essay about reading tagalog

How To Learn Tagalog By Yourself (From Beginner To Advanced)

Somewhere near 50 million people in the world speak Tagalog. Most of them are based in the Philippines, but there is a huge presence of Tagalog speakers all around the globe.

So how to learn Tagalog? You can learn Tagalog by yourself if you're consistent, patient and if you put in the work that it takes. In the below article, I'll talk you through how you should be spending your time!

Before I go any further, head over to FilipinoPod101 and create a free account. It's one of the most useful online resources I've used.

What is Tagalog?

Tagalog is in the Austronesian language family and related to languages such as Hawaiian, Maori and Indonesian. I wrote an article about the Indonesian language by the way.

Tagalog is one of the languages spoken in the Philippines. About a third of the country's population speak it as their mother tongue. As for the rest of the Philippine population, most speak it as a second language.

Tagalog is as such not really a unified language. This can, potentially, make for a frustrating learning experience. The spoken language can often be a little different from what is taught as standardized Tagalog, or Filipino. Filipino is the official language in the Philippines. It's more or less the Manilla dialect of Tagalog. It's not the most wide-spread dialect in the country, however. All of this means that you'll eventually have to establish a base understanding of several dialects if your goal is to speak autonomously with most people in the Philippines.

In common dialects of Tagalog, you'll be surprised to see a very large influence from Spanish and English. The Philippines has historically been under both Spanish and American control. This means that there are a lot of loan words from these two languages, and that many Filipinos are conversationally fluent in English.

You'll notice that code-switching is a common phenomenon among native Filipinos. Code-switching is the casual mixing of languages in daily speech. Code-switching can be anything from using a few loan-words, to speaking English with Filipino grammar adapted to the English words. You'll often hear Filipinos start a sentence in Tagalog, continue on in English, to finally conclude in Tagalog again. If you're not used to experiencing this, it's actually quite fascinating to hear!

The Filipino alphabet and Tagalog pronunciation

Learning Tagalog pronunciation is delightfully simple! The alphabet used in the Philippines is the same as the one used in English. The only addition is the letter "ñ" which comes from Spanish, and which is pronounced more or less like the "ne" in the word "** ne **w".

A walk-through of the Tagalog alphabet. It's quite simple!

Tagalog is very consistent in its spelling which is fairly phonetic. The pronunciation of the letters closely resemble how letters are pronounced in English - only without the many exceptions.

You'll also find that Tagalog pronunciation distinguishes much more between words and syllables than in English. In Tagalog, you make a clear pause between words, whereas English speaking people tend to pronounce following words as a direct continuation of the preceding one. Try noticing how you say "happy birthday".

The most difficult sounds in the Tagalog language for an English speaker is the rolling "r", the "ñ" and the two letters "ng" in combination. Ng, by the way, is pronounced the same way as in the word "ri ng ning". In Tagalog, it can be found in the beginning of the word aswell, though. Try pausing while pronouncing the word "ri- ng ing".

How to get started with Tagalog

When starting out learning Tagalog, I recommend that you start by picking up a beginner's textbook with audio. Some like to start by getting a slow-paced introduction to the language with an audio-course like Pimsleur (link to amazon.)

I don't think that you need to use Pimsleur in the beginning with Tagalog, though.

Tagalog obviously is not something you teach yourself in a week. But it's not the most complicated language in terms of pronunciation and vocabulary either. So where I sometimes recommend Pimsleur to beginner's in some languages, I'd say that you can skip ahead and jump right into a textbook with Tagalog.

Regrettably, there are very few self-study textbooks for Tagalog out there. And even fewer are any good. One of the few I do recommend, however is Teach Yourself Tagalog. It's close to being out of print, but there are a few Amazon sellers who still carry it.

Teach Yourself Tagalog is a dialogue-based course where you are faced with a text in Tagalog followed by the English translation. It comes with audio CD's as well as grammar explanations, exercises and drills.

How to start learning Tagalog with a beginner's course

Here's how I suggest you study with your Teach Yourself Tagalog book:

First read through the English dialogue to get an idea what the text is about. Then read through the Tagalog text while listening to the audio. Then listen again, but pause for each sentence. Try to repeat out loud as well as you can. Make sure to mimic the speed, intonation, melody and pronunciation of the recording. Do this for the whole dialogue.

Then repeat the last exercise two or three times.

After finishing your read-through's, have a look at the grammar notes. Read them and try making sense of them. But don't worry if it doesn't seem to be clear. It'll come later.

You may also do the drills and exercises, but it's not a problem if you prefer to just skim through them. The dialogues are what's really important.

For each time you sit down and study a new Teach Yourself Tagalog lesson, I recommend that you go through the 5-10 previous lessons. Read them in Tagalog, listen to the recording and repeat. If you've forgotten something, just glance to the English translation.

I suggest that you find a good time-slot during your day and do one Teach Yourself lesson every day. I like studying in the morning.

You might also be interested in reading this article that I wrote about " fitting language learning into a tight schedule ".

The importance of doing several things at once

When I study languages, I always try to do multiple courses or approaches in parallel. No matter how much you revise and how intensely you study, some words just seem to remain elusive. When you mix up things a little and do other things at the same time, something interesting happens.

You simply remember new words much better when you recognize them in contexts outside of your main textbook. Think of it this way: Things you study routinely in a textbook is just "neutral" information to your brain. It's "a" Tagalog word in the sea of Tagalog words. Then imagine having studied something in the morning. Then you see the word in another context later in the day. You recognize it. It's a word you thought you didn't know, but suddenly it's there. "Oh, that word!"

The feeling of recognizing something you know only faintly is a sort of little victory in your brain. Whenever this happens, you tie positive emotions to the word. In the same time, your brain recognizes that this word has appeared twice. From two different sources. It concludes it must be important. Suddenly, the word you knew only very faintly is brought out of the stale soup of neutral vocabulary. It's now a word you know!

I've written another article about the subject of remembering words . The subject is really immensely important when it comes to learning languages, but it's often overlooked. In the following I'll discuss a few other ways that it can be used.

Getting a second beginner's course for learning Tagalog

So as you can gather from the above, it's of immense importance that you do multiple things at once. As a beginner you really can't benefit that much from Tagalog-language news papers, television and books. So what I recommend is getting a second beginner's course and doing it in parallel with Teach Yourself.

So which other course should you pick? As I said earlier, there are surprisingly few Tagalog courses available. You might want to go to your local library or bookstore to see what's there. I suggest that you pick something in the same style as teach yourself. You need something that's dialogue-based. Don't go for reference grammar's and that kind of thing.

If you have a hard time finding something useful, I suggest checking out the Tagalog course made publicly available by the Defense Language Institute . DFI is the American government institution in charge of teaching foreign languages to the US military. They've put their Tagalog course up online for free. (Or someone else has, but it's public domain).

The course might seem a little dated - and it is - but it not bad at all. And it's completely free. You simply download a PDF and the MP3 audio files and you're good to go.

I recommend that you study the DLI course in the same way as you use Teach Yourself. If you've made a habit out of doing your Teach Yourself course in the morning, why not do DLI in the evening.

Learn Tagalog grammar and pronunciation through sentences

Once you've made a little progress with your two textbooks, say, one third of the lessons finished, it's time to branch out.

One program I really like for this is Glossika. (I'll put a link below when I finish telling you about it!) With Glossika you learn Tagalog through studying sentences. There are no grammar explanations, no drills and exercises and no quizzes. There's only a ton of phrases in Tagalog, their recordings and their English equivalents.

The Glossika Tagalog study screen. And don't let that sentence be on point!

The idea is that you learn grammar and vocabulary through repeatedly seeing correct examples of it in sentences. This approach resembles how children learn their mother tongues. As a kid, you gradually learned to speak through hearing your language used correctly again and again. You stumbled at first - and for quite some time. But now you're at a point where grammar mistakes in your language sounds like nails on a blackboard. Or two polystyrene-boxes rubbed against each other! (I hope the mental image works)

If you've ever studied a language by dissecting it and trying to understand its grammar theoretically, you probably realize that this approach gives you a quite different result. You might be able to correctly explain grammar points in that language - things you couldn't do in your native language. But can you speak it fluently?

When Glossika teaches you Tagalog phrases, it does it in a way that resembles the way children learn, but with an important difference. The Glossika system is organized and controlled. Sentences touch on related grammar and vocabulary as they evolve rather than being random.

This significantly improves the approach. With Glossika you can learn a language as well as children do, but many times more efficiently.

How to study Tagalog with Glossika?

When you study with Glossika, you do batches of five new sentences at a time. The English and Tagalog phrases are written on the screen and you hear their recordings. First the English one, then a pause, then the Tagalog sentence two times.

When you first hear the English sentence, try reading the Tagalog sentence out loud. You then hear the Tagalog sentence two times. Listen carefully. Then try repeating after the voice. Try mimicking the sound of the sentence exactly as it was just spoken. It's important that you try to make the pronunciation, the stress, rhythm and above all the speed as exact as possible.

Don't worry if you still end up mumbling or stumbeling over words. The sentence will be repeated five times in a study session, and later it'll be scheduled for review.

