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Cultural Note

Borrowing money is a difficult task for both borrower and lender, especially in the Philippine setting. One cannot directly state the need to borrow money without necessarily stating the reason for doing so. Hence, it has to appear that there is a grave reason for doing so. On the other hand, the person approached for such a need is always looked up to. To deny financial help to someone who looks up to you, therefore, is to lose face. This is one reason why the lender has to make the borrower feel that s/he wasn't really turned down.

Asking favors such as this is culturally sensitive. It needs some form of special language such as that shown in the lesson.

For example:

Is there anything I can do for you?

May sadya ka ba sa akin?
May kailangan ka ba sa akin?
May maipaglilingkod ba ako sa iyo/inyo?

I am going to ask a favor from you.

May ipakikiusap sana ako sa iyo (inyo).
Maaari bang makisuyo?
May kailangan po sana ako sa inyo.
May hihilingin sana ako sa inyo.

May I request something from you?

Maaari/Pwede bang makisuyo?
Maaari/Pwede ka bang importahin?
Maaari/Pwede bang humingi ng pabor?