Sirena

Sirena, the Philippine version of the mermaid, is depicted as a sea creature with long, curled hair or exquisite golden curls who uses a beguiling voice to lure men to their deaths. Their upper bodies are human, ad their lower bodies are fish or fishtails. You may want to read: Hilahila

Kaluguran

Kaluguran The only difference between “friend” and “in love” in Kapampángan is stress. This Valentine’s, I’d like to introduce one of my personal favorite short films, and one entirely in Kapampángan, Lisyun qng Geografia (2014) or Geography Lessons by Petersen Vargas! Swipe to the last slide for a scene in the film to hear the … Read more

Tawu

Tawu | Tau Did you know that the Kapampángan word for “boyfriend/girlfriend” is also its word for “human, person”? TÁU / TAWU • (TAh-woo)(1) human, personTagálog (Filipino): táo(2) boyfriend/girlfriend/romantic partnerTagálog (Filipino): formal: kásintáhan (lover), nóbya/o (girl/boyfriend); informal: siyótà, jówà 4-Way HomonymsTÁU / TÁWU = human, personTÁU / TÁWU = boyfriend/girlfriend/romantic partnerTAWÛ = banquet/feast/party; food served … Read more

Minokawa

The Minokawa is a massive, dragon-like bird capable of devouring the sun and moon. It is said to be the combined size of the islands of Negros and Bohol. You may want to read: Tahamaling Bicol Onglo

Lolo

While most Filipinos know the word “lolo” in Tagalog as “grandfather”, it actually means a completely different thing in Kapampángan—courtship! Filipinos have a very elaborate and valued culture of courtship, one that involves many stages of proving their love before they win the hearts of the objects of their affection. This is traditionally done through … Read more