WELCOME SA AKING TRAVEL JOURNAL!

Welcome onboard our journey through the Philippines!
Follow me on my journey as I take you through the life as a Pinoy- introducing the culture of the locals, favourite foods, popular celebrities and places of interest just to name a few!

In the Navigation Bar on the right, feel free to click on any category under "Everything you want to know" for more discoveries into the aspect about The Philippines you are interested in. "Venture Deeper" by exploring other websites featuring this beautiful country. There is a tag board for you to give opinions and share your experiences with us! Finally, we also hope you'll enjoy some Filipino music featured on this site for your entertainment..

Just For Starters, here are some videos that capture all the life and beauty of the Philippines. I assure you, you will slowly but surely fall in love with the people, the adorable faces of the little Filipino children, their colorful culture, great beaches with limitless sand and sun and sea. It's a beautiful country indeed. We hope your appetite for MORE of the Philippines will be whet with these videos!

SCENERY OF THE PHILIPPINES
(Why the Philippines is dubbed the Pearl of the Orient)



REAL LIFE IN THE PHILIPPINES
(The people and faces the make Philippines what it is.)

For any other queries or information, please drop me an email at ourpinoypassion@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Looking forward to hearing from you!

WHEN IT COMES TO THE PHILIPPINES,

WE TELL YOU EVERYTHING.

Business Set-up Procedures

A total of 15 basic procedures & 8 weeks to complete

Business Opportunities

Labour Force

Philippines has a highly trainable labour force as free education are provided from 6 years of primary education to 4 years of secondary education. This allows Filipinos to be equipped with all the necessary basic knowledge and skills and aids them in securing a job in the future. In addition, Filipinos have a strong English language proficiency and they have one of the highest literacy rate in South-east Asia (96.4% - 2007). Moreover, the minimum wage level ranges from PHP 350 - 362 which is relative low makes Philippines a country with inexpensive labour resources.



Booming Call Center & Outsourcing Hub

Philippines also has a booming local call center industry and the country is also a growing outsourcing hub for companies from North America, Europe and Asia due to the availabilty of cheaper alternative work solutions and processes. Companies from USA, Canada, Western Europe and even neighbouring Asian countries are utilizing Philippines' low cost potential.

Emergency Contacts

An experienced traveler would know the value of keeping emergency numbers. So, keep a mental note of these essential numbers:

The International Telephone Code for Philippines is + 63

The two main City Area Telephone codes in Philippines are:

Cebu- + 6332
Manila- + 632

Often, the emergency numbers in Philippines vary according to the city or province.

However the numbers to dial at any time of any emergency are:
Police-117
Fire-116 or 757

Singapore Embassy in Manila, Philippines
Embassy of Singapore in Manila, Philippines
35th Floor, The Enterprise Center
6766 Ayala Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas
Makati City
Philippines
Phone: 632-7512345
Fax: 632-7512346

Money Tips

• Relish in the joys of haggling! Bargaining for the best price is perfectly all right in public markets.

• The Philippine monetary unit, the Peso, is usually preferred for transactions.

• Do not worry if you do not have enough Pesos. Money-changing shops are can easily be located in key cities and towns.

• Tipping is expected for many services. The standard amount is 10% of the total bill.

• Tipping is optional on bills that include a service charge, which is often 10% as well of the total bill.

• Do keep a watchful eye on your belongings and if possible, keep them close to you at all times.
  

Let's Play Dress Up!

Before you embark on this wonderful journey, here are some useful dressing tips:

• Dress for the (hot) weather! Light clothing would be ideal as temperatures range from 8°F/25°C to 90°F/32°C, with mean humidity at 77%.
  

• You could very well sport a tan during the hot and dry months from March to May, so remember to bring your sunblock lotion or tanning oil!

• During the rainy months from June to October, or if you are setting out for the mountainous areas, never leave home without an umbrella or a rain coat!

• Comfortable yet sturdy footwear would be useful as traveling around the islands would involve some walking.

