“Kailan Ka Gagraduate?” at Iba Pang Tanong na Nakaka-Stress Tuwing Family Reunion

“Kailan Ka Gagraduate?” at Iba Pang Tanong na Nakaka-Stress Tuwing Family Reunion

Ah yes, the classic family reunion: may handaan, may tita, may karaoke, at siyempre… may interrogation.

Let’s be real — hindi pa man nakakaupo, may tatlong tanong na agad na bumabanat:

"Kailan ka gagraduate?"
"May jowa ka na?"
"Tumataba ka, ah?"
😮 Triggered ka? Kasi totoo.

 

🎯 The Great Filipino Q&A You Didn’t Ask For

1. “Kailan ka gagraduate?”

Translation: May direction ba buhay mo, iho/iha?

Gusto mong sagutin ng,

“Tita, kung alam ko lang din po, e di sana graduate na ko.”

Sometimes they say it with concern, sometimes with judgment. Pero either way, nakaka-pressure. Ang hindi nila alam, baka dumadaan ka sa mental breakdown, shifting of courses, thesis crisis, o simpleng burnout.

Tip: Sagutin ng confident smile at sabihin,

“Soon po. Malapit na. Sa tamang panahon, parang love life nyo rin.”

2. “May boyfriend/girlfriend ka na ba?”

Mas kilig kung romantic ang vibe. Pero minsan parang “Wala ka pa rin? Sayang naman.”

As if having a love life is a requirement for character development.

Pro Tip: Sagutin ng,

“Wala pa po, pero may mga prospects. Parang elections, pinipili pa kung sino pinaka-qualified.”

Or if bold ka:

“Single po kasi mahal ang tuition at ang emotional damage.”

3. “Ang taba mo na!” o “Ang payat mo naman!”

Literal body-check at buffet table pa talaga.

Bakit nga ba laging may komentaryo sa katawan? Kahit anong size mo, may masasabi pa rin.

“Uy, tumataba ka.”
“Anong nangyari sa’yo, ang payat mo na.”
Pick your fighter: shaming version A or B?

Pro Tip: Sagutin ng,

“Oo nga po, metabolism ko rin nagulat.”
Or kung savage mood ka:
“At least ako po nagbabago. Kayo po ba, same pa rin pananamit mula 2004?”

4. “Ano na balita sa thesis/mojo/course?”

This one hits deep. Minsan wala ka talagang update… kasi wala pa rin.

“Wala pa pong progress, pero may progress akong tanggapin na wala pang progress.”

It's okay. Hindi ka nag-iisa. Laban lang, thesis warriors.

5. “Magkano na sahod mo?” or worse… “Wala ka pa ring trabaho?”

Ah yes, the financial audit disguised as small talk.

Reminder: Your value is not your payslip.

Pro Tip:

“Sapat po para mabuhay, di gaya ng chismis na namamatay sa kakulangan ng facts.”

😅 Why Do They Ask These Things?

To be fair, hindi lahat may masamang intensyon. Most Filipino families were raised with a culture of curiosity — and sometimes, walang concept ng emotional boundaries.

Minsan, love language na nila ang mang-usisa. Pero kahit ganoon, boundaries are still valid. 

🧘‍♀️ How to Cope (With Humor and Grace)

• Have your witty comebacks ready — para kang may reunion script.
• Find your safe space cousins — 'yung magtatago sa kwarto at magpapanggap na busy sa phone.
• Remember: You owe no one your timeline.

💬 Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Fine, Iha/Iho

To everyone who's been asked these stressful questions:

🎓 Whether or not you’ve graduated...
❤️ Whether or not you’re in a relationship...
💼 Whether or not you’re earning six digits...

You are still worthy, valuable, and human.

And yes, may araw din kayo ng comeback sa susunod na reunion. “Tita, ako na po pala nagcater ngayon.”

P.S. Next time, bring a mic and reverse the interview. Let’s see how they handle the heat. 😏