“Is this your first time to travel to Kuala Lumpur?”

The taxi driver asked, “Is this your first time to travel to Kuala Lumpur?” I replied, “Yes.” Realizing my immediate honest response, my answer was susceptible to inevitable effects, I thought. He won’t plug down his meter because it’s the wee hours of the morning; he’ll jack up his price since I don’t have any idea how much a taxi ride is, then, haggle with him; he plugs down his meter but takes the longer route since I do not know the nearest route to town anyway or if I am very lucky, he’ll be kinder since he’d want me to have a good impression of his country."

Nagtanong ang taxi drayber, "Unang beses lang po ba kayong nakapunta sa Kuala Lumpur?" "Opo.", sagot ko. Napaisip ako sa agad-agad kong tapat na kasagutan dahil malamang merong tiyak na epekto nito. Hindi niya ibababa ang metro dahil diyes oras nang umaga naman; itataas niya ang kaniyang singil dahil hindi ko naman alam kung magkano talaga ang singilan sa taxi at magtatawaran pagkatapos; magmemetro nga siya pero, iibahin niya ang ruta/daan dahil hindi ko naman alam ang pinakamaikling ruta/daan, o kung susuwertehin ako, magiging mas mabait siya sa akin para magkaroon ako ng mabuting impresyon sa kanilang bansa. 

The taxi driver asked, “Is this your first time to travel to Kuala Lumpur?”
Nagtanong ang taxi drayber, "Unang beses lang po ba kayong nakapunta sa Kuala Lumpur?" 

The transportation to KL Sentral from LCCT is really very easy. Coming out from the immigration section, just go out from the airport and proceed in front of the Coffee Bean Shop. There are busses awaiting there for KL Sentral for only MYR9.00. It only took us about one hour ride because there was no traffic during the wee hours of the morning. Just when everybody was getting off, we knew it was also time to get down.




Talagang napakadali lang ng transportasyon mula sa LCCT papuntang KL Sentral. Paglabas mo lang sa immigration, pumunta ka lang sa istasyon ng bus na nasa harap ng Coffee Bean Shop. May mga bus na naghihintay doon para sa KL Sentral. MYR9.00 lang ang pamasahe. Isang oras lang ang biyahe namin dahil walang trapik sa madaling araw. Noong bumababa na ang lahat ng tao, alam naming  nakarating na kami sa KL Sentral.

The transportation to KL Sentral from LCCT is really very easy. Just proceed to the bus station in front of the Coffee Bean Shop.  

Madali lang ang transportasyon mula sa LCCT papuntang KL Sentral. Pumunta lang sa istasyon ng bus na nasa harap ng Coffee Bean Shop.

Taxis at the bus stop in KL Sentral were in queue expecting you to ride on one of them as they try to haul you up into their vehicle. We walked a bit farther intending to grab something to eat. There was street food but did not seem palatable so we ended up taking a taxi from where we were without asking the driver to plug down his meter but just told him, “Renaissance Hotel”.  We were surprised to have paid MYR15.00 only. The price was way cheaper compared to MYR30.00 the taxis were asking at the bus stop earlier.


May mga taxing nakapila na roon pagbaba mo sa istasyon ng bus na parang pipilitin kang sumakay sa kanila. Naglakad kami nang kaunti palayo dahil gusto sana naming kumain. May nakita kaming turo-turo pero mukhang hindi masarap. Kaya nagtaxi na lang kami mula roon. Hindi na kami nagsabi sa drayber na magmetro siya, basta sinabi lang namin, "Renaissance Hotel" tsaka niya ibinaba ang metro. Nagulat kami sa binayad naming MYR15.00 lang samantalang sinisingil kami ng MYR30.00 ng ibang taxi kanina.

The Renaissance Hotel staff was very kind enough to assist us on an early check-in. (We're fortunate in our travels because we've always been accommodated for early check-ins. Lucky us, indeed!)

We were on the 20^th level overlooking the KL watchtower. Looking from the top view, we already had a good impression on the flow of traffic, the transportation system and the cleanliness of the streets.




Ang bait naman ng mga staff sa Renaissance Hotel at nakapagcheck-in kami nang maaga! (Nasusuwertehan namin ang maagang pagtsecheck-in sa aming mga paglalakbay! Suwerte talaga!) Mula sa aming kuwarto na nasa ika-20ng palapag, natatanaw namin ang KL watch tower. Nagkaroon ako ng mabuting impresyon sa daloy ng trapiko, sistema ng transportasyon at ang kalinisan ng mga kalye sa KL.

