While interviewing Jovelyn and Evelyn, we learned a great amount about culture in the Philippines and the language of Tagalog. Questions about traditions and memories seemed to be the most fitting for getting information on culture.
We asked Jovelyn about what her favorite traditions are during the holidays to which she responded with “During Christmas, we normally go to Simbang boi. It is where we go to church, usually at night. It starts from December 16-24. After church, there are street sellers that sell bibingka and puto bumbong. During the New Year’s celebration, we always make sure we have 13 round fruits for good luck transitioning into the new year.” Christmas and Christianity are a big part of Filipino culture. She also has a favorite dish that she enjoys. “I like to make adobo, which is a staple in Filipino cuisine. It could be made using pork, chicken, or vegetables. I also like to eat a dried, salted fish called tuyo. It is usually fried, dipped in vinegar, and paired with rice. In the Philippines, tuyo is considered a low-budget meal, usually eaten by poorer people. But, Filipinos who are overseas crave this simple, but delicious delicacy. Whenever my mom makes it, which is not very often, I like to eat it with my two daughters who also enjoy it. Traditionally, Filipinos eat with their hands, but more commonly we eat with a spoon and fork.”
In addition to Jovelyn, we asked Evelyn what her morning routine is and one of her favorite childhood memories. Her response to her morning routine is “I get up at 6:45, do my skincare, and cook breakfast for my son who goes to work. After that, I’ll do my morning exercise and then attend the senior center where there are activities like Zumba and line dancing, and I am able to talk to other Filipinos who are around my age.” Evelyn’s favorite memory is playing with her friends and cousins when she was a child. “I liked to play Filipino games such as tumbang preso. Tumbang preso is a game where you have empty cans lined up and you hit it with either your slipper or wood. Tumba means to fall so whoever hits the most cans wins. I played with my cousins and friends.”
Philippine culture is an important aspect of the language of Tagalog. This example of two people who speak Tagalog and the specific traditions, routines, and things that they do in their everyday life may differ from someone who speaks another dialect of the standard Filipino langauge.
