SB19’s Justin, Stell, Pablo on how they define ‘utang na loob’ culture

December 26 ------ SB19’s Justin, Stell, and Pablo stated that giving back to parents should be done out of love and appreciation, as they touched on the topic of “utang na loob” between parents and children. The topic of “utang na loob,” which has always been a topic of discussion among netizens, was brought back to light due to the premise of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry “And the Breadwinner Is…”

The SB19 members gave their two cents on the subject in a brief chat with INQUIRER.net on the sidelines of the MMFF 2024 entry which took place in Quezon City on Monday, December 23. “I think hindi naman kailangan tumanaw ng utang na loob,” Justin said. “But more of appreciating ’yung magulang natin [at] kung anong binibigay nila kasi part siya ng Philippine culture, dahil kasama at mahal natin sila kahit ano mangyari. Kahit magkasama tayo, hindi natin kalimutan ’yung isa’t isa.” While Justin said a parent’s effort shouldn’t be forgotten, giving back should be done out of love. “Ang ginagawa ng mga magulang natin ay para sa pamilya natin. Pero [ang giving back ay] hindi responsibility.” “Dapat pure love kung bakit natin ‘yun ginagawa,” he said. “I don’t think na gawin natin siyang utang na loob, [we should see it as] more of appreciating them.”

Stell, on the other hand, acknowledged that while utang na loob is part of Filipino culture, giving back should be done wholeheartedly as he shared a glimpse of his own experience. “Kunwari, laging sinasabi kapag nagtatrabaho ka, tumulong ka sa parents mo. I think given naman ’yun.” “Sa’min, kaya na naming magbigay. Maswerte kami na hindi na nangungulit ang parents namin na magbigay nang buo sa loob,” he continued. “But I know na hindi lahat may gan’ung klaseng parents. I respect and understand na may gan’ung parents. He then underscored that there are different ways of showing love to their parents, and one shouldn’t be measured on their ability to do so. “Tulad ng sinabi ni Justin, kung ano lang ang kaya, labag sa loob, at kaya ng puso natin i-appreciate natin sila. Enough na basta maipakita natin na thankful tayong binuhay nila tayo, na sila ang reason bakit tayo nandito,” he said. “If you can’t, pwede mo silang tulungan or kung ano man bukal sa puso mo. I think hindi ka naman majajudge ng parents mo. Sa mata ng Diyos, alam naman Niyang bukal sa puso mo,” Stell continued.

Meanwhile, Pablo said he is blessed to come from an environment where his parents work hard to give them a good life. He likewise stressed that showing appreciation to parents shouldn’t be viewed as a responsibility. “For me, hindi siya responsibility. Maswerte na lumaki ako sa family environment na ’yung parents, ginagawa ’yun kasi mahal nila kami. Kami rin naman, nagbabalik kami kasi mahal namin sila imbes na gawin itong responsibilidad. Masaya na alam mong wala silang ineexpect. Nakakatuwa po,” he said.

Source: inquirer.net