I grew up without any househelp. We had our own house errand assignments when we were kids. Our mama was also full-time super housewife. We did not feel the need to have any househelp back then.
And admittedly, it is really hard to find good househelp back then too. So, we lived quite just fine without one. I grew up being the “bili ka” errand girl.
Bili ka nga ng Coke.
Bili ka ng Suka.
Bili mo ako ng napkin.
Bili ka ng isang kilo ng bigas.
Bili ka ng gasul, naubusan na tayo.
That’s why at 16, I already knew how to drive. Pabili ka ba naman ng gasul sa kanto, ‘di ba? It is also perhaps one reason that I turn out to be the shortest in the family. Kaka-buhat ko ng gasul, hindi na ako tumangkad. 
So, when Sky was born. It was natural for me (and for my other sister’s), not to have any househelp. From birth to 10 months, I did the laundry, cooking, ironing, house cleaning and even breastfed Sky the whole time.
Finding a “me” time was a rarity.
Ate Ging came into our life when Sky turned 10 months, my sister looked for a househelp for me. Since, she knows I really need one. Even if I say that I do not.
In the beginning, it was really difficult for me to adjust having someone else other than family around the house.
I didn’t know how to handle having a househelp. And I felt a twinge of cringe, when I ask her to do things – since I am not used to being with a househelp.
She, on the other hand, have been with 4 or more other families before coming in with me. And she knows what to do most of the time – just by following my lead. Or ask me directly if she doesn’t know what to do.
I have to confess that there are times that I get pissed with her. For the fact that she spoils Sky too much. I feel that she worries about Sky more than I do. And Sky knows that he could ALMOST get anything away from Ate Ging.
Which is not the same for me.
- Ate Ging wearing a green shirt and enjoying the lights at Ayala Triangle a couple of weeks ago -
She also loves watching Korean telenovelas and showbiz central. So, she is my go-to person if I wanted to know who that actor or actress is… And surprisingly, she would have a biography in her head about any known actor when I ask her at any given time! She is also quite opinionated and tends to cross the personal bounds of our employer-employee relationship.
From the beginning she was with me, I treated her like a friend. I feel like she is more my teammate, rather than a mere househelp. If she suddenly needs to send extra cash to her son or family, I give what I can. Her shampoo, conditioner, lotion and other personal effects is included in my grocery list. I buy her an “OK” or “The Buzz” magazine occasionally. And when we hang out at a Booksale, she can buy a couple of Pinoy pocketbooks. And when I start to notice that she needed glasses, we had her eyes checked and got her a pair of corrective glasses.
Some people think that she is too spoiled. When I hear that, I kind of hold-off for a bit… But, after a while – I go back to how I treat her.
Her salary is paid promptly on time. And we pay for her SSS and Philhealth contribution separately from her salary.
“Naku, she will take advantage of you…”
I have heard that one too many times. But, I believe that if you treat your househelp LIKE a HOUSEHELP….
“Oy, kuha mo nga akong tubig…”
“Psst, abot mo nga yung gamit ko…”
“Ang tanga-tanga mo! Kaya katulong ka lang eh!”
…Then, I would not be surprised if you start losing a shirt or two. Or see contempt in your househelp’s eyes when they have to take care of your child…
Perhaps, we are one of the lucky few to have someone like Ate Ging. But, I sincerely believe HOW YOU TREAT ANYONE will echo back to you in a way.
After 4 years, Ate Ging is not just a househelp anymore… She is FAMILY.
