Funny and Strange Names of Barangays, Towns and Cities in the Philippines

March 8, 2014

During our school days, we were usually asked about the historical stories behind the names of the places we live in. Philippines, for example, came from the fact the our islands were once ruled by Spain and was derived from the name of their King Philip II. Most of the name of Filipino places have a strong connection to foreign men and/or countries who were relevant to our history.

Most of them have Spanish origin like Buendia, Magallanes, Hermosa, Mercedes, Roxas, Puerto Princesa, Castilla and a lot more. Also, as a result of American ruling in the country, we had English names too. From roads like Taft Avenue, Shaw Boulevard and Mckinley Road, to district and province names like Camp John Hay, Brookespoint in Palawan, Eastwood City, Rockwell Center and Forbes Park, Adams in Ilocos Norte, Turtle Islands in Tawi-tawi, Jones in Isabela, and New Washington in Aklan. I haven't heard yet of places which sounds Japanese except for Naga City in Bicol region which actually came from the existence of narra trees in that area.

We also do have places with native origin, like Balanga, Butuan, Dapitan, Malolos, Mandaluyong, Malaybalay, Pagadian, Panabo and etc. In these native names of places in Philippines, you would find weird, strange and funny ones which would make you wonder how and why these places were called that way. I for one is interested to know the etymological stories behind these names. Do you know the origin of these names, feel free to comment and share them below:

Here is the list of barangays, towns, and cities with funny names. If you know other places, which you think should be here, do not hesitate to comment below and I will check and add them in the list:

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Kalye Buntisan which is right after Pogi Street in Bocaue, Bulacan
Barangay Kapukian and Barangay Cantutang in Leyte
Barangay Maipis which is next to Barangay Bangag in Camiguin
Pulong Ebak next to Pasong Kabayo
Towns of Anos and Bayog in Laguna, so when asked where Bayog is: "Paglagpas mo sa Anos, makikita mo na ang Bayog."
Barangay Inoman and Barangay Malasin in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan

SOMETIMES THESE NAMES WOULD GIVE CONFUSING OR CONTRADICTING SIGNAGES, AND RESPONSES

Gubat in Sorsogon, so when asked, "Taga san ka?" the people here responds with, "taga-Gubat"
There's a jeepney going to Bigte in SM Fairviewm so the barker shouts,"Bigte, bigte, Sinong magbi-Bigte dyan?"
Sisters Mary Convent, Barangay Pulong Diablo in Antipolo, Rizal
Mababang Paaralan ng Mataas in Albay
Barangay Hindi in Albay. So they have, "Hindi Elementary School", "Hindi Barangay Hall", "Hindi Health Center"

PLACES WITH NAMES RELATED TO SEX