It felt like it popped–out of nowhere! Enter Lato-Lato–the innocent and simple toy that everyone can’t get enough of. It is everywhere! It’s along the street, in the basketball court, in the mall, and even in a chill coffee cafe. Everyone seems to gravitate toward this fidget toy, and it's seriously annoying.
Compared to popular belief that it originated here in the Philippines or Indonesia, Lato-Lato came from the land of the free United States around the 1960s. Known as ‘clackers’ or ‘knockers,’ this toy was originally made out of glass materials that caused a plethora of problems, but at least it is now made of safer plastic. And I bet you that it was annoying then as it is now.
I am sure you have your own share of frustrations with this hot toy. Don’t worry; the NU team feels the same and has lined up some smart tips to deal with the insufferable noise this toy brings.
FromSony Official Website
Noise Cancelling. If the Lato-Lato toy is smacked and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? Short answer, no, it doesn’t.
You can do yourself a favor and equip yourself with some nice tunes to drown out the awful clacking alongside a good pair of noise-canceling peripherals. If you need insight into what to get, you can check out our thoughts on the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Airpods Pro 2nd Gen. Both outstanding audio devices that can keep your ears from unwanted noise. However, these two aren’t the only devices with ANC (active noise cancellation). Thanks to the demand for such features, several companies have made noise cancellation a norm by today's standards, meaning you can find the device that suits you and your needs.
FromMIRAMAX Official GIPHY
Ask nicely. I have encountered a scenario that was both awkward and annoying. This scenario had someone bring out this toy in the middle of the cafe and use it. At this point, I felt like he was doing it subconsciously because he was in the middle of a conversation whilst doing this, and I was like, “Are you for real, my guy?” Aside from the jazz music playing in the background, the clacking from this toy was the only thing you could hear, causing a disturbance for everyone.
Fromwhee Official GIPHY
So what can you do if you have this scenario? Ask nicely. There is no harm in trying because they won’t know they are causing a disturbance less than someone else tells them.
If they don’t stop, or worse, if more people with the same toy walk in, just walk away. It’s the hottest toy right now. What can you do? You can take a deep breath and cut yourself from the equation. A headache isn’t worth it if it continues after 5 minutes.
Be the bigger person and adjust as long as you make your intentions clear.
FromThe Good Place Official GIPHY
Now as a quick PSA for those who enjoy this toy. There is nothing wrong in practicing it if you sincerely find joy in the quick clacks of satisfaction. But just like Professor Oak said, “There's a time and place for everything.”
Sometimes you have to hold the urge to continue playing with the toy when you are near places such as hospitals, churches, and schools. Time as well has to be accounted for, especially at night when some of your family members are asleep.
Just as satisfying as the clacks of the Lato-Lato, you can equip yourself with the fiber speeds of PLDT Home Fiber Plus Plans that will ensure you keep up to date with the latest trends!