Charles Teves
Netizens couldn’t agree more when Eat Bulaga host Maine Mendoza dropped some hard truths on a contestant who exhibited “toxic Filipino culture.”
In a March 7 episode, a ‘Bawal Judgemental’ contestant named “Incess” began crying after talking about her children, specifically 7-year-old “Ace”.
“…sana mag aral ka nang mabuti kase ikaw ang mag aahon satin sa kahirapan,” she said.
However, Mendoza didn’t let her slide. The host noted that the contestant still has much potential, given she’s only 25.
“…at bata pa naman po kayo ng asawa mo ma’am. Kaya nyo pa ‘pong magbago at makaahon niyan,” Mendoza said.
“…wag po natin ipapasa sa bata yung responsibilidad bata pa po sya,” she added.
Mendoza’s fans praised her actions immediately.
https://twitter.com/deitells/status/1633283525645582337?s=20
Netizens said Incess treats her children as a “retirement plan”.
maine knew that there's something wrong… 🥹
stop using your kids as your retirement plan! 🗣️
stan #MaineMendoza y'all! 🫵🏻 @mainedcm pic.twitter.com/RvqL9Q2RRh
— ً (@deilyfeed) March 8, 2023
Ate: anak, ikaw makakaahon sa atin sa kahirapan.
Maine Mendoza: ate, bata ka pa, wag mo ipasa sa anak mo yung responsibilidad. May magagawa ka pa
Maine ended her. Maine said: Stop the utang na loob culture. https://t.co/lsK7T9qHQB
— Renz 🌷 #FreePalestine 🇵🇸 (@renzdelaluna) March 8, 2023
WRONG! ganito yung mindset kung bakit maraming naghihirap sa Pilipinas. Ipasa ba naman ang responsibilidad sa bata. At 7 years old, may nakaabang ng mabigat na responsibilidad pagtanda.pic.twitter.com/6w2ubIAvnQ
— Nash (@NashNacion) March 7, 2023
Maine's reaction? Not surprising! #MaineMendoza was brought up by a wonderful couple who worked hard to give their kids a good future. They had planned to give each a Shell gasoline station since they were little & they now have McDonalds branches too. They are her role models 💛 https://t.co/4cXz6CsLSI
— ִֶָ (@menggalurks) March 8, 2023
the way maine mendoza knew she had to step up and say something ++ saying it smoothly and not trying to sound preachy
mabuhay si Maine 👸🏻🧚🏼♂️🦋💅🏼 https://t.co/yz54fWE6w8
— Jego 𖤐 (@SAINTDIEG0) March 8, 2023
Fellow hosts Allan K and Ryan Agoncillo also highlighted Mendoza’s point.
Many families in the Philippines may struggle with financial instability, particularly at older ages. Without a robust social safety net, some parents may view their children as a source of financial support and security in their later years.
In many cultures, including the Philippines, there is a strong emphasis on family and intergenerational support. It is not uncommon for adult children to financially support their parents or other family members, mainly if they are in need.
Also, some parents may not have access to formal retirement savings plans or may not have planned adequately for retirement. In such cases, they may view their children as a fallback option for support.
Meanwhile, Mendoza is known as one of the few celebrities who grew up rich.
