Somebody said, “so long as you can read, you can find your way and survive.”

Right?

Wrong.

Reading is easy, however, comprehending is not especially when you’re in a foreign territory where inhabitants speak a unfamiliar vernacular. In my country, people speak mostly Tagalog (note: we have other local dialects e.g. Bisaya, Bicolano, Kapampangan, Ilocano, Ilonggo, Chavacano, etc.). Expectedly, warning and traffic signs, streamers and other placards are written in the same way. Some signs are translated. Many are not. Brush up with your Tagalog and let me help you decode the thought within these common “signboards.”


MMDA Signs

MMDA stands for Metro Manila Development Authority. It's the agency of the government that takes care of the development, improvement, order and beautification of Metro Manila. It is currently being headed by Chairman Bayani Fernando. For some weird reason, MMDA loves pink. Yes, they're responsible for that cute "pink" sign on that sidewalk! If it's your first time, don't forget to read and follow those pink signs.


Walang Tawiran, Nakamamatay


What it says:

Cross the street and you die! well that's basically what it meant. "Walang tawiran" means there is no pedestrian lane. "Nakamamatay" means, it might kill you. It's often seen on national road and busy highways.

Sakayan or Babaan


What it says:

Loading and/or Unloading [zone]. This is where buses, jeepneys and FX-vans should pick or drop you off. Please don't catch a ride where it's illegal to do so unless you want to be summoned by an MMDA enforcer. "Sakayan" means loading and "babaan" means unloading. I couldn't find a sample picture for "babaan" but it's basically printed on the same pink board such as the example above.


Bawal Ang Tao Dito


What it says:

No bystander is allowed here. "Bawal" means its prohibited. "Tao" and "dito" means person and here respectively. So basically when you see this sign, don't attempt to loiter around.

Bawal Pumasok


What it says:

Do not enter or unauthorized person keep out. "Pumasok" means to enter. So if you don't have the authority, don't even attempt to barge in. Of course you know that!

Magbihis ng Angkop upang Igalang ka ng iyong Kapwa


What it says:


Wear appriopriate dress to gain respect. Of course we wouldn't be seeing you roaming around with your underpants but it will surely help to know that everybody is encouraged to wear something appropriate everytime. Eventhough you might probably see some bystanders not wearing a shirt, it does mean that you have to go shirtless too. Another Tagalog 101: "Magsuot" means to wear. "Angkop" means appropriate. "Igalang" means to be respected. "Kapwa" means other people.


Metro Gwapo 2006: Masagana, Malinis, Ganado



What it says:


Well it's not actually a warning sign that you have to worry about. This is just a project of the government intended for the better image of Metro Manila. According to this project, MMDA enforcers are required to look pleasant always. Obviously, metro refers to Metro Manila and "gwapo" means good looking. Aside from looking good, these people are also expected to be "masagana" or generous, "malinis" clean and "ganado" enthusiastic. I just included it here so you'd know if they're doing their job in representing our country.


Common Signs

These are signs you can see almost everywhere. The reason why I put a separate category for these signs is because unlike MMDA, they can be seen all over the Philippines.


Jeepney Signboards



What is this?

These are printed letters on the side part of a jeep's body that indicate its designated route. Signboards can also be seen plastered at the front window of jeepneys. If you inted to catch a ride, refer to these items so you'd know if it's on the way or not.


Barya Lang Po sa Umaga




What it says:

We only accept coins in the morning. "Barya" means coin, "lang po" means only and "sa umaga" means in the morning. This is usually seen inside the jeepney's premises. Drivers will get piss if you pay in large bills so early in the morning so please show respect by paying in exact amount. You are charged with Php7.50 for a shot ride. Please don't pay in dollars even if you have one unless your Santa Clause.


Hilahin ang Tali para Tumigil [ang jeep]

What it says:

Simply put, the driver is asking you to pull the string or push the button to signal him that you want to jump off. This is, again, seen inside the jeepney's premises. "Hilahin" means to pull. "Ang tali" means the string or rope. "Para tumigil ang jeep" means to stop the jeep. Considered as a "small innovation," it allows passengers who are too shy to say "para" to inform the driver that he must pull over. It also spares the driver of having to be aware if somebody is shouting "para."


Miscellaneous signs


Mabuhay!


What it says:

Long live! This is the common greeting of Pinoys to foreigners.


Bawal Umihi Dito


What it says: No peeing here.

Tapat ko, Linis Ko; Aso ko, Tali ko

What it says:

I clean my yard. I keep my dog. Well, there are Barangays who encourage their people to clean their surroundings and to keep their dog inside the house so they won't poop everywhere.

Bawal Magtapon ng Basura Dito (Don't throw your garbage here.)

Tumatanggap ng laba (Provides laundry services)


There are several other signs spread across the country but this is all for now. I shall be updating this thread so keep me in your bookmark.

See you around!

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