Feeling down and unmotivated? Cheer up! Here are some basic Tagalog motivational phrases that will surely lift your spirits today.
In this blog, we will learn some basic Tagalog motivational phrases. These are the phrases that you will usually hear when you seek advice from Filipinos. So, let’s not further the introductions and start learning Tagalog!
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Basic Tagalog Motivational Quotes
Filipinos are known to be resilient. They can still manage to smile and help other people even if they are battling with their struggles. Of course, there are many Pinoy jokes and memes that make them smile, but it hits differently when it comes to motivational phrases.
Behind the success of many people hides the struggles and problems they have endured. Below are different Tagalog inspirational quotes that you can use to motivate and cheer someone up. This list of essential Tagalog inspirational quotes is based on their everyday lives, culture, and faith. You can also learn all these with the Ling app.
1. Kaya Mo Iyan (You Can Do It)
The easiest way of motivating or cheering someone is by saying, Kaya mo ‘yan. You can use it in most situations, from very simple ones down to very complicated ones. You can use it when someone is nervous, when they are about to do something, or when someone is having a tough time in their life. This phrase is short, but it can mean a lot, especially when you say this with much sincerity.
2. Wag Kang Susuko / Laban Lang (Don’t give up / Keep Fighting)
Another simple yet powerful Tagalog motivational quote is Wag kang susuko! There is a more modern version of this phrase that also implies the same meaning: Laban Lang!
These phrases are used the same way people use them in different countries. Filipinos don’t easily give up, whether in life or love. They can manage to endure a lot of pain and try everything they can.
The perfect example is when Filipinos continue to find ways to live despite being in complicated situations. This phrase is a reminder to keep moving forward. With the lives Filipinos have in the Philippines, giving up is not an option.
3. Wag Kang Matakot Mabigo (Don’t Be Afraid Of Failure)
Some people don’t dare to take a step because they are afraid of failure, but life teaches us that it’s okay to fail. Sometimes, there are more things that you can gain from losing than winning.
One perfect example of a person who fits this Tagalog motivational phrase, Wag kang matakot mabigo is the legendary boxer from the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao. His journey to success is far from easy. It took him literally his whole life to get where he is today.
The entire country stops every time he fights, and never, even once, does he show fear of failing. He even recorded a song entitled “Lalaban Ako,” which sums up everything he has gone through in his life even though he has failed so many times.
4. Hindi Ka Nag-iisa / Nandito Lang Ako Para Sa’yo (You’re Not Alone / I’m Always Here For You)
Another way of motivating someone is letting them know that they are not alone. To do that, you can simply say Hindi ka nag-iisa or Nandito lang ako para sa’yo.
We never know what people are going through. Most of us conquer inner battles that we don’t tell anyone about. Some people are on the verge of giving up, and with a simple “You are not alone” from a friend, they manage to pick themselves up again and continue fighting.
5. Magtiwala Ka Lang Sa Iyong Sarili (Trust Yourself)
In July 2021, the Philippines won its first gold Olympic medal because of Hidilyn Diaz, a female weightlifter. Winning this medal cost her many struggles and doubts, but she overcame and conquered them.
With the sport dominated by men, Hidilyn continued training and believed in her capabilities even if her mother once discouraged her. She continued to pursue her heart’s desire and passion, and she turned all the discouragement and struggles into motivation to strive harder.
This story is of her in a perfect situation where you can use the phrase Magtiwala ka lang sa iyong sarili. When everybody in the world does not believe in you, you owe it to yourself to believe that you can. After all, no one knows more than you.
6. Ang Lahat Ay May Dahilan (Everything Has A Reason)
The whole universe might know who Catriona Gray is. She won the Miss Universe crown in 2018, and those who have followed her know what she has gone through. Before entering winning Miss Universe, Catriona first joined the Miss World pageant, and she was the 1st runner-up.
Even the Filipinos were sad that she didn’t get the title when she clearly deserved it. There’s this famous picture of her embracing the Philippine flag with a tear-eyed. But, like what this Tagalog motivational phrase says, Ang lahat ay may dahilan.
