HONOUR THE HANDS THAT CARE FOR US

A tribute to 'Nanang', a Filipina housemaid who devoted 57 years to one family

- BY MANUEL ALMARIO | Senior News Editor

Recently, while interviewing Marissa Postre, a housemaid who dedicated 44 years of her life to one family, I was deeply reminded of someone who shaped my own life in the most profound way: Julieta Lahoylahoy, our beloved “kasambahay” (companion at home) whom we lovingly called Nanang.

Nanang wasn’t just someone who worked for us. She was our second mother, our constant companion, our family. She joined our home before I was born and stayed for 57 years, until her final breath in April 2024.

From my first steps to my adult years, Nanang was always there, feeding me vegetables (even when I resisted), giving me extra food and allowance for school, and spoiling me in every way she could. She helped raise me and my three siblings with love, care, and generosity.