You have the option of slowing down the speed of the recordings if you really can't keep up. I don't recommend doing this though. It creates a false sense of comfort. It'll feel easier at the moment, but you need to get used to hearing Tagalog spoken in it's natural pace!

I recommend that you do 5-20 new sentences in one sitting. But not more! You might be tempted to keep adding more sentences, but know that these will be scheduled for later review several times, so you'll be creating a huge backlog of work.

The importance of repetitions with Glossika

After your first study session has ended, wait 12-24 hours. Once you come back, you'll notice that the sentences you've just studied are up for review. Do these before going on to study any new sentences.

When you've finished studying a sentence with Glossika, it's automatically scheduled for review. For each time you review it, it'll be rescheduled gradually further and further into the future. Glossika schedules your reviews with an algorithm based on the forgetting curve . The idea is that you should review a sentence just when you're about to forget it. The algorithm is a mathematical model that tries to predict when that is.

As you study - if you feel a sentence is a little too easy, you can mark it with a heart icon. This tells the system that you find it easy and that it should be scheduled a little further into the future. Likewise, if a sentence is difficult, you tag it with a little smiley-face, and it will be scheduled relatively more often.

Repetitions (or "reps" as they're called in Glossika) are crucial to the way Glossika works. Glossika shows you a little counter of how many reps you've done in total. This number is a key to measuring your progress with studying Tagalog with Glossika. The milestones are high. 25.000, 50.000 and 75.000. But what these numbers translate to are various degrees of fluency. So keep your eyes on that counter, and make sure to be consistent with doing your reps and adding new sentences daily.

If you want to read more about Glossika, you can read my Glossika review . Otherwise, I encourage you to go have a look at their own site at Glossika Tagalog

Start reading in Tagalog

When you've done a few thousand reps with Glossika and you're just about finished with your Teach Yourself and DLI Tagalog courses, it's time to start reading!

There are several approaches and techniques to reading in languages learning (I've discussed a few reading strategies in another article)

Many people's first approach would be to sit down with a book in Tagalog and a dictionary and look up all unknown words. This is a bad idea.

At this point in your Tagalog learning journey, you'll probably be at the lower intermediate stage in the language. Reading native content at this point is not that easy. You'd be hard pressed to find a book where you wouldn't have to look up tons and tons of words constantly.

These constant word look-ups in a paper dictionary is an annoyance. It can be so frustrating to never be able to really get into the story before being interrupted by unknown words. Then for each word, you'd have to put down your Tagalog text, open the dictionary, find the right word and understand it. This could take a few minutes. Do you still remember where you were in the story-line? Let's say that you do. So you read on, and two minutes later:

Another word.

And another one. And again. You'll end up forgetting both where you were in the text you're reading, but you'll also forget the words you just looked up in no time at all.

Using a pop-up dictionary for reading Tagalog

Google Dictionary is a browser extension that Google made for the Chrome browser. (but you can find alternatives for other browsers too) With this tool installed, you can click any word on the internet and get an instant translation. This is extremely effective when reading texts that are a bit above your level.

You can read articles about growing your own bananas in Tagalog using Google Dictionary

You simply look up any subject that you would find interesting to read in English and read it in Tagalog. If you can't find any articles, try writing your search query into Google Translate and pick "Filipino" as language (that's what Google calls it). Then search for the term.

The internet is vast, but there aren't as much variety in Tagalog language articles as in English. Try a few different keywords to find something of interest. Wikipedia articles in Tagalog is also an option! And here's a news site with articles in Tagalog.

Get Google Dictionary (for free) on the Chrome Web Store .

Other approaches to reading in Tagalog

When learning a language like Tagalog, you can also get a lot out of reading English and Tagalog books in parallel. Reading a sentence, paragraph or chapter first in English, then in Tagalog helps you understand, while permitting you to read fluently.

With Tagalog, however, it can be extremely difficult finding good books for this exercise. An Amazon search reveals surprisingly few books. The same goes for public domain books on Gutenberg .

This is why I'd probably stick to reading news and online articles.

But if you go to the Philippines, make sure to have a look through the local bookstores. Most popular books would be a good fit, but you need to pick something that exists in both languages. This is why I often go for English books that are translated to Tagalog and not the other way around. Read Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, crime stories by Agathe Christie, Stephen King novels and that kind of thing!

Starting to speak and write with a tutor in Tagalog

At this point, your Teach Yourself Tagalog and DLI books are now behind you. You're several thousand reps into Glossika and you've established a daily routine of reading articles in Tagalog every day.

It's time to start producing the language yourself. You need to start speaking and writing.

I suggest that you go to Italki (or a similar site) and look for a tutor. Pick someone who could be a good fit for your learning style. Contact him or her and discuss how you will proceed.

I recommend that you take charge of your tutoring sessions. Some tutors have their own teaching styles, programs and learning materials. You'll want to keep your sessions about conversation and keep them in Tagalog. Ask your tutor to keep corrections and explanations at an absolute minimum. He or she can write a report after the end of a conversation with a few pointers. But the conversation in itself should be focused on Tagalog dialogue.

Before each tutoring session, agree on a topic that you will converse about. Then try and stick to it during the discussion. Be sure to hear your own voice at least as much as that of your tutor! I suggest that you speak for 30-45 minutes and that you do this 2-3 times a week.

After the end of each tutoring session, sit down immediately and write a short text on the subject you've just discussed. Make it 100-300 words in the beginning. As you get more confident, you may write longer texts. Send them in and have your tutor correct them. Then be sure to read through the corrections and take note of everything you did wrong!

Getting a language exchange partner.

Tutoring can be extremely effective if you take it seriously. But it can be costly. Especially with two or three weekly sessions along with writing corrections. There are free alternatives, though.

Try looking for a language exchange partner. Language exchange is when two people are trying to learn each other's languages and act as a tutor for one another. If you find a good partner, this can be a great way of improving in Tagalog quickly.

It has its drawbacks, though.

You'll need to find a language buddy who has the same level of dedication and ambition as you do. If you're taking your Tagalog learning sessions very seriously, but your partner not so much, it'll be difficult to advance as fast as you'd like. If you hire a tutor, you'll be sure to get a motivated teacher. You're paying after all. But with a language partner, you need to be an excellent tutor yourself if you expect quality tutoring form his or her part.

You need to put in as much time speaking English and correcting English texts as he or she is putting in with your Tagalog. This can be difficult while on a tight schedule. (Did I mention my article on studying languages on a busy schedule ? Maybe I did..)

To find a language exchange partner, just search for the term on Google and you'll find lots of options. Or you can try this page on Reddit .

Whether you pick a language buddy or you decide to hire a tutor, don't hesitate to switch or go look for someone else if you feel that you're not getting the kind of tutoring you were hoping for. You're at a crucial stage in your Tagalog learning, and it's important to not waste your time .

When you've found someone that everything works well with, you'll be well on your way to becoming fluent in Tagalog. With your daily reading, Glossika reps, speaking and writing, it's only a matter of months before you'll get there!

• , December 4, 2023

#1 Best Guide On How To Write An Essay In Tagalog

Curious to learn how to write an essay in Tagalog? Well, you’re in luck because that’s exactly what we’re going to be talking about in this handy blog post!

As you read on, you will not only learn Tagalog but also realize just how easy it is to write essays in Tagalog. After this, your Tagalog writing and overall communication skills should improve a lot!

How To Write An Essay In Tagalog

If you want to know how to write a good essay ( sanaysay in Filipino), definitely remember that less is more! By writing less, you’re conveying to your reader that you’re organized and an expert on what you’re talking about. To learn more helpful tips, make sure to keep reading!

1. Do Your Research

Doing proper research ( pananaliksik ) before getting started is essential when it comes to the writing process. After all, how will you be able to write about a topic if you don’t know anything about it? When you’re conducting research, make sure to also fact-check and gather data from multiple sources. That way, your article has more authority.

Doing more research will also ensure that you know about a certain topic in-depth and can even lead to you gaining a new perspective along the way.

2. Draft Your Essay

After completing your research and answering the questions you have in your mind, you can now proceed to drafting ( pagbabalangkas ) your essay . This process is so important because it gives you time to organize your thoughts and ideas into a concise structure. If you skip this step, your essay is sure to come out disorganized, with different topics all jumbled up in each other.

Make sure that during this step, you outline your essay thoroughly. This will make the process of writing the actual essay go much smoother because you won’t have to go back and research information or search for notes. Keep all your notes in the same place when you’re writing an essay!

3. Start Writing

After conducting research ( pananaliksik ) and drafting your essay ( pagbabalangkas ), it’s time to start writing! Remember that when you write an essay, you should divide it into three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion.

The Introduction Of The Essay

The introduction ( panimula ) is where you will answer basic questions and tell your readers what the essay is going to be about. Make sure that you hook your readers in your introduction. Otherwise, they won’t keep reading.

The Body Of The Essay

Next is the body ( katawan ) of the essay. This is where you’ll talk in-depth about the topic. Make sure to include any research you did in this section and your analysis of the research. You can also include your opinion in this section if the topic permits.

