I Was Sold Into Prostitution in the Philippines at 14 | Can Ask Meh?

In the 80s and early 90s, prostitution was the only means of survival for most women in Olongapo City, Philippines. Situated near the Subic Bay U.S. Naval base, the red light districts in the city thrived to meet the high demand of American soldiers.
On this special episode of Can Ask Meh?, three ladies from Olongapo share how and why they were forced to prostitute themselves in the past.
Check out Buklod's Facebook page to support their cause: m.facebook.com...
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[@OGS.Official]

Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed this special episode we did in collaboration with a production house in the Philippines. It's extremely difficult to talk about something so personal and traumatic onscreen, and we are very thankful that Brenda, Alma and Joy were so brave and candid in their sharing. To support the ladies and their cause, feel free to reach out to them via their Facebook page: facebook.com/buklodcenter/ Do also let us know in the comments if there's anything else you guys would like to see in the future! Thanks for watching! - Tan Tong (Producer)

[@ruthtapiwa6311]

Has the government of the Philippines ever tried to give reparations to these women who were coerced into prostitution because of these US Army bases?. I have read a similar story of how some women in South Korea successfully sued their government because they were used as prostitutes in the US army bases & it turns out the government was complicit in the whole thing.

[@Mixed_Activist]

I’m a Romanian orphan, a forced pregnancy for my mom and abused child. I eventually got adopted. But I had my firstborn at 10 thanks to a teacher. Especially with the current climate involving women’s rights, could you share my story? You wouldn’t even believe the shit I’ve gone thru, but I truly want others to learn from it. Oh and in 2020 my firstborn son Kyle was murdered by my abusive ex. He stepped in to save me and it cost him his life. The only reason I was able to flee was caz I had an abortion. This is why I want to share my story. Because as a forced pregnancy and abused unwanted child, and as a forced mom myself I want people to realize that CHOICE matters. That it’s not black and white. I want them to have to put a face and a name and a real life story to the movement. I hold my sign up every day just about, at my local churches and crisis pregnancy centers. I’ve been called a baby killer. People truly think I’m like Sean which fucking disgusts me. Plz if u r interested let me know. I’ve wanted to share my story for years. Also unrelated question, but did the Spanish ever have anything to do with the Philippines? I’ve wondered for a while caz sometimes they have Spanish names, or even use Spanish words and sometimes look Spanish or Spanish mixed.

[@tt4days346]

every child deserves a parent but not every parent deserves a child :,(

[@SavannahVu1985]

Agreed! It’s utterly disgusting how parents can do this to their own blood. My children are my world and I would give them the world or tear it down for them to destroy anyone who dared hurt them. Shattering hearing what they went through 😭

[@Love-mg1mw]

true, ang nga bata mababaet tlga ng inilabas nababago lang sa pag papalaki sa environment

[@ppw8716]

So true, indeed.

[@ppw8716]

To these women, I thank you for sharing your story. To see you all come out of that ordeal and still be positive about life, it is simply amazing. Im not at all certain that I’d come out as positive.

[@BinibiningEsme-ol8qh]

Some people are just pure evil😡

[@jisoo1571]

This was a powerful discussion. I’m grateful for these women sharing their stories with such dignity and strength!

[@delgieflores3225]

Salamat sa Diyos na Makapangyarihan at binigyan kayo ng lakas na nakalabas kayo ng maayos sa kinaluklokan nyong masama at alam natin na xa mismo ang gumawa ng paraan at kayo'y mapunta kayo sa magandang gawain ngayon kayo na mismo ang tumutulong sa mga babaing nakaranas din ng karanadan nyo.Mabuhay ang Lord dahil sa huli natalo na nman si satanas na laging nakalibot ng mga masasamang gawain.PRAISE GOD ALWAYS...HE'S THE TRUTH,THE WAY n THE LIFE...AMEN

[@I.DONT.read.notifs.hatefuljerk]

agreed

[@thesubgenius1676]

Where do you see dignity? There's no dignity in Philippines.

[@glamchikjem]

You really can't judge anyone who works in this industry because they have a very deep reason why they do these, mostly poverty. I hope there'll be more organizations like BUKLOD.

