I always got anxious during roll call on the first day of school.
I always knew when it was my name the teacher was trying to say.They always had a perplexed look.
Then they would start making sounds and attempt per syllable... "Ah..Al...Ali...Al..Alwoo", followed by a question mark..."Aloou?" Then they would pause and just say my last name "Garcia"?
Timidly, I would raise my hand and say "that's me." This went on from elementary school all the way to college.
I asked my dad, why did they give me such a unique but hard to pronounce name, "Aliw", (ah-lee-eew) which in the Tagalog (a Filipino dialect) means "joy" and my younger sister's name is Joy!
My dad said his mother originally wanted to name me "Liwliwa" which in Ilocano, another Filipino dialect, also means "joy." He thought it was too long for me to write in school. So he decided on "Aliw."
But my parents never thought we'd ever come to America so it never occurred to them that non-filipinos would ever have to say my name.
The story behind Jason's name
Jason, on the other hand, was named "Hans Jason." The "Hans" make people think he's German but his last name is Pablo, which is Spanish - so when people see him in person after seeing his name on paper, they're surprised to see that he's Filipino.
The meaning behind his name is pretty funny. While his mom was giving birth, his dad was in the waiting room (this was the 70s when husbands weren't allowed in the delivery room) and watching a boxing match. The boxer's name was "Joe Hanson" and so his dad decided to scramble some letters around and came up with "Hans Jason" :)
Our Kids' Names
So when we had kids of our own, we were determined to give them simple names like "Alison" (combination of Aliw and Jason - yes, very Filipino) and "Isaiah", named after the biblical prophet but also Jason's favorite basketball player, Isaiah Thomas. Funny enough, as a toddler, Isaiah was obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine!
Why "BUNSO"?
When Jason came up with a name for our brand, "Bunso," which means youngest child in Filipino, and since our bags are for the "bunso" babies in the family, we thought it was the perfect mix of meaning but also a nod to our filipino culture.
Personallly, it was the perfect name for us because this brand is our youngest child who we're nurturing and growing the past 2-3 years, along with our BUNSO village. And yes, Bunso is now a very "active toddler" :)
We know that many of you following us are expecting a baby to add to your family. You probably have a few names in mind already but maybe haven't made any final decisions yet.
Naming your baby is one of the most exciting and meaningful decisions you’ll make as a parent. It’s more than just a label—it's part of their identity, something they'll carry for life. Whether you're looking for something trendy, timeless, or unique, here are some baby name tips to help guide you through this important process.
1. Consider the Meaning Behind the Name
Names often carry significant meanings, so think about what the name represents. Whether it's a reflection of your cultural heritage, religious beliefs, or a personal story, understanding the meaning can add a layer of depth to your choice. For example, "Ethan" means strong, and "Sophia" means wisdom. Ask yourself: what message or feeling do you want your child's name to convey?
2. Say It Out Loud
It may sound obvious, but try saying the name out loud several times. Does it roll off the tongue easily? How does it sound when paired with your last name? If you plan on using a middle name, say the full name to ensure the combination works well together. Sometimes a name that looks great in writing can be challenging or awkward when spoken.
3. Think About Nicknames
Whether you like it or not, people will likely shorten or create nicknames out of your baby's name. Consider what potential nicknames might arise from the name you’re choosing. Some parents love the idea of cute, informal versions of their child's name, while others want to avoid nicknames altogether. Be mindful of unintended ones that could lead to teasing or frustration down the road.
4. Consider Family Traditions
Many families have naming traditions, whether it's passing down a name from a grandparent, using names from the same letter, or honoring a family member in some way. If you want to incorporate tradition, take time to talk with your partner or extended family. However, don't feel pressured if you'd prefer something new and different—this is your choice as parents.
5. Check Initials and Acronyms
Before finalizing your choice, check the initials of the full name to ensure they don’t spell out anything undesirable. For instance, a name like "Oliver Samuel Thompson" may sound lovely, but the initials "O.S.T." could be associated with something specific. You want to avoid any future embarrassment or awkwardness.
6. Think Long-Term
Names that seem cute or trendy for a baby might not always translate well into adulthood. Imagine your child introducing themselves in professional settings, during job interviews, or in other formal situations. A name that's fun for a toddler should still feel appropriate for an adult. Also, avoid names that could pigeonhole your child into a particular image or personality.
7. Look at the Popularity
While you might love a popular name, it’s worth considering how common it is. Popular names like "Emma" and "Liam" are beautiful, but your child might end up sharing their name with several classmates. On the other hand, unique names can help your child stand out but may require frequent spelling or pronunciation corrections. Finding a balance between uniqueness and familiarity can be key.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a name is deeply personal and can feel overwhelming, but trust your instincts. Think about your preferences, values, and the hopes you have for your baby. Take your time, discuss with your spouse and when you find the right name, you’ll just know.
This name will be a gift you give to your child, one that carries them through every stage of life.