The Conclusion Of The Essay

The last part of an essay is known as the conclusion ( konklusyon or wakas ) . This is where you can wrap up any major ideas in your essay. If you’re really good, you should be able to tie your conclusion somehow back to the introduction! It’s important to keep your conclusion insightful and avoid completely summarizing the essay. Readers want to feel enlightened after they finish reading an essay, not be given an entire synopsis!

4. Edit Your Work

Your essay isn’t finished until you’ve gone back and edited it. If time permits, we recommend sleeping on your essay and then coming back to it the following day.

Looking at an essay with a fresh set of eyes will allow you to notice errors that you might have missed if you had edited it on the same day you wrote it. The two main things to check for when it comes to editing are overall clarity and grammatical mistakes. Both of these can distract your reader from the actual content of the essay if you’re not careful.

Words To Make Your Tagalog Essay Standout

Writing an essay in Tagalog can be a challenge, especially if you are not yet fluent in the language. Remember not to stress too much! With all the resources available nowadays, from YouTube videos to online articles, there are a thousand ways to check if the Tagalog word you’re using is correct.

If you want to learn more Tagalog words or the language itself, the Ling app can help. It’s a gamified language learning app available on Google Play and the App Store that teaches you all about the Tagalog language and 60+ more languages. Now, let me share with you some words to get you started writing your Tagalog essay!

There are so many more Tagalog words you can learn to make your essay more compelling, but we just wanted to get you started on how to write an essay in Tagalog .

Expanding Your Vocabulary For Tagalog Essays

To truly excel in writing essays in Tagalog, it’s essential to have a rich vocabulary. Here are some advanced words and phrases that can add depth and precision to your essays:

• Pagpapalawig (Expansion) – Use this term when you’re elaborating or expanding on a point. It shows that you’re adding more details or going deeper into a topic.
• Salungat na Pananaw (Contrary View) – When discussing a different or opposing perspective, this phrase is quite handy. It helps in introducing an alternative argument or viewpoint.
• Mahalagang Punto (Important Point) – This phrase can be used to highlight key arguments or significant aspects of your essay.
• Sa Madaling Salita (In Short) – This is a useful transition phrase for summarizing or concluding your thoughts succinctly.
• Mabisang Argumento (Effective Argument) – Utilize this when emphasizing the strength of your argument or reasoning.
• Pangunahing Tema (Main Theme) – Ideal for stating the main theme or central idea of your essay.
• Kritikal na Pagsusuri (Critical Analysis) – This is an essential phrase for essays that require analyzing or evaluating concepts, situations, or literary works.
• Pagkakatulad at Pagkakaiba (Similarities and Differences) – Use this when you are comparing and contrasting ideas or topics in your essay.
• Panghuling Pahayag (Final Statement) – This is a powerful way to introduce your concluding remarks, ensuring a strong finish to your essay.
• Susing Salita (Keyword) – Refers to the main terms or concepts central to your essay’s topic.

Incorporating these words and phrases into your Tagalog essays will not only improve the quality of your writing but also demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency. Remember, the key to effectively using advanced vocabulary is understanding the context in which each word or phrase is most appropriately used.

Common Pitfalls In Writing Essays In Tagalog

While learning how to write an essay in Tagalog , it’s just as important to know what to avoid as it is to know what to do. Here are some common pitfalls you should watch out for:

• Overuse of Direct Translations : One of the most common mistakes is directly translating phrases or idioms from English to Tagalog. This can lead to awkward phrasing or even change the meaning entirely. As we know, languages have their unique expressions, so try to think in Tagalog rather than translating from English.
• Ignoring Formal and Informal Tones : Tagalog, like many languages, has formal and informal tones. Be mindful of the tone you’re using in your essay. Academic and formal essays usually require a more formal tone, so avoid using colloquial or Tagalog slang terms .
• Neglecting the Flow of Sentences : The flow and structure of sentences in Tagalog can be quite different from English. Pay attention to sentence construction to ensure your essay reads naturally. Long, convoluted sentences can confuse readers, so aim for clarity and conciseness.
• Inconsistent Use of Tenses : Tagalog verbs can be tricky, especially with their various aspects (completed, ongoing, and contemplated). Make sure to keep your verb tenses consistent throughout your essay to maintain clarity and coherence.
• Overlooking Local Context and Nuances : Tagalog has rich local contexts and nuances. Make sure to incorporate these appropriately in your writing. Understanding and using regional expressions or phrases can add authenticity to your essay, but be careful not to misuse them.
• Insufficient Proofreading : Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of proofreading. Spelling and grammatical errors can significantly undermine the credibility of your essay. If possible, have a native speaker review your work to catch errors you might have missed.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, your journey to mastering essay writing in Tagalog will be smoother and more successful. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to seek feedback from native speakers or language-learning communities! Good luck on your Tagalog essay writing journey!

Updated by: Jefbeck

One Response

thank you for helping me to make an essay, it’s actually helped me to do my essay so thank you saur muchh !!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

People also read

No Hebrew On Busuu? 2 Insanely Great Alternatives

No Hebrew On Babbel? See The 2 Greatest Alternatives For 2023!

What makes learning with ling special, interactive exercises.

Improve your pronunciation by starting a conversation with our app’s interactive chatbot

Engaging activities

Practice your skills with mini-games and track your progress with fun quizzes

Mix of languages

Choose from over 60 languages, both big and small, and listen to audio from native speakers

Proven results

Backed by linguistic research, our learning methods can help you achieve fluency in record time

Southeast Asia

East europe.

© 2024 Simya Solutions Ltd.

• Subscribe Now

[#RapplerReads] Filipino short stories for beginners

Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Editor’s note: #RapplerReads is a project by the BrandRap team. We earn a commission every time you shop through the affiliate links below.

Just like everything else, reading has its off days too. If you’re a reader, you might be well aware of the days when you can’t concentrate on a single word on the page. 

We all have our own ways of getting over a reading slump. Some people buy even more books. Others take a break from reading altogether. Personally, I prefer reading short stories. 

[#RapplerReads] Carving a space for Filipino stories in genre fiction with Isabel Yap’s ‘Never Have I Ever: Stories’

If you’ve been following our #RapplerReads pieces for some time now, you might have noticed that I’ve recommended a couple of short story collections. It’s one of my favorite genres to read, especially in the mornings while having my breakfast. 

For those of you who are confused, a short story is basically any prose narrative that is shorter than a novel and focuses on a few characters, a linked set of events, and usually one theme. Since each story is self-contained, it’s easier for a reader to focus on it. That’s how it helps me get over my slumps.

[#RapplerReads] To Filipinos who want to go abroad…

The Filipino short story

Like most forms of literature, there are many kinds of short stories: flash fiction, drabbles, and fables, to name just a few. But my favorite is the Filipino short story.

The Filipino short story has its roots in the American colonial period, the time English was established as the medium of instruction in all schools. Following this, writers began publishing literary works written in English in the Philippines Free Press, the College Folio, and Philippines Herald. In 1925, Paz Marquez Benitez “Dead Stars” became the first successful short story in English written by a Filipino.

Even during this time, critics already observed that Filipino writers excelled in the field of the short story. Of course, the genre evolved as writers gained more access to other mass media, became more involved in literary workshops and seminars, and participated in literary awards. Because of all these, I believe that the genre has only become even more engaging and superb in recent years. 

Are you interested in getting over a reading slump or taking a chance on a new genre? Let me help you get started with this list of Filipino short story books I’ve enjoyed.

The Likhaan Anthology of Philippine Literature in English from 1900 to the Present

If you can only purchase one book on this list, let it be this one. The Likhaan Anthology is probably my best buy from college. Meant to serve as a textbook for a college-level course in Philippine literature in English, it helps readers gain an understanding of the classics in this field.

In this anthology, you can read “Dead Stars” and other masterpieces of the short story genre, such as works by Estrella D. Alfon., N.V.M. Gonzalez, and Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo. It also offers an insightful look into the conventions and growth of the Filipino short story from Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. 

Here’s a bonus: you can also get access to works from other genres including poetry, essays, and drama. 

The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic

Widely considered as one of the best Filipino writers, National Artist Nick Joaquin’s seminal works were first published in the US by Penguin Books. Aside from the titular work, his much-anthologized works “May Day Eve” and “The Summer Solstice” can also be found in this book. This is definitely a must-have not just for all Nick Joaquin enthusiasts but also for enjoyers of Philippine literature.

How to Pacify a Disraught Infant: Stories

If you’re looking for more modern short stories, this would be a good place to start. Written by one of my favorite writers – and former professor – Anna Felicia C. Sanchez, this book is composed of easy-to-read, relatable, and heartwarming pieces on marriage, motherhood, and other issues most Filipinos grapple with.

Allow me to reiterate poet Conchitina Cruz’s review of the book: “​​Sanchez’s clear-eyed and crisp storytelling honors both her fictional women and their real-life counterparts, whose difficulties, though not unfamiliar, are far from obsolete.”

Isang Gabi sa Quezon Avenue at Iba Pang Kuwento

This one’s for all the Marites around. Dedicated to “ Sa mga tsismoso’t tsismosa [Those who love to gossip],” Mar Anthony Simon Dela Cruz’ book is a collection of 12 stories written in Filipino. While not everything in the book follows the traditional format of a short story – one story is a forum discussing celebrity Jhake Vargas – each of the works in this book has tsismis [gossip] at its core. 

