US diplomats speak in Filipino on miniseries on YouTube, Facebook

The US Embassy in Manila today launched their first Filipino-language video mini-series called “Kwentuhan Tayo, Pinoy-Style.” The YouTube series features six American diplomats talking about life in the Philippines in heavily-accented but fluent Filipino.

 

“Speaking the local language allows our diplomats to communicate with Filipinos at a much deeper level,” explained Public Affairs Officer Robin Diallo. 

 

“While most Filipinos do speak English, the US Embassy understands the importance of making the effort to learn a Filipino language,” Diallo added.

 

The introductory episode—now viewable on the embassy’s YouTube channel and Facebook page—introduces the six diplomats who will share their experiences in Manila.   

Among the diplomats are Dustin, who volunteers in local communities in Pasay, and Chris, whose grandfather came to the country in the ‘20s.

 

Joining them are David, who loves Filipino food; Kevin, a consular officer who was a migrant to the US; Steve, who travels across the country with his wife; and Dina, a staff aide to Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, who learned Filipino from her grandmother.

 

US diplomats typically undergo language training before serving in a new country. Many continue to study the language even after they have arrived. — Amanda T. Lago/ELR, GMA News