Spelling variation from old usage: Baliuag
Baliwag is most known in the Philippines as the name of a town in the province of Bulacan.
In the early 20th century, Baliwag was known for its bamboo hats, which the Americans called “Philippine hats.”
If you ever come across a reference to a “Baliwag hat,” it likely means to a bamboo hat made in the double-woven style with a polished surface.
According to Westerners, Baliwag hats look well when new, but they are not durable, do not hold their shape well, and soon turn a permanent dark color. They are not suitable for export.
MGA KAHULUGAN SA TAGALOG
balíwag: mahirap unawain, mahirap intindihin
balíwag: malalim, napakatindi, grabe, napakalaki, masidhi
There is an old type of pandesal (bread rolls) called baliwag that is associated with a yellowish tint. It is not that widely known in the Philippines currently, yet for some reason it is a popular staple in Filipino American communties. It’s sort of like how Fil-Ams have latched on to the concept of adobong puti to try to show off their knowledge of Filipino cuisine, when in fact the average real Filipino in the Philippines has barely any first-hand knowledge of that dish.
