Category: Cebu Writers' Digressions

Presidential Aspirants, Other Candidates Flock Cebu’s ‘Suroy-Suroy Sugbu’

With the national elections just around the corner, candidates vying for the national posts are picking up the pace with their “campaigns.” However, it would be wrong to say they are campaigning because if they did, technically, they could be disqualified by the Commission on Elections for prematurely doing so. Suffice it to say, they are making themselves visible to the public as much as possible.

Among the presidential candidates spotted during the tourism tour were Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro and co-presidential aspirant Manny Villar’s running mate, Loren Legarda.

It’s no secret these aspirants hope to get the endorsement of Cebu’s lady governor, Gwen Garcia. In fact, Loren dropped hints during the tour’s stop in the town of Malabuyoc. Loren believes that she and the lady governor share similar views and advocacies, not to mention both of them are women leaders.

Loren is grateful for the chance to visit and tour Cebu like this, and spoke well of the provincial government’s efforts to showcase the different towns of Cebu. She adds that she plans to replicate the tour in Antique where her aunt is Gov. Sally Perez.

Joining Gibo and Loren are senatorial candidates Gilbert Remulla and Gwen Pimentel, who are similarly seeking the lady governor’s blessings and endorsement. Specifically, Ms. Pimentel hopes to have the governor’s endorsement, saying it is very important to her. Gwen Pimentel is the daughter of Sen. Nene Pimentel.

The three-day Suroy Suroy Sugbo tour attended by these candidates passed through the towns of Oslob, Santander, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Samboan, Moalboal, Badian and Alegria where they were served with delicacies.

Truly, the Suroy Suroy Sugbu tour is one of the best avenues of showcasing the beauty and culture of Cebu.

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Popular Cebuano Phrases to Learn

Here are some popular Cebuano phrases you might find useful and fun to learn:

“Bai” – a colloquial title you can address to almost every friend, stranger or acquaintance. Using this to address someone generally implies an aura of friendship and respect. However, this may not apply to all, such as for gender-sensitive girls or a stern boss. Although friendly in nature, this is rather informal.

“Lugar lang” – usually said when riding in jeepneys, this phrase means “Stop” or “Pull over”

Good morning – Maayong buntag

Good noon – Maayong udto

Good afternoon – Maayong hapon

Good evening – Maayong gabii

Please – Palihug

Thank you – Salamat

Thank you very much – Salamat kaayo

You’re welcome – Wa’y sapayan

No problem – Wala’y problima

How are you? – Kumusta?

What? – Unsa?

Who? – Kinsa?

When? – Kanus-a?

Where? – Asa?/Aha?

How? – Unsa-on?

Why? – Ngano man?

Where are you? – Asa/Aha ka?

Where is the bathroom? – Asa/Aha ang banyo?

Left (referring to directions) – Wala

Right (referring to directions) – Tuo

Help – Tabang

Can I ask for some help? – Pwede mangayo ug tabang?

Delicious – Lami

Take care – Ayo ayo

Happy trip – Maayong pagbyahe

You are beautiful – Gwapa ka

You are handsome – Gwapo ka

I love you – Nahigugma ko nimo

I miss you – Gimingaw ko nimo

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