In everyday Filipino life, the word “kumusta” is rarely just a greeting.
To the typical Pinoy, when someone says “Kumusta?”, the hidden translation is:
“Mare, pautang naman…”
It’s not really about how you are. It’s about what you can give….
In the Vet Industry
But step into the world of vets and suppliers, and “kumusta” takes on a whole new meaning.
Here, when a vet supplier tells you “Kumusta, Doc”, it’s code for:
“Doc, do you have an order? Please order from me…”
It’s not about lending money—it’s about keeping the flow of products moving.
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Two Worlds, One Word
For ordinary people: “Kumusta?” = “Can I borrow?”
For vets and vet suppliers: “Kumusta?” = “Do you have a purchase order?”
Same word, different worlds. Both are tied to trust and relationship.
The Lesson Behind the Word
Whether it’s money among friends or products in the vet industry, “kumusta” is never just a simple greeting.
It’s a reminder of connection, of reliance, and of the small codes that keep relationships—personal or professional—alive.
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So the next time someone says “kumusta,” listen carefully…
Because in our line of work, it might not be about you at all.
It might be about your next order.
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Dr. Geoff Carullo is a Fellow and the current President of the Philippine College of Canine Practitioners.
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