Culture
Kung Hei Fat Choi Meaning, Spelling and How Cebu Celebrates
Kung Hei Fat Choi, Kung Hei Fat Choy or Gong Xi Fa Cai? What the greeting means, how to say it, and how Cebu and Davao ring in the Lunar New Year.
Culture: Cebu, Davao & Philippines
Festivals, faith, history and the Bisaya language — the stories behind the places.
Culture
Maganda in Tagalog and Gwapo Meaning: How to Compliment Filipinos
What maganda, gwapo, gwapa, pogi and gwapito really mean, plus ready-to-use compliments in Bisaya and Tagalog.
Culture
Cebuanas and Courtship: A Respectful Guide to Dating in Cebu
Courtship in Cebu blends old traditions with modern dating. Here is how to show respect, meet the family and speak a little Cebuano.
Culture
Oi Meaning in Bisaya and Tagalog, Plus Words for Pissed Off
What does oi (or uy) mean in Bisaya and Tagalog? Learn how to use it, plus the local words for being pissed off, from nalagot to naiinis.
Culture
Philippine Fish Names in English, Bisaya and Tagalog
Lapu-lapu, maya-maya, bariles, danggit, hito: a big translation table of Philippine fish names in English, Bisaya and Tagalog for the market and the kitchen.
Culture
Learn Bisaya: 50 Essential Cebuano Phrases for Travellers
Fifty everyday Cebuano phrases for greetings, getting around, eating, shopping and counting, with pronunciation tips to help you sound friendly in Cebu and Davao.
Culture
Santo Niño de Cebu: History of the Philippines' Oldest Icon
How a small image of the Child Jesus given in 1521 became the heart of Cebu's faith and the Sinulog Festival. The history of the Santo Niño de Cebu.
Culture
Davao Tribes: The 11 Indigenous and Moro Communities of Davao
Ata, Bagobo, Matigsalug, Sama, Maranao and more. A respectful introduction to the 11 tribes of Davao City, their crafts and how to visit with care.
Culture
Wafa Meaning in Bisaya: Wa Pa, Ganda and Ang Ganda Mo
Seen "wafa" in a Bisaya chat? It usually means "wa pa" (not yet). Here is what it means, plus ganda, ang ganda mo and other short words you will hear in Cebu and Davao.
Culture
Tuko Lizard in the Philippines: Calls, Folklore and the Law
That loud "to-kay" call at night is the tuko. Here is the story of the Philippine tokay gecko, its folklore, the tuko-buying craze and why trading it can break the law.
Culture
What Language Is Spoken in Cebu Philippines? Bisaya Guide
Cebuano, Bisaya, Davaoeño, Tagalog, English: who speaks what in Cebu and Davao, why Filipinos switch languages mid-sentence, and simple words to learn.
Culture
Nalibog Meaning: What Is the Tagalog of Mean and Confused?
In Cebu, "nalibog ko" just means "I'm confused." In Manila, it means something very different. Here's how to avoid the classic Bisaya-Tagalog mix-up.
Culture
Short Stories in Philippine Literature vs American Writing
From Dead Stars to May Day Eve: how Philippine literature grew alongside and apart from American writing, and which short stories to read first.
Culture
Kayasa Meaning: Cebuano Expressions of Annoyance Explained
What does kayasa mean in Cebuano? A friendly guide to Bisaya expressions of annoyance, from harmless hala to words you should never say to your lola.
Culture
Spare in Tagalog, Kumbati in Bisaya and Other Useful Words
The everyday words for spare, by the way, recently and hope in Tagalog and Bisaya, plus what Cebuanos usually mean when they say kumbati.
Culture
Kadayawan Festival Guide: Davao's August Harvest Celebration
Davao's biggest party is a thanksgiving for nature's bounty. Here is what the Kadayawan Festival celebrates, which events to catch every August and how to enjoy it.
Culture
Childish in Tagalog: Pabebe Meaning and Pinoy Slang Explained
Pabebe, isip-bata, maarte, charot, lodi, marites. A friendly guide to how Filipinos say childish, spoiled and cute, plus the internet slang you will see online.
Culture
Cebu Guitars: Mactan's Guitar-Making Tradition and Buying Tips
Why Mactan is the guitar capital of the Philippines, how Cebu guitars are made, and how to pick a good one without overpaying.
Culture
Famous People From Cebu: Heroes, Singers, Designers and Saints
From the hero of Mactan to world-class designers and rock frontmen, meet the famous people from Cebu who shaped Philippine history and pop culture.
Culture
Sinulog Festival Guide: History, Dance and Tips for Visitors
Everything you need to know about the Sinulog Festival in Cebu: where it came from, what the dance means, when it happens and how to enjoy it safely.
Culture
What Is EDSA Revolution? The 1986 People Power Story
The four days in February 1986 that ended the Marcos government without a war. Causes, timeline, key figures and why EDSA still matters to Filipinos.