Days 5-9: Ilonggo Words to Remember

I’m now on my 9th, 5 days to go and I will be done with the Backpacking Challenge. I really have a lot to remember during this trip- the people, the food, the places and of course the new words I learned. Good thing, people I met along the way say I’m a fast learner. I always have to say, “Maka-intiende ako, gamay lang.” I understand, a little bit. You can review some Ilonggo words from Days 1-4.

KBL- Kadios, Baka kag Langka from Silay City (their version of Nilaga)

Day 5: PABAKAL – to buy / pabili

I was hesitant at first to use this when buying something. I used it anyway, “pabakal sang ulam…” although at the back of my mind I was thinking of iron- “bakal” is “steel.” What an IRONy?

Use in a sentence: “Manamit ba ang batchoy? Pabakal sang order?” (Is the batchoy yummy? I’ll buy one.)

Day 6: BARATO – cheap / mura

Doing a P250/day trip is no joke. Its not impossible but man its hard. Anyway, I have to use this before I but anything to keep me within budget. I always give my big smile when I learn that the food I am buying is “barato.” Oh, I have to add, I’m not “barat” ha. I just want to encourage everyJuan to explore the beauty of the Philippines.

Day 7: HALONG – take care / ingat (Biogesic)

I have met a lot of people already, I love them all, especially those from Negros because they are “gwapa.” So I always say before we part ways, “Halong!” And they would reply, “halong,” because they have learned too of my P250/day challenge.

Day 8: MIGO/MIGA – friend (dude)

At first I would call all males “Manong” and all females “Manang.” Funny right? Good thing someone taught me the words “Migo/Miga.” This is used to those whom you think is within your age range. “Migo, bayad palihog.” (Dude, please take my payment)

Day 9: KAUN NA TA – let’s eat / kain na tayo

Western Visayas’ cuisine is gastronomic. A testimony that Filipinos love and will continue to love eating. I just arrived at Roxas City, Capiz and I’m already missing the Piaya from Bacolod, Mangoes from Guimaras and Batchoy from Iloilo. I just look forward for tomorrow’s seafood feast!

“Kaun na ta ng KBL! Namit-Namit!”

Ooooops! Before I forgot, this is their secret why their food is namit: