The Philippines Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow
Kesu It was National Cheese Day yesterday! How do you say “cheese” in your language? Did you know that Filipinos have their own version of the Dutch Edam cheese which is a local favorite Christmas food? KÉSU • (KEH-soo)cheeseTagálog (Filipino): késo EtymologyFrom Spanish queso “cheese” You may want to read: Queseo Queseo de Bola
Tomboy (all Philippine languages): a lesbian You may want to read: Bakla Baki
KRUS / KURUS • (kroos / koo-ROOS)crossTagálog (Filipino): krus EtymologyFrom Spanish cruz (“cross”) Verb Conjugationmangurus, mángurus, méngurus – to make a sign of the cross (Actor Focus)ikurus, kukurus, kinurus – to put together into a cross; to mark something with an x or cross (Object Focus)pikurus, pikukurus, píkurus – to put together into a cross … Read more
The Kapampángan Santacruzan: SABAT SANTACRÚZAN The Kapampangan version of the Santacruzan is different in that the procession is halted several times by costumed actors who challenge the Reina Elena in a poetic joust and engage her troop in a swordfight derived from the theater form called moro-moro, hence the name “Sabat Santacruzan” with the word … Read more
Santacruzan May is Philippine National Heritage Month! As we end the month, let’s take a look at one unique Filipino cultural heritage event that takes place during the month of May—the Santacrúzan! SANTACRÚZAN • (suhn-tuh-KROO-suhn)a Filipino pageant procession during the last day of May honoring the finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena. EtymologyFrom … Read more