Looking from the top view on the 20th level, we already had a good impression on the flow of the traffic, the transportation system and the cleanliness of the streets! Please notice the rain forest in the middle of a busy main road! 
Natatanaw mula sa ika-20 na palapag ang mabuting impresyon tungkol sa trapik, transportasyon, at kalinisan ng mga kalsada! Pakipansin nga lang ang maliit na kagubatan sa gitna ng siyudad!

My impression did not mislead me. KL’s transportation system is very convenient and accessible. We took a taxi to Low Yat Plaza then rode the monorail in Bukit Bintang to Bukit Nenas station back to our hotel. I noticed that when you get out of the station, you walk on a sheltered area without being rained on if it was raining or be under the sun on a very hot day! Unlike here in my country that there are seldom sheds. You still need to walk far away, get wet to reach the connecting bus/jeepney/taxi ride. The pedestrian path walks are not even wide enough for one person to pass through especially if you’re carrying something with you. So if there are pedestrians from the opposite direction, you need to let them pass first before you can squeeze yourself in. (Observe the pedestrian path walks on Ortigas, Guadalupe, Buendia. One has to walk very far to catch a bus from the train stations.) 

Hindi ako binigo ng aking impresyon. Ang systema ng transportasyon ay kombinyente at madali. Nagtaxi kami papuntang Low Yat Plaza at nagmonorail pabalik mula sa istasyon ng Bukit Bintang hanggang sa istasyon ng Bukit Nenas na nasa harap lang ng aming hotel. Napansin ko na paglabas mo pa lang sa istasyon, maglalakad ka sa pedestrian path walk na may bubungan. Hindi ka mababasa sa ulan o maaarawan kapag matindi ang sikat ng araw! Hindi tulad dito sa aking bansa na walang silungan at kailangan mo pang maglakad nang malayo upang makasakay sa bus / dyip  o taxi. Siguradong mababasa ka muna bago mo marating ang susunod mong sasakyan. Ang pedestrian path walk ay napakakitid na halos hindi magkasya ang isang tao lalo pa kapag meron kang bitbit. Kaya kung may taong naglalakad pasalubong, kailangan mo munang paunahin siya bago ka makasiksik sa daanan ng mga tao. (Pakipansin ang sitwasyon ng mga daanan ng tao sa Ortigas, Guadalupe, Buendia. Malayo ang iyong lalakarin para makasakay ng bus/dyip mula sa istasyon ng tren.)

 Inside the train is also clean!
Malinis din sa loob ng tren!

You would think that the train stations were just built yesterday or so because they are very clean including the walls.
Nagmumukha tuloy parang bagong-gawa lamang ang mga istasyon ng tren dahil napakalinis pati na ang mga pader nito.

KL is clean. People are very disciplined and conscious as to where they throw their trash. You see garbage bins spotted all over the place even on train stations. You would think that the train stations were just built yesterday or so because they are very clean including the walls. I do not see the same condition in my country, and that’s a pity! I’m in consummate frustration! The walls at the train stations and buildings especially on EDSA are very dirty! (I wished to note the specific train stations but I noticed that I mentioned them all!) The funds that could have been used to improve our country have benefitted those who have already much money, wealth and power! Where is the PDAF????


Malinis ang KL. Napakadisiplinado ng mga tao at alam nila ang tamang tapunan ng basura! Marami kang makikitang basurahan sa lahat ng dako ng lugar at kahit na sa istasyon ng tren. Nagmumukha tuloy parang bagong-gawa lamang ang mga istasyon ng tren dahil napakalinis pati na ang mga pader. Hindi ko makikita ang parehong kalagayan sa aking bansa. Nakakaawa naman! Lubos ang aking pagkadismaya! Napakarumi ang mga pader sa istasyon ng tren at mga gusali lalo na sa Edsa! Ang mga pondo na dapat magamit para mapaunlad ang aming bansa ay para sa pakinabang ng may mga pera, mayayaman, at makapangyarihan lamang! Nasaan ang PDAF????

Here, you feel safe and secure. They mind their own thing. Nobody at the stores pressures you to buy their wares. I enjoyed window-shopping and buying polo shirts at Petaling Jaya shopping centers. I like the set up, wares and more so of the prices in comparison to KLCC. I would like to reemphasize that even though the place is quite far from the main city, it is accessible to public transportation. From Renaissance Hotel, ride LRT at Dang Wangi underground station up to Kelana Jaya. Buying train chips is easy and without apprehensions because the vending machines have options on selecting the English language. Just when you get down from the train station, ride the free shuttle bus to Ikea. It’s very easy and convenient. I figured that even elderly, pregnant women, and handicap could enjoy malling here because of its accessibility.

