SB19’s Justin, Stell, Pablo on how they define ‘utang na loob’ culture

SB19 members (from left) Justin, Stell, and Pablo during the premiere night of “And the Breadwinner Is…” Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net

SB19’s Justin, Stell, and Pablo stated that giving back to parents should be done out of love and appreciation, as they touched on the topic of “utang na loob” between parents and children.

The topic of “utang na loob,” which has always been a topic of discussion among netizens, was brought back to light due to the premise of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry “And the Breadwinner Is…”

The SB19 members gave their two cents on the subject in a brief chat with INQUIRER.net on the sidelines of the MMFF 2024 entry which took place in Quezon City on Monday, December 23.

“I think hindi naman kailangan tumanaw ng utang na loob,” Justin said. “But more of appreciating ’yung magulang natin [at] kung anong binibigay nila kasi part siya ng Philippine culture, dahil kasama at mahal natin sila kahit ano mangyari. Kahit magkasama tayo, hindi natin kalimutan ’yung isa’t isa.”

(I don’t think we should practice utang na loob, but more of appreciating our parents and what they’ve done for us. While it’s part of Philippine culture, we should see this as us being with and loving them no matter what happens. Even if we’re always with them, we shouldn’t forget them.)

PARA SA BREADWINNER ANG GABING ITO 🍞

LOOK: It’s a star-studded affair as celebrities grace the premiere night of the MMFF 2024 entry “And the Breadwinner Is…” including Angeline Quinto, Darren Espanto, SB19’s Justin, Stell, and Pablo, Ion Perez, and Ryan Bang. | @HMallorcaINQ… pic.twitter.com/RUsqdKQqgA

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 23, 2024

While Justin said a parent’s effort shouldn’t be forgotten, giving back should be done out of love. “Ang ginagawa ng mga magulang natin ay para sa pamilya natin. Pero [ang giving back ay] hindi responsibility.”

“Dapat pure love kung bakit natin ‘yun ginagawa,” he said. “I don’t think na gawin natin siyang utang na loob, [we should see it as] more of appreciating them.”

(Our parents do things for their families. But giving back should not be a responsibility. We should do it out of pure love. We shouldn’t refer to it as utang na loob, but more of appreciating them.)

Stell, on the other hand, acknowledged that while utang na loob is part of Filipino culture, giving back should be done wholeheartedly as he shared a glimpse of his own experience. “Kunwari, laging sinasabi kapag nagtatrabaho ka, tumulong ka sa parents mo. I think given naman ’yun.”

“Sa’min, kaya na naming magbigay. Maswerte kami na hindi na nangungulit ang parents namin na magbigay nang buo sa loob,” he continued. “But I know na hindi lahat may gan’ung klaseng parents. I respect and understand na may gan’ung parents.

(For instance, we would always be advised to help our parents as we work. I think it’s a given. In our case, we can give. We’re lucky that our parents don’t force us to give back. But I know that not everyone has those kinds of parents. I respect and understand those who have them.)

WATCH: SB19’s Pablo, Stell, and Justin express their gratitude for their hit track “Mapa” being chosen as the theme song of “And the Breadwinner Is…”

Two of SB19’s songs are chosen to be the soundtrack of two MMFF 2024 film entries. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/RxRI616sPm

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) December 23, 2024

He then underscored that there are different ways of showing love to their parents, and one shouldn’t be measured on their ability to do so.

“Tulad ng sinabi ni Justin, kung ano lang ang kaya, labag sa loob, at kaya ng puso natin i-appreciate natin sila. Enough na basta maipakita natin na thankful tayong binuhay nila tayo, na sila ang reason bakit tayo nandito,” he said.

“If you can’t, pwede mo silang tulungan or kung ano man bukal sa puso mo. I think hindi ka naman majajudge ng parents mo. Sa mata ng Diyos, alam naman Niyang bukal sa puso mo,” Stell continued.

(Just like what Justin said, we can show how much we appreciate them based on our own capabilities, and if we can do it wholeheartedly. It’s enough to show how thankful we are they raised us, and they’re the reason why we’re here. If you can’t, you can help them as much as your heart desires. I don’t think our parents won’t judge us. The Lord knows how much we can give.)

SB19’s (from left) Justin, Stell, and Pablo during the premiere night of “And the Breadwinner Is…” Image: X/@SM_Cinema

Meanwhile, Pablo said he is blessed to come from an environment where his parents work hard to give them a good life. He likewise stressed that showing appreciation to parents shouldn’t be viewed as a responsibility.

“For me, hindi siya responsibility. Maswerte na lumaki ako sa family environment na ’yung parents, ginagawa ’yun kasi mahal nila kami. Kami rin naman, nagbabalik kami kasi mahal namin sila imbes na gawin itong responsibilidad. Masaya na alam mong wala silang ineexpect. Nakakatuwa po,” he said.

(For me, it’s not a responsibility. I feel lucky to grow up in a family environment where our parents work hard because they love us. We also give back to them because we love them, not because it’s a responsibility to do so. It’s nice to know that they don’t expect anything from us. It makes us happy.)

SB19’s songs “Mapa” and “Nyebe” were chosen as the soundtrack of the MMFF 2024 entries “And the Breadwinner Is…” and “Green Bones,” respectively, a milestone which the group expressed their gratitude for on multiple occasions.