Everything happens for a reason. This may sound cliché, but it’s true. Sometimes, we do not understand why things are happening. Some things do not go exactly the way we want them to. But, later on, you will realize the essence of it. You’ll understand why these things are happening, and everything will be worth it.
7. Ang Pinagdaraan Mong Pagdurusa Ay Hindi Panghabambuhay (The Struggles You’re Experiencing Today Are Not Forever)
If you find yourself in a tricky situation and it seems like it’s not getting any better, do not worry because it won’t last forever. To express that in Tagalog, you can say, Ang pinagdaraan mong pagdurusa ay hindi panghabambuhay. Add this to your Tagalog vocabulary if you feel like you’re giving up on learning this beautiful language.
Maybe you have to experience these problems to make you stronger and whole. Soon, everything will be okay. Like what it says in the song “Leaves” by Ben and Ben, “Leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees, And all will be alright in time.”
8. Lahat Ng Sumusuko Ay Hindi Mananalo (All Those Who Give Up Will Never Win)
Quitters are worse than losers. In Tagalog, you can say, Lahat ng sumusuko ay hindi mananalo. This phrase strongly reminds me of Pia Wurtzbach’s journey in Miss Universe. She won the Miss Universe Philippines title on her 3rd try.
The whole three years were filled with doubts, discouragement, and judgment from others, but she continued her battle and never gave up until she won the title. She not only got the Miss Universe Philippines title, but she also won the Miss Universe title that the country has been trying to win again after 42 years.
Now, Pia has become a symbol of hope and a living reminder to never give up on your dreams, no matter how hard it takes.
9. Kapag May Itinanim, May Aanihin (If You’ve Planted Something, You’ll Harvest Something)
The Filipino culture is rich in Tagalog proverbs that have always guided them in their everyday lives. One of these sayings is Kapag may itinanim, may aanihin, which can also mean that the actions you’ll do today will have consequences in the future. Using the analogy of planting and harvesting is perfect, considering that the Philippines is an agricultural country. That’s why this proverb is ideal for motivating them.
There is Filipino folklore about Juan Tamad, who is too lazy to climb up the tree, so he lies beneath the tree and waits for the guava to fall. The phrase Kapag may itinanim, may aanihin reminds Filipinos to work hard to achieve what they want and make their lives better. They believe that if they work hard today, all of it will be paid off someday.
10. Magtiwala Sa Plano Ng Diyos Dahil Lahat Ay May Tamang Panahon (Trust The Lord’s Plan Because Everything Has Its Own Time)
The Philippines is one of the most prominent Catholic countries in Asia and 3rd in the world. The Spaniards brought the Catholic faith to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. Since then, their lives have been greatly influenced by the Catholic. One of the influences of the Catholic faith is the motivational phrase, Magtiwala sa plano ng Diyos dahil lahat ay may tamang panahon.
People believe that God has plans for each one of us. He doesn’t give us problems that we can’t handle. We sometimes question His plans, but we just have to trust His plans because He knows what is good for us.
Tagalog Inspirational Quotes
Now that you have learned the basic Tagalog motivational phrases, let us learn more. If you have something that you want to say in Filipino, but it’s not on the list, feel free to put it in the comment section, and I’ll translate it for you. For now, here are more inspirational Tagalog quotes about life:
Tagalog Motivational Phrases From OPM Songs
Even if there is pain now
Everything would be alright
For as long as the world still turns
There will be night and day
Can you hear me?
There’s a rainbow always after the rain.
These lyrics are from the song “Rainbow” by South Border. Just two years ago, Michael Pangilinan performed it on Wish Bus, which has been released on YouTube. Do you agree that these lyrics are so beautiful?
Filipinos love singing. Songs have been one of the ways to express what we feel. Below are some of the most familiar Filipino songs that will motivate you.
