Dear Manang,
My sister is a wonderful woman. She has been involved in many charitable activities and she is recognized by the religious group as an elder to be esteemed. I am 10 years younger and I have also become one of the leaders in my neighborhood association for beautification and houseowners’ welfare projects. Once, she overheard a conversation with a close friend and member of the association and learned that we were about to begin the playground landscaping in the common park. I thought that she was going to help when she asked who I was talking to, only to find out that she called my friend and told her that I didn’t know anything about landscaping and that they should not invite me. Sadly, she didn’t realize that I was the one who raised the funds and consulted a resident architect on it. I wonder why she did that to me?
Ida of Monterrazas, Itogon, Benguet
Dear Ida,
Sometimes, pride is higher than Mt. Everest and to know that someone has reached some kind of recognition makes the green-eyed monster come to fore. This rivalry that your sister feels must have started in your childhood. Otherwise, she wouldn’t feel so threatened at her age. If you ask me, just let her be. I am sure that your neighbors know you better and will not give in to the talk that she tried to start about you. Let her be and just go on with what has to be done. It won’t end, so, don’t let it get you down.
Lead on,
Manang
Dear Manang,
I need money but I can commiserate with the many families who have lost their jobs and livelihood. However, why am I begging for money owed to me? Why must I try to extend my patience when I also need to survive? Should I ask the person renting my unit to leave so I can rent it out to others? Help!
Keno of Happy Homes, Old Lucban, Baguio City
Dear Keno,
Who doesn’t need money? In these times, there is a need to extend the understanding to its limits just so we can live and let live. Well, if you do let go of this one lessee and explain it to them, you might be complicating their lives too. What if, you find a way to help them so they can pay you? Maybe the family can be employed by a friend or they can engage in some business or something? We can be our own blessing.
Extend yourself,
Manang
