The woman who recently gained attention after being filmed emerging from a sewer in Makati City has come forward with her story, revealing a troubled past marked by substance use and hardship.
Identified as Rose Marie, she candidly admitted during an interview with vlogger Boss Toyo of Pinoy Pawnstars that she occasionally uses illegal substances. “Nagbibisyo naman po pero hindi naman po araw-araw eh,” she shared, clarifying that her usage isn’t regular.
Rose Marie appeared on the vlog to pawn a cutter blade she uses in scavenging, which had fallen into the sewer. The moment she retrieved it, captured on video, quickly went viral.
Visible scars on her arms raised concern during the interview, which she explained were remnants of past self-harm and injuries from crawling through the drainage system. “Nung naghihiwa ako hindi pa po ako gumagamit niyan,” she said, referring to a time when she still had a more stable livelihood.
Her viral fame led to swift action from the government. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided her with P80,000 in financial assistance, with further monitoring and support from local authorities.
Boss Toyo, who also shared his personal experience with addiction, urged her to make the most of the help given. “Magbago ka, pilitin mo… kasi ako dati rin ako [nag]bisyo, parang walong taon akong lugmok sa bisyo araw-araw… Kailangan magbago ka kasi sayang ‘yang ibinigay sayo [na pera], mauubos ‘yun,” he said.
