The Philippines Today

Manos It was World Hand Hygiene Day last month! Did you know that the Kapampángan word for “to wash” is similar to the Spanish word for “hands”? KapampánganMANÓS = to wash (Actor Focus) SpanishMANOS = hands MANÓS • (muh-NOHS)to wash (Actor Focus)Tagálog (Filipino): maghúgas WÁSAN • (WAH-suhn)to wash (Object Focus)Tagálog (Filipino): hugásan Root WordÓS • … Read more

Crocodiles in Kapampangan Mythology  In Kapampángan mythology, it is believed that the earth is held by a giant crocodile (dapu in Kapampángan) mother named Ápung Irû on its back, and whose movements cause earthquakes. If angered, it is believed that it causes river floods, so it is appeased with a river procession or “líbad” during … Read more

Dapu It was World Crocodile Day yesterday! Crocodiles are one of the creatures that are featured in Kapampángan folk beliefs and mythology. DÁPU • (DAH-poo)crocodileTagálog (Filipino): buwáya You may want to read: Largest saltwater crocodile (Philippines) The Philippine Crocodile

Basura It was Global Garbage Man Day yesterday! Let’s take time to recognize the dedicated efforts of the men and women who keep our communities clean! BASÚRA • (buh-SOO-ruhgarbage, trashTagálog (Filipino): basúra EtymologyFrom Spanish basura (“trash, garbage”) Derived WordMÁGBABASÚRA / MÁMASÚRAgarbage collector, garbage manTagálog (Filipino): magbabasúra, basuréro BASURÉRU • (buh-soo-REH-roo)garbage collector, garbage manTagálog (Filipino): basuréro, … Read more