1. ‘Di Ka Sayang – Ben And Ben
Di ka sayang di kailangan manghinayang
(You are never worthless/ You’re not a waste, there’s no need to regret)
Di ka sayang di kailangang patunayan
(You are never worthless/ You’re not a waste, there’s no need to prove)
Sarili ay mahalaga kahit pa anong tingin nila
(You are worthy, no matter what they may say)
Tanggap kita
(I accept you)
2. Pagsubok – Orient Pearl
Pagkabigo’t alinlangang
(Failure and doubt)
Gumugulo sa isipan
(Are messing our minds)
Mga pagsubok lamang ‘yan
(These are just challenges)
Huwag mong itigil ang laban
(Do not stop fighting)
Huwag mong isuko….at ‘yong labanan
(Don’t give it up and fight)
3. Maghintay Ka Lamang – Ted Ito
Ang kailangan mo’y tibay ng loob kung mayroong pagsubok man
(What you need is courage if there are challenges)
Ang liwanag ay di magtatagal at muling mamamasdan
(Soon, the light will be seen)
Ikot ng mundo ay hindi laging pighati’t kasawian
(The world isn’t always about suffering and failures)
Ang pangarap mo ay makakamtan basta’t maghintay ka lamang
(You will achieve your dream as long as you wait)
4. Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos? – Gary Valenciano
Sikapin mo, pilitin mo, tibayan ang iyong puso
(Try to strengthen your heart)
Tanging ikaw ang huhubog sa iyong bukas
(It’s only you who can mold your future)
Huwag mo sanang akalain, natutulog ba ang Diyos?
(Just please don’t think that the Lord is sleeping)
Ang buhay mo ay mayro’ng halaga sa kanya
(Your life is worthy for him)
5. Patuloy Ang Pangarap – Angeline Quinto
Sa isang pangarap
(In one dream)
Ako’y naniniwala
(I believe)
Hindi ako titigil
(I will not stop)
Hangga’t aking makakaya
(Until I can)
Unti-unting mararating
(Little by little)
Tagumpay ko’y makikita
(I’ll see my success)
Patuloy ang pangarap
(I will continue dreaming)
How Do You Say Motivational Phrases In Tagalog?
The Tagalog word for motivational phrases is nakakamotibong mga salita
However, this word is not often used in Tagalog sentences. Although they will understand what you mean, most Filipinos will prefer to use the English word motivational phrases instead.
Other Tagalog Motivational Quotes From Foreign People
Filipinos also like getting inspiration from different foreign personalities. Like for example the quote Ako lang ang makakapagpabago sa buhay ko. Walang ibang makakagawa nito sa akin. – Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me. – Carol Burnett.
Below are the quotes and sayings from the different famous personalities translated into the Filipino/Tagalog language.
Common Questions About Tagalog Motivational Phrases?
What Is The Most Famous Tagalog Motivational Phrase?
The most quoted Tagalog motivational phrase in the Philippines is:
This phrase means that if you do hard work, there will be good results.
Another famous motivational phrase in Tagalog is:
In English, this Tagalog motivational phrase talks about how advanced planners are better than those who are hard-working. It means that they spend less time stressing at the last minute because they’ve planned everything before.
How Do You Encourage Someone In Filipino?
You can use these Tagalog sentences to make someone’s day. Some words and phrases may have no English equivalent. Hence, the English column may contain the explanation of the said phrase.
Here are some of them:
What Is The Best Way To Learn Tagalog Motivational Phrases On Your Own?
The best way to learn Tagalog by yourself is by using different resources. You can use the best Tagalog learning apps, watch YouTube videos or Filipino dramas, and even listen to Tagalog podcasts.
Of course, with this motivational post, we also want to encourage you to learn Tagalog even without spending too much money on lessons.
Tagalog Motivational Phrases: Filipino Resiliency
Typhoon Ondoy, Typhoon Yolanda, Taal Volcano Eruption, 2013 Bohol Earthquake, and super typhoon Odette. These are just a few of the natural Philippine calamities that significantly affected the people in the Philippines. Filipinos lost their families, houses, livelihoods, and belongings. Aside from calamities, Filipinos also struggle to make ends meet every day.
This situation left people questioning, “Why did all of these things happen?” But, even with all of these problems and struggles, Filipinos still manage to smile. Even if everything is falling apart in their lives, they can continue with their lives because it is a Filipino characteristic to have resilience and faith.
I hope you find this post about Tagalog motivational phrases inspiring. Remember that whatever happens to you in your life, there is always something good to happen. Have a good day!