• Informal wear is generally acceptable. Dining establishments and hotels usually do not impose a dress code although shorts and slippers may be deemed inappropriate.

• On formal occasions, men can either wear the traditional Barong Tagalog or a suit-and-tie.

Cinema

I have been going to the movies so frequently ever since I came to the Philippines! Movie going is very popular amongst Filipinos as a ticket cost P45 only! Furhtermore, there has been an increasing production of foreign film especially American films each year and this has resulted in an increase in the increasing popularity of American files among moviegoers in the Philippines. American films with themes related to romance, action-adventure and science fiction are hot favourites in the Philippines!

Tagalog cinema is also big in Philippines with the industry almost rivals that of Bombay or Bollywood. Most cinemas can be found in large shopping centers like Harrison Plaza, Araneta Center and Makati Commercial Center. Movie schedules can be found in the daily papers so remember to check the time of the movie before heading down!

More games!

The SUNKA! The favourite indigenous game. Today i just played the afternoon away with this game and it was GREAT FUN =) A warning though - it is VERY ADDICTIVE. you'll find yourself wanting to play game after game after game, especially if you lost in one ;)

How to play the game:

1. At each turn a player empties one of the small pits and distributes its contents in a counterclockwise direction, one by one, into the following pits including his own store, but passing the opponents store. If the last stone falls into a non-empty small pit, its contents are lifted and distributed in another lap.
2. If the last stone is dropped into the player's own store, the player gets a bonus move.
3. If the last stone is dropped into an empty pit or the opponent's store, the move ends.

Sounds easy enough, doesn't it? GIVE IT A GO!

Fast Facts about Filipino Dressing

My stay in the Philippines has taught me some interesting facts on appropriate styles of dressing. Let me share them with you!

1) The basic rule: Dress comfortably and decently
2) Wearing of shorts and jeans by foreigners is not really understood or respected by Filipinos
3) Most Filipinos dress conservatively and hold foreigners to an even higher standard
4) Do not look like you are going to the beach unless you really aree
5) Sleeveless shirts for men are out
6) Shorts above the knees as we know as bermudas are seen by Filipinos to 'look funny' and are only accepted if you are a dock laborer!

Remember to take note of these tips the next time you decide on stepping out into the streets of Philippines!

Business Culture

The working culture in Philippines is highly hierarchical and patriarchal due to it being highly influenced by Asian values. It can be reflected in the seating arrangement, where the boss or in charge always takes the seat at the top of the table and assumes a paternalistic role within the company. Within the company, there is also many different levels of subordinates and business protocols to be negotiated.

According to the Hofstede’s model (below), Philippines has been rated 94 on the Power Distance Index, compared to Singapore’s 74. Power Distance Index (PDI) that is the extent to which the less powerful members of organizations and institutions (like the family) accept and expect that power is distributed unequally.

Philippines is also rated low on Long Term Orientation. Values associated with Long Term Orientation are thrift and perseverance; values associated with Short Term Orientation are respect for tradition, fulfilling social obligations, and protecting one's 'face'. This is in line with the Philippine culture of ‘Hiya’.

The following shows Philippines compared to the rest Asia on the various indices

The Essential Business Etiquette

Here is a list of don'ts for essential business etiquette

DON’T be surprised if business negotiations take longer than anticipated. The pace of doing business in the Philippines is slow and the decision-making process tends to be detailed and protracted.

DON’T underestimate the influence of the family unit and the affect it often has on business. Nepotism exists in some Philippine business organisations and certain preferences are often made as a result of this.

DON’T raise your voice or interrupt while your Filipino business colleagues are talking, since this is usually considered offensive and shows a lack of respect

The Essential Business Etiquette

Here is a list of do's for essential business etiquette:

DO avoid direct and continuous eye-contact during business conversations, since staring is generally considered to be rude and confrontational.

DO engage in light conversation with your Filipino business colleagues either before
and/or after the meeting, since establishing a cordial personal relationship is very important in Philippine business culture.

