Kimi

HERE’S another lesson on a not-so-used Tagalog word. No, you don’t read the title as “Kimmy”. (This is Tagalog, remember?) It should be read with a faster, heavier accent on the second syllable as in the Tagalog word mali (wrong) or tupi (fold). Now, say it again. Kimi.

Got it? And what on earth (or in the Republic of the Philippines) does it mean?

Well, it’s a deeper word for hiya (shame).

Now, that’s an easier Tagalog word to pronounce and understand, right?

Being kimi, like hiya, is being timid or shy.

It’s not speaking out even when you definitely have something to say.

It’s not asking even when you’re already obviously lost.

It’s not volunteering even when you want to and can surely do something significant.

Why? Because you think that if you speak out, others might think you’re madaldal (talkative). Or if you ask, they might say you’re ignorante. (I can’t say a more accurate but foul Tagalog word that starts with “T”). Or if you volunteer, they’ll call you mayabang (show-off).

So you just choose to stay kimi and keep quiet in your own little corner. And the more disturbing part is that many continue to think that this is a Filipino virtue -- something to be practised and be proud of. In Talk 3 of our series, Original Pilipino Magnificence, we’ll study this Filipino trait and see what God’s Word says about it.

Today, we proclaim that we Filipinos know when we should be ashamed, what we should be ashamed of, and when we should stand up, take charge, and exercise pananagutan (responsibility).

Mayroong Magandang Mangyayari Sa ‘Yo!

Your Friend in Jesus,
ALVIN BARCELONA

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