It has been deeply ingrained in Filipino culture to never openly discuss money matters, most especially with our loved ones. Much of this stems from hiya – a deeply rooted Filipino value associated with respect, dignity, and consideration for others, which often makes conversations about money feel uncomfortable. We fear being judged for not earning enough, being ashamed of needing to borrow money, and struggling to repay what we owe. And yet we are equally terrified of being resented or taken advantage of for having more than they do.
Discussing salaries, admitting financial hardship, or setting boundaries around financial support can feel awkward, not because money itself is taboo, but because of the deeply rooted cultural values that shape the way we view dignity, generosity, and success.
The universal financial anxiety among Filipinos is at the heart of the third episode of Metrobank’s Moneygurado docuseries. Grounded in real-life stories, cultural realities, and everyday experiences, the series explores money through the Filipino lens, unpacking how culture shapes financial behavior across debt, spending, saving, and resilience.
In the episode, renowned educator and public historian Prof. Xiao Chua explains how hiya is closely intertwined with family relationships. Far from being simply “shame,” hiya has long been associated with respect, honor, and consideration for others. Yet these same values can also make it difficult for Filipinos to talk openly about money.
“Emosyonal [ang mga Pilipino] talaga pagdating sa pamilya,” he explains. “‘Yan ay kadugo mo. Ang expectation sa’yo, lalo na kung ikaw ‘yung may kaya, ‘e supportahan mo.”
For many breadwinners, this sense of responsibility inspires extraordinary generosity. At the same time, it can lead some to stretch themselves too thin, leaving little room to save for their own future. The episode invites viewers to consider an important question: How can we support the people we love while still protecting our own financial well-being?
Beyond familial pressure, Chua also discusses the pressure to appear financially successful, which may lead some people to overspend or hide their struggles in an effort to save face. If left unchecked, this cycle of silence can make it even harder to seek help or make sound financial decisions.
To break this cycle, he stresses the importance of unlearning this hiya and recognizing one’s limits on what they can or cannot spend. As he explains in the episode, it is not at all shameful to have open and honest conversations about money with family; rather, it’s actually the healthiest way to manage expectations, set boundaries, and create space for mutual support.
Ultimately, the documentary underscores the importance of making financial education more accessible from an early age. Learning how to budget, distinguish needs from wants, and talk openly about money can empower more Filipinos to pursue their goals with confidence.
Watch Episode 3 of “Moneygurado” featuring Professor Xiao Chua:
Watch out for the next episodes of the Moneygurado docuseries and access learning materials for students, families, and communities through its Earnest website: https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/moneygurado.
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