DO address your client/associate with their title and family name first

DO dress in an appropriate manner when doing business with your Filipino
counterparts. Both men and women should dress conservatively and with a certain degree of formality. A vital part of gaining respect and being successful depends on you dressing well and taking pride in your appearance.

DO hand over your name card with both hands. To do otherwise shows of a lack of respect.

Business Practices

Doing business in any country requires one to understand the culture and business environment. In the Philippines, there are some business practices anyone interested in doing a business there must know:

1) Highly face saving culture: Hiya is shame and is a motivating factor behind behaviour. Filipinos believe they must live up to the accepted standards of behaviour and if they fail to do so they bring shame not only upon themselves, but also upon their family. Always accept any offer of food or drink. If you turn down offers of hospitality, your colleagues lose face. It is also very important to think before you speak.

2) Businss is a highly personalized affair: Like in many Asian countries, Filipinos thrive on interpersonal relationships, so it is advisable to be introduced by a third party. It is crucial to network and build up a network of business associates you can call upon for assistance in the future. Business relationships are personal relationships, which mean you may be asked to do favours for colleagues, and they will fully expect you to ask them for favours in return. To a Filipino, a successful business relationship is based on human interaction, personal contact and establishing trust.

3) Filipinos are status conscious: When meeting your Filipino business associates for the first time, it is appropriate to address them with their title and family name. Ensure that you address business associates with their formal titles as a means of showing respect. As for people without a professional title? They should be addressed with courtesy titles such as “Mr”, “Mrs”, or “Miss”, followed by their surname. Avoid at all costs calling someone by their given name UNLESS you have known them for a long period of time, or until they invite you to be more informal.

Festivities and Celebrations the Pinoy way

Festivities and Celebrations (important dates)

- (1 January) New Year’s Day
- (Thursday through Sunday) Easter
- (9 April) Bataan Day
- (6 May) Araw ng Kagitingan
- (12 June) Independence Day
- (27 August) National Heroes Day
- (1 November) All Saints’ Day
- (30 November) Bonifacio Day
- (25 December) Christmas Day


The Philippines have what has been called the longest Christmas celebration in the world - three weeks! (from the 16 Dec to the 6 Jan)



The fiesta is part and parcel of Filipino culture. Through good times and bad times, the fiesta must go on. Each city and barrio has at least on local festival of its own, usually on the feast of its patron saint, so that there is always a fiesta going on somewhere in the country.

The fiesta mentioned above is perhaps the single event most conducive to community solidarity each year is the fiesta. Celebrated on the special day of the patron saint of a town or barangay, the fiesta is a time for general feasting. Houses are opened to guests, and food is served in abundance. The fiesta always includes a Mass, but its purpose is unabashedly social. The biggest events include a parade, dance, basketball tournament, cockfights, and other contests, and perhaps a carnival, in addition to much visiting and feasting.
It is no exception during Christmas, which has the biggest and most elaborate festival of all. It is a season celebrated with all the pomp and pageantry the fun-loving Filipinos can manage. I cant wait for Christmas this year!

Recreation and relaxation in the Philippines!

The Filippinos are a fun bunch of people. Today I discovered (and tried some out) various recreational activities that the Filippinos engage in, and I bet it's just the tip of the iceberg!


1) THEY LOVE FISHING (: and i have fallen in love with it too! I tried it with a group of my friends today and it's no wonder it's one of their top recreational activity. it's so relaxing you've got to try it too! Besides, the Philippine sunsets are gorgeous, and you are sure to want to be there to see one for yourself. What greater combination than a good catch in glorious sunset!

2) THEY LOVE EATING. If you've toured around our site long enough, you'll already know this by now. We've talked endlessly on food, glorious, Filipino food... and you've read about how they eat not three but SIX meals a day. but it is SURELY ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES, truly. Mealtimes have been such a joy from day one here in the Philippines. While we eat we talk, laugh, get to know one another better... and it's always nice seeing families and friends all around doing the same - whether they are gathered around the market stalls, or by the beach, or beside the pavements. you name it, and someone's bound to be there enjoying some rest time with hot food or snacks.

