Eyy Ka Muna Eyy! What does it mean and why is it trending?

If you’ve been frequenting social media or have talked to someone in the younger spectrum, you probably heard of the trendy expression, “Ey ka Muna Eyy” – a feel-good symbol (no pun intended if you’re a BINI fan).

In this post, let’s try to dig deep into this cultural phenomenon that is popularized again among Gen Zs and younger generations because its revival might have a different meaning.

Why did “Eyy Ka Muna Eyy” start trending?

A simple look, a few words, or a quote from the right person at the right time can instantly spark a social media trend through posts, reposts, memes, and videos. And that’s exactly what happened after one of the Nation’s Girl Group members, BINI Sheena (Sheena Catacutan), told a fan to “Eyy Ka Muna Eyy.” 

In the interaction during the BINIverse concert, a fan approached and told Sheena about their upcoming graduation and was emotional about it. Sheena then made a quick “Naiiyak ka? Mag-eyy ka muna eyy!” You can see it below.

With the lighthearted exchange and genuine connection between the PPop idol and her fan, the Eyy Ka Muna Eyy phrase instantly trended and circulated around social media, from Twitter to TikTok to Facebook and beyond. It has since become Sheena’s signature whenever they greet their fans.

And despite some people not knowing what exactly the “Eyy ka muna eyy” means, its context and usage instantly feel good and encouraging. It may also be implying to take it easy.

• Who is Marites? Meet the internet’s favorite chismosa
• Forda Origin ang Ferson: Where did this Internet lingo come from, and what does it mean?
• Credits to the owner (CTTO): Is it enough attribution for original creators of content?

What does “Eyy Ka Muna Eyy” mean?

As they say, trends come and go. And while this new trend might not be the newest one, this latest iteration brings a new spark for the younger generation. Plus, with the help of social media, the phrase’s virality only brought it further, and its usage became more common among the youth and young adults.

When you hear “Eyy ka Muna Eyy,” you may not understand what it means, but at the same time, you do. It might be because we have already seen the hand gesture and the playful “eyy” in the past.

While the meaning of the Eyy Ka Muna Eyy phrase may be different in some contexts, this trending TikTok post (embedded below), which garnered over 3.2 M views, explains that the phrase, along with the hand gesture, indicates a symbol of goodness (kabaitan) and treating others well (pakikitungo ng maganda sa ibang tao).

@zhul14

Eyy ka muna eyyyy HAHAHA #zhul #fyp

♬ Amityville Horror – Scary Halloween Sound Effects – Halloween Sound Effects

However, in a different interview by ABS-CBN to BINI Sheena, dubbing her as the “Mother of ‘Eyyy’”, she explained that she appreciates the responsibility of being a “mother” and that people should just spread it more because it doesn’t do anyone any harm and its positive vibes. 

She also took a quick swipe at those who might be already tired of hearing the phrase and said, “If ayaw mong mag-eyy, just close your ears and don’t listen.” She ends the short interview with, “Everyone, if you’re happy, say Eyyy.”

Origins of Eyy Ka Muna Eyy! hand sign

The younger audience may think that BINI Sheena was the one who introduced the symbol in the country, but it’s more of a re-introduction than a new phenomenon, especially if you’ve been somewhere with a surfing culture.

The hand gesture with your thumb and pinky finger sticking out while the three middle fingers are curled, also often used as a “call me” symbol, is called the shaka sign. It is a friendly signal typically associated with Hawaii and surfing culture. In Hawaii, the shaka sign may mean “hang loose,” “right on,” “thank you,” “things are great,” and so on.  

The “hang loose” hand gesture is popular again among social media users, especially the younger generation, accompanied by the phrase “Eyy Ka Muna Eyy.” However, for a confused older Millennial like me, that symbol used to be Studio 23’s Y Speak, hosted by Bianca Gonzales, Karen Davila, and Ryan Agoncillo. 

---

Eyy ka muna Eyy is a light-hearted and well-intentioned trending phrase that started from an idol-fan interaction, which officially made rounds around social media and beyond. It’s a good way to share good vibes with others in a fun and amusing way. Just as Sheena says, “If you’re happy, say eyyy!”