Getting Flipped Over Flip Stavy Videos

Posted on September 7, 2014 by heavenliner

As a way of showing huge gratitude to this adorable Canadian (with Greek descent) guy for loving the Philippines so much, let me feature two of his enjoyable videos on my blog. I have been so captivated by Flip Stavy’s YouTube videos which features his fondness and adoration towards the Filipino language, food and people.

First is a very funny video, which I guess, only Flips can laugh about. I always find it so cute and hilarious when human beings born of another tongue would utter Filipino expletives. Stavy looks so innocent and so clueless making this video a riot! And by the way, the genius dichotomization and extraction variations of the invective ‘put*ng in@’ at the latter part of the video is so brilliant.

But here’s a Filipino language vocabulary video of Flip Stavy discussing about family. I never thought of Filipino genealogy labelling in this very cool manner. How I wish my Filipino teachers taught me my language in this very refreshing style.

Flip Stavy’s adorable videos would not have been possible without his Filipino buddy whom he calls Pao-Pao. I hope Pao-Pao would stay as friendly and supportive as he is now to Stavy. He definitely exemplifies the Filipino’s in-born warmth and hospitality.

‘Tang ‘Nang ‘Yan! Wi lab yu tu Stavy!

Superlative Aesthetics of Barber’s Tales

Posted on August 22, 2014 by heavenliner

barber’s tales movie poster

All elements of a good movie seem to be present in the film Barber’s Tales written and directed by Jun Lana. Everything in the movie though simple in its attack seems mesmeric. It is so good the viewers at the end of the film could not control from clapping their hands.

It is a quiet movie yet its overall effect encompasses viewers’ expectations of a well-made film: honest-to-goodness directing and storytelling; unpredictable twists and characters; so-true-to-the-character acting performances; skillful use of the Filipino language; unobtrusive and discreet use of music that mixes naturally with the sound of the environment; and, lastly the brilliant use of old and faded colors.

I know there have been heaps of positive reviews and blog posts written about Barber’s Tales highlighting on how good the story is, how cohesive the direction and cinematography was or how impressive the actors were. Thus with this post, let me honor one aspect of the film that seems to have been slightly neglected. The production design.

Being a person who grew up in the era on when the story wheeled on, this element of the film truly delighted me. Thus, for me, Chito Sumera, the production designer of the movie is one of the movie’s superstars.

The movie’s production design brought me back to my pre-school years in Pasay. I agreed with all the 70’s period props and costumes featured in the movie. From the prostitutes’ usage of pink plastic rolers (curler tubes) on their hair, the presence of old transistor radio inside the barbershop, the usage of hoary kulambo (mosquito net), the presence of time-consuming ginanchillo (crochet fabric) on top of the rickety-looking tocador (a dresser) and even the old magazine with Margie Moran on its cover were all genuinely amazing to see. These well-researched props made me further feel the critical sensory-emotional values of the film.

when i was still a kid, i always thought that those batya (laundry tubs) were giant tansan (bottle caps)

I actually whispered to Nengkoy while the movie was running if she noticed and still recalls those reliable tin metal batya (laundry tub) which the main character and her best friend were using in one of the beautiful scenes.

These key design elements further elevated the film to be closer to what is the truth and what has existed in the past, thus, making the story so real.

The Barber’s Tales is still showing in few selected cinemas in the metro. For its ‘true’ aesthetics, this film is definitely a must watch movie.

Hanep!

Miss Universe Plus One

Posted on November 9, 2013 by heavenliner

miss philippines (ariella arida); 3rd runner up in the miss universe 2013

Congratulations to Miss Philippines for being in the top 5 again in the recently concluded Miss Universe Pageant. This is the 4^th consecutive year a beautiful and smart Filipina placed the Top Five. This definitely sealed the concept that Philippines is a first-rate powerhouse in the world of international beauty pageants.

