A fire and rescue officer who has dedicated his life to saving others is now mourning a loss he never thought he would face.
Fire Officer 1 Emmanuel Bolaño of the Masbate City Fire Station lost his only son, 16-year-old Brian Simon, during the onslaught of tropical cyclone Opong in Masbate on Friday, September 21.
“Hindi ko [inakala] na ako bilang isang rescuer, hindi ko na-save ang anak ko,” Bolaño shared.
As part of his duty, Bolaño was stationed at the fire station on Thursday afternoon, ready to respond to emergency operations as severe tropical storm Opong approached the province.
He never imagined it would be the last time he would see his son alive.
In the early hours of Friday, Bolaño received the devastating news: a concrete wall from a neighboring house collapsed on his son’s bedroom.
Brian was immediately rushed to the hospital but succumbed to severe head injuries.
“Iniisip ko na parang napilayan lang. Pero iba na talaga eh. Iba ang dating sa akin. Kaya humingi ako ng instruction sa hepe namin,” FO1 Bolaño said.
“Sinabi ng doctor na, ‘sir wag ka lang mabigla’. Pero alam ko na kung anong ibig sabihin. Pinatuloy ko ‘yong pag-revive sa kanya. Ginawa ko ang lahat baka kaya ko pang masalbar ang anak ko. Pero ang alam ko, ‘yon po ang plano ni Lord,” he added.
Unknown to him at the time, Brian had sent a message before the accident, saying that he had just woken up— a message that FO1 Bolaño only saw too late due to down communication lines.
“Nan, kung hain ka man, palangga ta ka ikaw. Aram mo gad na ang kamingaw ko oras-oras. Grabe. Mahal na mahal talaga kita ‘nak.”
[“Nan, kung nasaan ka man, mahal kita. Alam mo na ang kalungkutan ko ay oras-oras.”]
Acting City Fire Marshal FSINSP. Francis Castillo expressed the deep pain shared by the entire fire station.
“Ang sakit sa dibdib talaga kasi ang trabaho natin as a responder. Pero pagdating sa anak mo, anak natin, wala tayong naggawa. Kaya lang hindi kami makaalis e,” he said.
Brian was a bright student with a promising future.
His father shared that he dreamed of becoming an artist.
“After niya sa senior high school, mag-fine arts sana siya. Magaling siya sa drawing at editing at graphic designing,” Bolaño added.
According to the latest data from the Office of Civil Defense Bicol, the confirmed death toll from tropical cyclone Opong has risen to nine.
PUBLIC HUMILIATION? Herlene Budol Allegedly REJECTED as Baby Peanut’s Godmother – What’s the REAL Story Behind the Shocking Rejection? Fans Are Left in Disbelief as Tensions Rise – What’s Going On Behind the Scenes?
Herlene Budol Politely Declines to Be Baby Peanut’s Godmother — Here’s Why
Manila, Philippines — Social media is abuzz after reports emerged that actress-comedienne and beauty queen Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol allegedly declined an invitation to be a godmother to a celebrity baby — lovingly nicknamed “Baby Peanut” by fans online. The news, though not yet confirmed by Budol’s camp, has triggered speculation among netizens, with many wondering why one of the most vibrant personalities in showbiz would say no to such a heartfelt role.
Who Is Baby Peanut?
“Baby Peanut” is the adorable nickname fans have given to the newborn child of a well-known celebrity couple. The parents, both active in Philippine entertainment and social media, have been transparent with fans throughout the pregnancy journey, frequently sharing ultrasound photos, baby bump milestones, and now, glimpses of their little one.
Their choice of godparents was highly anticipated — especially given their close ties with fellow showbiz personalities, including Herlene Budol.
So when rumors began to circulate that Budol had politely declined the role of ninang (godmother), it didn’t take long for social media platforms to light up with curiosity and hot takes.
Herlene Budol: “It’s Not the Right Time”
Although there has been no formal interview or press release as of writing, insiders close to Budol shared that her decision was not made out of disrespect or personal issues with the family. Rather, it was reportedly due to her desire to fully commit to her responsibilities, and she felt she couldn’t do that at this point in her life.
“Herlene is very self-aware and sincere. She didn’t want to accept such an important role if she couldn’t be fully present — spiritually, emotionally, and even financially,” said a source close to the actress.
According to the same source, Budol has been managing an increasingly busy schedule, juggling her TV appearances, brand endorsements, and recent international pageant-related activities. “She has always valued the role of a godparent, especially in Filipino culture. For her, being a ninang is more than a title — it’s a long-term commitment,” the insider added.
Cultural Expectations vs. Personal Boundaries
In the Philippines, being chosen as a ninang or ninong is a great honor — it symbolizes trust, closeness, and spiritual responsibility. However, for celebrities like Budol, who are constantly in the public eye and have hectic schedules, saying “yes” to such a role is not always easy.
Many netizens have actually come to her defense, praising the actress for her honesty and self-awareness.
“She made the mature choice,” one netizen commented. “It’s better to decline respectfully than to say yes and end up being absent in the child’s life.”
Others, however, criticized the move, calling it “unusual” and questioning whether the decision was rooted in something deeper, such as personal tensions or showbiz politics. But there is no evidence supporting those claims.
From “Hipon Girl” to Empowered Woman
Herlene Budol rose to fame as the witty and relatable “Hipon Girl” on television, but she has since evolved into a multi-talented personality with a growing fanbase. After joining Binibining Pilipinas and competing internationally, Budol has proven she is not just a comedic figure but a determined woman who knows her priorities.
In a past interview, Budol expressed her desire to focus on self-growth, family, and helping those in need. “Everything I do, I do for my family and my future. I don’t say yes to something just for show,” she said.
This may well explain her choice to decline being a godmother at this time — a move some may see as unconventional, but one that reflects her integrity and maturity.
Will the Door Remain Open?
While she may have declined the invitation for now, sources suggest that Budol remains close to the couple and holds deep affection for Baby Peanut. One insider even hinted that Budol still sent a generous gift and a heartfelt letter welcoming the child into the world.
Whether or not she will accept a similar invitation in the future remains unknown. What’s clear is that Budol continues to handle her public image with grace, honesty, and a deep respect for tradition — even when it means making tough decisions.
Stay tuned for more updates on this story as Herlene Budol or Baby Peanut’s parents release an official statement.
Ipinahayag noon ng Bb. Pilipinas 2022 first runner up na si Herlene Budol ang kagustuhan niyang maging isang ninang ni Baby Peanut, ang unang anak ng celebrity couple na sina Jessy Mendiola at Luis Manzano.
Sa isang post ni Luis kung saan ipinapakita niya ang kanyang daddy duties sa kanyang anak, nagbigay ng kwelang komento si Herlene Budol kung saan ipinahayag niya na sana ay kunin siyang ninang sa binyag nito.
Hirit pa ni Herlene, na sina Luis at Jessy ang magbibigay sa kanya ng regalo taon-taon.
Agad naman itong sinagot ni Luis na, “Parang may iba ha.”
Subalit, iniintriga ngayon ng ilang mga netizens ang naging sagot ni Luis. Ayon sa ilang mga marites, na tila tinanggihan nito si Herlene.
Samantala, may mga nagsasabing baka hindi pabor si Jessy Mendiola na maging ninang si Herlene ng kanilang anak ni Luis kaya hindi nito pinansin ang hirit ng beauty queen. Dahil tiyak ang kukunin umano ng mga itong maging ninong at ninang ay ang malalapit sa kanila at yung may malalaking pangalan.
