Sassa Gurl opens up about her family's hardships: 'Natatakot din ako mawalan ulit'.

Sassa Gurl has come a long way from making skits on Filipino culture on TikTok. The certified internet star has become a calendar girl for a liquor brand and also graced the cover of Preview magazine's Pride Month issue.

Despite her success, Sassa Gurl remains true to her roots. In the recently held Preview Ball, she wore a gown made from the classic striped blankets that every Pinoy household owns.

In an episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Sassa Gurl, or Felix Petate in real life, shared the hardships her family has experienced.

"May mga araw na toyo, mantika [ang ulam namin]. Diyos ko konti na lang magiging adobo na ako, madam. Ngayon nadala ko 'yung pagiging matipid ko kasi natatakot din ako mawalan ulit," she said.

("There are days when we have nothing to eat but rice with soy sauce and oil. My God, I almost became an adobo. Now, I'm still thrifty because I am afraid to have nothing again.")

Sassa Gurl said her mom has been a housekeeper for over 30 years. She worked hard so Sassa can finish her communication degree at Far Eastern University.

"Parang sobrang daming utang na nagawa namin ng nanay ko. Minsan hindi ako pumapasok kasi wala akong pang baon e ang layo ng school. Minsan nagmamakaawa sa teacher kasi ano, wala pang pambayad," Sassa Gurl said.

("My mom and I borrowed a lot of money. Sometimes I don't attend class because I have no allowance and the school is far away. Sometimes I could not even pay tuition.")

"Biruin mo siya ang nag-aral ang laking tuition. Itinaguyod ko talaga siya tapos para mawala man ako may maiiwan ako sa kanya," her mom said. "Ginawa ko lahat para mabigyan ko siya ng tamang edukasyon na mawala man ako sa piling niya alam ko nasa mabuti na siyang kalagayan."

("I worked really hard for her. I did everything so I can give her education so that even when I'm no longer by her side, I know she will be in good hands.")

When the pandemic happened, Sassa Gurl found herself out of a job like many Filipinos. To occupy herself with something, she used her skills as a communication graduate and began creating TikTok videos.

"Ang lala ng lockdown, walang pera, walang trabaho. Ang ginawa ko triny kong, para mawala  'yung bagot ko sa buhay nagbidyo-bidyo ako. Nagkaroon ng engagement," she said.

("The lockdown was bad, we had no money, no jobs. I tried to stave off my boredom in life by creating videos. They generated some engagement.")

She takes inspiration from everyday life to create content. From pop culture observations, to student interactions in the classroom, friendship dynamics, and more, her videos entertain her audience with their relatability.

Asked what lesson she can impart to others with her experience, Sassa Gurl encouraged everyone to be fearless in pushing themselves and pursuing what they want to do.

"Magugulat din kayo na kaya n'yo pala at mare-realize ninyo, 'Ay! May skill pa pala akong ibang ganito?' Hindi mo ma-e-explore 'yung sarili mo kung hindi ka rin mag-e-explore sa kung anong kaya mong gawin."

("You will be surprised by what you can do. Continue to explore what you can do, so you can learn more about yourself.")