In times of need, it pays to have a friend to turn to for help. For Gloria Fontanilla, Betty Mallon Talavera, and Lordini Yupano, help came in the form of pawning. Whether to help finance a livelihood or buy basic needs, pawning valuables for cash has proven to be a worthwhile financial solution for many Filipinos.
Education is more important
Gloria, 59, of La Union took it upon herself to help four nephews and nieces finish school. All were in college so the expenses came in lumps and there were times when her budget would fall short. It was during these instances that she would pawn her jewelry, which was worth it because she knows the value of education.
“Mahalaga ‘yung mga nai-sanla ko pero mas mahalaga ‘yung pag-aaral ng mga pamangkin ko. Ayokong mahinto sila kaya nagsanla muna ako,” Gloria said. She also pawns to fund her small piggery business and dressmaking shop.
Gloria can easily support herself, but she chose to help her loved ones. And when times are tough and she herself needs assistance, she is glad that she has someone to rely on. “Malaking tulong sa amin ang Cebuana Lhuillier. Kung walang Cebuana, wala akong ibang matatakbuhan. ‘Yun lang ang alam ko. Cebuana lang talaga,” she said.
Dream come true
In Molo, Iloilo, Betty has her own story of sacrifice and success. For years, she juggled between household chores and her salon job while her husband worked as a jeepney driver just to send their eight children to school.
Eventually, the couple’s sacrifices paid off and they were able to realize their dream. All of their children finished college and became professionals; a seaman, an engineer, a nurse, an automotive specialist, a call center agent, two managers at the Dubai Duty Free office, while one holds a key position in a local telecommunications company.
Aside from getting help from relatives and friends, Betty also sought the help of Cebuana Lhuillier in their time of need. Through pawning some jewelry, she was able to pay her dues when she was strapped for cash. Now with five grandchildren, she realizes that giving up these items was well worth the rewards.
Investment pays off
At the age of 14, Lordini had to take on the responsibilities of her father when he passed away. As the eldest among seven kids, she had to put aside her own studies and prioritize the needs of her siblings.
From Aklan, Lordini went to Manila to work as a maid, saleslady, and street vendor to keep her siblings in school until they finished college. Whenever she had enough money, Lordini would reward herself with some jewelry.
“Noon, nakahiligan ko mag-ipon ng alahas at nang nagipit ako, nalaman ko na lumaki na ang halaga ng mga na-ipundar ko. Kaya nung nalaman ko ang kalakaran sa pagsasanla, ginagawa ko na s’ya at sa Cebuana Lhuillier ako kumakapit dahil panatag ako na hindi mababawasan ang alahas ko dahil naka-seal sa plastic at pinapipirmahan sa akin kaya safe,” she said.
Lordini eventually became an alajera and now has her own jewelry business. She still continues to pawn for the needs of her business and for the education of her two children.
With their stories of strength, compassion, and success, Gloria, Betty, and Lordini represent Filipinos who have made countless sacrifices to overcome life’s challenges and put the welfare of others first. Success comes in various forms, and for these women, its true essence is in sharing their blessings and achievements with their loved ones.