Polyglot in progress: My journey through languages and cultures
I'm a language enthusiast on a mission to become fluent in Spanish. Born and raised in the Philippines, I grew up speaking Tagalog and English, and now I'm embracing the challenge of mastering my third language.
My fascination with Spanish began when I discovered the historical connections between the Philippines and Spain. The more I learned about these cultural ties, the more I wanted to understand the language that influenced so many aspects of Filipino culture.
Through this website, I'm documenting my Spanish learning journey – sharing both victories and challenges along the way. I believe in learning publicly and connecting with fellow language enthusiasts who understand that language acquisition is as much about persistence as it is about talent.
My mother tongue and the language of my childhood. Growing up in the Philippines, Tagalog was the foundation of my identity and cultural understanding.
Native Speaker
Learned simultaneously with Tagalog through school and media. English opened doors to global communication and eventually became a cornerstone of my professional life.
Fluent
My current passion and challenge. I began learning Spanish in 2022, inspired by the linguistic connections to my Filipino heritage and a desire to connect with Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.
Intermediate Beginner (A2-B1)
Tagalog has thousands of Spanish loanwords: ventana (window) became bintana, mesa (table) stayed as mesa, and tenedor (fork) became tinidor.
In Tagalog, days like Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules come directly from Spanish Lunes, Martes, Miércoles.
Traditional Filipino music like the Harana (serenade) has clear Spanish influences, making Spanish songs feel strangely familiar.
Filipino dishes like leche flan, embutido, and menudo reveal Spain's lasting impact on Philippine cuisine.
Learning a new language as an adult is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Here's how I approach it:
I'd rather study 20 minutes daily than 3 hours once a week. Small, regular efforts compound over time.
I surround myself with Spanish through podcasts, music, Netflix shows, and label items around my home.
I prioritize communication over perfection. Every mistake is a stepping stone to fluency.
Language is inseparable from culture. I learn about Spanish-speaking countries' customs, history, and traditions.
As I continue improving my Spanish, I've set some exciting goals for the coming year:
Planning a 2-week immersion trip to Mexico to practice Spanish in real-life situations and explore the rich cultural heritage.
Reading my first full Spanish novel - starting with "El Principito" (The Little Prince) before moving to more advanced literature.
Preparing for the DELE B1 examination to formally certify my Spanish proficiency level.
Hosting monthly language exchange meetups in my city to connect with Spanish speakers and help them with English/Tagalog.
I'd love to connect with fellow language learners, especially those navigating the journey between Asian and Romance languages. Have tips or just want to chat about language learning?
Let's Connect