I am not complaining that it has been four consecutive years that the Philippines almost took the coveted title. It has been said that our country’s major movers on international pageants already has the correct formula for winning. But I beg to disagree because there is one ingredient missing in their formula. And that would be a Pageant Interpreter.

the brilliant philippine senator, miriam defensor santiago

the brilliant senator, miriam defensor santiago

May our candidate possess a sharp and perfect command of the English language or not, we should still have the component called Pageant Interpreter. It’s the missing element for geeze sakes! And these brilliant movers must give in to the enduring clamor of the Filipino people that Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago be our candidate’s Pageant Interpreter.

donald trump

As for this year’s winner, let me extend my warm congratulations! As for the owner of the Miss Universe Organization, Mr. Donald Trump, let me remind you that would have to shell out more than just what Miss Venezuela has won. You would now have to add an additional pax in the budget of Miss Universe 2013 for her every trip, meeting, function or social engagement that she would have to attend. It would be additional expenses for plane tickets, meals, clothing, room accommodations and the likes. This would obviously be for the essential and necessary Mr. or Ms. Interpreter.

last year, venezuela missed the "translator" element that is why they lose

last year’s venezuela candidate was more stunning than this year’s winner, but they missed the “translator” element that is why she lose

I always believe that a Pageant Interpreter can actually make a beauty contestant sound intelligent. It has been an accepted fact that a translator’s skill and proficiency in integrating the idea of another person’s thought spoken in a different language through the usage of flowery expressions, momentous terms and big words can make a lot of difference. Hence, let me also congratulate Mr. Interpreter for also winning the coveted crown!

Si Miriam talaga ang kulang. Pag hindi pa din tayo nanalo papagalitan nun si Donald Trump.

Respect

Posted on September 22, 2013 by heavenliner

The word for today is RESPECT. And I would like to dedicate this word to the big bad wolves of today’s Philippine society, namely:

The mother of all scams, Janet Napoles
Best buddies in thievery Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla
Shameful Nur Misuari and the dim-witted MNLF gang
Crooked star-crossed lovers Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and Atty. Gigi Reyes

You may have not heard the word respect, so let Elmo and Henry Cavill teach you a little something about it…

Mayaman nga kayo, wala naman kayong respeto… haler…

Panlakad

Posted on February 20, 2013 by heavenliner

I don’t know what’s the English translation for the Tagalog word panlakad. Maybe there is no single English word for it. With my limited English know-how, the best translation I can give is that panlakad are social clothes and apparels worn for an occasion, an event or by simply being out of the house and in a public place.

sporting my nengkoy shirt. di ko pa napang simba yan!

Back in the days when table salts are not yet iodized, inhabitants in the Philippines would make sure that their newly sewn or purchased panlakad must first be worn to attend a Holy Sunday Mass. Although this rare custom and tradition has long been gone, I can still remember people’s line of questioning to folks they saw sporting new clothes. They would ask, “Pinang simba mo na ba ‘yan?” (“Have you worn those in a Mass?”) It’s as if wearing new clothes that has not initially been worn in a Sunday Mass celebration is such an abomination and is a wicked habit of the devil.

The socio-anthropologist in me dictates that this not-so-ancient unorthodox yet dissipated belief may be a progeny of Filipino’s robust Catholic faith that owning and wearing new clothing is a gift from heaven, thus, it would be most appropriate to first wear it inside the house of God. Or this belief has been generated from Filipino’s long running tradition that they should wear new clothes during Christmas Day and it is a must to go hear a Holy Mass during this Holy day.

I don’t know if I should be thankful or resentful that this tradition is no longer observed. Thankful because with the volume of clothes I own, I cannot imagine how many times in a year would I be required to attend the Holy Mass. Resentful because this tradition could have at least given me another reason to attend and hear the Holy Mass.

‘Yang suot mo ngayon, Pinang Simba Mo Na Ba Yan?

Neil Tattoo

Posted on November 6, 2012 by heavenliner

It is believed that a tattoo marked on a person’s skin is the owner’s artistic expression about himself/herself. It further distinguishes a person’s appearance, trait and character other than his or her unique DNA and matchless thumbprints.