Panatag ang loob mo dahil ligtas ang pakiramdam mo dito. Walang namimilit sa iyong bumili ng mga paninda nila. Nag-enjoy akong tumitingin-tingin at nakabili rin ako ng ilang mga polo shirt sa Petaling Jaya shopping center. Nagustuhan ko ang set up, mga paninda at mas mura dito kumpara sa KLCC. Gusto ko lang bigyang diin na kahit medyo malayo ang lugar na ito mula sa lungsod, ito'y naaabot pa rin ng pampublikong transportasyon. Mula sa Renaissance Hotel, nagLRT kami sa Dang Wangi underground station hanggang Kelana Jaya. Madali lang bumili ng train chips. Hindi ka kakabahang bumili nito dahil may wikang Ingles ang vending machine. Pagbaba mo mula sa istasyon ng tren, sumakay sa libreng shuttle bus papunta sa Ikea. Napakadali! Naisip ko na kahit matatanda, buntis, at may kapansanan ay puwedeng magmalling dito dahil madaling maabot ang lugar.

They say, one has not been to KL without experiencing to climb up Petronas Twin Towers. It’s a walking distance from our hotel. On a late afternoon, we thought we could just purchase a ticket for the following day, but tickets bought on that day will still be used on the 3^rd day. We were advised to go early the next day to purchase the ticket and use it on the same day. As early as 6:50 we were already in line taking the 23 slot. People ahead of us must have been there very early. My enthusiasm to climb the 41 level double-decker pedestrian skybridge elevated when the opening time at 9:00 a.m was drawing nearer. We went by batch, with a limited stay of 15 minutes. After being at the 41st level we were brought to the 86 level. Here, you can view the entire KL. 




Sabi nila, hindi ka raw nakapunta sa KL kung hindi ka makaranas umakyat sa Petronas Twin Towers. Nalalakad lang ito mula sa aming hotel. Isang hapon, sinadya naming makabili ng ticket para magamit sana kinabukasan ngunit ang mabibili mo pala sa hapong iyon ay magagamit sa ikatlong araw pa. Pinayuhan kaming pumila ng maagang-maaga para makapasok sa araw ding yun. Nakipila kami ng 06:50 at ika-23 kami sa pila. Pihadong napakaagang pumunta ang mga taong nauna sa amin. Mas nagging sabik akong makaakyat sa ika-41 na palapag sa double-decker pedestrian skybridge habang papalapit na sa kanilang pagbubukas ng 9:00. Grupo-grupo kaming umakyat at magtatagal ng15 minuto sa pananatili doon. Pagkatapos, makaakyat sa ika-41 na palapag, dinala naman kami sa ika-86 na palapag. Dito, maaari mong tingnan ang buong KL.

A view from the 86th level of Petronas Twin Towers.
Tanawing makikita mo sa ika-86 na palapag ng Petronas Twin Towers.

Honestly, the level of excitement was different when I reached the 41st and the 86th floor as compared to my feelings when I was in line with the rest of the tourists. It died out when I was already in actuality at the skybridge! I don’t know why? Is it because I have already experienced to climb as high as 52 level? (My kind Tagalog student brought me one day to the top level of One Roxas in Makati.) I think what amazes me most about the Petronas twin towers is the assembly of the structure itself! The structure of Petronas Twin Towers are magnificently done! The lights at night are amazing too!

Sa totoo lang, iba ang aking kagalakan noong nasa linya pa lang ako kasama ng mga turista. Biglang nawala ito noong totoong nasa ika-41 na palapag. nag-iba ang pakiramdam ko noong nasa skybridge na talaga ako! Hindi ko alam kung bakit? Ito ba ay dahil  nakaranas na akong umakyat sa ika-52 na palapag? (Dinala ako minsan ng aking mabait na Tagalog na estudyante sa ika-52 na palapag sa One Roxas sa Makati.) Sa tingin ko, mas namangha ako sa pagkakagawa ng Petronas Twin Towers! Ang istraktura ng Petronas Twin Towers ay kamangha-mangha! Kamangha-mangha rin ang kaniyang liwanag sa gabi!

The level of excitement died out when I was already in actuality at the skybridge!
Parang napukaw ang aking pagkasabik noong talagang naabot ko na ang skybridge!

It wasn't as exciting as I thought!
Hindi rin pala kagilas-gilas tulad ng nasa isip ko!

A view from the inside on the 86th level.

A view on the 86th level.

A view of KL's infrastructures!  

A view of KL's Watch Tower from our room. 

The lights of the Petronas Twin Towers at night are amazing!
Kamangha-mangha ang liwanag ng istratura sa gabi!

The lights of the KL watch tower at night are also amazing!
Kamangha-mangha rin ang liwanag ng istratura ng KL watch tower sa gabi!

