Inaanak Nakatanggap ng 23k Php Mula Kay Ninang, Ito Pala Ang Dahilan

 One of the most anticipated moment during the Christmas season in the Philippines is the traditional “Aguinaldo” or “pamasko” gifts from the ninongs and ninangs or our godparents during our baptismal. Children would occasionally line up to receive these gifts the godparents have for us during the Christmas season, but this godmother stood up among others and is now being talked about in social media.

This 23-year-old Facebook user shared her story on social media because her godmother gave her 23,000 pesos for Christmas! She also shared a screenshot of their conversation with the ninang telling her, “Oh ayan bayad na ko sa 23 years kong utang ha! Hehe” [There, I’m already paid for my 23 years debt to you!]

Netizens tagged their godfathers and godmothers on the comments section right away, and wishing that they would receive the same thing as the viral post. As of writing, the post have reached about 20,000 reactions and 120,000 shares on Facebook.

Many godmothers and godfathers also commented on the viral post saying how they feel so pressured for the duty they need to fulfill. But according to S. Tiu, she didn’t really need money to complete her Christmas this year. Her only wish is to have her lola (grandmother) back this Christmas.

According to one netizen, R. Santiago, he fears being a ninong one day as he might get imprisoned if his godchildren would not receive anything for Christmas.

Many netizens also commented that gift-giving and receiving money is not the real spirit of Christmas, but rather the gift of love and life experiences from their godparents. Many says that having god-parents means they are money-making machines that parents would milk using their children during Christmas. They are there to serve as second-parents and guardians for the children.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle shares on his homily, “Ang papel ng ninong at ninang ay maging katuwang ng magulang, gabay. Kahit wala kayong mabigay na pakimkim, regalo ang inyong pagtulong sa magulang, ang inyong panalangin at mabuting halimbawa, mabuting asal, ang inyong pagpaalala sa mga biyaya kapag sila ay lumaki. ‘Yan ang inyong tungkulin.”

[The role of god-parents is to be partners with parents. Even though you don’t give gifts to your godchildren, helping the parents in guiding the children and serving as a good example, teaching good maners, and reminding them with the blessings when they grow up.]