[@Yo_Kelz]

"I've never experienced orgasm until I left prostitution." Powerful words. God bless these Queens.

[@ItzyNamie]

what does that means when she said she have never experienced orgasm??

[@Yo_Kelz]

@@ItzyNamie it means tricks ain’t shit

[@VladGrim]

​@@ItzyNamieIt means porn doesn't reflect real life lol

[@jvalentino6466]

@@ItzyNamiekid, cuz orgasms are personal and happens when youre ACTUALLY enjoying

[@tonyoliva6715]

U finding orgasm

[@WWK186]

Failure of parents to protect their children results in much misfortune. Great that these women have come to terms with their past and move forward.

[@oliviaaraneta476]

Intergenerational poverty is a cycle here. Man and Woman having multiple babies they can't afford... And cycle continues.

[@Yo_Kelz]

⁠@@oliviaaraneta476Started with war and Imperialist invasion, then amplified by foreign military occupation.

[@oliviaaraneta476]

@@Yo_Kelz Because of the things you mentioned, does that dictate a man and women to have many children they can't afford to raise properly? Clothes. Health, food, education, home? In 2019 till now teenage pregnancy is still a social problem. In the slums in Metro Manila, still average family size is high but is living under the poverty line of 12K PHP a month total household income... Culture and religion is the problem.

[@BinibiningEsme-ol8qh]

😢😢😢

[@TheCalendarfish]

I feel so angry about the horrible things these women had to endure, but I'm also so proud of them for the strength they have to translate their hurts into helping other women. WE LOVE CYCLE BREAKERS.

[@nancybelga8003]

p one p

[@nancybelga8003]

ss

[@MissPomegranate_kaleidoscope]

Yeah I get so horribly mad as well. But I'm glad that the abused people didn't give up. I wish abusive people didn't exist

[@DONTcareAnymore000]

same

[@thetipsyartteacher5665]

The lady that got sold by her mom for 500 pesos, putangina, that really broke my heart. To have your own mother do that to you. And to be rescued by someone youre not even related to. This is really sad but also inspiring (not to romanticize poverty) to see all these woman deal with life. Kudos po, mabuhay kayo.

[@nmodyosa]

Minsan talaga mas natutulungan ka ng strangers kesa sa sarili mong pamilya. Wala talaga sa dugo ang salitang "malasakit".

[@JR-ep4wr]

Its so touching to see how these women are still so forgiving and understanding despite having to go through such traumatic events

[@BinibiningEsme-ol8qh]

😢😢😢

[@zy5992]

This speaks a lot of the systemic issues that American colonisation of Philippines and also the treatment of women. A lot of women in poverty are forced into prostitution and more often than not, for women those who sexually trafficked and assaulted by men they know and trust, yet are always the ones blamed for what they wear and sex work.

[@invisiblesun6595]

Don't know what the US has to do with this. You can blame Marcos for his part in this from 65-85. What do you think the Chinese would do if they colonized them? Make them all CEO's 🙄

[@SavannahVu1985]

As a mother of a young teenager, I look at my beautiful daughter and it shatters me to even think of anyone/anything hurting her. Her innocence, happiness, imagination & love for life is the most precious thing on this earth that I have had the pleasure of being apart of. This world is so cruel & people can be monsters. I wish the people who would hurt children would all rot in hell because this world needs to be rid of them. My heart aches for these women & every beautiful soul that had to suffer what they had to endure. Thank you for sharing your stories with us ladies, you are truly strong, resilient & amazing. I wish you all the best, Happiness, love, peace & joy in yours and your families lives.

[@kathyaragoza3009]

I am also residing in Olongapo City, Philippines and I can attest that most areas in our city indeed have a lot of night clubs and bars. They are everywhere, and you can definitely see a lot of women working there. You can't actually blame them for their occupation since everything is all about 'survival of the fittest'. If you can't adapt to your environment, then most likely, you'll die from hunger. I have high respect to these women who have this kind of occupation, whether they like the job or not, you know that they are striving to create a better life for themselves, it's just too bad that many people are being prejudicial towards these wonderful and brave women just because of their job.

