Cover image via United News
"Badjao Girl" has become a social media sensation, and she is hoping that all the attention can somehow help her and her family get out of poverty
She also thanked Topher Quinto, the man who took her candid pictures at the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon where she was begging for alms with her sibling
"Masaya lang po ako at nagpapasalamat ako kay Kuya Topher, ako po ang napili niya. Kaya sobra-sobrang pasasalamat ko sa kanya," Gabriola said in an interview with GMA News.
The photos by Quinto gained more attention when the son of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte praised Gabriola for her natural beauty, grace and poise.
Gabriola only knew of her fame through others as she did not know how to use phones or the internet, having grown up in an isolated town in Quezon
She is optimistic that the outpouring of support triggered by the pictures will help her fulfill her dreams.
"Kaya ko po gustong maging guro, gusto ko pong matulungan ang tulad ng mga kapatid kong bata. Gusto ko rin po sila maipag-aral. At sabi sakin ng tatay ko, gusto niya kong mapag-aral. Kasi kami na lang po ang pag-asa naming magkakapatid," Gabriola said.
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