The Philippines always prides itself for being proficient in the English language as compared to our Asian counterparts. Rich and poor, young and old knows how to speak and understand English like a second language. This is why, it's no longer probably required for you to be fluent in Tagalog because we can always communicate with you in English. But like I always say, it pays to know a little bit about our common vernacular. In my hometown, I always chance upon American missionaries on the same jeepney ride. And guess what? They know how to talk the talk. They're very fluent in Tagalog and every time I hear them speak I couldn't help but be impressed. So then I thought, maybe I could teach you some of the most basic Pinoy expressions for free!!! This is my gift for your continued support to my website.

Have fun!

Legend: ["fragment"] - optional

Notes:

1. Notice that the Tagalog expressions used to converse with a single person and to a group on a respectful tone is almost always the same. This is because the word "inyo" does not only imply plurality but it also indicate courtesy especially when speaking with an elderly.
2. You don't say "po" and "opo" when talking to your peers or with people your age.
3. But you must reply with "po" and "opo" to speak with respect.
4. The words "iyo" and "ka" [singular] means to you and "inyo" and "kayo" [plural] means to you or to all of you.
   
5. The word "mga" implies plurality like for the example "mga mansanas" which means the apples.
6. When asking for the location of a terminal, you can replace bus with "jeepney" for public utility jeep or "FX" for AUVs.
7. The word "pagkain" [literal translation: food] generally means viand. But if you want to be more specific, you could repalce this word with "ulam" which means viand. Hence, "ano pong ulam natin" would apply.

Basically our language is not that complicated when you finally get used to it. You read it as it is unlike some languages where there are different ways to pronounce a particular letter or syllable. Your author is not a language teacher so it would be hard for me to teach you methodically but I'll will provide you with this kind of post from time to time. But if you really want to learn to speak Tagalog, I suggest you buy Pinoy Komiks. Next time, I'll let you know what it is. But before I end, somebody is wondering what "GWAPO" means so to you, whoever you are gwapo means goodlooking. It's a contracted term for "guapito" which also means handsome.

See you around!

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