When Rommel Quemenales was just 11 years old, his life was captured on film because of his situation of being homeless. His father had left him and his mother wasn’t very concerned about their numerous children. As a result, Rommel had to rely on himself to survive by begging and utilizing unorthodox methods to earn money. However, one day, he discovered a stray puppy who became his loyal companion on the streets. Rommel named the puppy Badji in honor of his missing brother Adji and took better care of him than he did of himself. Together, they form an incredibly touching pair that will definitely pull at your heartstrings.
Get to know the amazing duo from Quezon City: Rommel and Badji. Hailing from the Philippines, this pair first captured hearts in 2015 through a touching 25-minute documentary by Front Row Publications. The video follows Rommel’s everyday life as he and Badji navigate the world together.
Unfortunately, Rommel had to deal with his father leaving the family in 2009 after falling in love with their nanny. Although his mother is still around, she isn’t very attentive to Rommel’s needs, often leaving him alone on the streets. While he sometimes stays with his older sister, who works long hours, it’s mostly Badji that keeps him company. Despite their challenging situation, these two make a formidable team.
Rommel revealed that his beloved younger sibling Adji vanished when they were kids. Interestingly, Badji, their faithful pet dog, seems to remind him of Adji. Rommel’s mother recollects that they scoured the town for Adji at first, but they didn’t involve the authorities. Their father dissuaded them from fretting and guaranteed that Adji would show up eventually. However, Rommel is still clueless about his brother’s fate.
To Rommel, Badji is not just a mere companion for playtime. He perceives the little pup as his own kin and carries him around like he would with his own flesh and blood. A regular day in Rommel’s life entails asking strangers for some spare cash which he then utilizes to provide nourishment for both himself and his furry buddy, Badji. The two have a bond that is unbreakable, and Rommel makes it clear how much he values the company of his four-legged pal. The thought of ever being separated from Badji fills him with dread.
Rommel worked hard to save up enough money to buy school supplies even though he only finished second grade because of his age. Luckily, with the help of some kind-hearted people, Rommel was able to achieve his dream of continuing his education. Even without a uniform, he was grateful to attend third grade as long as he remained clean and brought his own notebooks. When he went to school, he left his beloved dog Badji with his mother or older sister. He also cooked meals for himself and his furry friend during his visits, but his mother wanted him to earn money instead of staying at home. Despite the obstacles he faced, Rommel stayed optimistic and determined to reach his goals. Thanks to the generosity of those who cared about him, Rommel can now pursue his education, which he hopes will benefit his siblings too.
Rommel is eagerly looking forward to going back to school as it gives him a chance to assist his siblings. His ultimate goal is to own a home where he and his siblings can live without being subjected to any form of abuse. The video concludes with Rommel successfully attending school despite facing challenges, thanks to his friend Badji’s unwavering support. Although there are no recent updates on their progress, we hope they continue to conquer obstacles as a team. You can watch the complete episode by following the hyperlink provided.
