On June 7, our Odyssey pulled in to the docks in Manila, Philippines. The next day, a major event was planned. The Villa Vie Odyssey was being inaugurated as a Global Flagship of Peace. There were speakers included Chef Reggie Aspiras who gave us a lesson in Philippine language, customs and food. I especially enjoyed the description of the word, Mabuhay.
In the Philippines, they say Mabuhay. It means Hello, Welcome, Long Live, and it means Life. It is said as a greeting, a cheer, a celebration of life, a general expression of joy. In Fiji it's Bula, in Hawaii they say Aloha. They don't all mean exactly the same thing, but I feel they are said in the same spirit, welcome! Cheers! Live long and prosper!
There are more such words all around the world. They go way beyond a simple "hello." They are linguistic hugs—words wrapped in wishes for good health, life, spirit, and mutual respect.- Pura Vida (Costa Rica)
- Literal Meaning: "Pure life."
- A general life philosophy of gratitude and slowing down.
- Sawubona (South Africa / Zulu culture)
- Literal Meaning: "I see you."
- It is a profound acknowledgment of human connection.
- Namaste (India / Nepal)
- Literal Meaning: "I bow to the divine in you."
- It recognizes the shared spirit or life force in one another. It's spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together at the chest, signaling humility and deep spiritual respect.
- Kia Ora (New Zealand / Māori culture)
- Literal Meaning: "Be well" or "Have life."
- Kia Ora is a wish for the recipient's health and vitality.
- ¡Salud! / Sláinte / Skål (Various)
- Literal Meaning: "Health!"
- Raising a glass and saying these words is a literal invocation of long life, good health, and shared joy around the table.
The Common Thread: Notice how almost every single one of these terms connects back to "Life" (Mabuhay, Pura Vida, Kia Ora) or "Breath/Spirit" (Aloha, Bula). They don't just acknowledge your physical presence; they celebrate your life force!- Literal Meaning: "Pure life."
- A general life philosophy of gratitude and slowing down.
- Literal Meaning: "I see you."
- It is a profound acknowledgment of human connection.
- Literal Meaning: "I bow to the divine in you."
- It recognizes the shared spirit or life force in one another. It's spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together at the chest, signaling humility and deep spiritual respect.
- Literal Meaning: "Be well" or "Have life."
- Kia Ora is a wish for the recipient's health and vitality.
- Literal Meaning: "Health!"
- Raising a glass and saying these words is a literal invocation of long life, good health, and shared joy around the table.
Chef Reggie's speech
Chef Reggie gave a very entertaining talk. See it in the video below. She begins with Mabuhay.
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