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UPDATE [Jun 3, 2015]: #RommelAndBadgi may soon find their happy ending
Of course you remember the viral photo of the loyal dog sleeping with his homeless master, yes?
WATCH: Coconuts TV talks with Rommel & Badgi
The person who took that photo, Gen Pilar, got in touch with Coconuts Manila on Tuesday evening, and told us more about the dog and his master.
The 11-year-old boy’s name is Rommel Quiminales and he loiters around the GMA Network compound in Quezon City. His parents separated when he was younger.
Rommel has an older sister who lives in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, whom he visits only when he has money to put in his coin bank.
According to Gen, Rommel found the stray dog a month ago, and named him Badgi. He decided to adopt Badgi so that he’ll have a companion. Rommel told Gen that Badgi is such a good and obedient dog. “Tulog lang nang tulog. Tinuturuan ko na siya ng tricks ngayon.” Awww.
Gen, who captured the photo on Monday morning, was on her way to work at GMA when she saw Rommel and Badgi. “I looked for him again today kasi I didn’t get his name. Na-overwhelm ako sa nakita ko yesterday, parang sasabog yung dibdib ko.”
Rommel has expressed intentions to go back to school because he has only attended grade two. He says he wants to go back to school to be able to help his sister.
After the photo turned viral, Gen says a lot of people expressed their sympathy for Rommel and Badgi, and even pledged some money. “Nagaalala lang ako kasi naka-leave na ako sa work tomorrow. Baka walang mag-asikaso sa kanila,” she says over email.
So kindhearted souls in Quezon City, you know where to find them!
The Humble Master and His Loyal Dog After being viral in social media, I thought that it would be best to talk to the boy behind the touching picture I posted. His name is Rommel Quemenales, an eleven-year-old boy who lives around GMA Network Complex in Quezon City. His parents separated when he was young. He has an elder sister whom he visits in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan whenever he has money. “Umuuwi lang ako sa bahay ng ate ko ‘pag may ihuhulog na ako sa alkansiya ko.”, Rommel said. Rommel expressed his intentions to get back to school for he only finished grade 2. “Namamalimos po ako kasi gusto ko pong maka-ipon. Gusto ko pa pong mag-aral. Para rin po matulungan ko ang aking kapatid.” His dog is named Badgi. He found Badji a month ago in the streets. He adopted him so he would have a companion. “Sobrang bait po ni Badgi. Tulog lang siya nang tulog. Tinuturuan ko na rin siya ng tricks ngayon.”Here are some of his pictures and videos. Please share with everybody so we could help him and his dog.
Posted by Gen Pilar on Monday, 25 May 2015
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