I read from blogs that Batu Cave is dirty and smelly. With that image in my mind, my enthusiasm to visit the place almost faded away. But we wanted to try just the same since we were already at KL. The place is accessible by train. We took an LRT to KL Sentral, transferred to KTM commuter to go to Batu Cave. The site is just next to the train station. Pigeons roam the grounds to peck the crumbs of the tourists. 




Nabasa ko mula sa mga blog na marumi at mabaho ang Batu Cave. Dahil dito, nawalan na ako ng ganang bisitahin ang lugar. Pero gusto ko pa ring subukan kasi nandun na rin lang kami. Madaling maabot ito sa pampublikong transportasyon. MagLRT sa KL Sentral, lumipat sa KTM commuter papunta sa Batu Cave. Ang lugar ay nasa tabi lang ng istasyon ng tren. Maraming mga kalapating lumalapit upang kainin ang mumo ng mga turista sa lupa.

At the foot of the stairs, before you go up, you see the giant statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of War. The statue is the largest in the world dedicated to the deity and stands guard to the 272 leg-burning steps that lead up to the cave entrances.

Bago ka umakyat sa hagdanan, makikita mo ang higanteng estatwa ng Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of War. Ang rebulto ay pinakamalaking rebulto sa mundo na iniaalay sa diyos. Nakatayo ito sa baba ng 272 na hagdanan bago umakyat sa mga kuweba.

 Batu Cave is just next to the train station. 

At the foot of the 272 stairs, you see the giant statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of war.
Makikita mo ang higanteng estatwa ng Lord Murugan, ang Hindu God of War sa paanan ng 272 na hagdanan.

Pigeons roam the grounds to peck the crumbs of the tourists. 
Maraming mga kalapating lumalapit upang tukain ang mumo ng mga turista.

The monkeys seem to have already been domesticated/acculturated due to their long association with people.
Mukhang maamo na ang mga unggoy  sa mga tao dahil nasanay silang nakakahalubilo ang mga tao.

We climbed the 272 stairs where monkeys roam around.
Umakyat kami sa 272 hagdan habang mapayapang gumagala-gala naman ang mga unggoy.

We climbed the 272 stairs where monkeys roam around. The monkeys seem to have already been domesticated/acculturated due to their long association with people. Don’t bring any food with you (unless your intention is to give it away for the monkeys) because the monkeys will grab it from you.




Umakyat kami sa 272 hagdan habang mapayapang gumagala-gala naman ang mga unggoy sa hagdanan. Mukhang maamo na ang mga unggoy sa mga tao dahil nasanay silang nakakahalubilo ang mga tao. Huwag kayong magdala ng anumang pagkain (maliban na lang kung ang iyong layunin ay ibigay ito sa mga unggoy.) dahil aagawin lang ito ng mga unggoy.

Hindu shrines and ornate depictions bringing legends to life.
Mga Hindu shrines at mga palamuti na naglalarawan ng buhay mula sa mga alamat.

Inside the cave, you find various Hindu shrines bringing legends to life. 
Sa loob ng kuweba, makikita mo ang iba't-ibang mga Hindu shrines na naglalarawan ng buhay mula sa mga alamat.

Inside the cave, you find various Hindu shrines and ornate depictions bringing legends to life. We didn’t enter the Dark Caves because we have already experienced going inside Sagada Caves in Mountain Province and we figured out that it could be the same kind of adventure. Overall, the cave is worth visiting!


Sa loob ng kuweba, makikita ang iba't-ibang mga Hindu shrines at mga palamuti na naglalarawan ng buhay mula sa mga alamat. Hindi na namin pinasok ang Madilim na Kuweba dahil nakaranas na kaming pumasok sa loob kuweba sa Sagada sa Mountain Province at sa isip namin ito'y pareho lang doon. Sa pangkalahatan, natuwa kami sa aming pagpunta sa Batung Cave at sa buong biyahe namin sa Kuala Lumpur!

Our visit to Kuala Lumpur left a lasting impression on us!


Nag-iwan ng pangmatagalang impresyon ang pagbisita namin sa Kuala Lumpur! 

Our trip was more joyful because of our pleasure to meet our "adopted son" and his family. On occasions when education and hardship come as topic of conversation whether in Sunday School class or in small talks, I often mention Mel Bryant Dulam in my examples.

Sa aming biyahe, higit na natuwa kami sa pakikipagkita namin sa aming "anak-anakan" at sa kaniyang pamilya. Sa pagkakataong pinag-uusapan ang edukasyon at kahirapan, maging sa Sunday School o kahit sa hindi masyadong seryosong pag-uusap o kung napupunta sa paksang ito, madalas kong nababanggit si Mel Bryant Dulam sa aking mga halimbawa.

