Comments on: On Being Chosen as Ninong or Ninang

By: ian

ian — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:27:24 +0000

I am a 62 year old married englishman, living in the UK. I was very interested to read your comments on being ninong
i have a couple of chat rooms on a social network the rooms are used almost exclusively by filino. just chat nothing more sinister. two of the girls have had babies recently and have asked if i would do them the honour of being ninong to their babies. They do not want any financial contribution,just having an nglish person who they respect. i am often referred to as dada or lilo in the rooms.

By: nop_90

nop_90 — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:51:59 +0000

I am a Canadian but live in LaUnion province. I have been ninong 2x and will be ninong again this month. Yes you are expected to give, but I think you mainly are asked because people look up to you. Often people ask me for advice etc.

And many times when I have been in need, the support the people give me is amazing. Right now I am going through a really difficult time, and someone always drops by my house to make sure I am doing ok, gives me kind words of advice etc. If I was in Canada my situation would be much worse, but thanx to the people I am able to cope.

Out of all the foreigners where I live, I am the poorest. But the people tell me I am the richest since I have the most friends. Literally for a while it looked like I might not have a place to live. People who had almost nothing offered to take me in their houses. Fortunately my situation seems to be improving so I have a place to live so do not worry .

I think if you can not afford to give the gift they are asking. Just tell the people the truth. I am sorry I just can not afford it. But I am still willing to be ninong.

By: pat regoniel

pat regoniel — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 04:54:59 +0000

Well Nobert, that means we really need to have additional income aside from what we get from our regular salary.

By: goodselfme

goodselfme — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 04:04:11 +0000

a most informative write I would probably not have read anywhere else. Well done.

By: Melody Arcamo Lagrimas

Melody Arcamo Lagrimas — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:48:16 +0000

Very true indeed. A number of my own wedding sponsors used to be my former teachers, ganyan talaga mostly sa province.

By: MJPatrick

MJPatrick — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:48:24 +0000

this is absolutely true. its quite burdensome but the joy of sharing what we’ve got is beyond compare.

By: Marn

Marn — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:03:21 +0000

i still can’t believe how everybody expects something from a ninang/ninong. most of all, i can’t believe i’m a ninang of some old high school friend without even knowing it. now, they expect gifts? i don’t like it a bit.

By: nobert soloria bermosa

nobert soloria bermosa — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:40:50 +0000

thanks a lot for your encouraging words Celeste.they are more than appreciated.

By: nobert soloria bermosa

nobert soloria bermosa — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:41:30 +0000

thanks a lot Judy. Thanks a lot for your prayer…

how i wish teachers here in my country be properly compensated…

By: Judy Sheldon

Judy Sheldon — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:18:15 +0000

I sympathize. I am a parent and grandparent (21+) so I understand the “broken budget”. I have found solutions for gift giving for the many grandchildren, but your situation is a little more difficult, as it requires cash not creativity. I will pray that God will bless you with the ways and means. Perhaps your school could place a stipulation on teachers that they would not be allowed to give gifts?? Just brain storming.