Which Filipino term describes the feeling the speaker implies by wanting to avoid crying in public?

• A. Hiya
• B. Gigil
• C. Kilig
• D. Bayanihan

Answer: (A)

The feeling described is social embarrassment or fear of losing face in front of others, which in Filipino is called hiya. When someone wants to avoid crying in public, they’re worried about how others will view them and want to spare themselves that moment of public vulnerability. Hiya arises from norms about keeping emotions in check and preserving dignity in social situations.

Gigil is about a strong, sometimes overpowering urge to do something—like squeezing something—often driven by frustration or affection, not by concern about public display. Kilig refers to the thrill or flutter of romance, a positive emotional excitement. Bayanihan describes a spirit of community help and cooperation. None of these capture the same sense of wanting to hide one’s emotions to avoid shame in public.