Taglish

Believe it or not, ATMs in the Philippines often ask if you want the instructions to be English or Taglish. What the hell is TAGLISH? Obviously, its mixing Filipino Words with English Words. For some cultures, this is actually disrespect to their native tongue. I do understand why. But for Filipinos, it is very normal. Here’s a test for non-Filipinos. Below is a statement I wrote for my Facebook Status. Can you understand what I just said? If yes, please leave a comment below.
Day 2 of 7

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First Day of College
Holy Angel University
Circa 2005

“Anong ginagawa ko sa eskwelahang ito? Dapat nasa UP ako. Biology dapat course ko, hindi Business Management. Bakit kasi di ako pinayagan? Bakit kasi only child ako at sobrang protective nina mama? UP dapat ako, hindi dito. Sira ang record ko na iskolar mula elementarya hanggang high school!”

9 years after, kanina, habang napadaan sa HAU.
First Day of College, 2014. 

“Bute na lang nag HAU ako. May mga taong dapat akong makilala. May mga experiences na dapat pagdaanan. May mga kalokohang dapat gawin. Namiss ko ang K116. Namiss ko ang HR class. Namiss kong kumopya sa mga accounting subjects ko (lahat ng management students, ayaw ang accounting). Namiss ko ang Theatre Guild. 2 months from now, Agosto na, pasukan na sa UP Diliman for my masters. Salamat sa Diyos at pinatikim niya sa akin paano maging isang Angelite bago maging Isko. Kinakabahan ako baka di ko matapos ang kurso (eh masyado kasi akong ambisyoso e), pero alam ko, may Holy Angel University akong babalikan.”

English Vinglish

Finally, I have met a couchsurfer who can share my interest in Bollywood films! Last night, Suko (my Indonesian guest) and I watched a very “feel good” Bollywood movie entitled English Vinglish.

The movie revolved around an Indian mother, Shashi (played by Sridevi) who cannot speak in English. She experienced discrimination under her own house and was the laughing stock of her own family because of her inability to speak in English.

The plot started when the family received a mail from their relatives in New York inviting Shashi to cater her niece’s wedding and cook ladoos. It was a difficult decision to make because Shashi kept on thinking about her weaknesses.

Her adventure in New York was a bitter-sweet experience. She cannot dine out, she cannot comprehend signs and other “lost in translation” moments. Being exhausted with all that emotional noise, she enrolled for an English Learning Program and was able to learn English in 4 weeks. She was able to surprise her family during the speech she gave at the wedding:

Meera…Kevin…maybe you’ll very busy…but have family…son…daughter…in this big world…It will make you feel so good. Family…family can never be…never be judgemental! Family will never…put you down…will never make you feel small…Family is the only one..who will never laugh at your weaknesses. Family is the only place where you will always get love and respect. That’s all Meera and Kevin.

I see a lot of wisdom in the film, but for me, the greatest lesson I have learned is that the ability to speak in English (or any other language) will not define a person. It is not the ultimate goal.At the end of the day, love will surpass any language. At the end of the day, you’ll realize what matters most in your life.