Sometimes life throws us into situations we never planned for. Last month, I found myself staring at my piggy bank of coins, something I had been saving quietly for a year, because I had no other choice. It wasn’t part of the plan, but when you’re the sole breadwinner and your mother calls for help, you do what you must.
My mother’s sari-sari store was running low on stocks, and she needed additional capital. Unfortunately, I had just finished paying my monthly bills and loans, leaving me completely out of funds. I thought of the money owed to me by friends and relatives, debts I never bothered to collect for years. This time, I swallowed my pride and messaged them all. The replies? A chorus of “no money yet.” Disappointing, but not surprising.
With no other option, I cracked open my piggy bank. One by one, I sorted the coins into stacks of ₱100, exchanged them at nearby stores and groceries, and eventually converted everything into paper bills. The total? ₱12,600. It felt surreal holding that amount, knowing it came from small coins I had dropped in a jar over time.
Once the exchange was done, I cashed the money into my GCash account and sent it straight to my mother. At least her store could breathe again, even if my own wallet felt painfully empty.
It’s frustrating to realize that when you need help, the people who once borrowed from you suddenly vanish behind excuses. But at the end of the day, my piggy bank became my unexpected hero. Saving coins may feel small, but in desperate times, it can make a big difference. I just hope next time, I won’t have to break into it out of necessity.
NOTE: All the photos shared here are mine, originally captured using my secondary mobile phone.
Wao.. that's huge. Am sure your mom will be very happy seeing you coming through for her..
Yeah, she finally bought additional items for her store. Thank you! 😊
That is thoughtful miss. God bless you and your children too will also take good care of you 🥰.
Thank you! But I don't have kids, by choice. 😅
Ohh! My bad, that's how we pray for children who take care of their parent , irrespective if they have given birth or not. But guess you are married?
No, I'm not married yet, by choice also. In a relationship only, I guess that's fine. 🤣
It's fine since it's your choice.. sorry if am stepping on boundaries.. am just inquisitive. ☺️
yay for piggy! :)
that was A LOT of coins.
I saved every 5/10/20 peso-coin from my "sukli" in everything, especially when I'm commuting and buying groceries within a year. 😇
Now, no more coins. I need to start over again. 😂
oh? they got 10 and 2o php coins now? when was that added?
They were created, designed, and released last 2019, Idol. 😇
😜