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Hola, Kumusta, Hello!

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 Language Story

Tagalog 🇵🇭

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

English 🇺🇸

Learned simultaneously with Tagalog through school and media. English opened doors to global communication and eventually became a cornerstone of my professional life.

Fluent

Spanish 🇪🇸

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)

Interesting Connections I've Discovered

Shared Vocabulary

Tagalog has thousands of Spanish loanwords: ventana (window) became bintana, mesa (table) stayed as mesa, and tenedor (fork) became tinidor.

Days of the Week

In Tagalog, days like Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules come directly from Spanish Lunes, Martes, Miércoles.

Musical Influences

Traditional Filipino music like the Harana (serenade) has clear Spanish influences, making Spanish songs feel strangely familiar.

Culinary Crossovers

Filipino dishes like leche flan, embutido, and menudo reveal Spain's lasting impact on Philippine cuisine.

My Language Learning Philosophy

Learning a new language as an adult is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Here's how I approach it:

Consistency Over Intensity

I'd rather study 20 minutes daily than 3 hours once a week. Small, regular efforts compound over time.

Immersion Whenever Possible

I surround myself with Spanish through podcasts, music, Netflix shows, and label items around my home.

Embrace Mistakes

I prioritize communication over perfection. Every mistake is a stepping stone to fluency.

Cultural Connection

Language is inseparable from culture. I learn about Spanish-speaking countries' customs, history, and traditions.

What's Next on My Journey?

As I continue improving my Spanish, I've set some exciting goals for the coming year:

Travel Plans

Planning a 2-week immersion trip to Mexico to practice Spanish in real-life situations and explore the rich cultural heritage.

Reading Challenge

Reading my first full Spanish novel - starting with "El Principito" (The Little Prince) before moving to more advanced literature.

DELE Certification

Preparing for the DELE B1 examination to formally certify my Spanish proficiency level.

Language Exchange

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
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