If ever having a tattoo on your skin is going to be one key requirement to live a normal a life on this planet (similar to having a “name”) have you ever wondered what design/s are you gonna have printed on your epidermis?

I do. It would be this….

neil in tamil

This is how my name is written in the ancient language of Tamil. I intend to have it marked on my left shoulder blade. And since I for sure cannot tolerate the excruciating pain of tattoo needles nipping my clear, supple and young-looking skin, I will just have it soon printed on a shirt.

Istey kul, bukul…

Kantuz by Kalakan

Posted on September 22, 2012 by heavenliner

Sing!

Kantuz sortu naiz eta kantuz nahi bizi,
Kantuz igortzen ditut nik penak IHESI;
kantuz izan dudano zerbait irabazi,
kantuz gostura ditut guziak iretsi.
kantuz ez dute beraz hiltzea merezi?

Kantuz iragan ditut gau eta egunak;
kantuz ekarri ditut griak Lanak eta;
kantuz biltzen nituen aldeko Lagunak:
kantuz eman dauztate, Obra gabe, famak;
kantuz hartuko nauia zeruko Jaun Onak!

Kantuz eman izan tut zonbaiten Berriak,
kantuz atseginekin erranez egiak;
kantuz egin baititut usus afruntuiak,
kantuz aitortzen ditut ene bekatuiak;
katuz eginen ditut nik penitzentziak.

Kantuz eginez geroz munduian sortzia,
kantuz egin behar dut ontsalaz, hiltzia;
kantuz emaiten badaut Jainkoak grazia,
kantuz idekiko daut San Pierrek Atia,
kantuz egin dezadan zeruan sartzian …

Kantuz ehortz nezate, hiltzen naizenian,
kantuz ene lagunek harturik airian;
kantuz Ariko zaizkit lurrean sartzian;
kantuz Frango utziko diotet munduian,
kantuz ha diten beti nitaz oroitzian.

Kantuz ene lagunek harturik airian;
kantuz Ariko zaizkit lurrean sartzian;
kantuz Frango utziko diotet munduian,
kantuz ha diten beti nitaz oroitzian.

Yeah, I don’t understand a single word (its written in Basque Country language) but the beat and melody is so refreshing!

Yeba!!!

Weiner in Melaka

Posted on September 17, 2012 by heavenliner

Early this year when I was at Osaka in Japan, I found pussy in Namba Parks (press this LINK if you wish to read this hilarious post). Last week during a long weekend in Malaysia, I found a weiner in Melaka.

Titi is a Tagalog word when translated in English would mean a man’s love-stick, prick, or pecker. For a nicer and more appropriate label it is the male genitalia.

While passing through one narrow street inside Chinatown in Melaka, I and my colleagues noticed the signage of Titi Art Gallery. Without hesitation we mindlessly took a photo of it. It was for us hilarious and was actually laughing out loud wondering what interesting pieces of art could be inside.

Initially, I thought the gallery would feature the “helmeted yogurt slinger” in various artistic media. But of course I am wrong because the gallery sells gorgeous drawings and paintings. The reputed art works were even hailed and endorsed by UNESCO as indicated in one of its posters.

The gallery’s owner was the one who welcomed us and instinctively guessed that we were Filipinos simply because of our laughter. He said that he knew we were Filipinos because his gallery receives the same reception and reaction from Filipino tourists in Melaka from the past. He was nevertheless gentle and accommodating enough to explain that “titi” in Chinese means little or younger brother and when translated in Malay language would mean a small bridge.

The paintings and drawings were actually stunning but it was a bit pricey for our budget so we simply say thanks and bid goodbye to the gallery’s owner.

But since my brain’s dendrites were functioning very well after a cup of coffee from a nearby shop, I realized that the Chinese and Malay translation for titi is basically close to that of Tagalog. Why? It is because a lot of androcentric jocks consider their pecker as their little brother. Also, a man’s joystick when interloped inside a love-hole would be the small bridge where the huge army of seeds or jellyfishes will have to cross so as to create a human being. Thus, Tagalog, Chinese and Malay’s definition of titi is fundamentally the same.

