Melai Cantiveros explains why she won’t pay for relative’s tuition fee

MANILA, Philippines – While it is common for Filipinos to financially support relatives especially when it comes to education, TV host-comedienne Melai Cantiveros recently revealed that she has a different stand when it comes to this issue.

In her interview with actor Enchong Dee, the former Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) grand winner explained why does not give money to relatives for tuition fee.

Melai Cantiveros explains why she won’t pay for relative’s tuition fee
PHOTO CREDIT: YouTube/Enchong Dee

“Kunyari sa mga pinsan ko, hindi ako magbabayad ng mga tuition fee nila. Hihingan ako ng kapatid ng pang-tuition, [sasabihin ko] ‘Ba’t ako [magbabayad ng] tuition fee ng anak mo?’ Eh anak mo ‘yan,” Cantiveros told Dee.

The 32-year-old 'Magandang Buhay' host disclosed that they were taught to be responsible and independent at a young age. This is the exact reason why she expects family members to stand on their own especially when it comes to providing education to their own children.

Watch the video.


“Kami, bata pa lang kami, tinuruan na kami na huwag umasa. Dapat kayo maging breadwinner. Pero dapat breadwinners. Lahat kayo breadwinners ng family. Kunwari nagta-trabaho si Ate. Dapat nagta-trabaho ka rin. Kunyari sinabi ng kapamilya ko tuition fee, [sasabihin ko] ba’t ako mag-tuition fee? Pagalitan talaga. Mangingig ka talaga, partner,” Cantiveros added.

Moreover, the actress revealed her struggles when it comes to handling finances right after winning PBB in 2009. According to Cantiveros, she simply enjoyed the money she was earning at that time and did not invest. Cantiveros even used some of the money to go to resorts with her friends back then.

However, her mindset changed when she began having a family of her own. Her focus was no longer on material things but on experiences. Cantiveros also prioritized saving and investing for her kids’ future.

Although her priority has changed, Cantiveros still treats her family members to local trips whenever she has the opportunity to go home to her hometown, General Santos City.

“Pag umuwi ako ng GenSan sa December, i-prepare niyo na ang bag niyo kasi hindi na kayo makaka-stay sa bahay niyo. Kasi pupunta kami ng Davao, pupunta kami ng Bohol. Ako lahat ‘yan. ‘Pag responsibilidad mo, responsibilidad mo ‘yan. Kasi pinasok mo ‘yan. Hindi pwedeng ako ‘yan,” Cantiveros said.

— Mini, The Summit Express



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