3) BOXING. It's hot stuff among the guys, especially. I haven't tried it yet but i've witnessed some of them have a good boxing game. It looks like a pretty great workout indeed and one that requires alot of mental focus at the same time. I think i'm going to give it a try at least once in the next few days and work off some of the huge meals i've merrily had in the past week =)

4) GOLF!!!! Another top favorite. Now this recreational activity here has an added professional touch to it - it's a way of doing business and establishing relationships between you and your business partners as well. With golf, who says work has to have no play at all? =)

5) And how could one forget Kite flying? The Filipinos love it and so do I, really. The Philippines enjoys some very nice breeze here, and it's a popular choice for something fun to do at the beach. I rented kites the other day at a stall nearby and had myself a swell afternoon!

6) COCKFIGHTING. Now this, my friends, is one amazingly interesting activity you can hardly get anywhere else than here in the Philippines. The people here are crazy about it and I am won over by their enthusiasm. you start thinking what's the big deal about putting two cocks together and watching them fight, right? The Filipinos will have you think again. Admist the cheering, shouting, jeering, clapping, laughter and among all your friends, you just can't help but feel excited about the game too. Start taking sides and you're going to be totally won over by then. you'll find yourself cheering along and supporting your animal like it's your new best friend. Well, I did, at least! =)

The Barong

Clothing in the Philippines have been largely influenced by the West and Malay settlers. For casual wear, Filipinos wear comfortable but conservative clothing which are light and loose fitting. For traditional and formal wear, Filipinos would wear The Barong.

The Barong are different for both the male and female but share similar product details. These would include:

- Long sleeves with button cuffs
- Traditional/Straight collar

- Half length front buttons, with the buttons exposed

- 100% polyester

- Regular fit and crotch length

- Made in Philippines

For the male, it is called a Barong Tagalog, which is a long sleeved shirt made of pinya (pineapple) cloth with hand made elaborated embroidery. Here are some pictures of a the Barong Tagalog.

For the female, it is called a Baro at Saya. The baro is a blouse and the saya is a skirt. It could be a Maria Clara, a balintawak, a malong, a patadyong or a terno.

And Just For Starters, here are some videos that capture all the life and beauty of the Philippines. I assure you, you will slowly but surely fall in love with the people, the adorable faces of the little Filipino children, their colorful culture, great beaches with limitless sand and sun and sea. It's a beautiful country indeed. We hope your appetite for MORE of the Philippines will be whet with these videos!

SCENERY OF THE PHILIPPINES
(It is no wonder why they call the Philippines the Pearl of the Orient when you see beauty like this!)



REAL LIFE IN THE PHILIPPINES
(The people and faces the make Philippines what it is.)

Traditional Dance

Most Filipino folk dances originated from European dances during Spanish rule and every district in Philippines has its own folk dance. Here are four dances which I really like!

1) Pandanggo sa Ilaw

The word pandanggo comes from the Spanish dance "fandango" characterized with lively steps and clapping while following a varying 3/4 beat. The pandanggo requires excellent balancing skill to maintain the stability of three tinggoy,or oil lamps, placed on the dancer's head and at the back of each hand. This famous dance of grace and balance originated from Luband Island, Mindoro.

2) Tinikling

Tinikling is considered the national folkdance with a pair of dancers hopping between two bamboo poles held jusy above the ground and struck together in time to the music. Originated from Leyte Province, this dance is in fact a mimic movement of "tikling birds" hoping over trees, grass stems, or over bamboo traps set by farmers. Dancers performing this dance requires remarkable grace and speed jumping between bamboo poles. This is a very challenging dance but my favourite!

My friends and I after the Tinikling dance!

3) Maglalatik

This is a four part mock-war dance, demonstrating a fight between the Moros and the Christians over the prized latik or coconut meat during the Spanish rule. This dance shows tribute to the town's patron saint San Isidro Labrador and showcases the intense battle, the paseo and the escaramusa. Moro dancers wear red trousers while the Christian dancers wear blue. All dancers are male with harnesses of coconut shells attached on their chests, backs, thighs and hips.

