* Tagalog: This is the national language of the Philippines, and it's the most widely spoken language in the country. It's part of the Malayo-Polynesian language family.
* English: English is an official language of the Philippines and is widely spoken and understood, particularly in urban areas and in government and education.
* Spanish: While Spanish was the official language of the Philippines for over 300 years, its usage has significantly declined since independence. However, some words and phrases remain in common use, particularly in older generations.
What Filipinos speak:
* Filipino: This is the standardized form of Tagalog, used in media, education, and government.
* Regional Languages: The Philippines has over 170 different languages and dialects, many of which are related to Tagalog.
* English: Many Filipinos are fluent in English, especially in urban areas.
* "Taglish": This is a common phenomenon where Filipinos mix Tagalog and English words and phrases in conversation. It's not a separate language but rather a blend of the two.
So, while it's accurate to say Filipinos speak Tagalog, English, and some Spanish, it's more common to hear them speak Filipino or a mix of Tagalog and English (Taglish).