by Jerome Espinosa Baladad

Created on: March 07, 2010   Last Updated: March 08, 2010

People who have the opportunity to visit the Philippines will have more fun during the trip if they will tuck in their belt some handy phrases to help them out in navigating the archipelago. Tagalog, being technically the basis of the national language (which is Filipino; check the Philippine Constitution) is used nationwide, though once in a while you’ll get surprised or adamant looks from Filipinos who are more comfortable in using their own native language with which they grew up (or use at home) with. Tagalog as one of the native languages in the Philippines contributes practically the vocabulary of Filipino (the national language), although gradually a lot of words from other regional languages (like Bisaya, Ilonggo, Ilocano, Waray, Kapampangan, Bikol) now come into more regular use and have become part of the lingua franca.

Keep in your mind and heart the following phrases (actually, some are complete sentences for you to use to come across more clearly to the usually surprised but smiling stranger, or new found friend). They will serve as your keys to relaying what you want to send across anyone you meet on the road while being on tour in the Philippines:

1)    Anong pangalan mo? (literal translation: “What is your name?” – useful in asking for someone’s name).

2)    Paano pumunta sa [fill in the name of the place]? (translated to: “How do go to ______? – a phrase you can use whenever you feel like asking for directions from where you are now, and to a place you must have heard of from some interesting sources).

3)    Ang init! (literal translation: “Too hot!” – handy to use in expressing one’s reaction to the heat as the weather can get over 100 degrees (in Fahreinheit, though Celsius is used in the Philippines) any time of the year, which is expected as the Philippines is a tropical country).

4)    Magkakano ang pamasahe? (translated to: “How much is the fare?” – useful when you’re preparing to pay for the fare when you use the public transportation system. The system comes in the form of a jeepney, FX [a van that accommodates more passengers to many destinations, and usually with air-conditioning], taxi, tricycles, pedicabs, train, light rail transit coach, boat, etc).

5)    Masarap! (literal translation: “Delicious!” – use this when you actually feel like saying it when

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>