The short answer is definitely yes. Knowing Tagalog will set you apart from the thousands of visitors who haven’t bothered to learn the main language of the Philippines. It will definitely be worth your time and energy learning Tagalog whether you have a husband, wife, penpal or just visiting the Philippines. Even if Tagalog it is not the person’s first language, chances are, they have learned it as a second language.

Aren’t you tired of sitting in the middle of a crowd of people speaking a language you don’t understand? Believe me I feel your pain. When I met my girlfriend, later my wife, I was so frustrated not being able to understand the conversations she was having with her friends and relatives. Just the thought of trying to learn this language was overwhelming! Finally I learned a little secret.

Here is the little secret to getting along in this fascinating language. Learn these common complimentary phrases first:

• Sige na! (using said in a pleading way means “come on!” or “go on!”
• Mahal kita! (always an appreciated phrase means “I love you.”)
• Maganda ka (you’re beautiful)
• Gwapo ka. (You’re handsome)
• Masarap! (Said while eating means delicious!)
• Maganda ang _________ mo! (Your ______ is beautiful.)
• mata, buhok, ipin, katawan, mukha (eyes, hair, teeth, body, face)
• Maraming salamat! (Thank you very much!)

I guarantee you that you will be the hit of the party. Many, many doors will open for you when you begin to speak just a little Tagalog. Then, as you become more proficient, word will spread that you re a person that has taken the time to learn their language and their appreciation will be shown in many ways.

WARNING: When you start to speak Tagalog, even just a few words and phrases, you will be getting more compliments and favors than you would have believed possible!

I just uploaded this video today – July 8, 2009
Hope you enjoy it!
Bud

Get the HUGE Peace Corps Tagalog Language Packet (320 pages!) in PDF Format so you can download and print out, or just read it on your computer.

The materials in this packet were designed for the rapid Tagalog language training of Peace Corps volunteers, focusing on daily communication needs in this context. The packet contains:

• lists of common phrases, expressions, and vocabulary on a variety of topics related to Peace Corps work; a list of core competencies for specific topics (socializing, using language to manage learning, food, shopping, transportation, and health)
• a Tagalog-to-English glossary
• a workbook containing exercises for each of the above topics, and
• Tagalog grammar notes corresponding to the preceding competencies and exercises.
• Appended materials include additional notes on grammar, syntax, morphology, negation, and common expressions.
• Only $17

It does require Adobe Acrobat Reader (FREE) to read the document, which you can get by  clicking here to download.

Click on the BuyNow button below and you will be directed to PayPay where you can pay by Paypal or any credit/debit card.

After you complete your transaction,  do not forget to click the “Return To Merchant” button after making your payment.

After I receive notice of payment, I will send you to the download page IMMEDIATELY!  If you have any problems at all, just email me at bud@tagalog101.info

Please Note: To receive your download link, immediately after payment, click the “Return to Merchant”  link.

$17

P.S.  As a Free BONUS, if you purchase within the next 24 hours, I will throw in the publication “Tagalog With Humor…Language and Culture Through Cartoons!”     A fun way to learn Tagalog through cartoons!

P.S.S.

For other Peace Corps Philippine Languages go here.

After I married my Filipina wife, I really didn’t know how to get her to the States. I ended up paying hundreds to a lady who walked us through the paperwork. Oh I wish I had this book. It’s by Perry Gamsby, a straight talking Aussie, who is also married to a lovely Filipina.  This is a GREAT resourse if you are married to a Filipina, or thinking about it. Go here to find out more about this very useful book. “How to Marry and Migrate from the Philippines”

This is a great book. Speaking as someone who has been happily married to a Filipina for 37 years, I can  highly recommend this book. I personally know the author, Perry Gamsby, an Aussie, who is also happily married to a wonderful Filipina. Get this book and save yourself a lot of time and money! For more information  click on the banner above.

        $15.71

Containing over 100 traditional and modern adaptations of Filipino recipes, this cookbook is perfect for Americans with little to no experience with Filipino cuisine, and for Filipino-Americans interested in learning new adaptations of traditional dishes. A comprehensive guide, The Filipino-American Kitchen includes a brief culinary history of the Philippines, a list of Filipino ingredients used in the recipes, and a guide to navigating Asian grocery stores.  There is also a resource section for ordering ingredients online or directly from stores, followed by 10 chapters of recipes organized by course, with main courses organized by food type. Anyone interested in Filipino cooking will find this book an invaluable resource. 

For More Info About The Filipino-American Kitchen

$19.95

“Learning to speak Tagalog has never been easier, quicker or more fun. Anyone – even complete beginners – can start speaking Tagalog almost immediately with this unique learning system. -Tagalog Languages of the World teaches you to the language, in context, using an extensive variety of interactive learning activities. ”

For more information click here

Learning languages is not so hard if you have the right attitude, method and resources. I’ve been studying Tagalog for a while with good success. I use a multi-pronged approach.

First, I start with the Pimsleur Method course to get a few basic phrases. This course is all audio so I listen to it with either my MP3 player or on my CD player. And each lesson is only thirty minutes, so it’s not a big inconvenience with my time. Then because I’ve learned over the years that I really have to see what I’m saying, I go through some lessons on the Rosetta Stone software Tagalog course.

Also, where ever I go I always carry in my book bag, my language learning books. I like the book, Conversational Tagalog, by Teresita Ramos. Finally, I try to use what I’ve learned with a native speaker, usually, my Filipina wife. She’ll tell me that what I’m saying either sounds right or my pronunciation isn’t very good. I tell her to be honest, because that’s the only way I’ll learn and she’s not going to hurt my feelings if I’m not saying it right. At night I, before dozing off, I try to review in my mind, the phrases I’ve been learning that day, imagining I’m in the Philippines and talking to a Filipino. In my mind, my Filipino friend ALWAYS tells me I speak Tagalog very well!