Siuálâ Ding Meángûbié

Sattelite Map of Tropical Storm Emong from P.A.G.A.S.A.

Technically speaking, today's tropical storm is not a Bagyu or a Typhoon (台風) because it did not generate from the Bagyuan direction (S.E.) in the Pacific Ocean. Technically, in Kapampangan this is called a Sigua, because it is generated in the Siguaran direction (S.W.) which is in the South China Sea. Sigua are quite rare. Strange to even imagine that a Typhoon class tropical storm can be generated in the South China Sea.

Anyway, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) should be familiar with the indigenous terms related to specific weather conditions. Not all tropical storms are generically termed Bagyu or Typhoons. Indigenous fishing communities, like the Kapampangan people living in the delta are particular about storms, winds and wind directions. It is misleading  to tell a fisherman that this storm comes from the Pacific Ocean (by calling it Bagyu) when it actually comes from the opposite side of the bay.