A complete beginner's Tagalog language course—plus a pocket dictionary—all in one!

Whether you're planning a trip to the Philippines or reconnecting with your roots, Learning Tagalog is the perfect place to start. Developed by Filipino language experts Joi Barrios and Julia Camagong, this comprehensive guide introduces the basics of speaking, reading, and writing Tagalog—the national language of the Philippines—through fun, engaging, and practical lessons.

Designed for absolute beginners, this book uses a step-by-step approach with a strong focus on real-life conversational Tagalog. You'll learn how to form sentences, understand grammar, and master essential vocabulary through lively manga-style illustrations and interactive exercises.

Inside you'll find:

A focus on everyday spoken Tagalog as heard in contemporary Manila
Manga-style dialogues that bring conversations to life
Simple, clear explanations of grammar, sentence structure, and verb conjugation
Cultural tips on etiquette, expressions, and how Tagalog reflects Filipino values
Extensive practice drills and free native-speaker audio recordings for listening and pronunciation practice
A built-in mini-dictionary of essential Tagalog words and phrases


Whether you're learning Tagalog for travel, heritage, or personal enrichment, this book gives you everything you need to build confidence and fluency from day one.