It’s more than just language.

My relationship with the Philippines started very early. My grandfather fought side by side with many courageous Filipinos in the Battle of Leyte. He wasn’t high ranking or important. But he was important to me. He fought his way inland along side of what he called “The toughest people he ever met” and was part of the reason why the battle succeeded. But there was so much more than fighting. I would listen to his stories (he was naturally a good storyteller) about fights in the forests, the rains, the paths being muddy and dangerous. Those were my favorite stories when I was 5-6 years old.

They were not his. He loved retelling about the friendliness and kindness of the Filipino people. The coconut wine (his favorite haha!) and the Lechon (or as he put it: The best roast pork you will ever have), and most of all, the vivid storytelling. Despite the language barrier, Filipinos would do their very best to make him laugh by sharing stories so vibrant you couldn’t help but be invested in hearing the whole thing.

Eventually I grew up. But the Philippines would always be something I would be interested in. When I developed a taste for writing, I was best with dragons and magic. So of course I chose one of the most magical places in the world- The Philippines! This led me to researching the ancient warriors (Aklan is my favorite here. TOTAL warriors), the weapons they used, the armor, formations, and strategies were awesome. So, I had went from hearing stories, to creating stories… It was still not over. I wanted to be friends with some of the people. That is when I truly fell in love with the Philippines. 

Now, what does this have to do with English? Well, many Filipino people (particularly Filipina) are such lively speakers. If you look at their modern languages, they have Bisaya, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Tagalog, Taglish, Kapampang, and plenty of other dialects they use. THEN comes Spanish and English. The Filipino people are artists with language. There are no other people that are so creative with language. The problem I notice is anxiety and social dangers. “I don’t want to disrupt the peace” so they stay quiet. “Nosebleed” So they stay quiet. Many Filipino have severe confidence issues. They freeze. This can be crippling- stalling speech and causing mind blanks that leave them feeling like they don’t know what they’re doing. I don’t think that ESL as a whole addresses this the right way. 

Here’s My Point

The Philippines is a paradox. It’s a country full of storytellers who are afraid to speak.

People who can make a room laugh in Tagalog… then go quiet in English.

Not because they lack ability. Because they fear getting it wrong.

That’s the tension. The talent is already there but it’s locked behind hesitation.

Most ESL systems make this worse. They teach people to think before they speak.

Inkwell does the opposite. It teaches people to speak before they overthink.

That’s why the Philippines is the perfect testing ground.

Because if you can unlock communication here (Communication. Speaking. NOT perfect grammar)
you’re not teaching English anymore. You’re restoring a voice that was already there.

I don’t know if you have ever been around a part celebrating Ate’s birthday, or singing karaoke, but they have a LOUD AND CONFIDENT voice. That’s what we want to give back.

-Steve