‘Ba’t malungkot ang beshie ko?’ This is the inspiring story behind that trending meme

“Ba’t malungkot ang beshie ko?” is easily our new favorite meme because of how hilarious it is matched with cartwheel emojis, but also because it can be applied to so many different situations, you just need to switch up the words.

But where did it come from exactly?

GMA Network's "Magpakailanman" aired the episode "Baklash, the viral princesses of Navotas" in 2019 and uploaded it on YouTube 2021.

It contained a scene where two queer kids, MJ and Lala, were showing off their gymnastics skills while saying the famous lines.

MJ and Lala have always known — and accepted — their sexualities from a young age. While they struggle with poverty and bullies, and also hope to be accepted by their families. 

When MJ joins a Little Miss Gay competition, Lala helps with her gymnastics routine.

MJ wins and uses the prize money to help her family. After seeing her at the competition, MJ’s father apologizes to her and says that he is so proud.

When MJ asks Lala, “Ba’t malungkot ang beshie ko?” it is because Lala got into a misunderstanding with her father.

Later in the episode, Lala and her father also make amends. Her father then gives her the unicorn t-shirt she wanted.

MJ and Lala’s gymnastics at the basketball court eventually go viral, they stand up to bullies, and create a group with their fellow queer kids.

GMA Network uploaded the scene on YouTube, while GMA Pinoy TV uploaded it on Facebook.

Shortly after a netizen shared the clipped video on Twitter last June 27, the meme was born.

It's become so huge that even celebrities took their turn at “Ba't malungkot ang beshie ko?” meme including Dennis Trillo, Jake Ejercito, and Mikael Daez and Megan Young.

As the meme continues to gain traction online, it's worth reminding to focus on the real story. 

In the comment section of both YouTube uploads, fans expressed how they teared up at how the parents accepted their LGBT+ kids. They were also inspired by MJ and Lala, who continue to live their lives as who they are unapologetically, and do not back down from challenges.

Watch the clipped video below:

— LA, GMA Integrated News