Eugene Domingo said that this should be the perspective about generosity
Seasoned comedienne Eugene Domingo shared her thoughts when it comes to the “utang na loob” culture in the Philippines.
“Utang na loob” explains the gesture of returning the favor to someone who helped you in the past. This is a good way of showing gratitude to the person who did a good deed, but sometimes this can lead to a toxic behavior, especially when there is already assumption or the other side is being forced to pay back.
This is common between family members. Sometimes, this became the reason for conflicts and relationships would be destroys as both parties could not meet what they are expecting from each other.
In an interview, based on the article in ABS-CBN, Eugene was asked about her friend and now Hollywood star Dolly de Leon’s statement about her generosity. Dolly revealed that Eugene was the one who financed her child’s education and house bill.
Eugene Domingo shared that she was surprised that Dolly de Leon would share that story. She said that they are sisters, and so it was just natural for her to help.
“We have the same mentor. Si Tony Mabesa. So kapag nakita mo na ‘yung kasama mo sa paggawa ng maraming produksyon, kasama mo sa frustrations, successes [na parang], ‘Ha? Ano ba ‘yan? Bakit walang pambayad ng kuryente? Walang pampaaral ng anak?’” Eugene said.
She stressed if one person had extra, then, the automatic thing to do is to help. Eugene also pointed out that helping someone should not make the receiving end to feel indebted.
“And then ‘pag tinulungan mo, kalimutan mo na. Kalimutan mo na ‘yun. Itinulong mo na ‘yun, eh. Anong gusto mo? Habambuhay tatanawin?” Eugene Domingo said, which contradicted the nature of “utang na loob.”