If you’re looking for a fun read or to improve your knowledge of the Filipino language, this may be the book for you. 

The Kindness of Birds

When I’m in a more pensive mood, this is the book I read. Merlinda Bobis’ book is for more advanced and emotional readers. It’s a collection of linked short stories, connected by common characters and the symbolism of birds. Published during the pandemic, the stories pay homage to kindness and the kinship between women and nature. I believe that this is a must-read for any woman that finds herself in isolation during difficult times. 

This August, join us in celebrating Buwan ng Wika by reading a Filipino short story or two. Don’t forget to post your reads and tag #RapplerReads so we can see them! – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines .

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

How does this make you feel?

Related Topics

Raven Lingat

Recommended stories, {{ item.sitename }}, {{ item.title }}, kim seon ho partners with ufc fun chow for a ‘color+full’ manila fanmeet this april.

Enjoy up to 50% off and buy 1 take 1 deals at Watsons’ April Great Hair Sale

French skincare brand Isispharma is now in the Philippines

Why you should get your rash checked to know if it’s shingles 

Smart users can now upgrade their physical SIM to an eSIM while retaining their number

One of the oldest books in existence expected to fetch over $2.6 million at auction

WATCH: Patricia Evangelista on the craft of storytelling

Q&A: Filipina author Mixkaela Villalon on writing and publishing her book ‘Interregnum’

Mindanao scholar launches ‘Presidents and Pests, Cosmopolitans and Communists’ 

New Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel launched 10 years after his death

Checking your Rappler+ subscription...

Upgrade to Rappler+ for exclusive content and unlimited access.

Why is it important to subscribe? Learn more

You are subscribed to Rappler+

What Makes Filipino Essays Unique and Compelling?

Filipino essays, a blend of rich history, diverse culture, and heartfelt emotion, stand out in the world of literature. But what exactly sets them apart? Let’s dive into the essence of Filipino essays, drawing insights from both the Quora discussion on Filipino authors and additional online resources.

The Heart and Soul of Filipino Essays

Filipino essays often reflect the country’s complex history and the resilience of its people. From the poignant works of Jose Rizal, which ignited a revolution, to the contemporary pieces that explore everyday life in the Philippines, these essays are more than just written words; they are the soul of the Filipino experience.

Kathang Pinoy , a notable blog, highlights essays like Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil’s “My Husband’s Roommate” and Carlos P. Romulo’s “I Am A Filipino.” These works exemplify the depth and diversity of Filipino writing, showcasing personal narratives that resonate with readers globally.

The Influence of Culture and History

Filipino essays are deeply rooted in the nation’s culture and history. For instance, Carlos Bulosan , an influential Filipino writer, depicted the struggles and aspirations of the Filipino diaspora in America. His works, born from personal experiences, offer a window into the lives of Filipinos grappling with identity and belonging in a foreign land.

Similarly, cultural anthropologist Niels Mulder provides a unique perspective on Filipino life through his collection of essays. He compares Filipino culture with that of Javanese and Thai, using everyday life examples to illustrate the distinct Filipino identity.

The Contemporary Filipino Essay

The evolution of Filipino essays reflects the changing times and the dynamic nature of Filipino society. A notable contribution to this genre is the first collection of personal essays in Kinaray-a, a language from Panay Island. This work, as discussed on ResearchGate , represents the linguistic and cultural diversity within the Philippines, offering fresh perspectives and narratives.

Engaging with the Filipino Essay

As a reader, engaging with Filipino essays means immersing oneself in a world of rich storytelling, profound insights, and emotional depth. These essays are not just about the Filipino experience; they are universal in their themes of struggle, resilience, and hope.

To truly appreciate the beauty of Filipino essays, one must look beyond the words and understand the context from which they arise. It’s about connecting with the authors’ experiences, empathizing with their struggles, and celebrating their triumphs.

Filipino essays are a testament to the country’s rich literary heritage. They are a mirror reflecting the soul of the Filipino people, their history, culture, and aspirations. As we explore these works, we not only gain insight into the Filipino experience but also find universal themes that resonate with us all. The uniqueness and compelling nature of Filipino essays lie in their ability to connect deeply with readers, regardless of their background.

Related Questions and Answers on “Filipino essays”:

• Question: What are some iconic essays by Filipino authors? Answer: Some iconic Filipino essays include Jose Rizal’s “The Philippines A Century Hence,” Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil’s “My Husband’s Roommate,” and Carlos P. Romulo’s “I Am A Filipino.”
• Question: How has Filipino essay writing evolved over the years? Answer: Filipino essay writing has evolved to encompass a broader range of topics and perspectives, reflecting the changing society and cultural dynamics.
• Question: Who are some emerging Filipino essayists to watch out for? Answer: Keep an eye on contemporary Filipino essayists like F. Sionil Jose, Lualhati Bautista, and Gina Apostol, whose works continue to make waves in the literary world.

Related Posts

Is It Illegal to Take Videos Without Consent in the Philippines?

In today’s digital age, the act of capturing moments through videos or photographs without consent has become a contentious issue, particularly in the Philippines. The legal landscape…

Filipino Research Topics: Unveiling Intriguing Subjects for Exploration

Are you on the hunt for captivating research paper topics centered around the Philippines? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a diverse array of…

What is the Smallest City in the Philippines?

The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is home to a diverse range of cities, each with its unique charm and characteristics. But have you ever…

Is It Illegal in the Philippines to Take Pictures or Videos of Someone Without Their Consent?

Taking Pictures Without Permission Law Philippines In the Philippines, the legality of taking pictures or videos of someone without their consent is a nuanced issue. The answer…

What is the Longest Filipino Word and Why is it Fascinating?

Question: What is the longest Filipino word? Answer: pinakanakakapagngitngitngitngitang-pagsisinungasinungalingan, which means “lying that causes the most extreme anger”. Have you ever wondered what the longest Filipino word…

Why is the Filipino Subject Essential in Philippine Education?

The Filipino subject, a cornerstone of the Philippine education system, delves deeply into the nation’s rich literary heritage and the complexities of its language. This subject is…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Reading Passages

Below is a collection of reading passages in Filipino for beginning readers and grade school students. Some have reading comprehension questions at the end for the student to answer or an activity that the student can do.

Most of the files have Terms of Use (TOU), but all downloadable resources in this website are subject to the TOU that is updated in the Main Menu at the top. Any changes in the TOU will apply to old and current resources. If you download a resource below, it is understood that you agree to abide by the current and updated terms of use in this website.

Reading Passages for Beginning Readers of Filipino

Ano Ito Series

This series of resources is designed to be printed on letter-sized paper and cut in half to make a booklet with half letter-sized pages.

Reading Passages for Grade School Students

6 pieces of Filipino literature that deserve your undivided attention

I don’t know about you, but a good read always seems to make things better. For some of us, there’s nothing more satisfying than the solace of stumbling across pieces that makes us think and feel things indescribable. Either we’ve grown numb to these feelings or have never felt them at all. While everyone seems to be caught up with cheesy Y.A. novels and Lang Leav poems, there are actually tons of literary gems made by Filipino authors that are much, much more worth your time. We’ve compiled a short but exemplary list of Filipino literature to get you started on your binge-reading:

1. Ang Pagitan by Carlos M. Piocos III

“Kung lalayo ka pa ng ilang kilometro, isang milya, Tutunog ang katabi mong telepono sa loob ng opisina, at sa ganito kalayong distansiya, ibubulong ko kung natatandaan mo pa ba ang pangalan ko?”

We open this list with a short poem that can initially be interpreted to be as simple as moving on from someone you love or have loved. But the more you reread it, the more you interpret it differently. Can we ever measure somethings as abstract as love and longing through distance and numbers? This piece of literature attempts on our behalf. You may purchase it via National Bookstore and Powerbooks.

2. Geyluv by Honorio Bartolome de Dios

“Okey, okey, aaminin ko. Sa kanya ko unang naranasang magkaroon ng lakas ng loob na ihinga ang lahat ng nararamdaman ko. ‘Yun bang pouring out of emotions na walang kakaba-kabang sabihan kang bakla o mahina. At pagkaraan ay ang gaan-gaan ng pakiramdam mo. “

Geyluv  from Sa Labas ng Parlor  remains to be a favorite. While the title itself already gives you an obvious idea of what the story is about, there’s a lot more to this story that can only be explored once you actually read it. More than just a story of a “gay love,” it’s a story of two people meeting halfway and possibly arriving at their own conclusions by the end.

Best part? The ending. So. Many. Questions.

3. We Filipinos are Mild Drinkers by Alejandro Roces

“We Filipinos are mild drinkers. We drink for only three good reasons: We drink when we are very happy; We drink when we are very sad; And we drink for any other reason.”