In peyrnes, di madulas sa tindahan ni manong!

Filipino Language In A Hit Hollywood Movie During The Language Month

Posted on August 27, 2012 by heavenliner

August is the Philippines’ Language Month. It is but so fitting that in this month the movie Bourne Legacy was shown in cinemas worldwide. It is so apt because there were a lot of times when the Filipino-Tagalog language was uttered in the said movie.

In one scene female lead star Rachel Weisz was being advised by a Tagalog-speaking pharmacist-vendor about the medicines she is buying. Rachel responded and looks as if she understood. And since a lot of scenes were depicted and shot in Manila it is but inevitable to hear Tagalog spoken from the background. There was one scene that I laughed out hard since the cursing in Filipino was smacking solid!

And of course, aside from enjoying a witty yet action-packed movie, I was delighted at the end part of the film when the lead star Jeremy Renner spoke one Tagalog word. He uttered “salamat” when he thanked the son of a boatman who helped them escape from their foes by sailing away from Manila and heads for Palawan.

Hearing the Filipino-Tagalog language spoken in an international hit Hollywood movie during the Language Month is quite refreshing. Because in the last Hollywood film which I saw where Tagalog language was spoken, my native tongue is being uttered by the devil.

constantine starring keanu reeves

It was in the movie entitled Constantine starring Keanu Reeves. In the first scene of the movie, a lady was being possessed by the devil and while being on a mad trace she threats and curses in Tagalog. I can still clearly recall the young kid watching in front of me seated with his dad inside the cinema became so upset and distressed telling his father in a very dreary tone that the devil is a Filipino.

He said, “Ay Papa, ba’t ganun? Ang demonyo pala ay Filipino.” (Translation: “Hey Papa, why is it like that? The devil is a Filipino.) He cried, hugged his dad and turned traumatized because I guess he realized that the spoken language in hell is Tagalog. Hahaha! Good thing though, Constantine was not shown in the month of August, otherwise, I would be insulted.

Salamat Jeremy, salamat Rachel pero no tenks kay Keyanu at sa demonyu.

Pinoy Nicknaming

Posted on February 19, 2012 by heavenliner

If the Filipino advertising agency is to adopt the successful “Share a Coke” campaign done in Australia in 2011, one thing is certain, my name won’t be included. The campaign removed the iconic Coca-cola logo from the bottles’ label and instead replaced it with about 100 different common first names in their country. It was reported that there was about 32% increase in the sales of Coke in the first two weeks when the campaign was launched.

http://youtu.be/OnTmRh-jOaM

My name Neil won’t be included because here in the Philippines, its inhabitants has the habit of giving nicknames that simply duplicates the same syllable like Nene, Toto, Makmak, Leklek, Tintin, Jojo, Junjun, Lotlot, Maymay, Katkat, Bangbang, Kangkang, Tonton, Em-em, Jay-jay, Bibi, Gigi, Ar-ar, Tata. Believe me. I can go on and on and on.

Not only in terms of nicknaming people but there are other instances that we do it. Here’s a few:

“tiktik” – a name of a sleazy tabloid or it means to investigate
“kiskis” – meaning to polish
“siksik” – which means compacted
“sapsap” – a name of a slipmouth fish
“paspas” – meaning to speed-up
“bolabola” – the name we call a hawker’s fishballs
“labolabo” – meaning chaos or confusion
“major major” – part of the controversial answer of Ms. Philippines in 2010 Ms. Universe pageant which the rest of the world poked fun of

I am not a linguistic anthropologist who could explain this factual phenomenon. But there must be something in the water that makes us do this agglutinative style. We even name the vagina and penis in this manner…

Major major eng-eng!

Nengkoy

ruminations & travesties of the favorite yet naughty son of Nengkoy

Tag Archives: language