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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Homeless man's video singing James Ingram classic gets nearly 3 million views

Homeless man's video singing James Ingram classic gets nearly 3 million views

Published Sep 24, 2021 09:23 am

TACLOBAN CITY - Kind netizens came to help a homeless man whose video went viral online after it was posted by his childhood friend on social media.

Fernan Fabrigaras from Catarman, Northern Samar is the owner of the store and the one who posted the video of 43-year-old Vivencio Empalmado Jr. alias 'Tagapok' singing James Ingram's Just Once in his convenience store.Fernan said.

Tagapok was his childhood friend and neighbor. He frequents his store because he usually feeds him.

"I always invite him to visit us because he sings well. His parents are already dead and he doesn't have a family," Fernan shared.

Fernan said Tagapok might have suffered depression when his sibling was killed in front of him, which may have caused his mental condition.

He added that Tagapok used to work in Manila before his parents died. He is the 6th among ten children.

"Sometimes I talk to one of his siblings who sends money for him. He doesn't have a home so sometimes he sleeps on sidewalks or outside our store," he said.

Fernan said Tagapok also has a younger brother who is suffering from the same condition.

When his video became viral, netizens gave Tagapok a makeover and gave him clean clothes and his other needs.

Fernan expressed gratitude that he was able to inspire more people to help his friend.His post, which has been posted and shared on Facebook and Tiktok on Wednesday (Sept. 22) has accumulated views of over 3 million as of presstime.

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