Kamusta ka na? Okey ka lang?

My response? Okay lang!
While it's been a really long time since I've posted, I haven't stopped for good. Actually, I'm hoping that with the new year upon us, I'll be able to bring back The Filipina Chicagoan in more exciting and relevant ways. Consider it my New Years resolution. There, I said it.
So, to start the new year off right, let's consider some resolutions we could all make here in the Filipino community.
The first is one you could consider easy or difficult depending on how you look at it:Get involved with a Filipino organization or event that's completely new to you. I am one to admit that I wish I could've done more to that effect in 2008, like when I couldn't attend a parole-making workshop in Skokie last month. Dozens showed up to make the beautiful Christmas lanterns, which were free to those who wanted to learn. Another group I hadn't heard of before was Believe International, a charity that raises money to educate children in the Philippines with books, supplies and transportation.
Second, let's give more support local businesses. I have a couple in mind that I'll keep my eyes on: a dee-licious bakery called Rowie's Bakery. Wonderful name in itself. And a grocery and eatery called Sari-Sari Store out by Naperville for the western suburbanites that has most of whar you need to cook up a Filipino dinner. There's got to be more businesses out there, and I'd like to find them.
And lastly, for now, keep asking about and re-learning the stories of our parents and grandparents. One of the best lessons I learned in 2008 was realizing how lucky I am to live with the world at my fingertips. We should all be extremely lucky.
Here's to a happy new year.
Maligong bagong taon!

Tag-lish

I decided to institute something new this summer, among the many goals I tend to set every year when we supposedly have a little more time on our hands. Sometimes it's cleaning the garage or the basement. Other times it's to run one to two miles a day. Or my all-time favorite, cook a new dish. Well, I think I came up with my best idea yet: one-hour Tagalog lessons at least once a week. It usually works when my mom and I are sharing a meal together. I ask her to talk only in Tagalog with me and I'm supposed to respond back.

Let's just say it hasn't been easy. I easily get frustrated and my brain just goes blank. I look at an object and I can't even begin to figure out what the word would be for it. But the minute I hear it, it's like a no-brainer. It's definitely strange. But the more I do it, I've gotten a tad better.

So here's just a sampling of what I've learned. And this is raw, so you'll have to forgive me for typographical errors:

-Kamusta ka na: How are you? (I used to always say Ku-musta, wrong).

-Walang anuman: Not a problem, that's nothing (in response to thank you)

-Biro mo: Not sure on the direct translation, but it kinda means, Could you believe that. Or, if you can believe that, a response.

I learned another word as well, but I won't share that one. I'll have a lot more to share as I get better hopefully.

What are some phrases you always use in Tagalog, for all my non-native speakers? And I'm talking real words not fun four letter words or dirty jokes. Seriously, what was helpful for you when you tried to learn the language? And yes, going to the Philippines for 6-12 months counts. I'd love to do that some day.

Where they make you feel like Jay-Z

The New York Times follows Gilbert Arenas during a three-day visit to Manila, where he's pretty much treated like a god. The writer talks about how the Philippines might not be China, Japan or India, but it's consistently among the top 4 countries raking in the sales of basketball shoes and gear in Asia.

And the best quote: “If you’re having a bad day or you’re having a bad career, go to Manila. They’ll bring your spirits up.”