'Hipon Girl' Herlene Budol opens up about her rough childhood: 'Nakikipagsuntukan pa ako'

One of the many qualities fans love about Herlene Budol is her "palaban" attitude.

In an episode of "Tunay na Buhay," TV's one and only "Hipon Girl" said she learned how to be tough at a young age to be able to defend herself and her family from bullies.

"Nakikipagsuntukan po ako palagi sa amin," she said. "Oo, pag inaasar nga po ng ano ng tatay ko kalbo, kalbo, inaasar lolo ko, nakikipagsuntukan po talaga ko."

Raised by her grandparents in Angono, Rizal, Herlene said her neighbors teased her about being an "ampon."

She also described herself as a "hipon girl" from the start due to her appearance.

"Hindi ko nga alam, kaya nga po siguro tinatawag akong hipon no'n kasi hindi po talaga ako palaayos. Nito lang po ako nakakaligo-ligo," she said.

Although Herlene believes her rough childhood made her stronger, she wants to make sure her children don't experience the same hardships she had to go through.

"Sobra kasi mga pinagdaanan ko po. Siguro parang ayon din po nagpatatag sa akin hanggang ngayon po so hanggang pagtanda ko po siguro madadala ko na kapag nag asawa ako, hindi ko hihiwalayan para hindi maranasan ng magiging anak ko 'yung naranasan ko," she said.

"Huhugutin ko po yong naranasan ko para po hindi na mangyari sa ibang tao sa magiging anak in the future," she added.

Herlene gained popularity after joining "Wowowin," and she became known for her alias "Hipon Girl." —Margaret Claire Layug/JCB, GMA News