Page 237 - Tagalog for Beginners: An Introduction to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines

Contemplated: first syllable of root word + root word + -an bibilhan; bibigyan
But why do we say binibilhan instead of binibilihan ? For ease of speaking,
the vowel between l and h is removed.

Mga Tala Sa Kultura

Humility is important in Filipino culture. In giving a gift or asking someone to
dinner, some people apologize by saying that the offering is “not good enough.”
Two expressions we have learned in this lesson are: “Pagpasensiyahan mo na ang
maliit na regalo ko. (Please bear with my small gift./I am sorry for my small gift.)”
and “Pasensiya ka na. (I am sorry.)” Another similar expression is: “Ito lang ang
nakayanan ko. (This is all I can manage.)”
In dinner situations, the host, who is usually the cook, also tries to diminish the
amount of effort he/she has taken in preparing for the meal. Thus, he/she says:
“Pasensiya na kayo at ito lang ang naihanda namin.” (So sorry because this is all
we have prepared.” And yet, as one surveys the dinner table, one can see three or

four dishes and at least two kinds of dessert.
In response, the gift recipient or the dinner guest can also say the following:
“Hindi na po kayo dapat nag-abala. You shouldn’t have bothered.”
“Labis-labis naman po ito. This is too much.”
“Nakakahiya naman sa inyo. I am ashamed [that you took so much trouble].”
This exchange serves an important role in maintaining good relations among
neighbors and friends, in a community of interdependent lives.

Gawain

If you are a classroom learner, use the dialogue at the beginning of the lesson as a
guide and use the words and expressions you have learned to do the following role-
plays with your partner. If you are an individual learner, write a dialogue on one of
the following situations.

Situation 1: You are attending the wedding anniversary party of Vic and Teresita
Mendez. You brought them a wedding gift.

Situation 2: Your friend Francine’s father passed on. You are at the funeral home
and you have brought a basket of flowers. Francine offers you coffee
and some sandwiches.
Situation 3: It is your cousin Flor’s 50th birthday party. She looks 40 because she
recently got botox and collagen injections.