Should I Bother Learning Tagalog Before Visiting the Philippines

The short answer is definitely yes. Knowing Tagalog will set you apart from the thousands of visitors who haven’t bothered to learn the main language of the Philippines. It will definitely be worth your time and energy learning Tagalog whether you have a husband, wife, penpal or just visiting the Philippines. Even if Tagalog it is not the person’s first language, chances are, they have learned it as a second language.

Aren’t you tired of sitting in the middle of a crowd of people speaking a language you don’t understand? Believe me I feel your pain. When I met my girlfriend, later my wife, I was so frustrated not being able to understand the conversations she was having with her friends and relatives. Just the thought of trying to learn this language was overwhelming! Finally I learned a little secret.

Here is the little secret to getting along in this fascinating language. Learn these common complimentary phrases first:

• Sige na! (using said in a pleading way means “come on!” or “go on!”
• Mahal kita! (always an appreciated phrase means “I love you.”)
• Maganda ka (you’re beautiful)
• Gwapo ka. (You’re handsome)
• Masarap! (Said while eating means delicious!)
• Maganda ang _________ mo! (Your ______ is beautiful.)
• mata, buhok, ipin, katawan, mukha (eyes, hair, teeth, body, face)
• Maraming salamat! (Thank you very much!)

I guarantee you that you will be the hit of the party. Many, many doors will open for you when you begin to speak just a little Tagalog. Then, as you become more proficient, word will spread that you re a person that has taken the time to learn their language and their appreciation will be shown in many ways.

WARNING: When you start to speak Tagalog, even just a few words and phrases, you will be getting more compliments and favors than you would have believed possible!