Every Panganay in a Filipino Household

Don’t you dare turn your back on them if you don’t want to hear them say – wala kang utang na loob! As if you owe it to them that you were born in this world. 

 

Fast forward to when you get your first salary. Not only do you have to pay for the monthly dues, but don’t forget to buy the groceries and settle the payment of your younger sister’s tuition fee. It should be alright if there’s nothing left of you as long as you keep every family members’ tummies full and keep the roof over their heads.  

 

Years later, you want to quit your job because it isn't what you wanted to do in the first place. When you want to pursue something related to arts but your mom says – walang pera diyan! Another dream has been compromised. 

 

Moving on, let’s talk about your love life. Oh, wait. You don’t have one because family should always come first. You’re not allowed to have your own until bunso graduates from college even if you’re already in your late 30s. You’ve got nothing to worry about. Four more years and bunso will take your place and you are no longer the favorite child anymore.

 

These are just some of the struggles that every panganay in a Filipino household faces. If you’ve seen the movie Encanto by Walt Disney Animation Studios, then you probably relate to Luisa especially when she sings “Under the surface, I’m pretty sure I’m worthless if I can’t be of service.”

 

So to all the parents or couples out there, make sure that you are mentally, physically, and financially stable and capable of having your own children. It is your duty to give them a comfortable life and they don’t owe you anything for it. But most importantly, they are not the ones to glue everything when things don’t go according to what you’ve planned.