The Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) has released the third episode of its Moneygurado docuseries, titled “The Price of Hiya: Why Filipinos Fear Talking About Money.” The latest episode dives into how the deeply rooted cultural value of hiya (shame or honor) influences the way Filipinos discuss, manage, and think about their personal finances.
Featuring historian Professor Xiao Chua, the documentary explains that hiya was historically associated with dignity and respect rather than simply shame. However, in modern times, this value often translates into financial silence. Many Filipinos find themselves avoiding tough conversations about debt, salary, or financial struggles to save face or show respect. While intended to maintain harmony, this discomfort can prevent people from seeking necessary financial guidance, setting healthy boundaries with loved ones, or preparing for unexpected challenges.
Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer Digs Dimagiba highlighted that financial decisions are shaped by more than just income, pointing to the cultural beliefs and experiences that people carry with them. He explained that the goal of the Moneygurado series is to encourage more open discussions about money, helping viewers recognize these behaviors so they can make more mindful and intentional financial choices.
By placing these cultural habits in a broader historical context, the episode reframes money talk as an opportunity to build trust, strengthen relationships, and make purposeful financial decisions. The release follows previous Moneygurado episodes focused on resilience and borrowing, continuing Metrobank’s initiative to offer practical financial advice by connecting money management to real-life Filipino experiences.
