1. To start -Maumpisahan: from the root word "umpisa" [synonym: masimulan/simula] 2. "e" could have been a shortcut to "ay" in this sentence. But it is used in many different ways but the use in the sentence may seem "that" [or] "is" Sample uses of 'e' 1. E bakit? (used as "BUT": "BUT WHY?") 2. e ewan ko.. (used as "oh": "Oh, I don't know") 3. Ako'y nagutom kahapon e kumain nmn ako ng marami. (used as "BUT") 4. Kahit mabuti adhikain nya e masama naman nakapaligid sa kanya (used as "however") 5. Masamang masama ang kanyang pakiramdam e hindi na nga sya makatayo (used as "THAT": He has a nasty stomach bug that he couldn't get up") This is overdue, but I think I still need to answer it for information purposes. Have a great time!