Among the siblings, the eldest aren’t called “breadwinners” for nothing, and in an Asian household, there’s the eldest daughter or the (Ate) who was forced to act like one.

Unbeknownst, they are raised to be an example of their fathers—strong providers and the ones who act as the “bigger person” to their younger siblings.

Although they inherited these characters, growing up was never easy for them. At a young age, they were deprived of things that a child should have

From the start, the firstborn is the lamb to be slaughtered and the safety net when the family is one step away from drifting. Yet, how much further can they hold?

Eldest Daughter Syndrome

This concept is a universal archetype in popular culture and a highly resonant trope in every movie plot.

To cite one is Teddie Salazar, portrayed by Toni Gonzaga in the film “The Four Sisters and The Wedding." As the eldest daughter, she has high hopes for herself and for her family. She goes abroad to fulfill that life, but instead of working as a corporate executive, she ends up not working as she claims to be and hides it from her family.

Coming from a competitive family, Teddie suffered from an inferiority complex, which made her emotionally constipated or unable to express her emotions. A visual representation of how the firstborn was exposed in an environment they are supposed not to be.

Meanwhile, in 2025, the infamous series "When Life Gives You Tangerine” birthed Geum-myeong, played by IU. Growing up in a poor family, she ultimately became their pride and joy, as she’s known for being smart like her father. However, that made her resentment bloom more towards her mom, stemming from generational trauma, financial incapability, and the burden of carrying her parents' unfulfilled dream.

Teddie and Geum-myeong characters might be fictitious but are definitely trailblazers representing the sacrifices of eldest daughters.

Born To Be A Daughter, Forced To Be The Pillar

Behind the responsibilities and expectations, they were still someone’s child who yearns to be loved and taken care of. Because being an eldest daughter means vulnerability is not an option, but it doesn't mean they are not capable of breaking down.

Looking at the bigger picture, this is never due to any drama; it’s from the culture that keeps pushing the eldest to be the first trial run.

So to all Ate’s out there, hang tight as you are expected to reach greater heights, and you are wonderful as you are!