Repost: Closer look at Biggel's Marinduqueno Tagalog

Does Biggel speak Marinduque Tagalog differently now?

Joseph Biggel. Seen at recent PBB Otso launch.

Item: “ONE OF THE most engaging housemates of “PBB UnliNight” is the 19-year old Joseph Biggel, the tisoy-boy from Marinduque who speaks Tagalog with a very “promdi” accent.”  11.10.11).


“Promdi” is a corruption of “from the province”, so the description is quite accurate. It is for the same reason why Biggel was tagged the “Promdihirang Tisoy ng Marinduque”. 

But this really gives us an opportunity to take a closer look on the Tagalog that Biggel speaks.

So we go back a bit. The “development and adoption of a common national language based on one of the existing native dialects” was actually provided for in the 1935 Philippine Constitution. A National Language Institute was created thereafter which, after a study and survey of existing native languages, recommended the adoption of Tagalog as the core of the national language.

Eight major languages in the country were identified during that period on the basis of the number of native speakers: Tagalog (4,068,565); Cebuano (3,620,685), Ilocano (2,353,318), Hiligaynon (1,951,005), Bicol (1,289,424), Waray (920,009), Pampango (621,455), and Pangasinan (573,752).

On January 12, 1937, President Manuel L. Quezon appointed the members of the Commission on National Language for that purpose with the following as first members: Jaime C. de Veyra (Samar-Leyte Visayan), Chairman, Santiago A. Fonacier (Ilocano), Member; Filemon Sotto (Cebu Visayan), Member; Casimiro F. Perfecto (Bicol), Member; Felix S. Salas Rodriguez (Panay Visayan), Member; Hadji Butu (Moro), Member and Cecilio López (Tagalog), Member and Secretary.

Now it is the same Cecilio Lopez, the only native Tagalog speaker in the Commission and who would eventually be known as the Father of Philippine Linguistics, who made a study of the Tagalog spoken on Marinduque island. He wrote conclusively that it is “the root or among the roots from which modern national forms of speech have sprung”, and this is “where remnants of archaic Tagalog could be found”. 

Biggel at PBB's newly renovated house.

So Biggel’s Tagalog should really be something of interest.

Even Filipino language researchers from Surian ng Wikang Pambansa are one in saying that languages are fluid, taking on different words and phrases depending on outside influences and that no language remains the same. 

But when you start looking at the roots of a language, and we now have a fairly good idea where the language started based on Lopez’ studies, we can at least see or experience where that language took its ideas from. 

Biggel at PBB Unlimited Edition.

So how about going back to the roots of Tagalog by travelling to the beautiful island of Marinduque and listening to how the natives speak it. Then when you get used to it, perhaps you could enrich your own Filipino (which is essentially Tagalog, anyway), with the version of Tagalog dialect spoken here? In the process we could even help resolve the language problem that confronts us, Filipinos.

Tracking Biggel: First PBBU mall show in Metro Manila, TriNoma June 10

Biggel signs his autograph on PBB Unlimited Magazine page.
To see the show this Sunday, his supporters may wish to purchase one (1) magazine from the National Bookstore booth located at TriNoma Activity Center from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on June 10, 2012, the day of the event. A copy entitles the buyer to two (2) stubs for the show.

Biggel, the Warrior.

Seat stubs will be released at the National Bookstore booth upon purchase of magazines together with the official receipt of purchase.  Maximum of two (2) stubs may be redeemed by every customer. First sixty (60) customers to buy PBB mag at the event venue will be entitled to VIP seats in the stadium area. 400 regular seats are available for the public, seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

"With the Mohawk-inspired hairstyle and Marinduqueno accent, PBB: Unlimited Third Big Winner Joseph Emil Biggel or simply Biggel is hard to ignore. Controversies erupted around the Fil-German probinsiyano..." So goes the opening lines of the article.

PBB Unlimited: The Big Fans Day poster.

That promdi smile.

