10+ Powerful Tagalog Motivational Phrases

Ling Learn Languages
10 min readJul 13, 2022

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Original blog post: https://ling-app.com/fil/tagalog-motivational-phrases/

Feeling down and unmotivated? Cheer up! Here are some basic Tagalog motivational phrases that will surely lift your spirits today.

Typhoon Ondoy, Typhoon Yolanda, Taal Volcano Eruption, 2013 Bohol Earthquake, and super typhoon Odette. These are just a few of the natural 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.

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!

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 different 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.

“Kaya Mo Iyan!”

English Translation: “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 the 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.

“‘Wag Kang Susuko!” / “Laban Lang!”

English Translation: Don’t give up.” / “Just Keep On 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.

“Wag Kang Matakot Mabigo.”

English Translation: “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 that 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.

“Hindi Ka Nag-iisa.”/ “Nandito Lang Ako Para Sa’yo.”

English Translation: 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.

“Magtiwala Ka Lamang Sa Iyong Sarili.”

English Translation: Trust yourself.”

The Philippines recently 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 is 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 yourself.

“Ang Lahat Ay May Dahilan.”

English Translation: “Everything happens for 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 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.

“Ang Pinagdaraan Mong Pagdurusa Ay Hindi Panghabambuhay.”

English Translation: 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”. 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.

“Lahat Ng Sumusuko Ay Hindi Mananalo.”

English Translation: “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 are filled with doubts, discouragement, and judgment from others, but she continued her battle and never gave up until she won the title. She did not only get 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.

“Kapag May Itinanim, May Aanihin.”

English Translation: “If you have planted something, you will harvest something.”

The Filipino culture is rich in 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 it will be paid off someday.

“Magtiwala sa Plano ng Diyos Dahil Lahat Ay May Tamang Panahon.”

English Translation: 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 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, that 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 songs that will motivate you.

‘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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 (English Translation).

Below are the quotes and sayings from the different famous personalities translated into the Filipino/Tagalog language.

Having The Motivation To Learn Tagalog?

If you are thinking of learning Tagalog, you should remember that learning a language starts with you. You can never learn a language properly if you don’t love what you’re doing. If you reach this point, I’m sure that you are interested in learning Tagalog. Then, why not learn Tagalog with Ling App?

What more can you ask for about various topics, well-developed lesson structure, dialogues, extensive grammar, mini-games, and quizzes? Ling App will provide you with a fun and fantastic language learning experience you’ll genuinely enjoy. Just go to the web version or download the app and start your first Tagalog lesson with Ling App!

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