4)La Jota Manilena

As most of you might have guesses, this dance is named after the capital city of the Philippines, Manila. It is an adaptation of Castilian Jota afloat with the clacking of bamboo cstanets playedby the dancers themselves. The costume and graceful movmements of the performers are noticeably inspired by Spanish Culture.

Some conversational Tagalog

Do you know how it's always great to know enough of a new language to strike a CONVERSATION? Sometimes knowing random words here and there just isn't enough. So I came across a site which teaches you how to talk about the FAMILY in tagalog! I thought it was really interesting so here it is!

Family

---

Mag-anak

Are you married?
May asawa ka ba?
Mäi äh-säh-wäh käh bäh?

I am single.
Wala pa akong asawa.
Wäh-läh päh äh-kong äh-säh-wäh

I am married.
May asawa ako.
Mäi äh-säh-wäh ä-koh.

How many children do you have?
Ilan ang anak mo?
Eeh-lähn äng äh-näk moh?

I have ...
Mayroon akong ...
Mäi-roh-ohn äh-kong ...

I don't have any children.
Wala akong anak.
Wäh-läh äh-kong äh-näk.

How many siblings do you have?
Ilan kayong magkakapatid?
Eeh-lähn käh-yohng mäg-käh-käh-päh-teed?

Is your spouse here?
Narito ba ang asawa mo?
Näh-ree-toh bäh äng äh-säh-wäh moh?

Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
May nobyo/nobya ka?
Mäi nohb-yoh/nohb-yäh käh?

MORE AND MORE TAGALOG :D

I can't get enough of learning Tagalog, can you?
I said I would be back with more words according to the days of the week, months of the year, seasons and numbers :) Well, here I am and here it goes!

DAYS OF THE WEEK

SUNDAY: Linggo (leeng-goh)
MONDAY: Luncs (loo-nehs)
TUESDAY: Martcs (Mär-tehs)
WEDNESDAY: Miycrkolcs
THURSDAY: Huwebes (hoo-weh-behs)
FRIDAY: Biyernes (bee-yehr-nehs)
SATURDAY: Sabado (Sä-bäh-doh)

MONTHS OF THE YEAR

JANUARY: Enero (Eh-neh-roh)
FEBRUARY: Pebrero (Peh-breh-roh)
MARCH: Marso (Mär-soh)
APRIL: Abril (Äh-breel)
MAY: Mayo (Mäh-yoh)
JUNE: Hunyo (Hoo-nyoh)
JULY: Hulyo (Hoo-lyoh)
AUGUST: Agosto (Äh-gohs-toh)
SEPTEMBER: Septiyembre (Sehp-tee-yehm-breh)
OCTOBER: Oktubre (Ohk-too-breh)
NOVEMBER: Nobiyembre (Noh-bee-yehm-breh)
DECEMBER: Disiyembre (Dee-see-yehm-breh)

FESTIVALS

NEW YEAR: Bagong Taon (Bäh-gohng Tä-ohnz)
VALENTINES' DAY: Araw ni San Valentin (Arau nee Sän Vä-lehn-teen)
ALL SAINT'S DAY: Todos Los Santos (Toh-dos lohs sän-tohs)
CHRISTMAS: Pasko (Päs-koh')

NUMBERS

0 Sero (seh-roh)
1 isa (ee-säh)
2 Dalawa (dä-läh-wä)
3 Tatlo (tät-loh)
4 Apat (äh-pät)
5 Lima (lee-mäh)
6 Anim (äh-neem)
7 Pito (pee-toh)
8 Walo (wäh-loh)
9 Siyam (see-yäm)
10 Sampu (säm-poo)

Isn't it just great to learn a new language?
Tagalog is great! I'm loving it :)

Week Long Holiday in December

News about the week long holiday in December for banks in the Philippines have been circulating! This has nothing to do with the current financial crisis, but was decreed by Malacanang, which combined the Christmas and New Year merry-making with the 2008 version of Gloria Arroyo's holiday economics.