[@itsmesupernigel]

These filipinas are so brave to let their stories to be shared. I hope they find the healing they deserve.

[@Utubesensation]

People be discriminating and looking down on prostitutes but its those same people that uses those services and treats others like trash

[@roronoa_kenshin]

Definitely agree

[@BinibiningEsme-ol8qh]

For real, hypocrites

[@danielolivan]

Thank you for featuring these ladies and the organization. They are doing amazing work for the sex worker community in the city, and Ate Alma is an equally amazing and dynamic woman. And you guys did so much justice to the subtitles to really get their stories across.

[@OGS.Official]

thanks so much for your kind comment! we actually worked with a local production house for this video, and Karl and his team did a really good job connecting us with the ladies, and with the translations as well :)

[@jvalentino6466]

Woman in red seems so happy ❤️ Woman in white respects her self so much and is so honest even with her kids ❤ I just wanna hug the last woman. I hope her kids dont make her feel shes really alone😢

[@OCC5942]

This is a great story of life and survival. Eto yung mga stories na dapat napapakinggan naten, not those fake-perfect pageantry stories.

[@MrsArce15]

It’s hard to watch them crying telling the hardship they’ve experience before. You guys are wonderful and amazing. I have deep respect to ya’ll. I pray that ya’ll get through with this experiece. Forgive yourself and your past, praying for your healing🙏🏾

[@meowya_]

This actually breaks my heart and I am glad that as a 17 year old girl, I am learning about these stuffs because it is such a privilege to earn these pieces of information. I really got emotional when those who made these wonderful women live by prostitution never apologized to them. I feel like its been a normalized thing to not apologize and just move on with life. I hope these wonderful ladies serve as an inspiration to other people and make them change their point of views in life. Kudos to these women for being strong !!

[@OGS.Official]

Hey everyone! Been seeing a lot of new viewers here, so just wanted to bump Buklod's Facebook link again if anyone of you would like to support their cause: facebook.com/buklodcenter Thanks so much for watching!

[@peiqi4576]

Thank you Brenda, Joy and Alma for sharing your stories ❤ Happy for you that you have overcome such a tough phase of your life and that you’re on the journey to happier lives :)

[@laoyue5924]

these translations are extremely well done!!

[@twixie__5651]

There is a big gap in societal hierarchy in the Philippines. Not everyone is lucky to have a better life due to circumstances especially if they come from a less privileged family. I feel saddened and angered by what other Filipinos go through just to live and/or to make their family live. They are forced to do things that are inhumane and immoral. I hope that more Filipinos would be wise when they make a family. They should only get married and have family of their own if they are financially and mentally capable of supporting them. Stop being irresponsible so that your kids will not be your retirement plan and do not have to suffer a harsh life just because you cannot provide them a good life. That's why there are children and/or adults who grow up to be hateful adults it is because of envy and comparing themselves to other people. blaming other people for their circumstances, hating privileged people who are not even doing anything to them. BE RESPONSIBLE PARENTS if ever you plan to have your own family.

[@duckseatingbread]

Heartbreaking and amazing stories. Thanks to the women who were so brave to come out and share ❤

[@nicholasyong7051]

Nohing is stronger than a parent's love for their children, just shows how parents will go above and beyond to provide for their kids despite the risks and consequences

[@pingteo6104]

Your statement is ironic.. as one of the lady was sold into prostitution by her mom. But I get what you were trying to say, that she is now a great mom to her kids to break the cycle.

[@akimarii4565]

As a fellow Filipino, I am in awe at how incredibly articulate these ladies are in talking about their experiences, even if it's such a heavy topic. I can't help but admire how strong they are despite everything they've been through. Thank you so much for sharing their stories. Maraming salamat!

[@farihamohamedhilmy4700]

It must be a long battle for these Filipino women to break free from prostitution. I have deep respect for them in sharing their battle story 👊🏻❤️‍🩹

[@johnninocovers]

Even back then there was this dark joke that goes: During WW2: Mothers, "The Americans are here, hide your daughters" After WW2: Mothers, "The Americans are here, bring out your daughters" Parents pimping out family members were encouraged back then. That's truly awful :(

[@pinoytunes7707]

Still happens today. Basta AFAM kahit nakailang divorce at halos di na makalakad dahil matanda na basta pensionado go parin mga nanay.

