The word "manalo" is spelled as /ma-na-lo/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "ma" is pronounced as /mɑ/ with an open back vowel sound. The second syllable "na" is pronounced as /na/ with a nasal sound, and the last syllable "lo" is pronounced as /lo/ with an open-mid back rounded vowel sound. The spelling of "manalo" follows the common Filipino orthography system of using the Latin alphabet and closely follows the sound of the spoken language.
Manalo is a Tagalog verb in the Philippines which means "to win" in English. It is derived from the root word "walo," which means "eight." While the connection between the meaning of "manalo" and the number eight may not be immediately apparent, it can be traced back to the traditional Filipino card game called "Pusoy Dos."
In Pusoy Dos, a popular card game played with a standard deck of 52 cards, the objective is to get rid of all the cards in one's hand and be the first to finish. Each player attempts to play cards with a higher value than the previous cards played, and the goal is to "beat" or "win over" the previous player's cards. When a player successfully beats the previously played cards with eight cards of the same rank or a higher value, they declare "manalo!" This term signifies their victory or "winning" of that particular round of the game.
Due to the prominence and popularity of Pusoy Dos, the term "manalo" has become widely used in various contexts beyond the card game itself. People often use it to convey the idea of triumph, success, or achieving a desired outcome. It is a versatile verb that can describe winning in a competition, obtaining a prize, or accomplishing a goal. The term "manalo" is also commonly used in sports, elections, and other competitive activities to denote victory or being the winner.
The word manalo is of Tagalog origin, a language spoken in the Philippines. It comes from the root word walo, which means eight in English. The prefix ma- is used to indicate the ability to do or the action of doing something. Therefore, manalo literally means to win.