The Philippines Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow
Wali This word isn’t limited to your own younger siblings, but you can also use this to endearingly refer to younger acquaintances like younger family friends or younger cousins! WÁLI • (WAH-li)younger siblingTagálog (Filipino): nakababátang kapatíd You may want to read: Kapatad Lupa
Sese Happy National Pet Day! The Kapampángan word “sésé” means “care” as well as what is taken care of, like a pet. But it also has another meaning that reflects why the Kapampángan region is the Culinary Capital of the Philippines! SÉSÉ • (SEH-SEH)(1) care; (to) take care of, look after; what is taken care … Read more
Ginu How do you say “God” in your language? GINU • (gi-NOO)lord, master; the Lord, GodHispanicized spellings: Guinu/GuinoSynonym: DiosTagálog (Filipino): Panginoón, DiyosTagálog cognate: ginoó (gi-noh-‘OH) “gentleman” Kapampángan ExpressionGinú ko! / Nú ko! [Kap]Diyos ko! / Juskó! (colloquial) [Tag]My God! / Ugh [Eng] This Kapampángan expression is often used like “ugh god” to express annoyance or … Read more
Pepalto This delicacy is popular during Holy Week literally means “made to appear/emerge” as it floats to the surface of boiling water when fully cooked! PÉPALTÓ • (PEH-puhl-TOH)literally means “made to appear/emerge”, a small flat glutinous rice cake prepared by boiling. It floats to the surface when fully cooked and is served with garnishings of … Read more
Banal FALSE FRIENDS ALERT! While banal means “common” in English, it means “holy” in Kapampángan & Tagálog! How do you say “holy” in your language? False Friends BANAL English: common in a boring way; lacking originality Kapampángan & Tagálog (Filipino): pangkaraníwan Kapampángan & Tagálog (Filipino): holy, sacred; virtuous, pious BANAL • (buh-NUHL) holy, sacred; virtuous, … Read more