[@mudrabels8815]

Yung highschool teacher ko may sinabi ding ganyan about sa mga Japanese: During WW2: The Japanese are here. Everybody should hide After WW2: The Japanese are here. Welcome them with open arms and open legs

[@Nabi_yajeong]

Thank you for not hating yourselves. You are victims. I pray you receive complete healing.

[@Coring55]

Salamat sa Buklod! Sana hwag nang muulit Kung ano ang Olongapo City noon. But, I still worry because there will be a lot of foreign soldiers coming to the Philippines again, and not only in Olongapo… I hope that the Filipinos/Filipinas will have the dignity to stop and prevent this prostitution. The solution is to solve poverty. Women should be the most empowered people in a country because they are the ones who will bring up the future generation with the support of yet another empowered Filipino men. 👍

[@TheScooby7890]

I really respect these women who are telling their stories, so we can understand and find more compassion in ourselves. However, I don’t think that one woman who was abandoned should send money back, even if a portion of it went to the sister. I’ve learned from personal experience narcissists never change, and serving their needs is just enabling them. I wish all of these women the very best in life.

[@pingteo6104]

Maybe she’s afraid her mom might sell her sister if she doesn’t support them financially.

[@TheScooby7890]

@@pingteo6104 yeah but I mean I think she should contact authorities then, or maybe reach out to a universal humanitarian support. By giving money, the mother is just exploiting on her fears and using emotional blackmail to get what she wants

[@mll5530]

I have been to Barangay 105, and now after watching this interview, I again feel that these are all really so extremely heartbreaking. No one ever deserves such situations, no one. However, there are so many of such extremely heart-drenching souls in Philippines and elsewhere in the world. I really wonder how can mankind get rid of all such poverty?

[@Ilovecatto]

"Hindi ko na siya mahal bilang nanay, pero nirerespeto ko siya dahil siya ang bumuhay sa akin sa mundo.", u really know that mother really neglect her- but despite of what her mother did, she still find a space in her heart to forgive her. You really know na she's the kindest person you'll meet.

[@teddybearcloud]

12:06 she's so humorous hahahaa im glad she found a safe space

[@levitator45]

Im glad that one woman was giddy and happy talking about how she was able to orgasm when she was found someone who loved and respected her

[@ggZuper]

Praying for all women who experience difficulties in life.

[@gifyoi]

their stories are so sad. kudos to them for having the strength to share their stories

[@jolynchan5801]

😢😢😢😢😢 such strong and vulnerable women, I have deep respect for them. I pray that God will heal them completely :')

[@easteryeko9742]

Its very sad that the ones who put them in danger are the ones who should be protecting them. The lady in red is one best example of what sex should be. Nowadays people just want to get rid of their virginity, sex is just fun...but to her sex is something that should be respectful not only to you but also your partner. It must be all about love and not just selfish means. Thank you for featuring these ladies. It made me appreciate more of what i have in life even if it isnt the ideal one that i want, nevertheless it is a blessed one

[@ARW8899]

Amazing women. I hope that sharing their story will be a huge help in their healing journey xxx

[@yzahbel]

They are such strong, powerful women for sharing these stories.

[@amapolaaylaya3771]

IM SO PROUD OF YOU MGA MOMMIES. 😭 YOU DESERVE RESPECT.

[@yulingo5577]

Breaks my heart to listen to their stories 😢

[@StarrySunnie]

😢😢these women are very courageous to storm these obstacles through 🙏🏽🙇🏻‍♀️

[@birdsinacity8877]

Not all mothers are good to their children, sad realty.

[@sheena6352]

I was so inspired by the incomparable strength these women have! I bow down to you.

[@gzbbb]

I really hate the saying "If you have many kids, life will get easier." I know it rooted from the religious aspect of the Filipinos but please we should also think of the welfare of the kid. I feel bad for these women resorted to prostitutions because of poverty.

[@asyla5690]

Whenever I heard these stupid men say ugly and horrible things to these poor woman that only wanted to provide for their families I just felt so angry and irritated.. my heart goes out to all of these strong woman who had to go through this horrible and horrendous experience.

