Ever wonder why Filipinos call people with Indian origin “Bumbay”?
Bombay, commonly known as Mumbai, is the most populous city in India. It is also the place of departure of most Punjabis and Sikhs (a follower of Sikhism religion which originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent) who have migrated to the Philippines.
Professor Joefe Santarita, dean of the University of the Philippines Asian Center and an expert on Indian Studies, said that “Bumbay” might’ve been coined from the word “bum bhai”, a term used by Sikhs to address their fellow brothers, reported ABS CBN News.
The report mentioned some stereotypes being cast among Indians living in the Philippines, including “5-6” or their informal way of lending money, and the expression “nang-Indian” referring to people who suddenly leaves you hanging.
Regardless on how Indian nationalities are called, poor families in the Philippines tend to run to them whenever they need financial help.
So, even if Pinoys use “Bumbay” to address Indians living in the country, whether they mean well or they mean bad, the relationship between the two nationalities remain tight.
Today, January 24, President Rodrigo Duterte’s plane touched down in New Delhi, India with his delegation and is set to have a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House.
He and Modi will then witness the ceremonial exchange of various memoranda of understanding.