Biggel visits Marinduque colleges, continues to inspire youth

Joseph Biggel visited two Marinduque colleges yesterday. The first was Educational Systems Technological  Institute (ESTI), where he enrolled in 2010 but dropped out for financial reasons. ESTI staff turned over to him all school requirements to enable him to enroll in a Manila college that recently offered a 100% scholarship to help him realize his goal of earning a college degree. 

Biggel later paid a courtesy visit to the administrative staff of Marinduque State College (MSC) whose students and staff extended support to him through text voting when he was still a housemate in the country's popular yellow house,
the Pinoy Big Brother house.

Biggel receives his school credentials from the ESTI staff as this blogger looks on. The staff also shared with Biggel how they followed his PBB adventures never giving up on their support to him.

Faculty and staff of Marinduque State College (MSC) were pleasantly surprised with Biggel's unannounced
courtesy visit to MSC yesterday.

An official administrative meeting was temporarily suspended to give way to a brief, impromptu and light-hearted open forum where Biggel answered questions ranging from his feelings toward PBB love interest, Tin Patrimonio, his 'perstaym' experiences, his toughest experiences at the PBB House, his willingness to act as Tourism Ambassador for Marinduque, if ever, and his college plans.

Biggel expressed his gratitude for all support and the kind words from the school's officials about his being an inspiration to the Marinduque youth, particularly to the less fortunate ones. A move was undertaken during the meeting to make formal and official, through a college resolution, MSC's appreciation of Biggel's drive to follow his dreams and succeed, serving as an inspiration to many from this 
island-province. 

Biggel on the Runway

Friday, May 25 at MALL OF ASIA:

Biggel at the court!

The much-awaited basketball invitational with Congressman Lord Allan Velasco and Joseph Biggel of PBB Season 4 attracted a huge crowd at the Mogpog Covered Court. This game saw Biggel fans screaming out loud the moment he stepped into the court. The popular PBB ex-housemate was then besieged by fans wanting his autograph or their photos taken with him.

The bedimpled Promdihirang Tisoy ng Marinduque.
No doubt about it, Biggel simply attracts fans of all ages, probably why he could hardly say no to those excited fans approaching him with their celphones or digi-cams for that
'picture picture please!'


Then there was a sense of uneasiness in the crowd when an unsmiling referee approached Biggel and briskly led him to the scorer's table where some basketball staff were seated.
It was their turn for souvenir shots with Biggel 
lang naman pala. 
Shouts of 'Biggel' turned to 'gigil, gigil' and there was laughter!  

It appears that neither team was under extreme pressure throughout the friendly match as the crowd cheered for Biggel. But the equally good-looking Congressman Velasco also got loud cheers from the crowd with his fast break attacks.

The members of TEAM VELASCO. Congressman Velasco (in blue jersey flashing the V-sign) and Biggel at the center.

Velasco at the court.

.

The opponents: TEAM VELASCO vs. LIGA NG MGA BARANGAY (LNMB)

The mood of the evening with everyone smiling with Biggel and Velasco, this photo was taken during a break.

Biggel at the court.

Scoreboard during the last ten minutes:
Velasco Team, 73; LNMB , 66
Team Velasco with Biggel started well and controlled the game from start up to the last two minutes. 

The final scoreboard reading.

Things changed when the score was suddenly tied at 
83-83 during the last two minutes.
So the match played at the Mogpog Covered Court last night ended up with Liga ng mga Barangay beating Team Velasco 87-83.

And Biggel was besieged by the fans again after the game.

Seen last night: Cong. Velasco's fiancee, Wen.

Overheard from this fan: "Kumusta na si Tin?"

Most definitely an enjoyable basketball evening with 
Velasco Team and Biggel, an evening of absolute "GV" (good vibes).
Till the next invitational with Biggel, then!

Some Mogpog Flores de Mayo pics

Biggel was simply amazed with the response of Mogpog residents upon seeing him, he could only mutter "grabe, grabe talaga!". Many from far-away barangays missed him during his homecoming but this time they made sure that they were in town, some coming from as far as Sumangga and Sayao just to see him and take photos. 