Contains lambanog . That’s it, that’s the highlight. Kidding aside, the setting of this story takes place during the Japanese-Filipino war wayback 1945. The title serves to be an irony–we know that Filipinos are, in fact, not mild drinkers. But at the face of a proud American soldier basking about how he has drank every kind of liquor, a Filipino farmer humbles himself and says, “No, thank you Joe. We Filipinos are not mild drinkers.” Of course, he did this so the soldier is dead-drunk by the end of their drinking session. Too real? Yeah it is.

4. Boys Who Like Boys by Vicente Groyon III

“Your pretty girlfriend flickers for a moment in your mind. But she is whisked helplessly away as you think how much you like being with him and as, unwilled, your eyes begin to sparkle for real.”

Similar to Geyluv , this short story is about a boy who’s having troubles exploring and expressing his sexuality because of a homophobic society. Boys Who Like Boys is a fun and casual read, all without compromising the message the author wants to give out. It’s divided into eight chapters, namely: The French-Fries Man & the Moviegoer, The Narcissist, The Virgin Chapter, The Home Theater, The Professor and his boyfriend, The Retreat, The sleepover, and The Reunion . If those titles don’t intrigue you, I don’t know what will.

5. I Never Sang For My Father by Resil Mojares

Ah, yes. Calling all those with daddy issues, this piece of literature is for you. Mojares’ personal essay hits home too hard for some of us.A seemingly apathetic father and an equally apathetic son always make up for a good story doesn’t it? But this one isn’t as shallow as that. I Never Sang For my Father is about a son’s epiphany after the death of his father and his realization of how words can never really amount to what the heart feels.

If you do no not appreciate emotions from your subconscious being dug up, then do not read this. Otherwise, read up and try not to cry.

6. Utos Ng Hari by Jun Cruz Reyes

“Ay buhay estudyante, maka-uno lang, kahit lulunin ang sariling dila. Kumontra ka sa kanila, singkong maliwanag. Tumangu-tango ka naman para maka-uno, ibig sabihin noon sarili mo na ang kailangang lokohin. Pakisama lang talaga. Konting kompromiso, konting tango at “Yes Ma’am” lang. Dos na ‘yon o tres.”

Closing this list is another favorite classic by Jun Cruz Reyes. You may have come across this at least once during your high school or college life. If you’re nodding your head, then you would know just how much we sympathized with Jojo. Jun Cruz Reyes’ literature basically summarized all the things we hated about school in this short story–from repressive policies, teachers sent from hell, to gossips and “darted” grades–it has it all.

Featured image from  Sa Labas ng Parlor by Honorio Bartolome de Dios You know what’s cool? Newsletters. Get exclusive updates on everything SCOUT through our newsletter. Sign up here .

• filipino literature
• short stories

More From Books

Recreate ‘kiki’s delivery service’ food with this new cook book, maximize your reader era with ateneo university press bookshop’s comeback, whip up the most absurd cinema meal with a24’s ‘scrounging’ cookbook, you might also like.

Okay, can we stop romanticizing Filipino resilience?

SHARE“Basta Pinoy, kaya yan!” a talking head exclaims from a broken television hammered...

Y2K fashion choices that need a redemption arc

SHAREY2K, for some of us, was the best decade of our lives. Not...

Our resident dancer judges that cringey, viral COVID dance demo

SHAREEvery week, I hate something new about this pandemic. One of my top...

Taika Waititi is so hot, he’s hurting my feelings

SHAREMy devotion to Taika Waititi is similar to his films: whimsical yet lovelorn....

10 MVs that make us feel a certain way

SHAREMusic videos are precious gifts from the universe. They can be time capsules...

A love letter to the amazing women of “Scott Pilgrim”

SHARE“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” didn’t age well as I hoped it would....

Beyond the boards of Cebu’s skate community

SHARESkating has come a long way from what it was decades ago. No,...

If you feel like turning off your brain, play these weird AF games

SHAREI feel like I’m just going through my days disassociating. The vibe is...

#ScoutGapYear diaries: The taxing 24 hours of young medical frontliners

SHAREFor most of us, graduation means being thrown into the water—filing our taxes,...

An investigative essay on why Adam Driver is hot, actually

SHAREIt was Dec. 17, 2015, 12:45 p.m when I first saw him. “The...

Why I love Park Seo-joon: A “scientific” study

SHAREObservation: Alexa play “Your Type” by Carly Rae Jepsen When I was under...

How my thirst for Howl cured me of my softboi fixation

SHAREI don’t remember who my first crush was (if my brain decides to...

How have we survived this plague era? Peep Jappy Agoncillo’s latest work

We’re looking back at this artwork 10 years from now (if we’re still...

You can watch these 7 animated Asian shorts right now

SHARECartoons can teach us relevant life lessons as much as realistic shows can....

For this Samar-born artist, embroidery is protest

Ja Turla’s protest art starts with a thread, a needle, and fabric as...

Instagram’s new question feature is getting us even thirstier

5 rom-coms that are for non rom-com people.

Why we shouldn’t pressure ourselves to be successful in our 20s

There’s this line from a movie that I’ve always liked. It goes, “Change your mind and change it again, because nothing’s permanent. So make as many mistakes as you can....

Why women freeze when they get harassed

SHAREI was sick when a bishop harassed Ariana Grande in everyone’s full view during Aretha Franklin’s funeral. The video, which went viral on Twitter, triggered fans and people on the...

This dye is perfect for Filipinos who don’t like bleaching their hair

For those Filipinos who love dyeing their hair in crazy colors--myself included--we all know the pains and struggles of bleaching. It’s itchy, hot, and could possibly burn your scalp if...

The 5 Scoutmag.ph Stories You Need To Read This Week (12/10/2016)

If you weren't all up on our social media accounts (@scoutmagph on IG, Twitter, and Snapchat by the way) you missed out on our best stories this week. Here they...

This highlighter is for sleep-deprived students who still wanna look bomb

SHAREAh, finals week: The collegiate experience in its rawest form, when students are empty husks of human beings, occasionally filled with liters worth of coffee pots and a jumble of...

4 Award-Winning Must-Read Filipino Authors and Poets

Whether you’re just starting to take interest in reading books or looking for ways to finally catch up on your to-read list, reading the works of these four Filipino authors might just be the push that you needed. As these authors immerses its readers to the Filipino experience, their books will definitely tug unseen emotions and thoughts. It’s no wonder that they have received received global recognition for their work.

Allan Popa at Saringsing Bikol Writers Workshop 2019 held in Catanduanes

Courtesy of Irvin Parco Sto. Tomas

If you’re into poetry, Allan Popa is one of the first names that come up if you’re asking any scholar in the Philippines. As of 2022, he has published more than ten collections of poetry including Morpo and Samsara , in which he received a National Book Award for Poetry in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Other national recognitions that Allan Popa has received are the Philippines Free Press Literary Award and the Manila Critics Circle National Book Award. Aside from national recognition, he has also earned an MFA degree in poetry at Washington University in Saint Louis. Not only that, but he also won the Norma Lowry Prize and the Academy of American Poets Graduate Prize during his stay in the university.

While the majority of his works are published in Tagalog, there are many translated editions and you can find many of them online.

“The poems...work like parables...(they) are mystical, mysterious, and mystifying, and so require to be read with deliberation and savored with fine discrimination,” says Bienvenido Lumbera, Editor of Sanghaya 2003: Philippine Arts and Culture Yearbook.

Lysley Tenorio

Courtesy of Jessica Christian via The Chronicle

Fiction writer, Lysley Tenorio has both published and received awards in the United States for writing stories about Filipinos and mostly, their experience in another country. His book titled Monstress (2012), which contains eight short stories, was named a book of the year by the San Francisco Chronicle. His recognitions in the field of literature includes receiving a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, a Whiting Award, a Stegner fellowship, the Edmund White Award, and the Rome Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Aside from having his stories appear in The Atlantic and Zoetrope: All-Story, and Ploughshares, The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and the Ma-Yi Theater in New York City has also adapted his stories for stage.

Lysley Tenorio’s most recent book is The Son of Good Fortune (2020) and is beautiful reflection of how vibrant and empathetic his characters are. Voted a Best Book by Amazon in July of 2020, The Son of Good Fortune is a novel about a mother, Maxima, and her son, Excel, who are undocumented Filipino immigrants living in California. Both of them do their best to assimilate. make money and not get caught by the INS. But what they do not know about each other is the ultimate challenge: Maxima seduces men on the internet, eventually cajoling them to wire her money, while Excel flees to a hippie commune with his girlfriend and begins to wonder if he could make it his home.

Conchitina Cruz

Courtesy of Conchitina Cruz

Another poet, Conchitina Cruz, also known as Chingbee Cruz, has written multiple poetry collections, and has published her works in both Philippine and American journals. Her collection of prose poetry, Dark Hours (2005) , where Chingbee Cruz navigates the city through the experiences of different characters, won the National Book Award in 2006. She also holds two Palanca Awards, an esteemed award giving body in the Philippines.

Although she is a Manila-based author, her audience expands in other corners of the world. She has earned her MFA degree at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and her PhD in English from State University of New York (SUNY) Albany. Other works of Conchitina Cruz includes elsewhere held and lingered (2008) , There is no emergency (2015) , and book of essays The Filipino Author as a Producer (2017) and Partial Views: On the Essay as a Genre in Philippine Literary Production (2021). Aside from writing, she currently also co-runs a small press, the Youth & Beauty Brigade.

