The poor girl only brought a basket of fruit to her boyfriend’s house to introduce him, but unexpectedly, his mother saw it and quickly took away the sumptuous meal, and displayed a tray of boiled vegetables. She immediately stood up and said something that shocked his whole family…
Lia was born in a barangay along the Pampanga River. Her father died early, and her mother worked hard to raise her two children. Growing up, Lia learned to be frugal, independent, and appreciate the little things.

At university in Quezon City (UP Diliman), Lia worked many jobs: waitress at a coffee shop, tutor, and online seller. Thanks to that, she took care of herself and sent some money back to her mother. While on duty at the UP library, Lia met Miguel – a senior student, tall, gentle, from a well-off family in New Manila.

After dating for more than a year, Miguel offered to take Lia home to meet his parents. Lia was both happy and worried: the gap in circumstances was real, but she believed in Miguel’s feelings.

That morning, Lia got up early to go to the market, choosing the best fruits: ripe mangoes, purple grapes, yellow oranges, plums… She carefully put them in a bayong (wicker basket) tied with ribbons. The gift was simple, but it was the best thing she could buy with her own money.

Arriving at Miguel’s house, Lia greeted him politely. Tito Arturo (Miguel’s father) happily replied, while Doña Hilda (Miguel’s mother) only glanced at the fruit basket, her eyes slightly indifferent.

“What did she bring, Miguel?” she asked.

“Yes, fruit for dessert, Ma,” Miguel smiled.

Doña Hilda nodded slightly, then went into the kitchen to whisper to the kasambahay (maid). Lia didn’t pay attention, still thinking everything was normal.

A moment later, the table was set. In front of Lia was boiled kangkong, a bowl of thin pumpkin sabaw, and a plate of cold fried tokwa. Meanwhile, the kitchen still smelled of lechon manok, hipon braised, ginger steamed fish, kaldereta… Lia caught a glimpse through the crack of the door of a sumptuous tray being carried away.

Miguel frowned: “Ma, I thought you cooked a lot of dishes this morning?”

Doña Hilda smiled awkwardly: “Ah, those dishes are for the afternoon guests. Eating light vegetables is also good.”

Lia smiled, picked up a few pieces, and understood the situation. The atmosphere at the table was heavy.

After eating for a while, Lia put down her chopsticks and stood up gently. The whole table looked at her. Lia’s voice was calm but clear….

“Tita, I know Tita’s family is much better off than mine. I grew up in the countryside, boiled kangkong and squash soup were common, and some days I didn’t even have anything to eat. But today I came not to test your endurance, but to meet and chat with your family. A meal is not just food—it’s a welcoming heart.

I brought this fruit bayong not because I didn’t know what to buy, but because it was the best thing I could choose myself. I believe that love and sincerity are more precious than any gift.”

The room fell silent. Tito Arturo coughed softly, looking at his wife meaningfully. Miguel lowered his head, clearly embarrassed.

Lia continued: “I love Miguel, and if I’m lucky, I’ll have another family to love. But a family can only exist when there is mutual respect. If you’re looked down upon just because you’re poor, I think we should stop here.”

After speaking, Lia bowed, intending to leave. Miguel jumped up: “Lia, wait for me!” Then he turned to his mother, his voice rarely harsh: “Ma! I love Lia not because she is rich or poor. If Ma is still so picky, I will leave the house with Lia.”

Doña Hilda was confused. Everyone’s eyes made her face burn. Tito Arturo slowly said: “You are wrong. What needs to be kept is a good person, not a lavish feast.”

Doña Hilda was silent for a few seconds and then sighed: “Tita… I’m sorry. Tita was too picky. Let Tita tell them to put the other dishes out, everyone can eat together.”

Lia smiled: “Thank you, but I’ll take my leave today. If we have the chance, I’ll come back—and hopefully, we’ll be more sincere then.”

She walked out the gate, Miguel ran after her. Doña Hilda stood looking at the little girl’s back, feeling a sense of loss rising in her heart. She suddenly realized: with just a few words, Lia had made the whole family reconsider their behavior.

From that day on, the sumptuous meal was still served, but Doña Hilda no longer found it as delicious as before. She understood: a bayong of fruit may be cheap, but it is full of value, if it is accompanied by respect and heart.