CHRISELDA MONSANTO was REINA DE LOS MARTIRES

Biggel's Barong was made of sinamay and abaca adorned with coco-shells, also used as buttons, with matching handwoven hat and sandals. His Barong and the Filipiniana-inspired dress of Ms. Evangeline Ranoso were designed by Buddy Reyes of Lucena City.

GLADYS GERLY JOY AREVALO was REINA DE LOS PROFETAS

JOY HENDRICKSON as REINA DEL CIELO with Escort MIKE VELASCO

JEAN SAGUID was REINA DEL ROSARIO, escorted by ERICK ANTHONY SAN JUAN

JENICA RAMIRO as REINA DE LOS CONFESORES

JEANLIE MENDOZA (MUTYA NG MARINDUQUE 2012) was REINA DE LA PAZ,
escorted by LAUREN ROSALES  of Sta. Cruz.

ANNA J. LUNA of Mogpog was REINA DE LAS FLORES, escorted by CLARK MYREN

Biggel in Mogpog's Flores de Mayo 2012

Amid shrieks, cheers, shouts of "Biggel! Biggel!" and applause Mogpoguenos simply expressed their happiness to see Joseph Biggel joining their 'Flores de Mayo/Sagalahan', yesterday at 5:00 pm. Biggel was game for requests to stop or slow down for taking pictures at almost every turn.

Biggel escorting 'Rosa Mistica' (Evangeline M. Ranoso of Mogpog), at the churchyard as they get ready for the procession. The local residents most definitely took to the streets, eager to see their favorite PBB idol!

Photo-op with the staff of Cong. Velasco.

Congressman Lord Allan Velasco, this year's Hermano of Flores de Mayo 2012, joins the procession with Rev. Father Rodolfo Arias of San Isidro Labrador Parish Church.  

An exhausted but happy Biggel with the Sagalas back at the church after the procession in the major streets of this culture-bound and religious town of Mogpog.

JOSEPH BIGGEL at JAG fashion show.

Seen yesterday at Mall of Asia (MOA) fashion show for JAG Jeans: Philippine Fashion Week 2012: Joseph Biggel.

Biggel with Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2011 and Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-up, SHAMCEY SUPSUP.

Biggel and Shamcey were among those featured in the Philipine Fashion Week 2012 show.

At six feet Biggel was an imposing figure on the runway.

Mogpog's Flores de Mayo 2012

Tonight at 6:00 pm after a mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a procession ushers in the celebration of Mogpog Flores de Mayo 2012. Around 20 Marian images are expected to join this procession.

In the old Mogpog days, the town's women whose role focused on Church, family and community joined the same procession in their baro't saya, walking through the major streets and winding up at the church.

The glorious image of the Blessed Mother bedecked with flowers is led out from San Isidro Labrador Church (the town's patron saint),  to the sound of a march band playing "Dios te Salve Maria". All the images are flanked by members of the Legion of Mary and devotees of other Marian organizations as they pray the Rosary.

This year's Hermana and Hermano are Mrs. Lorna Quinto-Velasco and Congressman Lord Allan Velasco, respectively. Activities lined up for the rest of the week are, May 26 at 6 pm: Bingo Social (Mogpog Covered Court); May 26 at 6 pm: "Battle of the Bands" (Mogpog Covered Court); May 27 at 5 pm: Flores de Mayo Grand Procession at the town's major streets; May 27 at 6 pm: Exhibition Match, Team Velasco vs. Liga ng mga Barangay joined in by PBB Season 4's Joseph Biggel; May 31 5 pm: 'Alay', offering, that winds up the celebration is for all participating children with school supplies distributed.

Ms. ANNA LUNA of Mogpog is this year's Reyna de las Flores.

PBB's JOSEPH BIGGEL also joins Mogpog's Flores de  Mayo this time.

Mogpog town also recently celebrated its town fiesta in honor of San Isidro Labrador, with Kangga Festival.

Kangga Festival (held last May 13), is a celebration of harvest and farm products and is organized by the Municipal Government of Mogpog under the leadership of Mayor Senen Livelo in partnership with all of its 37 barangays.