Former viral sensation Dante Gulapa has opened up about the financial struggles he has faced in recent years, revealing how millions of pesos he earned at the height of his fame eventually disappeared due to unpaid loans and gambling losses.
Gulapa first rose to prominence in 2019 after his signature ‘Flying Eagle Dance’ became a social media phenomenon. His viral fame led to numerous television appearances, guestings, endorsements, and business opportunities that significantly improved his financial situation.
However, in a recent interview with ‘Kay Susan Tayo! Vlogs,’ the social media personality admitted that the wealth he once enjoyed is now gone.
“Sa ngayon po, parang medyo mas mabigat na itong taon na pumasok talaga na ’to,” Gulapa said.
He shared that during the pandemic, he tried to sustain his income through a lending business, providing loans to vendors and small business owners in local markets.
“Kasi pandemic, kahit paano, nakadiskarte pa tayo. Nagpapautang sa mga palengke, tindahan. Ayun na lang po ’yung mga natira,” he recalled.
According to Gulapa, many borrowers failed to repay him, resulting in substantial financial losses.
“Kasagsagan ng kasikatan ko noon, ang daming pera na dumating. Pero, time na ’yun, talagang nagpautang na rin po ako,” he said.
He estimated that around P2.3 million worth of loans remain unpaid.
“Siguro ’yung dito sa La Loma, bago mag-pandemic, nasa P2.3 million nang na-release ko. Hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa siya nasingil,” he revealed.
The former internet star also admitted losing nearly another million pesos through lending activities connected to cockfighting circles.
“Iba pa po ’yung dito sa kanto namin sa may sabungan, sa may Del Monte, nasa kulang-kulang P1 million din ’yun,” he added.
Aside from unpaid loans, Gulapa acknowledged that he also became involved in gambling, which worsened his financial situation.
“Pero itong time talaga ito, hindi ko alam bakit sinabayan ko ng sugal. Halos kulang kulang P1 milyon din ’yung sumablay sa akin,” he confessed.
Although he admitted to being tempted by gambling, Gulapa said he has since started distancing himself from it.
“Sa ngayon, medyo naiwas-iwasan ko na nang kaunti kasi medyo maliit na lang din ’yung kapital, kaya parang ang hirap na rin,” he said.
Determined to recover financially, Gulapa attempted several business ventures, including roasted chicken and roasted pig operations, as well as grilled food stalls. Unfortunately, none of the businesses succeeded.
“Nag-try ako magbukas ng litsong manok, litsong baboy, tapos mga inihaw na pusit, inihaw na baka, ganoon. Tapos ’yung mga crispy pata, crispy ulo. Kaso hindi siya nag-click,” he shared.
After only three months, he was forced to close the business.
“Sinara ko na kasi. Walang mangyayari, ’yung kinikita para sa tao lang,” he explained.
Gulapa also admitted that his lack of business knowledge and guidance contributed to his failed ventures.
“Kasi wala nga akong alam sa business, pero gusto ko mag-business. Pero kumbaga sa ano, walang umaalalay na gumagabay,” he said.
The father of several children became emotional as he reflected on his current situation, particularly his hopes for his family.
“Ang hirap talaga pag ’yung walang magulang tsaka kapatid na naka-alalay sa iyo. Kasi simula’t simula, sarili ko na lang din,” he said.
Despite his hardships, Gulapa remains focused on providing a better future for his children and keeping them away from the mistakes he made.
“Ako nakaiwas na ako sa lahat ng bisyo. Kaso, hindi man ako makapagbigay sa kanila ng kayamanan, mapalaki ko lang sila na may takot sa Diyos tsaka may magandang buhay, makapagtapos ng pinag-aralan,” he said.
“’Yan lang, kahit siguro masaya na ako sa buhay ko.”
While the challenges remain daunting, Gulapa said he continues to place his faith in God as he works toward rebuilding his life.
“Kasi ang hirap po, wala tayong sasandalan, wala tayong hingihingian ng tulong. Ako, humihingi lang talaga ako ng tulong sa Panginoon,” he said.
