The Philippines Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow
Amian The months of January and February are the peak of the cool and dry amian (Tagalog: amíhan) season. A picturesque Kapampángan scene during this time is the twin-peaked Mt. Arayat seemingly floating over the low-lying fog that covers the fields of the Central Luzon plain in the early morning. AMIAN / AMIAM • (uh-MYUHN … Read more
Kamangiang Did you know that the Kapampángan word for “frankincense” is very similar to its word for “string bean”? KAMANGIANG • (kuh-muh-NGYUHNG)(1) frankincenseTagálog (Filipino): kamanyáng (2) string bean, green beanTagálog (Filipino): sítaw Variations: kamangian, kamaniang
Asawa It was National Spouses Day yesterday! How do you say “spouse” in your language? ASÁWA • (uh-SAH-wuh)spouse (husband/wife)Tagálog (Filipino): asáwa Derived WordMIYASÁWA • (mi-yuh-SAH-wuh)married coupleTagálog (Filipino): mag-asáwa TALÁSÁWA • (tuh-LAH-SAH-wuh)having a spouse; a married personTagálog (Filipino): may-asáwa Verb Conjugationmakiasáwa, mákiasáwa, mékiasáwa – to find someone to marry; to become married; to settle down Example … Read more
Kuraldal VIVA APU LUCIA! Kapampángans end the holidays and start the year by asking for healing to a patron saint, a tradition that’s said to go back to pre-colonial times and is also timely for current happenings. KURALDAL • (koo-ruhl-DUHL)(1) a dance ritual for saints;(2) a festival during Epiphany (January 6) to honor St. Lucy … Read more
Panaun/Panawun The first week of January is National Time Consciousness Week in the Philippines, so let’s take a look at the two different words for “time” in Kapampángan & Tagálog! PANAUN / PANAWUN • (puh-nuh-WOON)time (abstract); season; weatherTagálog (Filipino): panahón ÓRAS • (OH-ruhs)time (measured); hourTagálog (Filipino): óras Derived WordsKAPANAÚNAN / KAPANAWÚNANera of, season of, time … Read more