Southeast Asia is one of the most linguistically diverse regions in the world, with more than a thousand living languages spoken across its countries. Based on the Ethnologue 22nd edition (2019), Indonesia stands far above the rest, recording 710 languages across its 17,000 islands. This extraordinary number reflects how geography and culture have allowed local communities to maintain their distinct tongues for centuries, even as Bahasa Indonesia unites the nation.
The Philippines follows with 191 languages, shaped by its own archipelagic landscape and diverse ethnic groups. Major tongues like Cebuano and Ilocano thrive alongside Filipino as the national language. Malaysia, in third place with 144 languages, mirrors its multicultural society, with indigenous languages of Sabah and Sarawak coexisting with Malay, Chinese dialects, and Indian languages brought through migration.
On the mainland, Myanmar counts 126 languages, while Vietnam records 112, each reflecting long histories of ethnic minorities living across mountains and valleys. Laos (92) and Thailand (88) also display striking variety, particularly among highland tribes. Even smaller nations contribute to the linguistic map, Singapore has 31, Cambodia 29, Timor-Leste 21, and Brunei 17 showing that size does not limit cultural and linguistic richness.
This diversity is more than numbers; it represents living traditions, oral histories, and unique ways of understanding the world. Yet many of these languages face threats from modernization, migration, and the dominance of national or global tongues. Southeast Asia’s linguistic heritage reminds us that preserving languages is not only about communication, it is about safeguarding identity, knowledge, and the stories of countless communities across the region.
Meanwhile, I have Cravings for Puto and Dinuguan Pork Stew
ELEVATING FILIPINO FLAVORS TO THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE 
Known for his fearless cooking, the 46-year-old physical therapist from Ohio wowed judges with a dish close to his roots: dinuguan (pork blood stew) paired with putong bigas (rice cake).
Alba’s culinary journey began in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, where he opened a small cafeteria, “Ani Ta Bai,” after his mother passed in 2004.
There, he refined Filipino staples like arroz caldo, silvanas, and sikwate, blending tradition with a modern twist.
Now competing abroad, Alba carries his hometown pride in every dish.
From hand-shaken ube ice cream to rich pork stews, he showcases Filipino food as soulful, bold, and globally worthy.
“Food is a story,” Alba says, and through his dishes, he wants the world to experience not just flavors, but Filipino grit, resilience, and creativity.
Finally, these are photos of Parklink Bridge, An iconic landmark that connects Pasig City and Quezon City. 
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