[@ruthtapiwa6311]

Thank you all for sharing your stories, you are incredibly strong. You might have forgiven your families but i think justice needs to be done.

[@crescent3107]

Iba yung aura nila, sobrang maaliwalas. Habang nag kkwento sila. Yung di mo aakalain na matindi yung pinagdaanan nila.

[@geraldineanngregory1371]

I am so sorry that you women have to go through such difficult circumstances. What I see you now are 3 beautiful, strong women can raise their children on their own. I respect you all

[@jane1619]

A success story

[@gudetamad]

These women should have never gone through these things, they’re incredibly heartbreaking. US imperialism needs to end, in case foreign viewers don’t know, although there are no more US military bases in the Philippines, a lot of agreements still allow their troops to fly over and conduct military exercises with Filipino soldiers. The US’ military presence in the PH despite the Philippines being ‘independent’ (just in name, of course) is worrying.

[@61subsandnovideos]

without the US bases in the philippines we would be colonized by china. here and there women and girls would be r worded by chinese communists, its already happening in their country what more for the philippines? its not america's fault for our society's poverty, the blame should be on our government.

[@lyanne2765]

Such an eye-opener for me. Thank you for sharing your stories.

[@libiya_sheikh]

this is so sad my heart goes out to them❤❤

[@mikay3427]

Instant sub! Thanks for bringing this to light. We need to protect women and children

[@tobicat6385]

Omg the levels of degradation these brave women experienced just to survive. I'm so angry. "little brown fucking machine" oh my god

[@jvalentino6466]

Sorry but this is why im not a caucasian obsessed asian like most are. Theyre very disrespectful

[@bpo4736]

These are strong women. You gotta do what you gotta do in order to survive. And if there are people who find what they did disgusting, they lived a sheltered life and are ignorant of the world outside their bubble. Imagine the guys too who goes thru it as well.

[@natalietan5240]

Thank you for sharing your stories. You are all beautiful and brave women. Thanks for sharing your life with us and doing what you’re doing to help your community ❤

[@auroramarixx]

Mahigpit na yakap para sa matatapang na mga kababaihan na ito. Salamat po sa pagshare niyo ng inyong mga kwento 🤍

[@Thehonestruth]

What brave strong women. I wish each of you much happiness.

[@SHIMENGHET]

they are strong women..

[@julesoxana]

My heart goes out to them, they are so strong and amazing❤ i wish them nothing but the best and happiness

[@charlenejoycecasino8536]

No judgment for these brave women. My pure love and understanding for them regardless of how their previous work was frowned upon.

[@LureAngler]

If I'm a CO of a US naval ship docking at this place, I"ll make my sailors finish watching this before they disembark.

[@cathdan]

Lol they rather watch a porn movie, and if you are a co you will be like them, horny as f.

[@mll5530]

Sir, please share with the whole army, airforce, and navy.

[@relizekandykanes]

Thank you for your courage to share your stories and to help other women and sisters. We appreciate you 💛😊

[@rosylinhortelano6411]

Thank you for volunteering to empower women like you in the past. You are actually giving them hope and strength to change, that they still have a choice for a better life. That if you can do it, they also can. You are making a big difference in this world. Salute to you. God bless you…💕❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@tumanalang]

Mahigpit na yakap sa inyong tatlo Alma, Brenda and Joy.

[@amyloveartuz5465]

They are indeed strong and powerful women💯 We should never really judge the person based on their job, kasi di natin alam ano dahilan nila bat pinasok ang ganitong trabaho. May God heal you completely po, thank you for sharing your stories❤

[@sweetchild4785]

Filipino culture, mostly their children are their retirement funds. When the children grow up, and started to earn money, they usually give money to their parents or siblings either because of pitty or responsibility. Too bad.

[@elgienbarera4027]

Nakakadurog ng puso. They're braved enough to shared their own stories.