Cruz’s work is known to be very lyrical and memoir-based stream of consciousness. Her poems illicit deep experience and response from fans of her work.

Gina Apostol

Courtesy of Margarita Corporan via ginaapostol.com

A US-based author, Gina Apostol, without fail, have always gotten a recognition for her published works. If you’re into reading stories of fiction based on the history of the Philippines, you might want to pick up one of her books. Her debut novel, Bibliolepsy (1997) has won the Juan Laya Prize for the Novel Category (Philippine National Book Award). This also holds true for her work, The Revolution According to Raymundo Mata (2009) has also won the same award. She follows these two works with Gun Dealers’ Daughter (2010) in which it won the 2013 PEN/Open Book Award, an award given to authors of color that has published in the United States. Her latest book, Insurrecto (2018), has garnered multiple recognitions such as Publisher Weekly’s one of the Ten Best Books of 2018, Editor’s Choice of the NYT, and being shortlisted for the Dayton Prize. Gina Apostol has also recently won the 2022 Rome Prize in Literature for her next novel.

Written by Maria Manio

YOU MIGHT LIKE TO READ MORE ABOUT

If you’re like me, you’ve always wanted to learn how to speak the native tongue of the Philippines, Tagalog, but you didn’t know where to start. Lucky for us, University of California, Berkeley professor Joi Barrios has written a book for beginners to easily learn and understand Tagalog, the exact language that is spoken in Manila today.

In the past 5 years we have seen a rise on ube flavored or inspired food items. Bring the brightly purple colored Yam in the mainstream spotlight. We made a short list of our favorites right now and where you can get them.

The Philippines has been rich in culture and language even before pre-colonial age. With a booming in trade with its neighboring countries, language in the are has evolved and shared words that would later still be used today.

We listed some loan words from other Asian languages that are used in modern Tagalog.

Top 5 Things To Know Before You Self-Publish Your First Book

6 "very asian" things you used to like before they were cool now everyone is obsessed with.

404 Not found

• Learn Tagalog
• Tagalog Alphabet
• Tagalog Numbers
• Tagalog Game
• Tagalog Vocabulary
• Tagalog Phrases
• Tagalog Translation
• Tagalog Dictionary
• Tagalog Audio
• Tagalog Keyboard
• Tagalog Radio
• Colors in Tagalog
• Numbers in Tagalog
• Body in Tagalog
• Time in Tagalog
• Days in Tagalog
• Food in Tagalog
• Animals in Tagalog
• Places in Tagalog
• Objects in Tagalog
• Clothes in Tagalog
• Nature in Tagalog
• Weather in Tagalog
• People in Tagalog
• Phrases in Tagalog
• Words in Tagalog
• Tagalog Adjectives
• Tagalog Adverbs
• Tagalog Nouns
• Tagalog Articles
• Tagalog Pronouns
• Tagalog Plural
• Tagalog Gender
• Tagalog Verbs
• Tagalog Prepositions
• Tagalog Negation
• Tagalog Questions
• Tagalog Videos

Tagalog Reading

• Transliteration
• Tagalog Quiz
• Learning Tips
• Easiest Languages
• Hardest Languages
• Tagalog Lessons

If you're trying to practice your Tagalog Reading then the page below should help. You will be able to sharpen your comprehension and understanding of the sample text below, which is part of the Article 26 and 27 from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights . The first section is in Tagalog and the second part is in English. Also don't forget to check the rest of our other lessons listed on Learn Tagalog . Enjoy the rest of the lesson!

Read the following text very carefully and see what you can understand without looking at the English translation, and see what you understood from it, you can use our Tagalog dictionary if you want.

Below is the translation of the above text, check what you understood without the help of the dictionary, after reading the translation one time, go back up and read the Tagalog text and see if you can recognize the more words this time.

Reading and comprehension are very important in Tagalog. Once you're done with the Filipino Reading, you might want to check the rest of our Tagalog lessons here: Learn Tagalog . Don't forget to bookmark this page.

The links above are only a small sample of our lessons, please open the left side menu to see all links.

Actually, It’s OK to Slouch

O ne of the latest and surprising findings in the field of physical therapy is that slouching is not as bad as we think it is. Certain researchers have gone so far as to say that the conventional fear mongering regarding poor posture can actually be more harmful than slouching itself.  Undoing over a century’s worth of public health messaging about the evils of poor posture—let alone the custom of elders telling youngsters to “sit up straight”—will be a monumental task.

I know because I’ve spent the better part of a decade researching the so-called "poor posture epidemic" of the 20th century, studying the myriad ways in which posture panic has become part of the fabric of our everyday lives. What I’ve found is that some of our most cherished beliefs about posture health are unexamined remnants of cultural and political concerns from the past.  

At the turn of the century, the idea that poor posture posed a serious population-wide health threat became entrenched in American public and popular health culture, thanks in part to the then-burgeoning fields of evolutionary medicine and paleoanthropology. Applying the theories of Charles Darwin to medical practice, early posture advocates such as Jessie H. Bancroft , R. Tait McKenzie , and Eliza M. Mosher—founders of the American Posture League –began to argue that without proper preventative health treatment, bipedalism might actually be an inherent weakness to human functioning, causing organ prolapses and other musculoskeletal problems not found among quadrupedal non-human animals.

The first study to report on the extent of the problem—the 1917  “Harvard Slouch” study – found that 80% of Americans had bad posture. This spurred further nationwide studies at universities, workplaces, and within the military for much of the twentieth century, all of which came to a similar conclusion. Along the way, industrialists learned that the poor posture epidemic was good for business, leading to new, lucrative markets in ergonomic chairs, back braces, shoes, and fitness regimes, such as yoga and Pilates.

By the mid 20th century, poor posture came to be seen as the culprit for rising rates of low back pain, even though little hard evidence existed to prove such claims of causality. President John F. Kennedy, who had repeated back surgeries and chronic pain, hired his own personal posture guru, Hans Kraus , a man who would go on to create one of the most well-known posture and fitness tests administered to hundreds of thousands public school children throughout the Cold War. It was in this cultural and political context of containment that uprightness became a symbol of patriotism, heterosexual propriety, and individualist strength, all virtues believed to be needed in order to defeat the threat of communism.

And yet even after the Cold War came to an end, the belief in the causality between poor posture and future ill health remained largely unquestioned .

Today, epidemiologists estimate that approximately 568.4 million cases of disabling low back pain exist worldwide, with the highest prevalence seen in the United States, with Denmark and Switzerland following close behind. The causes appear to be many, from low socioeconomic status and biomechanical strain to poor diet and psychosocial stress. In the U.S., spending on low back pain exceeds that of hundreds of other health conditions (including diabetes), with an estimated $134.5 billion dollars devoted to the condition in 2016.

Read More: Getting Back Pain While Working From Home? An Ergonomics Expert Offers Advice

Similar to a century ago, today’s evolutionary biologists continue to puzzle over human upright posture. Italian evolutionist, Telmo Pievani tells us that “the transition to bipedalism generated negative consequences in almost every part of the body.” Of course, one might reasonably wonder why, evolutionarily speaking, such an imperfection would be passed down from generation to generation. Wouldn’t natural selection weed out this kind of physical weakness?

According to Harvard paleoanthropologist Daniel Lieberman , conditions of poor posture, back pain, and obesity belong to a group of diseases which he calls “mismatch diseases,” maladies that arise due to novel environmental conditions for which the human body is poorly adapted. Lieberman, similar to evolutionists before him, blame industrialization for back pain. He contends that “from the body’s perspective, many developed nations have recently made too much progress. For the first time in human history,” he continues, “a larger number of people face excesses rather than shortages of food. Two out of three Americans are overweight or obese.” Obesity is not the only concern. “Depending on where you live and what you do,” Lieberman warns in his book , The Story of the Human Body , “your chances of getting low back pain are between 60–90 percent.”

In order to solve this (evolutionarily speaking) new problem of industrialized peoples, certain therapeutic body workers and self-designated ethnophysiologists have looked to indigenous populations who exhibit “primal posture.” One of the most prominent North American adherents to this approach is Esther Gokhale. Raised in India by European parents and later educated at Harvard and Princeton in biochemistry, Gokhale today is known as the “posture guru” of Silicon Valley, where she treats corporate heads of Google, Facebook, and other prominent online personalities, such as conservative journalist Matt Drudge. Gokhale developed an interest in human posture at a young age. With a tendency to exoticize, Gokhale recalls of her childhood in India, “I remember listening to my Dutch mother marvel at how gracefully our Indian maid went about her duties and how easily the laborers in the street carried their burdens.” Later in life, she documented the spinal health of indigenous peoples in Burkina Faso and Ecuador, photographing potters, basket makers, weavers, and head-carriers whom she admired for their ideal postures. Thereafter, she undertook training with Noëlle Perez, founder of the Aplomb method in Paris and one of the first Europeans to study under the Indian yoga master, B.K.S. Iyengar.

