Social media personality Rita Gaviola, popularly known as the “Badjao Girl,” has shared that she has started renovating her family’s home in the province as part of her efforts to give back to her parents.
In a recent Facebook post, Gaviola uploaded photos showing ongoing repairs at their house, along with new furniture and a television set she purchased for her family. In an emotional message, she acknowledged that while she may not yet be able to provide a life of comfort, she remains committed to supporting her parents.
“Hindi ko man maibigay agad sa inyo ang magandang buhay, pero pangako hindi ko kayo pababayaan,” she wrote.
Gaviola first rose to national attention in 2016 after her photo went viral during a festival in Kalibo, Aklan, earning her widespread recognition and the nickname “Badjao Girl.” The viral moment eventually opened doors to mainstream media appearances, including a stint on ‘Pinoy Big Brother’.
The renovation comes weeks after Gaviola broke her silence amid renewed online criticism questioning why her parents continued to live in a modest provincial home despite her visibility as a vlogger and content creator.
The issue resurfaced after she posted a personal video documenting a visit to her family’s home with her partner and child. While meant to highlight family time, the post drew harsh remarks focusing on the condition of the house and accusing her of neglecting her parents.
In a January Facebook post, Gaviola addressed the accusations head-on, admitting she initially hesitated to respond.
“Ayoko sana mag-post ng ganito dahil alam kong maraming magco-comment, pero sige sasagutin ko yung mga comment ninyo po,” she wrote.
She cited common questions thrown at her online: “Bakit hindi ko daw pinapagawa bahay ng parents ko, malaki naman daw kinikita ko, ang tagal ko na daw sa pagba-vlog—pero bakit ganito pa rin yung bahay ng magulang ko?”
Gaviola explained that many people overestimate the income of content creators, often equating high views with financial security.
“Unang-una sa lahat, hindi porket malaki yung mga views ng video namin ay malaki na rin yung kita namin,” she said. “Hindi porket nakikita ninyo na panay post ako ng magagandang lugar ay masarap na buhay ko.”
She also opened up about the emotional and mental strain she carries behind the scenes.
“Kung alam lang ninyo, gabi-gabi ko iniisip kung paano ko sisimulan ang lahat. Ako mismo, hinang-hina na rin ako.”
According to Gaviola, helping her family has never depended on public validation. She said she regularly sends financial support to her parents but chooses not to publicize it.
“Yung mga perang pinapadala ko, never ninyo nakita dahil hindi ko pinopost ’yan,” she said. “Alam ng parents ko kung gaano ko sila kamahal.”
She added that she had offered to bring her parents to Manila, but they declined.
“Mas gusto nila sa probinsya kasi doon sila komportable, at doon nag-aaral ang mga kapatid ko,” she explained, adding that supporting her siblings’ education and securing her own child’s future are among her top priorities.
“Mahirap din tumulong lalo’t kapag wala ka pang sapat na pera o kakayahan,” she said. “Kaya nga unti-unti ko ginagawa lahat.”
