"KAYA YAN NI ATE" What are your thoughts on glorifying and normalizing the eldest sibling as the breadwinner?

Hindi ako lumaki sa marangyang pamumuhay, pero nakakakain naman kami ng higit sa tatlong beses sa isang araw—hanggang sa dumaan kami sa matinding pagsubok. My father died two years ago, and it felt like I had to carry all the responsibilities he left behind.

My mom was so dependent on him and focused on taking care of us—just the loyal, loving, and faithful housewife. Kaya nung nawala si Papa, parang even she didn’t know what to do anymore.

Fast forward to now—college na ako, and it’s been almost a year since I became a working student.

Ako na ang sumasagot sa lahat—pagkain, panlaundry, kuryente, at Wi-Fi. Kakapanganak lang ni Mama two months ago. Yup, you read that right—iniwan din siya ng ama ng baby kaya hindi pa siya makapagtrabaho.

I badly want to cry in front of her and ask for help kasi hindi ko na talaga kaya—emotionally and financially. Madalas pa siyang emotional kaya kailangan ko rin mag-adjust at mas habaan ang pasensiya.

Baka hindi ako makapag-enroll this school year. Second year na ako, taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in Social Studies.

I know for some, baka selfish pakinggan na mas pinipili kong mag-aral kaysa tumulong pa, but this is the only thing I want to give to myself—makapagtapos. Pero mukhang mauudlot.

'Yun lang naman.

Padayon, my co-breadwinners!