Largely devoid (at least at the outset) of breathing and meditative practices, Iyengar developed arguably the most biomedically friendly systems of yoga to come out of modern India, especially with its emphasis on biomechanical alignment and symmetry. When Perez opened her own Iyengar-inspired studio in Paris in the 1970s, she undertook doctoral studies in ethnophysiology at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales and researched nonindustrialized peoples of sub-Saharan Africa, where she claimed to have found bodies in what she called natural “aplomb.” Gokhale followed in Perez’s footsteps, and today contends that “most known risk factors [for back pain] can be mitigated by good posture.”

Gokhale’s insistence on the virtues of paleo posture align well with the 21 st -century fitness industry, an enterprise known for creating slogans such as “sitting is the new smoking” and encouraging products that promote “primitive” eating and living. As in the early years of the poor posture epidemic, the evolutionary approach to understanding human posture—and now, by extension, low back pain—is good for the commercial marketplace. According to market analysts, posture correction technologies are expected to grow approximately 5.7 percent over the next five years, especially with rising demands due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with more at-home workers complaining of back pain.

On the face of it, posture improvement campaigns may seem rather innocuous. What is the harm, after all, of engaging in posture exercise programs? Of buying chairs, shoes, and devices that help to encourage it?

On an individual level, it is entirely possible that an enhanced sense of wellness can come from taking up yoga or purchasing an ergonomic chair. But when looking at the long history of posture improvement campaigns from an historical and structural standpoint, it becomes evident how value-laden they are, and how they can perpetuate sexism, ableism, and racism.

For example, scholars have, for some time, been aware of how, under the systems of slavery and colonialism, white men of science frequently assumed that Black and other non-white peoples could not feel pain, or if they did, it was felt less acutely compared to whites. Knowing this, one cannot help but wonder if the same bias has informed the work of today’s paleoanthropologists and ethnophysiologists, experts who observe so-called hunter-gatherers in Africa and deem such lifestyles to be pain free.

The social stakes of slouching are also higher for the politically marginalized.  In recent years , researchers have found that , even today, prosecutors cite poor posture as a reason to deny African American men jury selection. In his autobiography about growing up in South Africa, comedian and political commentator Trevor Noah succinctly addresses the extra vigilance required of Black men and their posture in a white supremist society. “For centuries,” he writes, “colored people were told: Blacks are monkeys. Don’t swing from the trees like them. Learn to walk upright like the white man.”               

Over the last century, health—and especially preventive health—has become increasingly commercialized: a product to be bought and sold, with the responsibility placed on individual consumers, making it a good that only those with a certain income can afford, rather than an ensured right for all. Those who cannot participate in the market are viewed as leading mismanaged lives, and when they sustain an injury that leads to permanent physical disability, are blamed for their condition. As long as posture surveillance is believed prevent low back pain, many posture and back health wellness programs are liable to create even greater health inequalities rather than mitigate them.

A recent study published by physical therapists working in Qatar, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom speaks to the urgent need of the profession to dispel the medicalized myth that poor posture leads to bad health. “People come in different shapes and sizes,” they write, “with natural variation in spinal curvatures.”

In short, there is no single, correct posture. Nor does posture correction necessarily ensure future health. Maybe it’s ok to slouch from time to time, after all.

Excerpted from SLOUCH: POSTURE PANIC IN AMERICA © 2024 by Beth Linker. Reprinted by permission of Princeton University Press.

More Must-Reads From TIME

• Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
• Passengers Are Flying up to 30 Hours to See Four Minutes of the Eclipse
• Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
• Essay: The Complicated Dread of Early Spring
• Why Walking Isn’t Enough When It Comes to Exercise
• The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
• The Best TV Shows to Watch on Peacock
• Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Contact us at [email protected]

You May Also Like

Breaking News

Why Pauline Kael’s fight over ‘Citizen Kane’ still matters, whichever side you’re on

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Did Orson Welles get too much glory for “Citizen Kane”? Absolutely, New Yorker film critic Pauline Kael insists in this novella-length fire-starter about the making of the greatest movie of all time. (We can save that skirmish for another day.) As Charles Foster Kane, a sendup of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, Welles embodied the image of a vainglorious Great Man. But Welles’ success, according to Kael, meant he also needed to be taken down a peg.

The Ultimate Hollywood Bookshelf

“Raising Kane” ranks No. 40 on our list of the best Hollywood books of all time.

“Orson Welles wasn’t around when ‘Citizen Kane’ was written,” Kael chided. The 25-year-old prodigy was busy doing radio plays with the Mercury Theatre and promoting his forthcoming film debut with a studio that wanted only one name — by Orson Welles! — on the posters. RKO’s advertising campaign lauded “Citizen Kane” as the creation of “a one-man band.” Meanwhile, the actual author of the masterpiece — the movie’s co-screenwriter, Herman J. Mankiewicz — was tucked away in a rest home in Victorville, dictating the script to his secretary.

Kael’s Mankiewicz was a pitiable figure, a self-destructive alcoholic nursing a broken leg and an injured ego. She hoisted him up as one of Hollywood’s unheralded heroes, a brilliant quipster who quietly contributed his wit to everything from “Duck Soup” to “The Wizard of Oz.” Mankiewicz’s work often went unacknowledged, but he’d helped give the 1930s comedies the rat-a-tat rhythm of he and his friends ping-ponging jokes around the Algonquin Round Table. Much of the New York literary clique followed Mankiewicz to California when the industry shifted from silents to sound and filmmakers suddenly needed to hand their beautiful faces brilliant things to say. Together, this band of bohemians molded the modern movie business into what Kael hails as “wisecracking, fast-talking, cynical-sentimental entertainment.”

Decades later, David Fincher’s biopic “Mank” would back up Kael’s sympathetic sketch of Mankiewicz as the forgotten man. But pretty much everyone else considers her essay a hit job, a ferocious attack on a cinematic Goliath. “Raising Kane” took down Welles as handily as if she’d slipped a grenade in her slingshot. After the piece’s publication, Welles’ reputation tumbled — although the height from which he fell was his own fault. “Cinema is the work of one single person,” Kael quotes Welles as boasting, adding that he’d also bragged of making an easy transition from theater to film, as “there was nothing about camerawork that any intelligent man couldn’t learn in half a day.”

Such hubris put Welles in Kael’s crosshairs. (On his slighting of cinematographer Gregg Toland, she snarked, “Welles, like Hearst, and like most very big men, is capable of some very small gestures.”) Yet Kael’s real target was Village Voice film critic Andrew Sarris , her longtime rival who had staked his reputation on the auteur theory — the exaltation of the director über alles . To pull off her thesis, she refused to interview anyone who might have disagreed with her, including Welles himself. Anyone reading “Raising Kane” for the first time should remember that it’s merely one side in an intellectual tug-of-war.

Subsequent counter-essays flung darts at Kael’s biased research. (“How the hell do you call out a lady movie critic at dawn?” Welles groaned in a letter quoted in Peter Bogdanovich’s rebuttal, “The Kane Mutiny.”) But “Raising Kane’s” value transcends the question of whether Kael was correct. (She kinda was, she kinda wasn’t.) What matters is she started a fight that forced all film fans to consider, and defend, their definition of a great director: Is it a big boss enforcing their will upon a set, or a humble collaborator who brings out the best in their team?

For the peacemakers, it’s possible to twist “Raising Kane” into a defense of Welles’ later career, often waved off as not living up to the promise of his first film. If the boy genius puffed himself up too much, then it’s a kindness to forgive him for not measuring up to artificially inflated expectations. And despite the outrage, it’s clear that Kael admired “Citizen Kane” and the man who marshaled it into existence. “Orson Welles brought forth a miracle,” she wrote. Bless his heart.

Nicholson is a film critic and the host of the podcast “Unspooled.” Her first book, “Tom Cruise: Anatomy of an Actor” was published by Cahiers du Cinema, and her second, “Extra Girls,” will be published by Simon & Schuster.

More to Read

Hollywood’s bravest and most foolhardy memoir wasn’t written by a movie star

April 8, 2024

The book that documented, and shaped, the course of Black Hollywood history

An addictively readable history of the Hollywood Renaissance, with one glaring omission

Sign up for our Book Club newsletter

Get the latest news, events and more from the Los Angeles Times Book Club, and help us get L.A. reading and talking.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

More From the Los Angeles Times

The 50 best Hollywood books of all time

The story of epochal flop ‘Heaven’s Gate’ isn’t a disaster yarn. It’s a cautionary tale

A journalist grapples with her new identity as an Army wife

We chose the best Hollywood books of all time. What’s on your list?

What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

It almost time! Millions of Americans across the country Monday are preparing to witness the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse as it passes over portions of Mexico, the United States and Canada.

It's a sight to behold and people have now long been eagerly awaiting what will be their only chance until 2044 to witness totality, whereby the moon will completely block the sun's disc, ushering in uncharacteristic darkness.

That being said, many are curious on what makes the solar eclipse special and how is it different from a lunar eclipse.

The total solar eclipse is today: Get the latest forecast and everything you need to know

What is an eclipse?

An eclipse occurs when any celestial object like a moon or a planet passes between two other bodies, obscuring the view of objects like the sun, according to NASA .

