"Mahal kita" (Tagalog lesson #3)

Ok, we’re going to get cheesy here a bit (hoping not too much) as “Valentines Day” approach. We’re going to translate the most abused and misused expression in history, the phrase “I love you”.

In English, three words, in Tagalog, just two.

PHRASE:

Mahal (muh-hul) kita (kee-tuh)

USE IN A SENTENCE:

I love you
Mahal kita

So yeah, go up to that special person in your life and say it! Just make sure you mean it.

All Souls' and Saints' Day 2010

“All Souls’ day and all Saints’ day” is celebrated here on October 31 and November 1st. We don’t have Halloween but have our own traditions regarding the dead.

Filipinos flock to the cemeteries to remember their dead on the aforementioned dates. The Catholics light candles atop the grave of their beloved dead relatives (Some ritual they practice – sorry I’m not familiar with it since I’ve never been Catholic). We once used to visit a cemetery nearby just for the fun of it since our dead relatives are buried up north, six-hours drive away and we can’t go there, we just visit the dead of other people we don’t even know.

The last time we went there, we got chased by geese. First, there was just one goose and I thought I wanted to acquaint with it and call it out like I would a dog – BAD IDEA! I guess, it was insulted, I mean, it’s a duck. It started honking and maybe honked to the others too. It wasn’t long before there were a horde of them marching towards us, honking madly!

My dad, my knight in shining white T-shirt and short faced them bravely, bravely behind my wheelchair – “well, thanks dad.” He started shooing them and threatening them USING ME! “There goes my protection.”

They chased us for a few minutes but we managed to get away. We never went back after that – haha! but there's talk of returning, when all the geese are dead.

Typhoon "Juan" 2010

As of present right this very moment), my country is being devastated by a super typhoon named "Juan". Although I'm safe in the capital region, in Manila, north Luzon is now placed under "state of calamity".  It's the strongest tropical cyclone of 2010 so far that hit the Philippines. it's expected to leave by midnight and head towards the China Sea.

We've been ready and alerted a few days before it arrived but there are still casualties and enormous damage to properties. something can't be prevented no matter how we prepare but our readiness at least minimizes the loss of lives.

Typhoons are normal in my country. We get it ever year during the wet and rainy seasons, usually around June to  September but this year, La Nina extended the rainy months and we're expecting a few more until December.

October celebration

Absolutely Filipina joins the world in celebrating "World Teacher's Day" today, October 5, 2010. We give recognition to all teachers who perseveringly educate, mold and guide our students, academically, morallyy and Spiritually. The Lord bless your hearts and your labor! We love you!

Here, we also celebrate October - "Breast Cancer " month. Get that mammogram test if you haven't yet. It will save your life.

Kumusta? (Tagalog lesson #2)

(Filipino greeting)  
There’s no Filipino word for “Hi” or “Hello”. We say the same English words when we meet up with a friend and follow it up with the word “Kumusta?”

Now "Kumusta" is a Filipino word that can stand alone, it’s a one-word sentence that could mean several things.

Word:

Kumusta? = (Koo – moos – tuh) How are you? Although this word exactly means that, it also connotes “How are things and how are you doing?” all in one word and always followed by a question mark when written. 

Use in a sentence:

How are you?

Kumusta?

How’s the health?

Kumusta ang health?

So there, next time you meet a Filipino, use it and you’ll be surprised that one word can get you a lot of information you probably don’t even want to know…haha!

Suman (Rice delicacy)

Suman sa Ibos is one of the well loved Filipino delicacies in the Philippines. It’s composed of glutinous rice, coconut milk and salt, and wrapped in Buli leaves. 
My mom just learned to make one and so, it’s women-bonding time! But instead of wrapping them in buli leaves, we used banana leaves, and also steamed the suman instead of immersing them in mixed water and coconut milk.

And this is what it’s supposed to looks like, done, wrapped in Buli leaves:

You unwrap and dip it in sugar…yummmmmmm!

 For complete recipe and procedure click here

Courtship in the Philippines

I don’t know about other countries but in the Philippines, courtship used to be the traditional and only acceptable way to win a woman’s favor.

In the olden days, courtship meant a man had to gather firewood and fetch water (from a well, river etc.) for the woman he wants to have (and this may include her family’s needs too). Women were highly regarded and the men had to really work hard for love. The tradition changed as the world changed, from firewood and water to flowers and chocolates. From courting to just dating, to long distance and ambiguous relationships.

But despite of that, some Filipinas still prefer the traditional way, courtship.

Visiting her in the house – Meeting and knowing the family is important in the Filipino culture. It’s one of the most effective ways of winning the family and their respect. Even just mere friends are introduced to the parents, siblings, friends. It’s supposed to be a show of respect to the parents and assurance that they can trust the guy friend or suitor, that’ she’s safe and in good company.

Giving gifts – This depends on the girl. Some women don’t like being spoiled and feel their affection is being bought by material things if you spend too much on them. Small offerings work better, little gifts that don’t cost too much but are meaningful.

To most women, it isn’t the gift, it’s the thought, the thought that you thought of when you bought it, the thought that you’re willing to spend hard earned money for her (gives the notion that you’d be a good provider for her future children with you)

I think those two sums it up. The Filipina isn’t hard to love or win. Just be sincere, be yourself and be respectful.

Manila (Philippines) 1938

A look at what my country was like back in the 40s. The culture, the places, the people.

BAGO (Tagalog lesson #1)

Since this site is new and it's mostly about my country, might as well start learning my native tongue (Tagalog) too, and for the first lesson. I will teach the Tagalog word for "new".


Word: Bago (Buh-go) – New

Use in a sentence:

My shoes are new.

My shoes are "bago."

Maria Clara

Maria Clara is a heroine from our national hero’s (Jose Rizal) novel “Noli Me Tangere” (Social Cancer) written in 1887, a portrait of an ideal woman, faithful, pure and modest.

She epitomized the Filipina woman back then, demure and wrapped in four pieces of clothing.

We’ve gone a long way since then from wearing floor length skirts (the saya) and bell sleeved blouses (camisa) but we’re still just as trustworthy, as chaste and as simple.

Though I was named after another great woman, I still hold the same values as Maria Clara.

Welcome to my site and let me introduce you to my culture, my language, my country; and everything that's Filipina.