Friends and family are proud of you!
Ipinagmamalaki ka ng mga kaibigan at pamilya!

I often mention Mel Bryant Dulam in my examples. 
Madalas kong nababanggit si Bryan sa aking mga halimbawa.

I remember him relating to me his diligence in attending seminary class as part of his normal duty and in so doing, he said, …"everything falls into proper perspective!" You make your family, extended family and people around you proud of you! We are happy of what you have become! You have remained grounded! That's why, you are blessed with the most beautiful and kind wife, Leah, cute and smart kids - Bryce (5), Nina (3) and Bruce (7wks)! People around you are also blessed because of you!

Naaalala ko ang kanyang kasipagan sa pagdalo sa seminary/institute class bilang bahagi ng kanyang karaniwang tungkulin at sa pamamagitan nito, nagiging nasa ayos ang lahat! Ipagmamalaki ka ng iyong pamilya, kaanak at mga taong nasa paligid mo! Natutuwa kami sa iyong kinahinatnan! Nananatili kang nakaapak sa lupa! Kaya naman, nabiyayaan ka ng pinakamaganda at pinakamabait na asawang si Leah, mga kyut at bibung-bibong mga anak na sina Bryce, Nina at Bruce! Nabibiyayaan rin ang mga taong nasa paligid mo dahil sa iyo!

You are blessed with the most beautiful and kind wife, Leah, cute and smart kids - Bryce, Nina and Bruce!

I am encountering these thoughts at the moment:

Sa kasalukuyan, nahaharap ako sa mga kaisipan:

1.    Whether I should truthfully answer the question,  “First time here?” to a taxi driver or not.

Dapat bang katotohanan ang isasagot ko sa taxi drayber kapag tinatanong ako, "Unang beses po lang ba kayong nakapunta rito?"

2.    Why can’t our beautiful country be at par or even surpass our Asian neighbors?

Bakit nga ba hindi napapantayan o kahit nahihigitan pa ng ating bansa ang mga Asianong kapitbansa?

Please share your thoughts. 

Mangyari lang po na ibahagi ninyo ang inyong pananaw.

You can find more reading articles, day-to-day expressions, and  learn Tagalog grammar from my Salitang Pinoy Tagalog Book series. You can buy them at the bookstores or place your orders at:          


Salitang Pinoy Publishing                  
#38 El Jardin Del Presidente 2                  
Unit 1-E Sgt. Esguerra St.                  
Brgy. South Triangle,                  
Quezon City


If you're interested  to learn Tagalog from me contact me at 09177527142; 02-9254142; salitangpinoybooks@yahoo.com

“Ang Buhay ay Parang Life”

“Ay, buhay! Parang life!” Mahirap ngunit dapat nating harapin.
"What a life!" It's difficult (to survive) but we should face it!

“Ang Buhay ay Parang Life.” Ito’y isang kasabihan sa Pinas na kung hindi mo kayang ipaliwanag ang klase ng buhay na meron ka, dahil sa hirap o dismaya na nararanasan mo, sinasabi ng mga Pinoy, “Ay, buhay! Parang life!” Ito’y isang pag-amin na bagamat talagang mahirap ang buhay, may pag-asa pa rin sa hinaharap. Kaya, dapat nating harapin dahil di magtagal ay makakaraos din. Ito’y isang paraan para ipaalam sa nakikinig na wala kang ibang magagawa kundi tanggapin na lang ang anumang masama, mahirap, masalimuot o di mo maintindihang nangyayari sa iyong buhay. Sa kabuuan, ang kasabihan na ito ay isang reaksiyon sa negatibong nangyayari sa tao.

"Life is like life!" (literal translation) - a saying in the Philippines when one can't explain the kind of life s/he experiences because of poverty or dismay, Filipinos say, "Oh, What a life! It's like life! (It's life meant to be!)" It's an admittance that although life is really hard, there's optimism into the future.  So, we should face it because soon we'll get over it. It's a way to inform the hearer that s/he doesn't have the ability (to change the present condition) but to accept any misfortune, poverty, complexity or incomprehensible event in life. The bottom line is, it is a saying in reaction to a negative situation a person encounters.

 

Dalawang magkabilang mundo ang namasdan ko ngayon.
I encountered two sides of the world (heaven and earth) today. 

“Ang buhay talaga! Parang life!” ("Life really is like life!")

Dalawang magkabilang mundo ang namasdan ko ngayon. Pumunta ako sa lugar na animo’y nasa ibang bayan ka dahil maraming mga dayuhan at siyempre pa, karamihan dito ay kababayan ko. Sa kalsada pa lang, parang nakakahiyang dumaan man lang at lalo pang bawal tumambay ang mga gusgusing bata na madalas kong nakikitang humihingi ng pagkain pag ako’y napapadaan sa Jollibee.

