Will I ever be able to start again?

Dear Nanay,

I’m writing to you to share my story, which I hope won’t happen to your readers.

A few months ago, I borrowed money from a government institution for the first time in my life. My girlfriend and I originally planned to start a business. But something terribly bad happened and my loved ones confronted me about the money I borrowed. My back was against the wall. Being the eldest in the family, I did not retaliate anymore. I was so depressed by the sudden turn of events. Many times I remind myself to just put up with it (magparaya). But for how long should I do this?

The company I’m connected with has been deducting a four-digit-a-month sum from my salary. It has been going on for a few months now, and I have to endure it until I finish paying in two years. There are times I don’t feel like going home anymore. Because not only is my salary low, it has been reduced dramatically. I don’t feel like starting a business either. Since the incident, I’ve suffered very low self-esteem. I’m still waiting for an appointment with a professional psychiatrist in a government hospital. 

I don’t know how to tell my girlfriend that the money is gone. It’s my savings from the years I was working very hard. I’m divided and I don’t see them exerting any effort to pay me back. I believe I have the right to ask for payment especially after the wrong they did to me. It’s not an act of vengeance. The prospect of a brighter future is nil to them because they are just content to eat and sleep three times a day. I don’t want to have a future like that.

The Bible exhorts us to “submit to one another.”  I submitted to them, but they did not submit to me. Because of their cynicism and stubbornness, our family has broken up.

Broke and Blue

Dear Broke and Blue,

It is always difficult when you are faced with financial challenges or questions that involve your relatives.  I even know somebody who refuses to do business or even discuss money matters with anyone related to her because she says that it always turns out for the worse.

It is unfortunate that the money you borrowed, which is your hard-earned money, was apparently wasted away by others.  However, it is not the end of the world.  You have to realize that it may take you two years to pay back that money, but at least after those years have passed, you can start again.  Is it a long and difficult process?  Yes, it is.  Is it going to be easy?  No.  Will your relatives pay you back?  I am not sure they will.  

But you must remember that at the end of this difficult time, you will get another chance to fulfill your dream.  You know you will have another opportunity and you just have to get there.  So don’t quit.  Keep working at it.  Use this experience as a reason for you to come back stronger and work even harder.  Look at it this way: Now that you have to work even harder to fulfill your dream, your success will be even sweeter when you achieve it.  Just think that your plans were not cancelled and your dream was not lost ... they were only postponed.

As far as your girlfriend is concerned, I would not worry about her reaction too much.  If she loves you, then I am sure she will be supportive of your needs.  It is not your fault and you had every good intention, but sometimes, things just do not work out the way you intended them to.  She will understand.  If you think you should tell her what happened, then you should just go ahead and do so.  It may not be easy at first, but she might end up surprising you and be far more supportive than you fear.

Good luck and keep fighting for your dream.

Nanay

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How do I get my book published?

Dear Nanay,

I’ve been a frequent visitor to your stores since I was a kid. I really like to hang out there, check out the books, and, if funds allow, buy a book or two.

The reason why I wrote is because, first, I would like to know if you accept self-published books in your store — books that have been printed online as eBooks but would have copies in print.  I’m not sure if you do allow this. If so, do you have terms or regulations regarding this?

Another reason for this e-mail is because I would like to ask if you could help Eastern High School, Bacoor, Cavite with books. There’s a severe lack of school books there, especially in the other sections. My daughter is included in one of those lower sections because she was a late enrollee, and there are no more schoolbooks to use. We’re currently in a financial squeeze. I hope you can help.

Thank you so much!

C

Dear C,

Thank you for supporting National Book Store all these years.  We truly appreciate your business.

With regard to self-published books, yes, National Book Store can accept said books for sale.  Please contact Juliet Gako of our purchasing department at gakojl@nationalbookstore.com.ph to submit a sample of your book for evaluation and get a list of requirements.

With regard to getting help for your school, please e-mail the National Book Store Foundation at nbsfi@nationalbookstore.com.ph.  They can tell you the requirements and what kind of help they can give with regard to beneficiary institutions.

Nanay 

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If you have a question, e-mail us at asknanay@nationalbookstore.com.ph or just drop your letter at drop boxes in all National Book Store branches nationwide.