Wikang Bakla
When I was in college, our Filipino professor discussed with the class the different kinds of languages in the Philippines. Aside from the various languages and dialects around the country, there are other additions we never thought counted: Wikang bakla, wikang tabloid, wikang palengke (Language of the gays, tabliods and market).
I was reading Secret Garden at Starbucks this afternoon, and on the other side of a 4-foot wooden divider sat two middle-aged gay men chatting away. Without meaning to (they were fairly loud and the coffee shop was practically empty), I heard snippets of their conversation.
“Alam mo ba, ang pila doon parang sa pelikula ni Nora Aunor” (The line was so long like a line to a Nora Aunor movie)
“Hay nako, I don’t know and I don’t care!”
“Bruha siya!” (That witch!)
and my favorite,
“Magdusa ka!” (Die you <insert derogatory label here>)
For some reason, though their expressions are dramatic and sometimes exaggerated, they say it with such melodious and tender voice. And for some reason, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to them.
I can never keep track of the words that are constantly being added to the vocabulary. It’s fascinating though.
I just finished reading Zsazsa Zaturnnah this morning! =D
Zaturnah flies onstage at CCP this December, courtesy of Tanghalang Pilipino. Don’t miss it, Clair!
talaga? mustn’t miss that!