Together with Christmas and New Year's days and Rizal Day on December 30, plus the Saturday and Sunday in between, banks will be shut down for 8 straight days from December 25 to January 1! This eight day shutdown is creating a financial planning havoc among corporate treasurers and paymasters, who are in a bind as to what date the last paycheck for the year should be released.

I am sure there will be alot of merry making and parties going on in Philippines at the end of year! I cant wait!

Philippines Corruption Scandal

Philippines has been faced with yet another corruption scandal! As I was looking through the papers from November 1, I found out that the Senate was preparing an arrest warrant for Jocelyn Bolante. This was to compel him to testify in an investigation into allegations that 728 million pesos in farm subsidies were diverted to President Gloria Arroyo's 2004 election campaign as he was alleged to have handled the payments. This will bring allegations of President Gloria Arroyo's rigged 2004 elections into the spotlight yet again, which have bedevilled her presidency.

Not only that, a member of a delegation of police generals attending an Interpol conference in St Petersburg was caught by Russian Customes with 105,000yen in undeclared cash meant to buy intelligence equipment. This is contradicting to the police force trying to improve its public image and uproot corruption.

Corruption seems to be rifle in Philippines and uprooting will pose a big challenge to the government. Here are some photos I found that shows the resentment of the Filipinos towards President Gloria Arroyo:

Internet Radio

The radio has certainly been my best company whenever I am bored in Philippines. The presence of Internet Radio has certainly made listening to the radio much easier! I can listen to any channel I want and switch a channel with just a click of the mouse, so convenient! Here are some websites where you can enjoy Internet Radio as well. Simply click on the names below!

1) The Filipino

2) Surf Music

3) Online Radio

Getting around!

Here's a rgional city map which I found very useful using while trying to spot tourists attractions and other places of interest to get to them. Also useful for seeing which is near what other places so you can map out your journey for the day in the best way! Have fun!

Something to help you learn Tagalog!

Easter

Due to the fact that the majority of the people in the Philippines are Roman Catholics Easter is a big national holyday. It is celebrated in several of ways. It the picture you see below you can se how the Filipinos symbolize the pain that Jesus went though.

As I have mentioned the Filipinos who are Roman Catholics take the celebration of Easter very seriously. The town of Cutud is famous for its reenactments of the events surrounding the crucifixion of Christ. The rituals draw devout Catholics and tourists alike, who make a 30-minute walk to reenact the march to Calvary, the site of Christ's crucifixion. Visitors who aren't used to walking along dusty roads in the extreme heat, often do not make it to the end. The event even includes an actual mock crucifixion, with some participants actually being nailed to a cross as you can see in the picture below.

Christmas

Christmas is very big in the Philippines. They actually celebrate the holiday for three weeks in total. This is the longest Christmas celebration in the world. So if you love Christmas you should really go there for your next Christmas holiday.

Imagine Christmas on white sand, blue the sky and the ocean that is even bluer. How wonderful could that be?

Christmas in the Philippines is a mixture of Western and native Filipino traditions. Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, sending Christmas cards, and singing carols have all been inherited from the cultures of the West. However, these have all been adapted to fit the nature and personality of the Filipino people.
Christmas Eve in the Philippines is one of the traditions most families celebrate. It is a night without sleep and a continuous celebration moving right into Christmas Day. As December 24th dawns, the last Mass of Simbang Gabi is attended; then preparation begins for Noche Buena, which is a family feast that takes place after midnight.
The Filipinos love their Christmas and they love their food. Above you see a picture of a typical Filipino Christmas feast.

It is a Filipino tradition for children to visit their godparents and elderly relatives on Christmas day. This child is showing respect for his godmother by taking her hand to his forehead. In return, he receives a blessing or a gift.

Tagalog words!

The language of the Filipinos is really beautiful in my opinion, and i think you would agree with me too! Check out this list of words here and refer to Tagalog Dictionary for more yet!!!!!

Word: a!
English Definition: (intj.) an exclamation of sudden recollection
Examples: A! Naalala ko na! (A! Now I remember!)

