“Makakatulog na ako.”
This was the humorous remark of some Filipinos after Eraserheads vocalist Ely Buendia responded to comments made by podcasters Baus Rufo and Macoy Dubs regarding the pronunciation of his surname.
In an episode of the “Dogshow Divas” podcast, Baus and Macoy discussed how to properly pronounce “Buendia,” a name that also refers to a well-known avenue in Makati City and an MRT station.
“Ang tama bang pag-pronounce ng pangalan niya ay Ely Bwenja?” Baus quipped.
“‘Yun nga eh. That’s the million-dollar question,” Macoy added.
“So again, Mr. Ely, if you have time, please set the record straight and come to our podcast,” Baus said.
“Please send us an email,” Macoy added.
The OPM icon reacted to their discussion by posting a video of himself on social media.
“Guys, I’ll save you the trouble. I’ll save you the trouble of interviewing me. It’s Bwen-dee-ya. I like Buendia. I don’t like Bwen-ja,” Ely said.
“Uh, it’s always been the way my family, at least, pronounce our surname. So that’s it. Ely Buendia,” he added.
The pronunciation concern stems from some older Filipinos pronouncing “Buendia” as “Bwenja,” particularly when referring to the avenue in Makati.
For instance, some jeepney barkers and bus conductors would commonly say “Bwenja” when directing passengers to Buendia Avenue.
Ely’s clarification sparked a variety of reactions from Filipinos, many of whom humorously joked that they could finally rest easy now that they knew the correct pronunciation.
“Sabi na eh. Pauso talaga si mamang konduktor dati ‘Bwen-Ja’ sinasabi,” an online user wrote.
“Hay salamat, makakatulog na ako,” another commented with a relieved face emoji.
“Nabuwag na ‘yung pinaka malaking misteryo ng pagkabata ko,” a different Pinoy said.
“Finally, nasagot na din,” another wrote with laughing-with-tears emojis.
“Na-experience niyo ba ‘to papuntang UST? Lagi ko din kino-correct ‘yung mga barker ng jeep sa Cubao,” another Pinoy said, tagging other online users.
Buendia in Makati is now known as Gil Puyat Avenue, following a name change in 1982.
The avenue was originally named after Nicolas Buendia, a Katipunero from Bulacan who served as a lieutenant during the Philippine Revolution and later became a senator.
RELATED: ‘Disrespectful’: Gil Puyat’s granddaughter condemns Makati street name change
