An old post by content creator-artist Donnalyn Bartolome about returning to work after the holidays resurfaced as Pinoys began their first workweek of the new year.
Some social media users on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) brought up a 2023 post in which Donnalyn questioned why Filipinos are often sad to resume work after the Christmas season.
On Sunday, January 4, an account on X shared a photo of Donnalyn’s Facebook post printed out, alongside a photo of herself with the text: “St. Donnalyn Bartolome, Patron Saint of Labor and Employment.”
“The Final Word. ‘Bakit May Sad Dahil Monday Na Kasi Bukas?’ Sta. Donnalyn Bartolome, Patron ng Paggawa at Empleo, hindi ako karapat-dapat na magreklamo sa trabaho ngunit sa isang post mo lamang ay sisipagin na ako. TUGON: ‘Yung Ganun!” the post read.
The Final Word
‘Bakit May Sad Dahil Monday Na Kasi Bukas?’
Sta. Donnalyn Bartolome, Patron ng Paggawa at Empleo, hindi ako karapat-dapat na magreklamo sa trabaho ngunit sa isang post mo lamang ay sisipagin na ako.
TUGON: Yung Ganun!
ctto 📸 https://t.co/PkvIkSjSVg pic.twitter.com/neRGVVDhlJ
— AltIndayBadiday (@AltIndayBadiday) January 4, 2026
Another X account shared a screengrab of Donnalyn’s old post with the caption, “TRABAHO AGAIN, JUSKO PO.”
TRABAHO AGAIN JUSKO PO pic.twitter.com/ZiOcmGjj9Z
— lex salle (@f4ggotism) January 5, 2026
The post referenced Donnalyn’s comment on Jan. 3, 2023, when she went viral for questioning Filipinos’ “sad” attitude toward returning to work after the holiday season, saying they should be “grateful” for having work.
“Bakit may sad dahil back to work na? [‘Di ba] dapat masaya ka kasi may chance ka na pagandahin buhay mo at ng pamilya? Trip ko pa nga may work ng January 1 dahil superstition ko may work ako buong taon ‘pag [gano’n],” she previously wrote.
“Dapat grateful kasi may work. If work makes you unhappy, I hope you find a job that will. ‘Yung pakikiligin ka and sheet (face holding back tears emoji). Anyway, this is just a reminder that having a job is a blessing, bessss. Change mindset, it’s 2023!! (white heart emoji),” Donnalyn added.
Some commenters pointed out that not all Filipinos have ideal work situations, which may involve being away from one’s family, dealing with daily traffic, toxic bosses, or being underpaid and overworked.
Psychologist Riyan Portuguez previously explained that some people may not be eager to return to work because they have their own struggles.
Singer Janine Vela also said that while she understood Donnalyn’s sentiments, it is still valid for people to feel tired and down about resuming their work life after a vacation.
ALSO READ: ‘Medyo nakaka-invalidate’: Reactions to Donnalyn Bartolome’s back-to-work comments
