Let's talk about 'utang na loob'

What is 'utang na loob?'
Is there an English term for 'utang na loob?
Is there a monetary value for what we call 'utang na loob?'
Is there something in return for this 'utang na loob?'
Will you be angry if you didn't receive anything back from this 'utang na loob?'

These are some of the questions entered into my mind when I was asked lately about this 'utang na loob' thingy. It's my topic for over a week now because there is one guy who keeps on asking me about this. He's in a situation where he badly needs to return the favor somebody willingly gave it to him. That somebody is not asking for return but what bothers him is, he thinks that the person whom he has an 'utang na loob' really needs help. I hate to elaborate anything because some of my closest friends know something about this (for sure) and I might divulge something that's not appropriate to be written in my blog.

For me, in an absence of a chance to pay back in a similar manner an 'utang na loob,' it can be quantified. You can pay back in cash or kind. It is imperative that you have to give back in return.

Now in case a need arises after you have paid back in cash the person you were originally indebted to, you are still obliged to help him. It is only after then that it releases you of moral obligation. The cash or kind lightens the feeling of indebtedness if you dont get a chance to help back.
If there is no need to pay the person, i.e. he's rich, he doesnt need help, etc. you dont need to pay him. You can always pay forward.

Anyways, giving or helping is voluntary thus there is no need to be paid back. No need to withdraw or sulk in case the other person doesn't pay back, it is supposed to be his problem not yours. An acknowledgement however from the person you helped would always give feeling of satisfaction.

In other side of life, we can say that 'utang na loob' is still not an obligation in the point of view of the first person. But the second person, not really an obligation pero for goodwill man lang, wag n'yang kalimutan ang tulong na binigay sa kanya, in other way, in other time, in other place, the second person can give it back in return to the 1st person.

But always remember, the word 'utang na loob' is not considered if there's unlawful, illegal, immoral acts involved.

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