Pawning success stories
During times of need, it pays to have a friend to turn to for help. For Gloria Fontanilla, Betty Mallon Talavera and Lordini Yupano, help came in the form of pawning.
Fontanilla, 59, of La Union took it upon herself to help four nephews and nieces finish school. All were in college so the expenses came in lumps and there were times when her budget would fall short. It was during these instances that she would pawn her jewelry, which she said was worth it because she knows the value of education.
“Mahalaga ‘yung mga nai-sanla ko pero mas mahalaga ‘yung pag-aaral ng mga pamangkin ko (I pawned some important jewels but the education of my nieces and newphews was more important),” said Fontanilla.
In Molo, Iloilo, Talavera has her own story of sacrifice and success. For years, she juggled household chores and her salon job while her husband worked as a jeepney driver just to send their eight children to school.
Eventually, the couple’s sacrifices paid off and they were able to realize their dream. All of their children finished college and became professionals: a seaman, an engineer, a nurse, an automotive specialist, a call center agent, two managers at the Dubai Duty Free office, while one holds a key position in a local telecommunications company.
Aside from getting help from relatives and friends, Talavera also sought the help of Cebuana Lhuillier in their time of need.
At the age of 14, Yupano had to take on the responsibilities of her father when he passed away. As the eldest among seven kids, she had to put aside her own studies and prioritize the needs of her siblings.
From Aklan, Yupano went to Manila to work odd jobs to keep her siblings in school until they finished college.
“I collected jewelry and when I didn’t have money, I realized the value of my collection increased. So I depend on Cebuana Lhuillier and I know my jewels are safe because these are sealed in plastic and I sign on it,” said Yupano, who eventually became a jeweler.
Fontanilla, Talavera and Yupano are just some Cebuana Lhuiller clients who shared their “Ka-Cebuana Stories” as the company celebrates its 30th anniversary.