What does “bebot” mean, and why is it trending on TikTok?
“Bebot” is Filipino slang that might translate today as a "baddie". The term went global in 2005 with the Black Eyed Peas song Bebot, featuring apl.de.ap. (who was born in Angeles, Pampanga, if you didn't know!)
So not only is 'Bebot' Filipino culture, it's Kapampangan culture!
In the 2020s, “bebot” has resurfaced on TikTok as a meme, sound, and aesthetic, mostly driven by nostalgia, Gen Z remix culture, and Filipino creators leaning into the trend.
For me, this trend feels deeply personal. I was, oddly enough, a "historically accurate bebot", growing up during the era when the song first dropped.
It wasn't exactly a compliment to be called 'bebot' back in the day
My personal experience?... It was like recieving catcalls... someone who knew and respected you wouldnt call you a bebot. And I could understand that someone might think it was a compliment, but it always felt weird and uncomfortable.
When I first heard this song, it changed the way I felt about the word 'bebot'.
I could not believe my ears. I remember feeling SO cool and 'in the know' that a mainstream pop group like Black Eyed Peas were chanting lyrics about me, my country, my people! Our culture out there on the musical stage, and being celebrated!
Catcalling is still abysmal, but I can appreciate that 'bebot' is not necessarily offensive if the context and person are respectful!
(Original/Tagalog)
Filipino!
Filipino!
Filipino!
Filipino!
Hoy pare pakinggan nyo ko
Eto nang tunay na filipino
Galing sa baryo sa pangbato
Pumunta ng LA nagtrabaho
Para makatulong sa nanay
Dahil sa hirap ng buhay
Pero masaya parin ang kulay
Pag kumain nagkakamay
Yung kanin, chicken adobo
Yung balot, binebenta sa kanto
Tagay mo na nga ang baso
Pare ko inuman na tayo
(Translated to English by me)
Filipino!
Filipino!
Filipino!
Filipino!
Hey, man, listen to me
This is a true Filipino
Come from a small village
(He references "Sapang Bato", a literary work by Fanny A. Garcia, a Filipino writer and activist)
Went to LA to work
To help his mother
Because life is hard
But it's still happy and so colorful
When we eat, we eat with our hands
The rice, chicken adobo
The "balut", sold on the corner
Your turn to drink
My friend, let's get drunk together
Bebot in 2005 vs. Bebot in the 2020s: What changed?
In 2005:
“Bebot” was cultural slang within Filipino communities.
The Black Eyed Peas introduced it to mainstream Western pop culture.
Representation was centralized around a few global celebrities.
In the 2020s:
“Bebot” is a viral TikTok aesthetic and sound.
Filipino creators are shaping trends, not just participating in them.
Culture spreads algorithmically, not through record labels or TV networks.
The meaning has shifted, but the cultural impact has amplified.
Final Thoughts From A Historically Accurate Bebot:
Yes, Bebot is Filipino culture, but it is also Kapampangan culture!
Apl shouting out "Sapang Bato" is just as relevant today in 2026
The fact that “bebot” is trending again shows how Filipino culture inevitably cycles back into mainstream. It somehow feels very on-brand that this latest viral resurgence is all around celebrating Filipina beauty.
I was so excited to write this one.
Leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you if you read this far!
By Maria Sioson
