Page 224 - Tagalog for Beginners: An Introduction to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines

dialogue you read earlier, do a role-play.
Classroom learners should work in pairs while individual learners should write a
dialogue.

Pagbabasa

Read the following short short story, and then answer the questions that follow.
Study the new words and expressions before reading the story. Written in

contemporary Filipino, the story uses English words that have been incorporated
into everyday life in Metro Manila. Also, this story is informed by a popular urban
legend, that of a snake that is said to be the twin of a woman. The snake apparently
lives in dressing rooms of a department store.
Ahas Snake
Takot na takot Very afraid

Sayang It’s a pity
Nag-iimbita Invites

Tse! Expression of disgust
Matutuklaw Will be bitten; refers only to snake bites

Pagseselos Jealousy

Ahas (Snake)

May urban legend sa Maynila. Mayroon daw ahas sa loob ng fitting rooms
ng isang department store.
Takot na takot ako sa loob ng fitting room. Sinusukat ko ang iba’t ibang
pulang damit. Valentine’s Day na sa susunod na linggo at gusto kong isuot
ang bestida sa date namin ni Mark.
Bestida no. 1. Strapless, form fitting. Sayang, masyadong masikip.
Bestida no. 2. Plunging neckline. May itim na sinturon. Sayang,
napakaiksi naman.
Bestida no. 3. One-shoulder. Interesante ang disenyo. At kasyang-kasya sa
akin.

Lumalabas na ako sa fitting room nang makita ko siya. Ang ex-girlfriend
ng asawa ko. Ang babaeng tumatawag pa rin sa kanya sa telepono. Ang
babaeng nag-iimbita sa kanya para magkape o kumain ng tanghalian. Ano
bang “friends-friends” lang? Tse. Tse. Tse.