I put together a simple set of questions.

1. What is the story behind your name(s)?
2. What does your name mean to you?
3. What are some of your memorable experiences about how your name made a strong impact in your life, whether positive or negative? (See note 1).
4. What other anecdotes about your name do you wish to share?
5. Do you know of other people who may be interested in sharing their experiences with their Filipino names? Kindly refer, send me an email at edwin@edwinsoriano.com . (See note 2).

Notes:

1. Although the book focuses more on the positive impact of names, the book also discusses negative impact of names to raise awareness and give contrast for deeper appreciation.
2. We are focusing more on names that are unique and/or Filipino (includes Spanish or Filipinized names), less of the western names.
3. If you wish to be alerted when the book is available, please enter your information at:

Sample response by edWIN “Ka Edong” Soriano: 

1. What is the story behind your name(s)? 

I’d like to share about two names.

First is “Ka Edong”. When I was 18 years old, I participated in an immersion program in the mountains of Quezon Province where I lived with farmers for 1 week. Before we reached the area, me and my friends decided to use Filipinized names. I did this so that we could connect more instantly with our farmer hosts. Thus, I used “Edong” as a Filipino variation of my given name “Edwin”. “Ka” is short for “Kaibigan (friend)” or “Kasama (companion)”. Thus, I am “Ka Edong” or “Kaibigang Edong”.

Second name I want to share is “Edwin”, my given name with a recently “upgraded” meaning. Edwin is a western name that means “good friend”. When I told my friend, Ariel Manalac, about this book I’m writing, he told me that my given name has a positive affirmation within! Indeed, I am edWIN, and I go for Win-Win as a rule of life. I now spell my name as edWIN, and people who read it understand instantly that I am aim to win!

 2. What does your name mean to you? 

Edong / Ka Edong – This is the name I use when I want to connect more instantly with Filipinos. When I travel around the Philippines, when I talk to people on the street, when I introduce myself among kids, I used this name. It’s both a switch I make verbally and in attitude/behavior. My “Edong” or “Ka Edong” name is less formal, more friendly.

edWIN – This is my professional name. I use this name in my online correspondence. I also use it especially when I am in the personal development community of training, seminars etc. It builds my confidence, and it tells other people as well that I am a winner!

3. What are some of your memorable experiences about how your name made a strong impact in your life, whether positive or negative? 

 Edong/Ka Edong – I have felt the continuing empowerment, both for myself and for people I relate to using the name Edong. It’s as if there is a more instant rapport with the common Filipino when I use Edong. I used this when I taught high school in Cuyo Palawan, and I felt a unique closeness with my students and the community. I also used this name many times when I did volunteer work for Gawad Kalinga. Lastly, I use “Ka Edong” as my online persona. It’s unique, and many of my online friends recognize me as Ka Edong.

4. What other anecdotes about your name do you wish to share? 

The funny thing about “Ka Edong” is when people hear/read my name before they meet me. Their initial impression is that “Ka Edong” is an old man in his 50s, or that he’s an NPA. I get that a lot, and I’m just happy to surprise people when they finally meet me and make a remark: “Ang bata mo pa pala!”

5. Do you know of other people who may be interested in sharing their experiences with their Filipino names? Kindly refer by giving their name, email address and mobile number.

I’m writing to Kidlat de Guia, Kidlat Tahimik, Digbay and Bayani Loste, Magiting Talisayon, Iking Salvador-Amores, among others.

Thanks for reading. Hope this helps you respond to my message. I’d love to hear from you very soon!

Mabuhay!

ka edong

And I got good headway with my 10 million year old book!  :D

This book has been in my head for the past 10 years. It has taken many (theoretical) forms. I’ve given it a push forward a few days ago. Probably one of two most significant writing moments for this book.

I’m reviving this blog so that I could communicate with some of my friends. I’m inviting them to share their stories about their names.

Let’s make this real!

edWIN

• Language/Dialect: Filipino / Pangasinan
• Alternatives: Marie Kit
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• Popular Pinoys using this name:

• Language/Dialect: Filipino
• Alternatives:
• Nicknames:
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• Popular Pinoys using this name:

• Language/Dialect: Filipino
• Alternatives:
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• Popular Pinoys using this name:

• Language/Dialect: Filipino
• Alternatives:
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• Related: Makinang
• Popular Pinoys using this name:

• Language/Dialect: Filipino
• Alternatives:
• Nicknames: Aga
• Related: Agapay
• Popular Pinoys using this name:

• Language/Dialect: Filipino
• Alternatives:
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• Popular Pinoys using this name: Katrina Halili,