According to a Wikipedia article: "
Kalamay is a sticky sweet delicacy that is popular in many regions of the Philippines. It is made of coconut milk, brown sugar, and ground glutinous rice. It can be eaten alone but is usually used as a sweetener for a number of Filipino desserts and beverages."
There is also another
kalamay that's popular among us, the Waray speakers of Northern Samar. To be exact, it's "
Kalamay pa." Our
kalamay is different from the
kalamay of Bohol. Whenever a Waray speaker says "
Kalamay pa", it doesn't always mean "More
kalamay, please." Ours is neither tangible nor edible. Ours is an expression that is used when one is exasperated, disappointed, hurt, or excited.
This is our version of
kalamay:
Kalamay pa, kabuwaon mo.
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Oh please, you're such a liar.
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Kalamay pa, karasa sini!
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Oh my gosh! This is so delicious!
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Kalamay pa, late ka inabot.
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Gosh, I can't believe you're late.
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Kalamay pa, kabaltok mo.
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I am so amazed at how smart you are.
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"
Kalamay pa" has no exact English translation. I have no idea for how long our
kalamay has been in existence. All I know is that, this
kalamay is part of our everyday life; of our everyday language.
Kalamay pa, binabasa mo ini! (OMG, I can't believe you're reading this blog!)