Nothing else could more aptly personify an old adage that encourages people to rise up when they fall than how Kim Chiu handled a setback.
In a video chat on “Love Thy Chika,” Sunday, May 31, on Online Kapamilya Shows, Kim revealed the story behind her viral hit song “Bawal Lumabas” which was based on her an online statement she made in early May that became subject of much ridicule and bashing.
Kim admitted to host Ruffa Gutierrez that she was sad to learn that people were putting her down for just one mistake. “Isang mali ka lang, bobo ka na for your entire life,” she said.
And this led to her getting into seclusion, disclosing she didn’t even want to talk to anyone at that time.
But throughout her ordeal, Kim revealed she found solace in boyfriend Xian Lim, who would exert effort to talk to her repeatedly to keep her spirits up. “Para siyang sponge, eh. ‘Pag may problema ako, nalilipat sa kanya at siya ‘yung magkaka-anxiety,” she said. Kim said she is thankful Xian was there for her to give her valuable advice on how to handle the situation because he also had been a victim of incessant bashing and cyberbullying before.
And amidst all that, a stranger came forward to write an open letter to Kim to boost her morale in those difficult times. Writer Adrian Crisanto, who also appeared on the show, implored Kim in his letter to keep her head up in facing her detractors, “serve lemonade to the trolls” and make “trending into treasure.” He also said that the thing that is being used to destroy her is the same thing that will build her and other people up.
At first, Kim admitted she initially didn’t want to read Adrian’s letter and it took days before her handlers urged her to finally read it. And when she did, Kim said, “Wala na, umiyak na naman ako.”
That letter emboldened Kim and Star Music bigwigs to come up with a song in a collab with DJ Squammy and Adrian himself. And the song “Bawal Lumabas (The Classroom Song)” became a monster hit, with its music video gaining 10 million views on YouTube and emerging as a certified pop chart-topper on MYX
It also led to a viral dance challenge of TikTok, with no less than online sensation DJ Loonyo leading the way.
The song’s success even led to in-demand merchandise, such as T-shirts, with some items sold out in just a few days
Indeed, what’s inspiring in Kim’s experience was how she made a bad situation tur around for the better. How a terrible fall led to an even more glorifying triumph.
Kim said, “I’m so happy I’ve learned something from this experience. People can be mean pero na sa’yo ‘yun kung magpapaapekto ka.”
Watch more of Kim’s resonating and rousing interview with Ruffa in this episode of “Love Thy Chika.”
Don’t miss Ruffa’s intimate interviews with Love Thy Woman co-stars on “Love Thy Chika” every Sunday, 12nn on OKS.abs-cbn.com.