Welcome to the official website of the himantayons of the world. For the bisdak, the word “himantayon” needs no further explanation. But for the benefit of those who are not bisaya, let us define:

“The term himantayon means—geez, now how on earth do I translate that? (Me, with my clumsy Tagalog.) A pakialamero is more of a meddler and a busybody. A himantayon—from the word bantay—is more circumspect and subtle in his or her snooping, though no less heedful or alert or even catty, though never malevolent. A glamorous gossip, how ’bout that? (Help, I am floundering. It’s like explaining the mechanics of labyog and kumbayot.)”
– Janet, The Coach’s Wife

” … a Bisaya term for someone who loves to eavesdrop on anything and everything under the sun … ”
– Bas Navarro

” … a keen observer of things … ”
– Paolo, Pondering Thoughts

“A himantayon (taken from the Cebuano root word “mamantay / bantay”, meaning “to mind, to be aware”) is someone who is always on the look out for what others do or say, and is always mindful of the events in his or her sorroundings. Reasons for this “increased awareness” may vary from gossip-gathering to playful mockery and even in some cases, social vigilance.”
– Jam Jovir, Message from a Bottle

Think of it as a meeting place of people who like to collect funny overheard spoonerisms, bloopers, slip-of-the-tongues as well as hilarious sights, signs and anecdotes–all true, of course.

We don’t mean to eavesdrop, but some people are just too darned loud. Bato-bato sa langit; ang maigo, ayaw’g ka-panic!

Kami si Himan ug si Tayon, kanunay ming nagpahipi ug nagpaminaw.

Dayon kamo, mga higala.