I encountered two opposite sides of the world (heaven and earth) today. I went to a place that looks like I gallivanted to a different country because there were many foreigners and of course, most of them were my fellow countrymen. Just by the impression you get of the road, it seems embarrassing to go past and more so, dirty-looking children are prohibited to loiter - these children who I often see asking for food when I happen to pass Jollibee.

Sa kalsada pa lang, parang nakakahiyang dumaan kung gusgusin ka.
Just by the impression you get of the road, it seems embarrassing to go past if you're dirty-looking!

“Akin na lang po ‘yang pagkain ninyo!” Abot-langit ang tuwa ng bata pag ibinigay mo sa kaniya pero pag-abot mo sa kaniya at napasaya mo siya, meron na namang susunod na iba.

"Can you just give me your (packed) food, please?" Giving in to the child's request make him/her extremely happy but as soon as you hand the food to him/her and made her happy, other more children come immediately after him/her. 

Dito, sa lugar na ito, bawal ang pakalat-kalat at manghingi sa napakabonggang lugar na ito! Kahit pa marami sana silang mahihingi dito kasi maraming naglalabasang puro BUO - hindi BARYA! Di ko sukat akalain na parang laruang papel lamang ang dumadapo sa kamay ng kahera/bangkera! (Di ko masyadong naiitindihan ang sistema at galaw dahil sadyang ayokong intindihin!)

Here, in this place, it is prohibited to lollygag and beg in this splendid area!
Even if they hope to be able to scrounge here because there are many BIG BILLS not SMALL BILLS emerging here! I can't imagine that these bills are like paper money that just land into the cashier/banker's hand! (I am not really cognizant to the system and movements very well because I intended not to understand it!) 

Dito sa lugar na ito, bawal ang pakalat-kalat at manghingi ng limos sa napakabonggang lugar na ito.
Here, in this place, it is prohibited to lollygag and beg in this splendid area!

“Ang buhay talaga! Parang life!” Pag-uwi ko, habang binabaybay ko ang trapik sa Roxas Blvd., nandito sa kalsada ang mga hirap na hirap makasulyap ng barya sa maghapon. Ewan ko lang kung ang baryang kinita nila sa maghapon, e… , magkasya na sa kanilang pamilya. Napaisip ako bigla… “Ano kaya kung ibinigay na lang ng tao kanina ang kaniyang barya sa mga taong hirap makakita ng barya sa kalsada?” Sigurado akong mas magiging masaya pa siya dahil napasaya niya ang iba, di ba? 

 "Life really is like life!" While on my way home, traversing the traffic on Roxas Blvd, I see these people who are really struggling all day long to even just have a glimpse of a small bill. I just don't know if the small bill they earn for the day would be enough for their family. I suddenly mused, "What if that person I saw earlier just gave his small bill to these people who could hardly earn some small bills?" I'm certain that he would feel happier because he made someone happy, wouldn't he?

"Hirap na hirap akong makasulyap man lang ng barya sa maghapon!"
"I'm really struggling all day long to even have a glance of a small bill."

Teka lang! Bakit nga pala ako napadpad malapit dito? Nagdeliber pala ako  ng mga librong Salitang Pinoy Tagalog Book para sa pangalawang pagkakataon sa American Embassy para sa mga bagong dating na opisyal ng embahada ngayong taon!

Wait a minute! What brought me in these adjacent areas? Oh, I delivered Salitang Pinoy Tagalog Books for the second occasion at American Embassy for the new officers at the embassy this year!

Teka lang! Bakit nga pala ako napadpad malapit dito?
Wait a minute! What brought me in these adjacent areas?

Kayo po ang patuloy na nagbibigay ng buhay!
It's you who continue to give us life!

Maraming salamat po! Pinupuri ko po Kayo dahil patuloy po kayong nagbibigay ng buhay! Wala na kaming hihilingin pa! Ramdam ko ang aking pagkukulang at di pa rin ako makaganti sa inyong pagpapala!

Thank you very much! I praise you for you continue to give us life! We can't ask for more! I feel my inadequacies and still can't repay you for the blessings I receive!

Ang buhay ay parang life!  Este…, Ang buhay ay pagpapala!

"Life is like life!"  Opps…. Life is a blessing!

How about you? How's life treating you? How do you feel when you see children asking for some money on the street? Please share your thoughts!

