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Happy Valentine’s Day and
Happy Year of the Tiger!

For only the third time since 1900, Valentine’s Day and the Chinese Lunar New Year fall on the same day. Especially befitting the occasion, the “Year of the Tiger” traditionally symbolizes great passion and love. On February 14, we celebrate both holidays – and express love to family and friends, spouses and partners.

 New Immigrant Survival Guide: Filipino English
Fourth in a series of articles

English is the language of business worldwide, but there are variations from country to country. Many Americans are familiar with differences between American English and British English (“hood vs. bonnet” and “trunk vs. boot” when discussing cars, “truck vs. lorry”, “cookie vs. biscuit”, etc.), and some are also familiar with differences among other English-speaking countries such as Australia and Canada. However, most Americans are unaware that Filipino English also varies slightly from American English.

English is used as a language of instruction in the Philippines, and because of the country’s history, this means American English. However, there are slight differences in word use in the U.S. and the Philippines. Since Filipinos are not native speakers of English, many Americans here don’t realize that this different word usage is actually correct use in the Philippines. This can be verified by reading Philippine English-language newspapers and magazines, where you will see this different usage again and again.

Here are some examples of common usage differences between Filipino English and standard American English.

Filipino English

American English

Open (Close) the light

Turn on (Turn off) the light

Fill up a form

Fill out a form

Comfort Room, CR

Restroom, Bathroom

Aircon

Air Conditioning

Ref (abbreviation for Refrigerator)

Fridge (abbreviation for Refrigerator)

Commuter (Someone who takes public transportation to work.)

Commuter (Someone who travels regularly between home and work, whether by car or by public transportation.)


Being aware of differences in word usage can help you fit in better with the local culture. In remithome’s California headquarters, for example, a recent immigrant from the Philippines asked a U.S.-born coworker “Are you commuting today?” (i.e., was he taking public transportation, rather than driving). The U.S.-born employee didn’t know what to say. Of course he was “commuting”, because he didn’t live at the office and had to travel between home and work! This led to a discussion about the different meaning of “commuting” in Filipino English and American English.

 Ask remithome: Forgotten Password

Question: I forgot my password. Can you give me my password over the phone?

Answer: When you signed up for your remithome Membership Account, you selected a password that only you should know. This password is encrypted on our system, so nobody at remithome has access to your password. However, you can reset your password if you forget it.

Reset your password online

To reset your password

  • Go to the Member Login page and click the “Forgot password?” link next to the red Log-In button.
  • You will be asked for the email address you use for your remithome Membership Account and the answer to your Security Question.
  • After you correctly answer the Security Question, an email will be sent to your email address.
  • When you receive the Password Reset email from remithome, click on the embedded hyperlink to go to the remithome website, and then enter the answer to your Security question.
  • You can then select a new password.

We can help you reset your password

If you would like assistance with resetting your password, please call remithome Customer Service at 1-800-919-0787, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, Pacific Time (California), or email us at customerservice@remithome.com.


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