In the Philippines, the language spoken is called Filipino (Tagalog) and it is one of the numerous languages spoken. In Filipino (Tagalog) the word "what" is used similarly as it is in English. It is used to ask a question. We can also used it to express our displeasure. The word for "what" in Tagalog is "ano." There are different ways to use "ano" with words, for instance, if it is used before a vowel, we can use it to say, "Ano ang ginagawa nya?" (What is he doing?"), but if it were used before a consonant, we would say, "Anong sinabi nya?" which means, "What did she say?" Note the difference between the two and how a "g" is added when used before a consonant.

Filipino (Tagalog) language also includes a mixture of different languages. Although many of the words are from the Tagalog language, a large number of the words are also of Spanish origin and later English words were incorporated into the language.

I sometimes help my friends with their English. Since English is the second language here in the Philippines, we have a lot of interactive sessions when we converse with each other. During such sessions my friends learn the phonetics and practice speaking English. The first thing a person usually learns when they formally begin to learn English is "what is your name?" which is "ano ang pangalan mo?"

Sometimes it is difficult for my friends to pronounce the words correctly, and when when I don't fully understand, what they say in English, I ask them "Anong sinabi mo?" which translates as, "What did you say?" I ask them simple questions so that they can reply in English. They know how to say the time in English, and they know how to say which country they live in. I ask them general questions using the word "ano." We quiz each other, in order to practice.

I asked my younger friend what her favorite subject was, "Ano ang paborito mong aralin?" and she promptly replied, "musika" (music). I am older than my friends and I have passed my exams plus I understand the material very well therefore, I am eager to help them with their matematika (mathematics), and agham (science). And, although kasaysayan (history) and araling panlipunan (social science) are not my favorite subjects, I also help them out with these things.
One common expression that can be heard on the street is, "Anong bago" which is "what's up?" in English. My friends and I use the expression "anong bago" a lot. We also ask each other Anong sinabi nya which means: what did he say? If we make a new friend then we try to find out all we can about them so we could ask "Ano ang apelyido mo" which means: what is your family name.

Next year, I will attend university in another city and live with my aunt. Since many of my friends are younger than me they will remain in their current school. As a result, I will not see them that much when I move away. My biggest concern at the moment is what the future will bring. But I am optimistic and I welcome the change and the challenge.

Learn the word for what in Tagalog and related words also find out how to say hello in Filipino http://speakingtagalog.com/articles/hello-in-filipino.