Five Key Suggested Terms In Southern Philippines’ Social Revelry

On May 17, 2016, CNN Philippines reported that the newly elected Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte, is planning to impose a nation-wide liquor ban reminiscent of the system applied in his hometown (Davao City) for many years. Contrary to popular misconception, this policy is more aimed at rooting out violent public drunkenness than curtailing social drinking entirely.

After all, revelry and social drinking is an inseparable part of Filipino culture. Unlike in other countries, Filipino drinking circles are literally just that - carousers sitting in a circle and passing around a single glass, each taking turns in the communal drinking. Any foreigner who aims to bridge the language gap could start with these few key terms used in the predominantly Bisaya-speaking Southern Philippines:

Pulutan. In the archipelago of diverse local dialects, some popular Tagalog (national language) words easily penetrate other parts of the country. 'Pulutan' is derived from the Tagalog root word 'pulot' which literally means 'hand-pick.' Practically in every Filipino drinking circle, 'pulutan' is exclusively reserved for a category of 'finger fare' eaten during drinking sessions such as potato/corn chips, peanuts or leftover meat viands.     

Gunner. This fashionable term often used to describe the specific navy personnel, is understood in the drinking circles of Southern Philippines as 'someone who pours the drinks.' But unlike the bartender or the butler, he or she sits in equal stature with the rest of the group. On a comical side note: a binge drinker for a gunner spells trouble for the group.    

Shot! One of the most common key terms in Bisaya-speaking circles, 'shot' is more like an expression than a noun as understood in English. One would somewhat equate it to the Sino-Japanese expression 'kampai' but it is usually intended to hasten the person to drink up.  

Tama. In common Tagalog, this word means 'correct.' But in the context of drinking in Southern Philippines, 'tama' means the degree of 'intoxication' or 'wooziness.'

Maoy. For the Bisaya-speaking people, 'maoy' aptly describes the excessive outpour of emotions when a person is too drunk to think straight. 'Maoy' is a very common occurrence for people who are drinking their heartaches away.