You can find more reading articles, day-to-day expressions, and  learn Tagalog grammar from my Salitang Pinoy Tagalog Book series. You can buy them at the bookstores or place your orders at:          


Salitang Pinoy Publishing                  
#38 El Jardin Del Presidente 2                  
Unit 1-E Sgt. Esguerra St.                  
Brgy. South Triangle,                  
Quezon City


If you're interested  to learn Tagalog from me contact me at 09177527142; 02-9254142; salitangpinoybooks@yahoo.com

Our BFFs In Our Lives (Part 2)

The two of us grew up as friends when we were yet young adults.
Magkaibigan na kami mula noong nasa kabataan pa lang kami.

My husband and I grew up as friends when we were yet young adults. He accompanied me in fulfilling my commitments such as accomplishing my calling and attending church services. We were likewise close to our fellow youths. All of us knew where each one lived. We were often surprised when our BFFs would just suddenly call on us. 

Magkaibigan na kami ng asawa ko mula noong nasa kabataan pa kami. Sinasamahan niya ako para magampanan ang aking tungkulin tulad ng pagsunod sa calling at pagpunta sa simbahan. Lahat kaming mga kabataan ay magkakaibigan din. Alam namin kung saan sila nakatira. Nagugulat na lang kami kapag bumibisita ang aming BFF sa amin. 

I am surprised when my BFF would just suddenly call on me.
 Nagugulat na lang ako kapag biglang bumibisita ang BFF ko sa akin. 

I think contributory to having close relationship could have been because there weren’t any other means of communication except meeting up with our friend/s personally or call his/her landline phone if our friend/s had one. I am happy that up to now, we still keep in touch. We still have get-togethers that can last for many hours.

Sa aking palagay, naging mas matalik ang aming pagkakaibigan dahil wala pa noon ibang paraan ng komyunikasyon kundi makipagkita ng personal o tumawag sa telepono kung meron man sila. Natutuwa ako dahil magpasahanggang ngayon ay nagkikita-kita pa rin kaming magkakaibigan. Nag-geget-together pa rin kami na pwedeng umabot nang maraming oras.

I value the friendship I have with my old friends, my newfound friends and of course my friends to be - friends who have common principles in life. I love hanging out, eating out or just spending time together. I can squeeze bonding time with them in between my busy schedule! Friends are just a text away. This is the time we share endless stories and experiences with one another until the wee hours.

Pinapahalagahan ko ang aking pakikipagkaibigan sa dati ko nang mga kaibigan, sa mga bago kong kaibigan at siyempre pa, sa aking mga magiging kaibigan pa lang – mga kaibigan na may parehong prinsipyo sa buhay. Gusto kong gumimik, kumain sa labas, o kahit magsama-sama lang kami ng aking mga kaibigan. Pwede kong maisingit sa aking bising iskedyul ang aking pakikipagkita sa kanila. Isang text lang ang layo ng isang kaibigan. Ang pagsasama-sama ay isang pagkakataon para ibahagi ang walang sawang kuwentuhan tungkol sa karanasan na pwedeng umabot pa sa dis oras ng gabi.

I love hanging out, eating out or just spending time together with friends.
Gusto kong gumimik, kumain sa labas, o kahit magsama-sama lang kami ng aking mga kaibigan.

I’m definite we must enjoy each other’s company because we temporarily forget our ailments like painful knees, ankles and backs. We may not know it but our friends have already taken their maintenance drug in the early morning! I don’t remember anyone complaining about sitting for many hours. Nobody complains about getting sleepy though many of us now go to bed early and wake up early.

Sigurado akong nag-eenjoy kami sa aming pagsasama-sama dahil pansamantalang nakakalimutan namin ang aming sakit sa tuhod, bukong-bukong at likod. Hindi lang natin alam na nakainom na pala ang aming mga kaibigan ng kanilang gamot, umaga pa lang! Hindi ko maalalang may nagrereklamo sa amin dahil sa kauupo nang matagal. Wala ring inaantok kahit marami na rin sa aming natutulog nang maaga at maagang gumigising!

At our age, we need each other’s compliments to boost our egos. We like to personally hear that we are beautiful as ever like what they post in our FB account! Nasasarapang makinig sa mga bola! More than that, we need the support from one another, listen to their counsels and weigh the merits, and also contemplate on other’s point of view. We delight small talks like how we spend our days, prepare a certain kind of food, share our life experiences and any thing that comes up in our minds. 

Sa edad naming ito, kailangan ng bawat isa ang magagandang papuri para gumanda ang aming tingin sa aming sarili! Natutuwa kaming marinig ng personal mula sa aming kaibigan na maganda pa rin kami na tulad ng isinusulat nila sa aming FB. Higit na kailangan namin ang suporta ng isa’t isa, makinig sa mga payo at tingnan ang kabutihan nito, at pag-isipan ang pananaw ng iba. Nasisiyahan din kami sa mga mababaw na pag-uusap tulad ng: Ano’ng ginagawa namin sa araw-araw?, Paano niluluto ang isang putahe?, Ano ang mga karanasan namin? At kahit anong sumagi sa isipan namin.