[@gelaluci990]

this is why I pursue to be a social worker, to empower the vulnerable people

[@mugenjin205]

Brave women telling their stories

[@dorinacapz7890]

Wag natin basta judge mga tao ganyan iba iba dahilan. Iba iba pinag daanan. 😢

[@dannahwaynecarcallas5226]

Can't help but to cry :(( Sana makuha n'yo na po 'yong peace na deserve n'yo. Hugs with consent 🫂

[@firstrunnerup1675]

it's eye opening, seeing the truth when someone who ACTUALLY experienced such things. and many filipinos still praises foreigners just for money. and many filipinos say "forda win!" "laban philippines!" "sana all" "may nanalo na" "may winner na", the fact that it was a trend for a filipino to judge other filipinos for fun or for jealousy, but in reality, its like 1 out of 1,000,000 possibilities to find love with a foreigner who thinks of raising a family and give the filipina a good life.. almost all of the foreigners who come here in our country simply wants sex and good times, then return to their homeland. to them its a heaven, but to us, its unfair and scary. like we offer our dignities to some douchebag outside. prostitutions here is rampant, sign that our government is failing its citizen, we really do not open our eyes, filipinos.... we should know better.

[@dowi5529]

this broke my heart.

[@biancakimguilbero7963]

As a young woman, watching this video is very inspiring.

[@marilyncanoy9388]

It's hard to hear what more if we are in their shoes... It's heartbreaking

[@YoItsGigi]

May the Lord be with them and every child out there that is in need.... only HE can save !

[@queeniestamaria9296]

Matatalinong babae magsalita ano man ang past nila.🙏🏻

[@glennjaysolidor9984]

More Power BUKLOD! Sana ay marami pa ang mag abot ng tulong para sa inyo.

[@perfectlyimperfectmae6137]

They are so strong for having this burden😢 notice how strong they are in life you won't know they suffered.

[@angelica535]

0:33 *omg yes. I'm from Olongapo City, 🇵🇭. Ang ungnaririnig ko noon na uso ang club at bars doto sa Subic during 80s na maraming kano etc.*

[@Beepbupbap]

sakit sa puso pakinggan ng stories nila 😭😭😭

[@beautifuldurian]

💪💪💪💪💪. Bless these people and may their lives change for the good. 👍🏼🙏🏼

[@keighjustynntanchicoo7890]

oh just thinking about how scared they probably were every time they were brought to a hotel just makes me angry and sad I wonder what they were thinking what could happen to them it just shatters me, they're so strong for surviving huge respecttt for these beautiful mommies and ladies

[@MorenongEnhinyero]

Ang tapang naman ng mga babaeng ‘to. Respect.

[@VladGrim]

Some of the good sentences weren't translated well sadly 😢 When she said she wanted to replace her mother, she really said 'If I could I would slap and replace her'. Also, it's not a friend to her stepfather, but a sibling or someone related to her stepfather.

[@davegabrielodtuhan]

These are stories that deserve to be heard all over the world. Grabe po kayo napaka powerful niyo pong lahat to go through all that for your families and and still come out stronger. Mad respect po sa inyo❤❤.

[@belchiching]

I just want to go n hug them... tats all.

[@shaf3006]

I respect this women but I am angry to the people who're supposed to look at their welfare, the Politicians. They are the one who should be ashamed, knowing the Country politics those politicians are heartless and shameless, so does the colonial who siphoned the country and left it astray, Mahalkita Parey from Malaysia

[@jacklynpangjl]

Please feature more stories from the Philippines 🙏

[@barbzdevera7501]

Nowadays, this is not a job we can think of. I guess for those women who are brave enough to discuss their prostitution job is something shameful but at the same time it's something we can salute them because it's not just for them. It's for their family also. It's a traditional Filipino culture.

[@wnncny3016]

Kudos to this team for to the subtitles, well translated to depict the true emotion of the story.

[@bryanpatrickvillafuerte6100]

God bless and belated happy mothers day! Mabuhay po kayo!

[@Love-mg1mw]

kawawa naman si ate ung una, imagine mabuhay mag isa lumaki kang walang maaasahan pero naka survive , actually lahat sila

[@Annyeonghigaseyo]

I wish the President will close all bars in Angeles and Olongapo

[@Tulips-xi2rk]

Yung binenta ka ng sarili mong nanay Grabe 💔

[@yannipee]

hugs to these strong women 🫂