Word: aba!
English Definition: (intj.) an exclamation of surprise, wonder, or disgust; emphatic denial.

Word: abang
English Definition: to wait or watch for someone or some vehicle to come by.

Word: abay
English Definition: 1) companion

Word: abnoy
English Definition: (adj) Tagalog slang for abnormal, crazy, insane

Word: abrelata
English Definition: (noun) can opener

Word: Abril
English Definition: (noun) April

Word: agham
English Definition: (noun) science

Word: agila
English Definition: (noun) eagle

Word: Agosto
English Definition: (noun) August

Word: ahas
English Definition: (noun) snake

Word: ahente
English Definition: (noun) agent; salesman

Word: akap
English Definition: 1) to embrace someone

Word: akin
English Definition: (pron.) my, mine

Word: aklat
English Definition: (noun) book

Word: aklatan
English Definition: (noun) library

Word: akma1
English Definition: 1) to set something (passive verb) 2) to get ready to do something, to be properly fitted (active verb)

Word: aksaya
English Definition: 1) waste

Word: akto
English Definition: to act, to perform as in a play, to behave

Word: aksidente
English Definition: 1) accident (noun) 2) to meet an accident (verb)

Word: akwaryum
English Definition: (noun) aquarium, fish tank

Word: alaala
English Definition: (noun) remembrance, souvernir, memory, recollection (active verb) to remember

Word: alahas
English Definition: (noun) jewelry, jewels

Word: alamat
English Definition: (noun) folklore, tradition

Word: alangan
English Definition: 1) uncertain, doubtful, insufficient, not fitted, unfit (adj) 2) to be uncertain, to be doubtful, to be inadequate (active verb)

Word: ale
English Definition: (noun) aunt, step mother; expression addressed to a woman; reference to a woman.

Word: Aleman
English Definition: (noun) German

Word: aligi
English Definition: (noun) fat of crabs, shrimps

Word: alindog
English Definition: (noun) personal charm; gorgeousness

Word: alinsangan
English Definition: (adj) /ma-/ warm, hot

Word: alis1
English Definition: 1) departure (noun)

Word: alitan
English Definition: (noun) conflict, quarrel, misunderstanding

Word: aliw
English Definition: 1) consolation, comfort (noun) 2) to console, to comfort (verb)

Word: Hulyo
English Definition: (noun) July

Word: hurno
English Definition: (noun) oven

Word: Huwebes
English Definition: (noun) Thursday

Word: ibon
English Definition: (noun) bird

Word: tangi
English Definition: (adj) special; favorite; one and only

Word: tanghali1
English Definition: (noun) /--an/ (TANGHALIAN) lunch; noon meal

Word: tanghali2
English Definition: (adj) late (time); not early

Word: tanghal
English Definition: (adv) late; high noon; midday

Word: tanggap
English Definition: (verb) to receive; to accept; to admit

Word: suwail
English Definition: (adj) rebellious; disobedient; insolent

Word: pusa
English Definition: (noun) cat

WOW. Now that was a big handful of words to remember already! This is just a random list I had fun looking through and learning... I shall be giving myself more 'tagalog lessons' according to the days / months / numbers / seasons / etc. soon! Come check back and learn along with me! It's going to be so fun :D

Love Ballads

Filipinos are big on love ballads! As mentioned in the earlier post, the music most identified as truly Filipino is the kundiman, a passionate romantic ballad. With their love for love ballads, there has been an increase in the number of Filipino artist singing such songs. One good example is Christian Bautisa. Here are some facts about him:

Birth name: Christian Joseph Morata Bautisa

Date of birth: October 19, 1981

Occupation: Singer, actor, model

How his career started: A finalist in reality show 'Star In A Million", winning 4th place in the competition in 2003. After the contest, he signed a contract with Warner Music Philippines and launched his self-titled album 'Christian Bautisa' which became multi platinum.

Famous songs: 'The Way You Look At Me', 'Invincible' and 'Hands to Heaven'

Website: ChristianBautisaOnline.com