TV and social media personality Awra Briguela’s recent Youtube interview with content creator Benedict Cua on ‘Potluck Saturdays with Ben’ highlights the power of genuine kindness and generosity. In a candid conversation over potluck food, Awra shared her journey of resilience, emphasizing how the presence and belief of others can be life-changing, especially during times of hardship. This interview not only highlights Awra’s personal growth but also reminds us of the impact that showing up for someone can have — an act that can mend, uplift, and renew lives. In this case, Vice Ganda’s act of kindness stood out.
In the teaser on Instagram, Benedict asked Awra, “Paano ka nakabalik?” to which Awra responded, “You just need one person to believe in you. And si Meme Vice [Vice Ganda] ‘yun. Bumalik ako sa pag-aaral nung chineck ako ni Meme na parang, ‘How are you? Anong pinagkakabusyhan mo?’ She always checks on me. Tapos dun niya sinabi niya, ‘How about your school?’” Awra revealed how Vice Ganda’s sincere concern rekindled her motivation to pursue her education. When told about her issues with her old school and her financial struggles, Vice offered help, saying, “Sige papahelp kita mag-ayos ng papers mo. Dun ako talaga pinakanaging committed kasi kailangan kong gawin at habul-ihin itong isang bagay na ‘to. Kasi noon, inaanu-ano ko lang yung pag-aaral. Parang okay lang ito, ganito, ganyan. Kasi ako yung nagpapaaral sa sarili ko. Pero this time, si Meme yung nagpapaaral sa akin. She’s paying for my tuition.”
You just need one person to believe in you. And si Meme Vice [Vice Ganda] ‘yun.
Benedict’s reaction, “Totoo?,” showed his astonishment at Vice’s genuine act of kindness. Awra modestly expressed her gratitude, saying, “The least that I can do is to show up and ipakita sa kanya na worth it yung pagbabayad niya na tuition ko.” Awra revealed that one of her goals in studying is to get Latin honors when she graduates.
Benedict reflected on this, asserting that true support goes beyond financial aid, stating, “Grabe ang nagagawa ng showing up, ng presence, of believing in someone. Kasi akala ng iba, pera-pera lang. Tapos papaaralin kita.” He emphasized that Vice’s gesture was rooted in deep trust and belief in Awra’s potential, “Pero the actual belief in someone na ‘Tiwala ako kaya mo yan. Galingan mo ‘yan.’”
Grabe ang nagagawa ng showing up, ng presence, of believing in someone.
Awra also shared a powerful realization about love and support, highlighting how the people who truly care show up during your lowest moments. She recounted feeling the love from her parents, friends, and especially Vice Ganda. Her story touched on the importance of words of affirmation, with Awra explaining how Vice’s vocal and emotional support helped her heal.
“Si Meme very vocal siya about it. Parang the moment nangyari yung pinakapagkakamaling bagay sa buhay ko, lowest point or regretful things nangyari sa buhay ko, she was there and yung sinabi niya talaga sa akin na ‘Hindi kita iiwan forever!’,” Awra shared. Her admiration was evident when she said, “Ito yung, as in talaga, yung pinakahindi ko talaga makakalimutang praise sa kanya is nung sinabi niyang ‘Ito ‘yung time na magkapakananay ako sa iyo at hindi ako papayag na hindi kita mayibabangon sa pagkadapa,’” reaffirming how her mentors’ presence helped rebuild her life after her low moments.
Ito ‘yung time na magkapakananay ako sa iyo at hindi ako papayag na hindi kita mayibabangon sa pagkadapa. –Vice Ganda to Awra
It can be recalled that in 2023, Awra experienced legal troubles after her involvement in a bar brawl outside a bar in Poblacion, Makati. Following her detention and subsequent posting of bail, she took steps to clear her name, filing a counter-affidavit. Her life has since taken a positive turn, largely thanks to Vice Ganda’s support, not just financially, but emotionally and in terms of quality time. Vice’s act of kindness extended beyond material assistance, serving as a proof of the impact one person’s genuine support can have.
In a world increasingly emphasizing material success, Awra and Vice’s story serve as a touching reminder that the true essence of kindness lies in showing up for others — believing in them, supporting them, and lifting them up during their darkest times. Recent campaigns promoting kindness remind us that choosing to be kind is not only a moral obligation but also a life-changing act that can restore hope and inspire resilience. As we reflect on Awra’s journey, may we all be encouraged to be like Vice and extend that same compassion and support to those who need it most. As we learned from Awra, sometimes, all it takes is one person to believe in you for everything to change.
