FOUND #001
Puhon
God willing or “In due time” — more than hope, it's a patient promise.
Standard dictionaries say “someday,” but in Cebu, Puhon carries a gentle weight of faith. You say it when talking about graduating, building a house, or seeing a friend again. It acknowledges that the future isn't entirely in our hands, yet expresses a warm, hopeful certainty.
Rooted in deep Visayan spirituality and patience. It transforms any future intention into a shared blessing.
Original Submission
Submitted by Junrel · Cebu City
“Heard it after every promise or plan.”
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FOUND #002
Kuan
The ultimate Cebuano placeholder word. It means everything and nothing.
Kuan is the linguistic Swiss Army knife of Cebuano. It replaces nouns, verbs, or adjectives when your memory stumbles. “Isaka tung kuan sa kuan” can make perfect sense to a local based purely on context, tone, and hand gestures.
Shows how much Cebuano communication relies on shared context and non-verbal understanding over rigid vocabulary.
Original Submission
Submitted by Samantha · Mandaue City
“Used when someone forgets a word mid-sentence.”
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FOUND #003
Gana
An appetite for food, life, or an activity. Pure enthusiasm.
Derived from Spanish gana, but in Cebuano, it's heavily tied to the pleasure of eating and gathering. Having “gana” means you're genuinely enjoying the meal or the moment. If you lose your gana, something is deeply wrong.
Deeply tied to Cebuano food culture and communal joy.
Original Submission
Submitted by Mark · IT Park, Cebu
“Friend used it while eating lechon.”
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FOUND #004
Pangga
Endearment meaning “beloved” or “cherished one.”
Short for Gipangga (to be loved). It's softer than “love” or “baby.” Grandmothers use it for grandchildren, partners use it for each other, and street vendors use it to warmly address young customers.
Captures the innate warmth and affection embedded in everyday Bisaya interpersonal relations.
Original Submission
Submitted by Ate Rose · Guadalupe
“A street vendor called her child this.”
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FOUND #005
Pasayan
Literally “shrimp,” but culturally tied to Carbon's early morning hustle.
Beyond the seafood item, Pasayan in local market slang often evokes the fresh, wild catch sold at dawn. It represents the raw, unpasteurized energy of Carbon Market before the sun rises.
Intersects directly with local food sourcing and early morning market traditions.
Original Submission
Submitted by Chef Dave · Carbon Market
“Saw a sign that didn't just mean "shrimp".”
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