Page 113 - Tagalog for Beginners: An Introduction to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines

earlier.)

1. TANONG : Ilan ang pinsan mo?

SAGOT : Labinlima ang pinsan ko. / Meron akong labinlimang pinsan.

2. TANONG : Ilan ang tiya mo na nasa Amerika?
SAGOT : Tatlo ang tiya ko na nasa Amerika./Meron akong tatlong tiya
na nasa Amerika.

3. TANONG : Ilan ang pinsan mong lalaki?

SAGOT : ___________________.

4. TANONG : ___________________.

SAGOT : Dalawa ang pinsan kong babae.

5. TANONG : ___________________.
SAGOT : ___________________.

6. TANONG : ___________________.

SAGOT : ___________________.

7. TANONG : ___________________.

SAGOT : ___________________.

Mga Tala Sa Kultura

You may have heard of Corazon Aquino (1933–2009), former President of the
Philippines. Aquino was installed as the 11th President of the Philippines,
following the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolt that ended the authoritarian rule of
Ferdinand Marcos. It is believed that she was a popular candidate and President
because she was called “Tita Cory” (Aunt Cory), indicating familiarity.

In the Philippines, even non-relatives are called Tita/Tito/Tiya/Tiyo
(aunt/uncle), Ate/Kuya (elder brother/sister), or even the Ilocano/Visayan
Manang/Manong (elder sister/elder brother). This establishes a bond between the
speaker and the person being addressed. It brings close family friends even closer;
promotes a casual atmosphere in the workplace; enables the shopper to get a better
bargain at the wet market; and even diffuses sexual tension among scholars
conducting field research.
This also brings to mind communities in the rural areas where it is not