The first time I had gas refill in a Shell Station in Cabanatuan, I was amazed!
Awed!
I candidly took a photo of the staff who awed me with his enthusiasm in greeting us in Tagalog:
I told some of my friends about this very rare experience. In this day, we seldom hear Filipinos speaking in straight Filipino. And it is even rarer hearing words like “tarheta” and “lagda”. And I have to be honest about it, it was just my first time to hear the word “tarheta”. Such a joy to be getting my Tagalog learning in a Shell gasoline station.
And who calls ladies “binibini” these days? That was so refreshing to be hearing the word “binibini” outside of beauty pageants.
The Philippines has 187 languages. Of these, 183 are living languages and 4 are extinct (source: Ethnologue). Of the 183, I speak Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a and Tagalog and understand a few other languages and I take joy in sharing about the Philippines and our languages whenever opportunities arise. That’s why I always participate in Dwight’s annual VIP Reading.
So when, on another day, I got the chance to take a video of the staff working in Shell, I made sure that the reliable Kuya Ariel, who drove me and my boys everywhere this summer, minimized his usual jolly chats so I can hear every Tagalog words the staff say:-).
Please watch the video and enjoy listening to him as much as I did.
I did tell the staff I was taking his video after the first clip to get his consent. He became a little bit conscious (who wouldn’t?, hihihi). But I couldn’t thank him enough for allowing me to video him while doing his work. And for making me appreciate the Tagalog language more.
I think this is a conscious effort of Shell Philippines (Cabanatuan branches) to make their employees speak Tagalog consistently and eloquently.
Kudos! Your efforts are greatly appreciated and admired!
Mabuhay!
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Its always nice or surprising nowadays to hear deep tagalog words. It seems that most people now use Taglish and no longer have knowledge to speak fluent Tagalog.
agree! kids can’t speak straight Tagalog. They can’t speak straight English, too. Because that’s what they hear form adults.
Wow. That “tarhetang pangkaltas” tho. Also, I feel kilig also if tawagin akong “binibini”. Ang saya! 😍
Nakakatuwa nga:-)
Hala ang cute! 😍 Ngayon ko lang narining yung term na “tarhetang pangkaltas” at “tarhetang pampuntos”. Amazing! 😍
ako din! kaya tuwang-tuwa talaga ako.
This post made me smile. I’ll use “tarhetang pangkaltas” in a conversation every chance I get. 🙂
kwento ka, ha. sana maaaliw din makwentuhan mo at gamitin din.
Ang galing di ba! I live in Cavite and sometimes I get told that some of my Tagalog words are too deep hahaha!
talaga? gusto ko marinig mga Tagalog mo… asawa ko taga Nueva Ecija kaya nasanay na akong gamitin ang “mag-urong” ka. alam mo yun?
Filipino language when spoken right is like British English in the 18th century – mindful and delicate.
Kudos for the Shells initiative.
I love how you put it – mindful and delicate.
I am familiar with the words because I am a Filipino subj teacher. But I must admit that even I, seldom use the pure Filipino language outside the classroom. They (my coteachers) even kid me because I always use the term ‘klase’ referring to my class.
but ‘klase’ is so basic, why would they kid you? it’s a very regular Tagalog word for every day life. is that how bad it is in the academe?:-)
So cute! Even thought it was July, not August (buwan ng wika) they use Filipino to say hi 🙂
That’s great! I came from Quezon and our Tagalog is somehow malalim. Nowadays parents are teaching their kids na maging fluent sa English and minsan nasa sariling bansa hindi masyado magaling magtagalog. Mas believe ka pa nga sa foreigners na they are trying hard talaga to speak Tagalog and they are proud.
Ang dami kong tawa sa tarhetang pangkaltas!! Haha. But seriously, this business is commendable and should be emulated by other businesses especially those promoting our native products/ services. It’s now rare we get to use our pure language.
Oooh, that’s amazing. I’ve recently been aware of a resort/hotel that uses baybayin on their welcome boards and other physical collaterals that guests read. I guess there is a rebirth of the love for our identity and culture.
Now this is new! Great job shell for making an effort! Will check out when I get the chance to visit cabanatuan! Thanks for the share!
It’s also my first time hearing the words “tarhetang pang kaltas at pampuntos” ang lalim masyado 😄😊😊😊
malalim na Tagalog nga. buti may natutunan tayong sariling wika natin.
Ang galing! First time ko din po to hear the words Tarhetang Pangkaltas and Tarhetang pampuntos ang lalim po masyado. Ang galing nya I enjoy watching the video and listening to him. 😍❤️
kakatuwa, ano?