When Filipino families gather, it’s all about a sudden surge of smiles, hugs, food, laughter, memories, more food and tons of chikas and catching up. While it’s generally fun for everyone, it’s during the chika moments and the attempt to catch up to each other’s lives where young adults, most especially ‘career-oriented’ OFWs, find themselves in awkward situations when asked questions.
Here’s a short list of these common questions/statements and ways on how you can answer back civilly. (Disclaimer: Use the responses carefully – We are not responsible for any family conflicts that might arise from using the answers below)
1. “Pumayat ka? / Tumaba ka?” – The most popular of all questions during reunions, it would be nearly impossible not to hear this. People always ask or compliment others for their weight.
Polite Reply: You can always say tell them how wonderful and lucky you are in your present situation. “Thank you – nagkaroon ako ng maraming pambili ng pagkain nung magkatrabaho!”
Sarcastic Reply: A mix of throwing back the question to the person who asked or possibly mirroring what they said like: “Ui ikaw tumaba ka rin OMG!” or “Ako kaya ko pang pumayat, yung mukha mo kelangan na ipa-Belo.”
2. “Wow ang tagal mo na abroad! Ang yaman mo na siguro no?” – One of the common misconceptions that relatives back home think about OFWs is that once you become an OFW, you become a walking money bank.
Polite Reply: Being thrifty has its origins – either your parents taught you or perhaps a life-changing situation made you learn your lesson: “Natuto lang ako sa parents ko para secured ang future.” or “Simula nung na aksidente ako, natutunan ko nang mag-ipon for my future.”
Sarcastic Reply: Hit them back with a money-related reply like – “Ay sorry di ako nagpapautang e.” or “Mahirap mag-ipon pero kinakaya ko namang magtabi ng pera. Ikaw ba – kamusta financial status mo?”
3. “Kailan ka mag-aasawa?” – Targeted especially for young Filipino adults who are already in their 30s-40s, elders or even those in the same age who are already married push their single friends to tie the knot.
Polite Reply: Being in a relationship is a choice that no one should ever be forced to do. The best thing to do will be to return the question to them like – “Di pa ko makapag decide e, ikaw ba – how is your married life? Baka makatulong ang insights mo for me.” or “Mahal magpakasal tita – how were you able to afford the wedding ceremony back then nung mas bata pa kayo?”
Sarcastic Reply: When the person asking this question is someone you aren’t really close to, you can tell them “O bakit mo natanong? Di ka naman invited? ” or if the person asking is someone married, “Kayo, okay pa ba kayo sa marriage niyo?”
4. “Nasaan na si (ex) mo?” – When single young Filipino adults do introduce someone at a family gathering and they end their relationship for whatever reason, relatives have the tendency to keep looking for the same person
Polite Reply: Just be honest! Especially if the relationship ended mutually between the two of you. “Di po talaga siya ang “the one” e.” which you may follow up with “Don’t worry – happy naman ako that it ended din, for both of us.” since they can’t argue with your personal happiness.
Sarcastic Reply: If the relationship didn’t end well or if the person asking isn’t really in your ‘inner circle’ you can get away with “Ay type mo ba? Ayun single na siya ulit. Go! Push natin yan, eto number nya.” or “Wala siyang time para sa kin, baka ikaw mabigyan ka niya ng time. Bet mo?”
Source: https://www.rappler.com/