What is a solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes in between the Earth and the sun, blocking its light from reaching our planet, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes. The resulting "totality," whereby observers can see the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere, known as the corona, presents a spectacular sight for viewers and confuses animals – causing nocturnal creatures to stir and bird and insects to fall silent.

Partial eclipses, when some part of the sun remains visible, are the most common, making total eclipses a rare sight.

What is a lunar eclipse?

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon and the sun are on exact opposite sides of Earth. When this happens, Earth blocks the sunlight that normally reaches the moon. Instead of that sunlight hitting the moon’s surface, Earth's shadow falls on it.

Lunar eclipses are often also referred to the "blood moon" because when the Earth's shadow covers the moon, it often produces a red color. The coloration happens because a bit of reddish sunlight still reaches the moon's surface, even though it's in Earth's shadow.

Difference between lunar eclipse and solar eclipse

The major difference between the two eclipses is in the positioning of the sun, the moon and the Earth and the longevity of the phenomenon, according to NASA.

A lunar eclipse can last for a few hours, while a solar eclipse lasts only a few minutes. Solar eclipses also rarely occur, while lunar eclipses are comparatively more frequent. While at least two partial lunar eclipses happen every year, total lunar eclipses are still rare, says NASA.

Another major difference between the two is that for lunar eclipses, no special glasses or gizmos are needed to view the spectacle and one can directly stare at the moon. However, for solar eclipses, it is pertinent to wear proper viewing glasses and take the necessary safety precautions because the powerful rays of the sun can burn and damage your retinas.

Contributing: Eric Lagatta, Doyle Rice, USA TODAY

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Off the Menu

Lola’s Offers a Southern Spin on Filipino Cooking

Alaluna offers dry-aged fish with an Italian approach, Bon Bon serves up Swedish hot dogs and more restaurant news.

By Florence Fabricant

The chef Suzanne Cupps is honoring her lola (grandmother in Filipino) Annunciasion Rocamora Paraiso with this new restaurant that pays tribute to her courage during World War II. The menu reflects Ms. Cupp’s experiences growing up in Aiken, S.C., and working in New York with the chefs Anita Lo and Michael Anthony. Expect seasonal dishes like Southern stuffed clams, fried tilefish lettuce wraps with kohlrabi slaw, country rib skewers, and stir-fried egg noodles with early spring greens and silk chile crisp. The beverage director, Adrienne Vanni, has sought value on the wine list, with many options under $100 and several nonalcoholic choices. There is a bar up front and tables at green banquettes that follow back to the emerald tile open kitchen with a terrazzo counter where the chef will be at work. (Opens Thursday)

2 West 28th Street, 646-941-4787, lolasnyc.com .

The downtown group of Italian shopping and eating areas called Travelers Poets and Friends is now complete with the addition of this intimate spot for seafood by the executive chef and partner Riccardo Orfino. The emphasis is on dry-aged fish. Exposing fish to air, a Japanese technique that’s gaining ground, reduces moisture to the benefit of fat and succulence. Mr. Orfino takes it to Italy with a cured fish plate, aged bonito tartare and smoked yellowtail agnolotti. The restaurant is next to the all-day bistro in the space.

467 Avenue of the Americas (11th Street), 212-420-0057, travelerspoetsandfriends.com .

Mala Hot Pot

This is not the first Chinese restaurant named málà, meaning numbing and spicy, as known best in Sichuan food. The partner Kevin Chen, formerly of Tang Hotpot, and the chef Yi Bin Yang, from Sichuan, offer a raft of ingredients including prime and Wagyu beef, assorted vegetables and innards like tripe, duck blood and pork artery to simmer in broth. The setting is industrial.

35 West 36th Street, 646-582-4049, malahotpotnyc.com .

Brooklyn Art Haus in Williamsburg now has its own restaurant next door. The kitchen is run by the chefs Naama Tamir and her brother, Assaf Tamir, who own Lighthouse Restaurant nearby. The menu, which emphasizes sustainability, is mainly Middle Eastern and will expand to cover more of the Mediterranean. (Saturday)

20 Marcy Avenue (Metropolitan Avenue), Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 929-397-0000, themouthbk.com .

Dinner at Shlomo’s

This supper club, tucked inside Comodo restaurant and named for the “Law Office of Shlomo and Shlomo” found on a door in the restaurant’s cellar, will offer chef’s dinners, $150. From Thursday through Saturday the chef will be Elly Fraser, who had a restaurant, Elly’s, in Mexico City and is now cooking in New York. From April 18 to 20, the chef will be Carolina Santos-Neves of Comodo. (Thursday)

Freehand New York, 23 Lexington Avenue (23rd Street), 212-475-1924, [email protected] .

Universal Taco

Franklin Becker has changed the name and concept of what was Oliva Tapas in the food hall on Columbia University’s uptown campus. It now takes a global approach to tacos with fillings like Jamaican braised oxtail and lamb gyro along with traditional choices like al pastor. (April 9)

3229 Broadway (130th Street), manhattanvillemarket.com/universaltaco .

Grain de Sail

For nearly 15 years, a sailing fleet based in Morlaix, France, in Brittany, has been ferrying chocolate and coffee from Latin America back to France as a sustainable alternative to engine-powered shipping. It makes stopovers in New York to deliver French products. This weekend the modern cargo schooner Grain de Sail will be open to visitors at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. for tours and tastings of French wines and chocolates in an event presented by the South Street Seaport Museum. Tickets include admission to a companion program on the tall ship Wavertree docked nearby. (Saturday and Sunday)

Pier 17 North Side, seaport district, seaportmuseum.org/grain-de-sail .

Chef on the Move

Caroline schiff.

This executive pastry chef at Gage & Tollner in Downtown Brooklyn since it reopened nearly four years ago is leaving. Kathryn Irizarry is now the head pastry chef. Ms. Schiff’s own diner in partnership with Tori Ciambriello, the restaurant’s manager, is on the horizon.

Looking Ahead

The refinery at domino.

The chef James Kent of Crown Shy and Saga at 70 Pine Street in the financial district and his Saga Hospitality Group will cross the East River later this year. Destiny? The address is 300 Kent Avenue. They have leased 3,000 square feet of space from Two Trees Management on the ground floor of the former Domino Sugar refinery for a bakery and a casual all-day restaurant. The bakery is to be run by Renata Ameni, the executive pastry chef of the Saga Hospitality Group. It will also provide access to the public for ice cream and other items through a window facing Domino Park. It was not lost on Ms. Ameni that she will be turning out confections in a former sugar factory.

300 Kent Avenue (South Second Street), Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

In addition to stores in Manhattan and in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the Swedish candy juggernaut has now opened its Brooklyn warehouse on weekends, for a fourth retail option. Hundreds of imported candy choices fill shelves and bins, and there’s a candy library. On Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., lines form for Swedish-style hot dogs, snappy sausages fully loaded with sweet pickles, relish, mustard, crisp fried onions and a choice of creamy rémoulade or Swedish shrimp salad piled in a bun, $6.

66 Degraw Street (Van Brunt Street), Columbia Street Waterfront District, Brooklyn, bonbonnyc.com .

Levain Bakery

The 14th outlet of this chain of bakeries known for their heavy-duty cookies will be selling a version of the iconic New York black-and-white. Theirs, a nearly black dark chocolate mound of cookie riddled throughout with white and dark chocolate chunks, is almost a photographic negative of a chocolate chip cookie. It’s $5.75 and only at this new location. (Friday)

2 West 18th Street, 646-974-5901, levainbakery.com .

Follow New York Times Cooking on Instagram , Facebook , YouTube , TikTok and Pinterest . Get regular updates from New York Times Cooking, with recipe suggestions, cooking tips and shopping advice .

An earlier version of this article misidentified the number of Levain Bakery locations. It is 14, not 10.

How we handle corrections

Florence Fabricant is a food and wine writer. She writes the weekly Front Burner and Off the Menu columns, as well as the Pairings column, which appears alongside the monthly wine reviews. She has also written 12 cookbooks. More about Florence Fabricant

More on Food and Dining

Keep tabs on dining trends, restaurant reviews and recipes..

Whether for a casual cookout or an elegant dinner, these three festive dishes are easy to pull off for any spring party .

Dal, the ultimate comfort food for many across South Asia and its diaspora, is cheap, unfussy and adaptable .

In the South, many Black families have made and eaten chew bread — a dessert similar to a blondie  — for generations.

Flamboyant displays of fake flowers at restaurants have turned into a maximalist design movement , with one man as a chief trendsetter.

Sign up for our “ The Veggie ” newsletter to get vegetarian recipes  for weeknight cooking, packed lunches and dinner parties.

Eating in New York City

Pete Wells, our dining critic, has unveiled his annual ranking of the 100 best restaurants in New York City .

Once the pre-eminent food court in Flushing, Queens, for regional Chinese cuisines, the Golden Mall has reopened after a four-year renovation. A new one in Manhattan  is on the horizon.

At Noksu, dinner is served below the street, a few yards from the subway turnstiles. But the room and the food seem unmoored from any particular place .

You thought Old World opulence was over ? A prolific chef gives it a new and very personal spin at Café Carmellini.