The Philippines Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow
Naga Last week was the Dragon Boat Festival! Did you know that dragon figureheads were also found in ancient Kapampángan boats? NÁGA • (NAH-guh)serpentine dragon figure carved on the bow of ancient Kapampángan boats EtymologyFrom Sanskrit नाग (nāgá) “large snake”, via Malay naga “dragon” Background: Boat at the Um Phra Dam Nam Festival in Phetchabun, … Read more
Uniu It’s the last day of June! How do you say “June” in your language? ÚNIU • (OO-nyoo)JuneAlso spelled: Húniu/Húnyu, Júniu/Júnyu/JúnioTagálog (Filipino): Húnyo EtymologyFrom Spanish junio (“June”) You may want to read: Eneru
Biernis It’s the last Friday of the month! How do you say “Friday” in your language? BIÉRNIS • (BYEHR-nis)FridayTagálog (Filipino): Biyérnes EtymologyFrom Spanish viernes (“Friday”) You may want to read: Martis
Libad Kapampángan New Year RIVER REVERENCE • Kapampángans’ identity as a river-based culture is reflected in one of Pampanga’s most famous religious processions and water-based tradition originating from a precolonial river god celebration that has evolved to the feast of a town’s Christian patron saint today. Plus take a look at some other similar water … Read more
Itu Last Sunday was National Catfish Day! How do you say “catfish” in your language? ÍTÛ • (EE-too’)catfishTagálog (Filipino): hítò You may want to read: Karanowan Fish-tival Bolinao Shellfish