Babajie’s mother mourns death of comedian: ‘Akala ko kaming dalawa magsasama, mauuna din pala siya’

Babajie’s mother Minda spoke up about her grief when the comedian passed away on Tuesday due to tuberculosis and malnutrition.

In a Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho episode, Minda shared, “Ang akala ko kaming dalawa magsasama. Hindi pala. Mauuna rin pala siya sa akin.”

[“I thought we would be together for a longer time. I never thought that she’d die sooner than me.”]

According to Minda, it was December last year when she noticed how thin Babajie was getting.

“Hindi siya nilalagnat, hindi siya sinisipon. Wala siyang ubo,” Minda said. “Noong sinabi naming magpa-X-Ray, iyong nakita na ng doktor na may butas na iyong baga niya. May butas na.”

[“She didn’t have fever, cough or colds. When we told her to get an X-Ray, the doctor saw that there was a hole in her lungs.”]

Just days before the enhanced community quarantine was imposed, Babajie was diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Babajie was also tested for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and for HIV, but the doctor said she tested negative for both.

Slowly, Babajie lost her ability to move. Minda had to feed her.

Minda never left Babajie's side. She said, “Pagtitiyagaan ko. Gusto ko lang talaga siya mabuhay.”

[“I just wanted her to live.”]

However, things didn’t get better from there.

Babajie started to get weaker, her blood pressure dropped and she was soon transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on May 4.

Just before Babajie passed away, Minda shared that Babajie explained to her just how she wanted it to be when she died.

'Mama, kung ano man mangyari, gusto kong naka pambabaeng damit ako. Tapos, gusto ko pong maraming bulaklak," Minda shared what Babajie requested of her.

[“Mama, whatever happens, I want to be wearing girl clothes. Then I want plenty of flowers.]

After a while, Babajie’s body gave up.

Memories she left behind

Minda fondly recalled how hardworking her daughter was when she was still alive.

She would even offer Minda money, but Minda refused and told Babajie to just keep it in case of emergencies.

Despite being known as an open and funny person, Babajie was actually shy in real life.

This was because Babajie was bullied growing up, Minda revealed.

“Nakikipag-away lang ako sa mga nambu-bully. Sabi ko, ‘Kahit ganyan ‘yung anak ko, hindi naman sakit ng ulo ‘yan.”

[“I would always try to protect her from bullies. I’d tell them that she never caused me any problems.”]

Babajie started as part of Ara Mina’s fan club in Bubble Gang. Soon, she started appearing in shows with the help of her friend, Diego Llorico.

“Napakasakit sa akin na tatanda ako mag-iisa rin ako kasi wala na rin ‘yung asawa ko.”

“Sana maging masaya na siya kasama ng papa niya kay Lord. Mahal na mahal namin siya," Minda added.

[“It pains me when I think about growing old alone. I hope Babajie is happy in heaven, with the Lord and with her father. We love her so much.”]

For those who want to help Babajie’s family, you may donate to:

BDO EDSA-BANGKAL

MA CLARISSA CORNEJO

007510057431

— Kaela Malig/LA, GMA News