Moneygurado Episode 2: Joey Reyes Explores How Filipino Films Shape Attitudes Toward Debt and Financial Success

Money has always played a central role in Filipino storytelling. From emotional family dramas and OFW journeys to inspiring rags-to-riches tales, local films and television shows have reflected the realities of how Filipinos earn, spend, sacrifice, and define success.

In the second episode of Metrobank’s Moneygurado docuseries, the spotlight turns to the powerful influence of culture and media on financial behavior. Titled “Utang sa Pelikula: Self-Worth and Borrowing in the Filipino Context,” the episode features acclaimed filmmaker Direk Joey Reyes, who shares insights on how decades of Filipino storytelling have shaped attitudes toward debt, sacrifice, and personal success.

Known for celebrated films such as Pahiram ng Isang Umaga, Batang PX, and Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo, Reyes reflects on how many Filipino stories portray debt through themes of hardship, sacrifice, and shame. These narratives often center on breadwinners, struggling families, and overseas Filipino workers who carry the weight of financial responsibility.

“Films are not just stories. They are reflective of specific moments in the political, cultural, and spiritual history of the country,” Reyes shared.

The episode highlights how these portrayals, while rooted in real experiences, may also contribute to unhealthy financial mindsets. Many Filipinos grow up associating self-worth with financial success, glorifying sacrifice even at the expense of personal stability, or viewing debt solely as a burden rather than something that can be managed responsibly.

A key discussion point centers on how generations of Filipinos have been exposed to narratives where utang is linked only to hardship, embarrassment, or survival. Reyes notes that local films rarely show debt as a practical financial tool that, when used wisely, can help build businesses, improve financial stability, and support long-term goals.

“The problem is the lack of education in seeing loans as tools. We are often afraid of them instead of understanding how they can help build financial capability. Can we possibly change the whole concept of utang as a trap into utang as a tool? Yes, we can. But it requires education,” Reyes emphasized.

While recognizing the risks of irresponsible lending and predatory practices, Reyes explains that responsible borrowing can be a legitimate pathway toward growth, especially for entrepreneurs and individuals working to improve their financial standing.

He also encourages institutions to help bridge the knowledge gap through accessible financial education. “I wish the banking system could create more materials that help people understand the value, flexibility, and proper use of loans,” he said—a challenge that Metrobank’s Moneygurado initiative seeks to address through its Earnest platform and educational resources.

The episode further explores how cultural narratives quietly influence everyday financial decisions—from spending habits and aspirations to feelings of shame, discipline, and long-term planning.

Reyes emphasizes the importance of reframing how Filipinos think about borrowing: “Hindi yung halaga ng inutang ang importante. Mas mahalaga kung ano yung dahilan kung bakit ka umutang at higit sa lahat, kung paano mo binayaran ang iyong utang. Doon mo nabibigyan ng kahalagahan yung proseso ng pag-uutang.”

For Reyes, this shift in perspective represents a cultural conversation that Filipino storytelling has yet to fully embrace.

According to Metrobank, the episode is part of its broader Moneygurado advocacy, which aims to help Filipinos become more informed, intentional, and emotionally aware when managing their finances. Beyond practical money tips, the docuseries explores the cultural beliefs, social pressures, and personal experiences that often influence financial decisions.

“Financial behavior is deeply personal and cultural. Through Moneygurado, we want to create conversations that help Filipinos better understand not just how they handle money, but why they make certain financial decisions in the first place,” said Digs Dimagiba, Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer.

The first episode, “Kapit Lang: The Filipino Way of Surviving,” featured OnlyPans Taqueria founder Audrey Cruz and her story of resilience following the pandemic and a devastating fire incident.

Future episodes of Moneygurado will continue exploring Filipino attitudes and behaviors surrounding money through conversations with cultural personalities, educators, and industry experts.

Episode 2 of Moneygurado featuring Direk Joey Reyes is available through Metrobank’s Earnest platform, which also offers free financial education materials and learning resources designed to help Filipinos build healthier financial habits.