I really find it ridiculous. When a foreigner speaks wrong Tagalog, like an American, for instance, Filipinos find it cute and imitate it. When a Pinoy speaks wrong English, he's condemned by fellow Pinoys and no American would dare imitate him speak.

And I don't know why there's need for any interpreter. Most Filipinos understand English. For instance, I have served as interpreter countless times in church crusades when the preacher were Americans. The Filipino audience was just interested in how I would make the interpretation--and coming from me, it was definitely funny. It's my specialty. The audience was not really in need of interpretation, so it was an exercise in futility.

So I wonder, why translate into Tagalog English TV programs? I mean the cartoons. That's what I watch. I can't enjoy Damulag, Sponge Bob, Mr. Squidmark, Patrick, and Daraimon speaking in Tagalog! It's like having Joey de Leon speak in English.

So, English-speaking tourists, don't bother trying to speak Tagalog or learning the language just to enjoy your stay here in the Philippines. Just speak. Believe me, Filipinos will find a way to understand.