Petsa de peligro, which literally translates to ‘a day of danger’ in Spanish, refers to the critical days of an employee or worker when cash on hand is running low yet the next paycheck is still days or weeks away.
The struggle to get by during these pressing days is indeed real. For those who have encountered this situation, here are some phrases you could definitely relate to:
1. “Uy, anong baon mo?”
Some individuals manage to get by during the petsa de peligro season through asking food from friends or colleagues. That’s what friends are for anyway, right?
Others would usually commend the ‘baon’ or food of their friends or colleagues, in hopes of getting an “Uy, thank you. Gusto mo?” or some food for free.
2. “Diet ako eh.”
Another way to stretch out one’s budget is through spending less on food and other unnecessary things. In the event that friends or colleagues ask you out to get food, one may simply say, “diet ako eh” as an excuse. It’s not advisable to skip meals, but this technique works too.
3. “Pwedeng pasabay?”
If you know a colleague or co-worker living in the same flat or neighborhood as yours, you could probably ask for a ride home. Ask nicely, and odds may just turn in your favor. Just make sure not to abuse your friend’s kindness, though.
4. “Beshy, may utang ka sa ‘kin diba?”
With the next paycheck still days away, some people turn to the most desperate means to get some cash or money. This period of time is also when friends—or you—remember that amount of money you/your friend borrowed months (or years) ago.
It’s often difficult to ask our friends to return us the money we lent them, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
5. “Ay, nakalimutan ko mag-withdraw.”
In pressing times like this, we sometimes feign some events or occurrences in order to get by. You may find yourself or a colleague suddenly asking for some money, stating they forgot to withdraw some money from ATMs.
If you ever borrow some cash, just make sure to return the money in a given time.
6. “Uy baka gusto mong bilhin ‘to.”
As desperate times call for desperate measures, we sometimes resort to the worst possible options in times of need like selling our jewelry, gadgets, or even clothes. You may have experienced being offered a watch or jewelry by some friend for a very low amount.
7. “Sorry, anak. Bawi ako next time”
While all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) try their best abroad in order to send money to their loved ones back home, there are times when it’s not attainable maybe due to overspending or an emergency.
Most OFWs promise to make amends next time birthdays, anniversaries, or graduation they missed at home.
