I have what I consider to be a very special announcement to share with you today. We are welcoming a new writer to LiP today, and it is a person who is very special to me. This person has had a big impact on my life, and I have been after her to join us as a writer on LiP for many months now. Last month, she agreed to join us, but she needed to wait until now to get started.
It was just a few weeks ago when I was asking about what kinds of writers you would want to see on the site. One of the most sought after types of writers was another female to join the writing team, and I am happy that this new author is indeed a lady. Perhaps we will add more ladies in the future too, if we find the right person who wishes to join in. I am certainly happy to add new authors of either sex, as long as they have the right experiences that will add to this site.
My criteria for a writer on this site is that they can be male or female, foreigner or Filipino, just about anything, but there is one key. They must have had experience living in at least two countries, and must be living in the Philippines right now. You see, if they have never lived outside the Philippines, they cannot understand fully what life is like for an expat here. So, that is a very important qualifiction.
Have you ever heard the saying that “rules are made to be broken?” How about that every rule has an exception? Well, I laid out my rule in the previous paragraph, and with this new addition of another author on the site, I am breaking that rule already! You see, our new writer has never lived outside the Philippines, yet she has a job that gives her a special understanding of foreigners and the things that they go through in living here, outside their own culture.
Our new writer, who is joining us today is Bebe Metillo. Bebe has been my Bisaya teacher for about a year and a half now. She has had a huge impact on my life here, and the enjoyment that I experience in my life. I feel very indebted to Bebe for the impact that she has had on me and on my family. Of course, all of Bebe’s students are foreigners, so she has insight into how foreigners cope here, and what problems they have. I believe that she is a perfect fit for the site!
So, what will Bebe be writing about on LiP? Well, it’s up to her. I know, though, that she will be teaching some Bisaya for readers of the site. I also will encourage her to teach some Tagalog as well, as I know there is some demand for that as well. In addition, I hope that Bebe will tackle some cultural issues that we, as foreigners, want and need to understand.
I would just like to welcome Bebe to the site, and wish her all the best as she joins our community. I am sure that she will be well received!
About MindanaoBob
Welcome, Bebe!
Hi Bob,Nice choice,looking forward to Bebe column,regards Chas.
Oh … My … Goodness. In my mind’s eye, I had envisioned Bebe as a 60 year old European. As you’ve been relating it Bob, her insights into the Visayan language and culture and into her foreign students barriers are highly and unusually deep (American deep, not Visayan deep heh).
She obviously loves the language and people and has a great grasp of cross cultural challenges. This is fascinating. I also imaging her business is already booming. Now I expect the demand to skyrocket. I can smell the start of an empire.
Finally we can experience some of the benefits you have gained from Bebe in recent times.
Really looking forward to the Tagalog teachings as it is very hard to learn this on your own as I am currently doing in Australia.
Well done Bob…
HI Bob,
I’m happy that Bebe will be joining LiP. I look forward to her articles. I want to learn Bisaya/Cebuano.
Welcome Bebe!
That’s great news, Bob. I look forward to reading Bebe’s articles and gaining further understanding of the language and culture from her. As far as I’m concerned there’s nothing better you could have done for this site. Thanks!!!
Great job Bob. This will be great as I want to learn Tagalog and Bisayan but don’t have time to schedule lessons due to my schedule and the time difference right now, but do read the blog each and every day. Fantastic!!!
I am so thrilled to welcome Bebe!!!!
I know I will enjoy all of her articles. I will especially look forward to some Tagalog instruction!!!
Forgot to mention to say thanks for your Tagalog and Bisayan flashcards. I have a long, long way to go, however, this goes a long way in impressing my loved ones and friends there. At least, I’m trying.
I’m sure Bob, that you couldn’t be welcoming a better choice of writer to the site. After all we have heard from you about Bebes’ special skills …… obvious really ! Lip going from strength to strength in fact.
I hope Bebe will enjoy the enthusiastic response she is sure to get !
Kamusta ka Bob,
This is a great addition to your line up of writers, I have to say that I am really happy and excited to see Bebe join this group!!!
I can’t wait for Bebe to show us her first article. I just wished I lived in Davao to be able to learn from Bebe first hand. But this is second best, and I look forward to reading everything she has to tell. Thank you so much for “bending” the rules on this one, I believe Bebe will help us quite a bit with her knowledge of the Philippines, and its culture and language(s).
Hininangop nakasakay Bebe!!
Daghang salamat,
Danny
PS. I have my bisaya flash cards hangin’ around the house…
Hello Bebe, from New York USA. I will be looking forward to reading your articles here.
Hi Bob, I’m a long time reader of your site and this will be my first posting. I’m happy to see another writer and a Pinay and bisaya speaker to boot. I’m originally from Cebu and I’m looking forward to re-learn my language in it’s full wording and content not just the abbreviated version most Cebuanos does.
Bebe welcome and cheers to you.
Good going Bob ..an Welcome Bebe ……Phil n Jess
Hi, Bob!
It’s great that finally Bebe joined LiP! Somehow, I knew she will be a valuable contributor to this website! Even as a local, I’m very eager to hear more Bisayan lessons from Ms. Bebe!
By the way, I noticed one minor thing, Bob. As you said Bebe has had a big impact on your life…and probably as a proof, her name now precedes yours in the roster of LiP writers! Ha! ha! But I know it’s only coincidence! Cheers!
Hi, Bob!
Yes, I knew it is in alphabetical order! I just thought it might have meant something special too!
Again, more power to you and Ms. Bebe!
Hi Tom N – Thank you, Bebe’s first column will be published shortly.
Hi chasdv – Thanks, I think that Bebe will be a great addition to the site.
Hi Nick Nichols – I heard from your Mom the other day, and was telling her that I had not been in touch with you for some time, so it’s nice to hear from you.
Bebe, a European? Oh my… not at all. Bebe is in her 30′s, very Filipina, and as you say, has a deep understanding of problems or challenges that a foreigner faces in the Philippines. I think that she will be a nice addition to the site, and I am looking forward to sharing her as a great resource for everybody here.
Hi Nicholas – Thank you for your nice comment. I’m glad that you are looking forward to hearing from Bebe.
Hi Beth – Thank you, and I am sure that Bebe can help you in learning some Cebuano.
Hi Randy C – Thanks! I thought you would probably like this new addition! Sorry, I didn’t break the news on your site yesterday!
Hi Ed Griffin – I’m glad that you will get some benefit from Bebe’s participation here.
Hi Tyleen Reynders – Well, I expect that Bebe’s lessons in language will be simple things, probably not a complete language course. I think a lot of people, though, are looking for just some conversational phrases. It’s all up to Bebe to decide, though.
Hi Ed – I am glad that you have found the flash cards helpful! Good luck in your language learning journey!
Hi jonaky – Thank you for your nice comment, and I am happy that you feel that Bebe will add strength to the site. I think so too!
Hi Danny – Congrats on getting your Bisaya name cards up on everything, I am quite confident that it will help you!
Hi Bob New york – We are happy to oblige!
Hi Racquel from Wisconsin – I’m glad you decided do post a comment! I hope that Bebe is helpful to you.
Thanks, Phil – I hope you enjoy Bebe’s contribution.
Hi JR Tingson – Ha ha… the names across the top banner are in alphabetical order!
I do think that Bebe will make a big impact on the site as well as having had a big impact on me. Thanks for your vote of confidence!