Tahanan: The Tagalog Learning App
The only app 100% dedicated to learning Tagalog. Built for real conversation and meaningful progress.
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- ✓Real Human Pronunciation Coaching
- ✓Smart Spaced Repetition Flashcards
- ✓Structured Lessons Built for Tagalog
Loved by Filipino Heritage Learners
Join Filipinos like you who are reconnecting with their roots through Tagalog
My mom said 'wow where did you learn that?'
“Words that were difficult for me to remember in the beginning are now second nature. I used phrases I learned with my mom and she said 'wow where did you learn that?' I'm looking forward to learning more so that I can talk to my lolo and lola in Tagalog!”
Gabrielle M.
Tahanan Learner
The first app I've stuck with
“I have tried other apps but this is the first one I've stuck with and I actually feel like I'm learning and retaining it! I definitely would recommend!”
My mom is impressed with my pronunciation
“Tahanan has been an amazing tool for learning Tagalog so I'm able to speak to my mom in her native language. She's been very impressed with not only the words and phrases I've learned, but my pronunciation as well!”
Other apps push vocab that never sticks
“I've used apps that just push you onto new vocab and nothing really sticks. I love that Tahanan helps you review past vocab. I'm hoping to learn enough to communicate with my in-laws and visit The Philippines. So far, Tahanan is helping with that!”
Now I can communicate with my grandfather
“I'm traveling to see my grandfather in the Philippines, and he doesn't know english. This app has helped me learn and remember words in Tagalog. I'm so grateful I found this app so I can communicate with my grandfather.”
The first app that didn't overwhelm me
“I've always wanted to learn Tagalog. This is the first app that has helped me understand language and pronunciation without overwhelming me. The flashcard and AI speech practice have been game changers.”
The AI calls put this above all others
“What really put this app above all the others for me were the AI phone calls! It helps you practice your pronunciation and phrasing as if you are having a real conversation. Definitely boosted my confidence after a few tries!”
Absolutely essential for my learning
“This app is absolutely essential for my learning. The lesson breakdowns are categorized perfect, which makes learning that much faster. I log on to practice and review at least 4 times per day!”
Learning to feel connected to my Lola and Lolo
“I started using Tahanan on my Lola's birthday. Since her and my Lolo passed away, I wanted to learn Tagalog to feel more connected to them. The study streak counter and daily reminders have been SO helpful for keeping me on track!”
How Tahanan Works
A complete learning system built exclusively for Tagalog
Learn
Structured lessons designed specifically for Tagalog
Review
Smart flashcards that adapt to how you learn
Practice
AI conversation practice to build confidence
Get Coached
Personal feedback on your pronunciation
Get Real Pronunciation Feedback
Practice speaking with real native Tagalog coaches. Receive challenge prompts, record your voice, and get personalized feedback from human coaches who truly understand the language.
- ✓Challenge prompts from native Tagalog speakers
- ✓Personalized voice message feedback
- ✓Real human connection and encouragement
Why Tahanan Exists
Because you deserve better than “Tagalog (Beta)” buried in a settings menu
Other Language Apps
- ❌ Tagalog hidden under “Southeast Asian” or “Other”
- ❌ Generic lessons copy-pasted from Spanish
- ❌ No speaking practice (or costs extra)
- ❌ Updates focus on popular languages
- ❌ Cultural context completely missing
- ❌ Community support? Good luck finding other Tagalog learners
Tahanan
- ✅ 100% dedicated to Tagalog — it's literally all we do
- ✅ Lessons designed specifically for Filipino language patterns
- ✅ Real human coaching & encouragement
- ✅ Every update makes Tagalog learning better
- ✅ Deep cultural context in every unit
- ✅ Community of fellow Filipino heritage learners
About The Founder
Kumusta, I'm Luke
My mom came to the US from the Philippines in the late 70s. Growing up, I heard Tagalog all around me—my mom on the phone with her sisters, family gatherings full of words I couldn't quite catch. But I was never taught. My dad didn't speak it, and so it just didn't happen.
I spent most of my life caught between two worlds. Sometimes I felt too "Asian" for my white classmates who made fun of my lunches and called me names. Other times I felt not "Filipino enough" because I didn't understand Tagalog so I couldn't laugh along at my family's jokes or join in karaoke. Never quite belonging anywhere.
As I grew older, that feeling didn't go away. Even as an adult, it gnawed at me. So I decided to do something about it. I hired a tutor (salamat, Edison!) — because nothing replaces the guidance of a real teacher who understands both the language and the culture — started from zero, and began documenting my journey on TikTok. Turns out, so many of you feel the same way I do. We're not alone in this.
But learning Tagalog is hard. Other language apps bury it under “Southeast Asian” or “Other Languages” — if they have it at all. Generic lessons that don't understand Filipino culture. No real conversation practice. Features that work great for Spanish or French but fall flat for Tagalog. So I'm building something different. An app where Tagalog isn't an afterthought — it's the only thought. For people who need to start from scratch without shame. People who want to practice speaking without judgment. People who just want to feel like they belong.
So I did what I know best. After almost 10 years as a software engineer, I quit my cushy corporate job and poured everything into building things I care about like Tahanan. Not just an app—a way home. A place where being "half" doesn't mean being "less than." Where starting late is better than never starting at all.
This isn't just my journey anymore. It's ours. Every lesson you complete, every word you speak, every small victory—you're not just learning a language. You're reclaiming a part of yourself. And I'm right there with you, learning too.
Salamat for trusting me with your journey home. Let's do this together, mga kapatid.
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Join Filipinos like you who are reconnecting with their roots through Tagalog.