Name Game

When God showered Earth with creativity and humor, it seems that almost all Filipinos acquired them. Evident to this are the hilarious and bizarre street signs, slogans, store names and name of places created by Filipinos. Indeed, Filipinos’ art in giving names will be part of our history and will serve as a proof that we enjoy life despite all the problems we are facing.

Last month, I purchased a book titled, “The Best of Chico and Delamar’s On Air: The Morning Rush Top 10”. Inside, I saw a section labelled, “Funny Business names” which really made me laugh. Here is the Top 10:

10th - Pet shop: “Petness First”
9th - Design and tailoring shop: “I Sew Design”
8th - Fast food place specializing in mini-burgers: “Dwendy’s”
7th - A gay lawyer’s extension office: “Nota Republic”
6th - Burger kiosk along C5: “Jollibis”
5th - Beauty parlor: “Salon And Lasting Love”
4th - A boxing gym: “Blow Jab”
3rd - Cosmetic dermatologist specializing in gay clientele: “Beki Belo”
2nd - Photocopy stall: “Pakopya ni Edgar”
1st - Foot spa: “Spaa”

On one hand, if you are a Filipino, or at least you knew what these words mean, you will find it peculiar, yet, funny. On the other hand, if you are someone who cannot understand how Filipino minds work, you will never appreciate our art in giving names.

It is true that we free on using language as a way of communicating our thoughts to others. But as what Spider man always said, this freedom entails responsibility as well. We must not abused language or distort the meanings of words because communication will be affected. English is the universal language; therefore, we must be very cautious on using it so that misunderstanding will be avoided.

In order for our fellow Filipinos not to misuse language, they must be informed and educated. Communicators such as teachers, professors, writers, reporters and us, future development communicators, have the responsibilities to impart knowledge to every Filipino, educate, and motivate them to exercise the proper use of language to prove that we are one of the best English-speaking nationalities in the whole world.