Documentary
Watch Debts of the Heart
Watch Debts of the Heart
Episodes List
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Ep. 1: Junard Estrada
Following the early retirement of his father and the birth of his child, Junard Estrada had no other choice than to assume the role of the breadwinner as a teenager while juggling his work and academics. He continues to provide for his parents, wife, and children, but this time around, it is out of love rather than necessity. In this episode, we will look into the devotion and love Junard has for his family and how providing positively impacts him.
Ep. 2: MM Gigante
After the passing of MM Gigante’s beloved parents and aunt, the responsibility of being the family breadwinner suddenly fell into her hands. With the immense love she has for her family, providing for them only felt natural. In this episode, we will dive into the love one has for their family and how it may affect the choices they make for themselves to be able to provide for those around them.
Ep. 3: Godwina Calinao
From the moment she graduated college, Godwina Calinao started her professional life as the sole provider for three generations of her family—her lola, mother, and siblings. Driven by a deep sense to repay her mother’s sacrifices, Godwina grapples with the complexities of generational duty. This episode explores the reality of long-term commitment, showcasing how continuous duty shapes career strategy and defines a lifetime of financial obligation.
Comment Section
Comment Section
What are your thoughts on the episodes?
What are your thoughts on the episodes?
Meet the Breadwinners
Meet the Breadwinners
Junard Estrada
Junard Estrada
Mr. Estrada (44) is an Operations Manager who assumed the role of a sole breadwinner for his senior parents, wife, and children starting at the young age of 19.
Mr. Estrada (44) is an Operations Manager who assumed the role of a sole breadwinner for his senior parents, wife, and children starting at the young age of 19.
MM Gigante
MM Gigante
Ms. Gigante (40) is a Freelance Events Professional who took on the role as a sole provider for her sibling and nephew—following the passing of her parents and aunt.
Ms. Gigante (40) is a Freelance Events Professional who took on the role as a sole provider for her sibling and nephew—following the passing of her parents and aunt.
Godwina Calinao
Godwina Calinao
Ms. Godwina (41) is a Consultant who has been serving as the main financial provider for her mother, grandmother, and siblings since her college graduation.
Ms. Godwina (41) is a Consultant who has been serving as the main financial provider for her mother, grandmother, and siblings since her college graduation.
This is such an amazing story from such an amazing individual, she exhibits the pure definition of altruism. Definitely my favorite episode of this documentary.
Loved it!
Sobrang heartwarming yung episodes.. nagshift yung mindset ko sa utang na loob. Para sa akin before, parang mas negative yung concept ng utang na loob kasi akala ko dati parang toxic mindset siya. Pero, after watching, mas positive at love driven pala yung utang na loob.
This is so nice to hear po! We’re glad our documentary had a positive effect on you hehe
the most familiar definition of “utang na loob” for we was with Ms. MM. We’re truly blessed to have been exposed in a generous household so that giving and receiving has always been side by side, especially to the people we love the most. Kudos to all breadwinners who do what they do for their families!
Debts of heart or Utang na loob is a positive Filipino value. It is a way of giving back to someone who has given help, kindness, sacrifice or favor. For me, we have to reciprocate that “utang na loob”, not necessarily financial, it can be given as gratitude, respect, time and loyalty. It should be extended without compromising our values. But we also have to consider that we cannot give what we don’t have.
Utang na loob for me is like the leader of the pack is transfer the baton to you (wheter you are the eldest or the youngest) its more on a responsibility and acceptance that you are now the new leader of the family and you are going to take care, nuture the pack (family) or if you choose to abandon then you literally turn your back to your family and to your responsibility
Debt of gratitude or “utang na loob” is a Filipino concept of paying back, out of love. There’s a saying that “hindi ka makakarating sa iyong paruruonan kapag di ka marunong lumingon sa yong pinang galingan”. It means you will be successful and blessed when you remembered or help back those who extend their hands during the times when you had nothing.
With Utang na loob, closed family ties become stronger. And when the tables turn, be generous enough to return the favor but in a way that you will not be taken advantage of anyone. Though utang na loob is a life long “utang” or “debt” and it cannot be measured monetarily. However, my pov, in todays setting, setting boundaries is acceptable.
“UTANG NA LOOB”
Only in the Philippines. For me it is the word connected to my personal advocacy. Because of the LOVE our parents, our family install to us and not doing it because of responsibility. Some people feel it negatively that is why they thought they must do paying back all the sacrifices of their parents or siblings to them. In a positive way, the good thing is, Filipinos are the most lovable, understanding and thoughtful people in the world!
A good story. “Utang na loob” hindi na yan mawawala sa Filipino culture but whatever happened to our life move on….always think positive, especially in darkest time of our life, think what our elders/parents did to us to be an achievers.
My POV: Utang na loob does not mean giving until you are drained. Supporting your parents can be:
1. Financial help (within your means)
2. Time and presence
3. Managing errands, hospital visits, or paperwork
What matters is sincerity, not the amount.