We like to personally hear from our BFFs that we're beautiful as ever like what they post in our FB account even if our face is obviously distorted!
Natutuwa kaming marinig ng personal mula sa aming kaibigan na maganda pa rin kami na tulad ng isinusulat nila sa aming FB kahit halata namang wala na sa tamang hugis ang mukha. 

We like get-togethers because it releases our stress from an unpleasant experience we just had with our neighbors. It allows us to vent our unspoken relationship with our husband/wife, relatives and other fellow beings. Our conversation can even lead us to discuss gospel principles or just anything under the clouds!

Gusto naming magsama-sama dahil nailalabas namin ang stress mula sa aming karanasang nangyari sa aming kapitbahay. Nailalabas namin ang aming sama ng loob na hindi naming masabi sa aming kabiyak, kamag-anak o ibang tao. Ang aming pag-uusap ay puwede ring mapunta sa mga prinsipyo tungkol sa turo ng Diyos, o kahit anong paksang sumusulpot na lang.

I remember as a parent to have used to ask these questions to my children: “Where are you going?” “What time are you coming home?”, “What’s the occasion?”, “Who are your companions? But now, it’s gone the other way around. It’s my children asking me these questions.

Maalala kong madalas kong itinatanong sa aking mga anak: “Saan ka pupunta?”, “Anong oras ka babalik?”, “Ano’ng okasyon?”, “Sino’ng mga kasama mo?” Pero ngayon, nagiging baliktad na. Ang aking mga anak na ang nagtatanong sa akin ng mga ito.

BFFs are supposed to uplift, empower and help you soar high!

As a final point, I’d like to address the youth. Select your BFFs who have the qualities like the kind of friendship that David and Jonathan had. Consider that one of the qualities your BFFs should have is a person who can strengthen you. BFFs are supposed to uplift you from your present state and empower you and not to knock you down. To the young once (upon a time), - be a good role model to your children. It says that parents who are keen to spend time with their own friends are more likely to have children with lots of healthy friendships. It’s also important for your child to see you looking out for your friends, and showing that friendship is a two-way thing.

Sa panghuling punto, gusto ko sanang sabihin ito sa mga kabataan: Piliin ninyo ang inyong mga BFF na may katangian katulad nina David at Jonathan. Marapatin na isa sa mga katangian na iyon ay: Ang BFF ay dapat siyang magpapatibay o magbibigay sa inyo ng lakas. Ang BFF ay siyang makakapagpa-angat sa inyo sa kasalukuyan ninyong kinalalagyan at hindi 'yung maglulugmok sa inyo sa kasamaan. At sa mga dating kabataan naman, maging magandang halimbawa kayo sa inyong mga anak. Sabi nila na kung ang mga magulang ay nagbibigay-panahon sa kanilang mga kaibigan,  maaring magkaroon din ang mga anak ng mabuting pakikipagkaibigan sa iba. Mabuti rin na makita kayo na nakikipabonding sa inyong mga kaibigan para maipakita na ang pagkakaibigan ay relasyon ng mga taong nagbibigayan o nagtutulungan  sa isa’t-isa.

BFFs are not supposed to leave you alone, downgrade you nor knock you down!

Get connected with your BFFs, maintain good relationship with them, learn wisdom from one another, and support one another in praising Him from whom all blessings flow.

Makipagbonding ulit sa mga kaibigan, panatilihin ang inyong mabuting pagkakaibigan, pareho kayong matuto ng mga mabubuting asal, at pareho kayong magtulungan upang purihin ang pinanggagalingan ng lahat ng biyaya.

John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Jesus considers us as His friends and not his servants because He reveals to us all things that our Heavenly Father wants. Blessings await us if we do His will.

The last time I texted my BFF I said: BFF, IWALY. Then he was quick to reply and said: BFF, IWABHFY.

Ang huling text ko sa aking BFF: BFF, IWALY! At ang bilis naman niyang sumagot sa akin: BFF, IWABHFY!

How about you? Are you still keeping in touch with your childhood friends? How do you feel having a long time friend? What did you use to do together? Please share your thoughts!

You can find more reading articles, day-to-day expressions, and  learn Tagalog grammar from my Salitang Pinoy Tagalog Book series. You can buy them at the bookstores or place your orders direct at:
                 Salitang Pinoy Publishing 
                 #38 El Jardin Del Presidente 2 
                 Unit 1-E Sgt. Esguerra St. 
                 Brgy. South Triangle, 
                 Quezon City

If you're interested  to learn Tagalog from me contact me at 09177527142;  salitangpinoybooks@yahoo.com