones. These signs are unique, bearing catchy words or lines that people wouldn't readily miss.

This sign posted at a small bakeshop near Molo Plaza is so candid, handwritten with black marker on white bond. Never mind the wrong spelling, the owner must be tired of constantly reminding people not to do this and that in front of his/her establishment and more so in fielding other questions from who dare to ask about stuffs he/she doesn't sell in his/her store.

How is this for a personal touch?

Public transports like jeepneys and tricycles display a multitude of personalized stickers and signs. I am not so sure if this jeepney sign was intentionally misspelled, or the sign-maker ran out of red paint. 

Staring won't make the jeep come to a full stop. (photo taken from DPI)

This one is a classic. I think they mean that it's ok to pay a 500 peso-bill on a late afternoon or night.

This one really grabbed my attention. I made my friend stop her car just to take this picture. I am sure this one is truly misspelled because there are two other signs bearing this warning on the other sections of the fence, and the other one is on the main gate.

Strictly eco-friendly, or is this an enchanted place? Your guess is as good (or as bad) as mine. :D

The following signage mean business. They must be capitalizing on humor and this one is sure is catchy, even Anne Curtis is raising a bottle for that.

Naming your store diarrhea is funny, but the humor got lost on me when they expanded and put up this sign for their eatery, too. Hmm, I wonder if this is a forewarning.

Are they serious about this?

Next stop, toilet humor. Signs outside and inside public toilets can be a great source of laughs. They give you something to smile about while you are doing your business inside a cubicle. For the length of time that a person stays there the notes and signs posted on the wall or door remind one of toilet training for dummies.

This one was taken from a private hospital's restroom, and yes I used the flash. :D

This is from a public toilet. Now you know what the next person means when he mentions he's going to do a 5 pesos. 

Whatever reason the signage was meant for, its basic purpose is always to communicate, to relay information in a way that its receiver can perform mental processes based on the given information.