Tagalog-speaking GI Jane a big hit in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY — "Magandang umaga po (Good morning)!" is a simple greeting for many Filipino soldiers, but one not often spoken by a 23-year-old petite, blonde lady US military sergeant.

Speaking in Tagalog during a gift-giving mission to the remote village of San Jose Gusu, Sergeant Kimberly Lasser drew a local Muslim crowd and became an instant celebrity among the natives.

The humanitarian mission was held Wednesday in coordination with the US Joint Special Operation Task Force-Philippines (JSOPTF-P), Mindanao Electronic Institute College (MEIN) and the Kiwanis International.

"Ikinagagalak ko pong mapaglingkuran kayo (I am glad to be of service to you)," Lasser said as she welcomed residents at the grounds of the Mein College. Some 250 indigent families benefited from the program.

Lasser, a certified teacher and fondly called Kim by friends, said she learned to speak Tagalog in the US through her Filipino-American friends who encouraged her to take Tagalog lessons for six months.

"I figured that there’s a better way to learn it and understand it so I went schooling for six months," said the female soldier who is specializing in civil relations.

She is also pursuing a degree in special education as she said she is uncertain of her future in the service. Lasser is also interested in Filipino culture, which makes it easy for her to communicate with the local people.

She admits, though, that it was very hard to learn Tagalog as she has to study it araw-araw, lingo-linggo sa loob ng ilang buwan (every day, every week for months) and has to read a lot and talk to her Filipino friends.

The 23-year-old GI Jane, who confessed she is still single and has no boyfriend, said that although it was her first time to be assigned in southern Philippines, working with the natives, especially in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, was touching as the reception of the people has been very warm.

"They were amazed to note that an American female soldier is actually serving them and communicating with them," Lasser said. "I’ve never had anything but kind words from them."

The warm reception and kindness made her feel at home, according to Lasser who comes from a large family back in the US. She admits though that it would be a little sad to spend Christmas away from her family.

She said being single with a strong interest in children serves her well in her job.