US-based Filipino content creator Lulu Balgos, better known online as Mama Lulu, took a trip down memory lane as she reflected on the challenges she faced before becoming one of social media's most beloved internet personalities.
In a Facebook post shared through her son Olly's page, Mama Lulu opened up about her years working as a nursing assistant and the sacrifices she made to provide for her family.
“#throwback photo from when I was still working as a nursing assistant. I do miss those days sometimes. I had to think about money for my husband’s dialysis and my children, but it was rewarding,” Mama Lulu wrote.
She also recalled the uncertainty she faced after moving from the Philippines to the United States, taking on jobs outside her comfort zone as she tried to build a new life.
“After moving from the Philippines to the US, I worked retail part time. A co-worker who became my best friend referred me to work at the department of labor in San Francisco. I pretended I knew how to type. Fake it until you make it. Unfortunately, 9/11 happened. I got laid off,” she added.
Determined to move forward, Mama Lulu decided to pursue a career she had always dreamed of.
“So I thought, why not become what I always wanted to do? I had to study and get my certification to become a nursing assistant. I relied on my unemployment checks for my tuition fee. Just imagine 30-plus years of being a housewife and catering food. It was a tough change. I was a single Mom in a foreign country,” she continued.
Although she considered advancing to become a registered nurse, Mama Lulu chose a different path.
“Instead of moving up as a registered nurse, I chose to become a caregiver instead mostly for hospice patients. Eventually, my husband passed. My body also gave out physically, so I had to stop,” she remarked.
Ending her message, Mama Lulu said she remains grateful for the experiences that shaped her: “Regardless of the challenges, I wouldn’t change the experience for anything. - Mama LuLu.”
Her reflection resonated with many of her followers, who thanked her for sharing her story and praised her resilience in the comments section.
“A person with lots of toils and struggles jokes the most, because they know the pains of being serious... My love to mama lulu and family.... Thank you for making me laugh....” a fan said.
Another one expressed, “You remind me of my own mother, Mama Lulu. She was an RN for almost 40 years, and worked in hospice as well as several other departments. Thank you for helping others! 💜🦋💜”
“Mama Lulu, thank you for sharing your inspiring story. Your journey reflects the strength, courage, and resilience of a woman, a loving wife, and a devoted mother. Your wonderful sense of humor reminds us that laughter can brighten even the toughest days. Salute to you and your entire family. Thank you for being an inspiration. God bless 🙏😘,” another supporter said.
READ: Content creator Mama Lulu shares first week of adventures back in the Philippines
Mama Lulu has built a loyal online following through her candid and humorous family content alongside her son, Olly, and the rest of their family. In 2022, one of Mama Lulu's viral TikTok videos was featured in the music video for Beyoncé's song “Break My Soul.”
Last year, her children surprised her with a two-week vacation in the Philippines, the first time she had returned home in two decades since her husband's passing.