14/09/2025
In her sit-down interview with Toni Gonzaga, the Marie Twins opened up about a part of their lives that many of their millions of followers have never seen the struggles, the hunger, and the sacrifices that shaped who they are today.
Their story began during the pandemic. With nothing but courage and determination, they started vlogging, even if no one seemed to care. Day after day, they uploaded content, hoping someone out there would notice. Sometimes, they admitted, they even created fake accounts just so they wouldn’t feel alone in their journey. Years later, that persistence blossomed into a community of over 22 million followers, proof that small beginnings can lead to extraordinary things.
But before the fame, there was pain.
When Toni asked, "Paano idedescribe yung buhay nyo noon sa Mindanao?" the twins fell silent for a moment, their eyes holding back tears.
"Mahirap po," they admitted softly. "Yung tipong yung kapatid po namin kinain nya yung pagkain ng a*o sa sobrang gutom kasi wala po kaming makain."
It was a memory etched deeply in their hearts, watching their younger sibling out of desperation, putting dog food in his mouth, only for them to hurriedly take it away. Their house offered little comfort either.
"Sa tuwing umuulan po, umuulan din sa loob ng bahay namin dahil tumutulo… maraming tulo yung bubong."
Food was scarce, and many nights were spent lying in bed with empty stomachs. Their parents tried to survive by selling kakanin, but their father fell into gambling, making life even harder. Still, no matter the circumstances, he found ways to provide something, anything for them.
Then came one of the hardest chapters of their lives the day their mother left for Kuwait to work as a domestic helper. That sacrifice gave them the gadget they needed to begin their online journey, but it also left an ache that has never quite gone away.
Toni gently asked, "Bakit ka naiiyak nung maisip mo ang mama mo?"
The twins, their voices trembling, replied:
"Bago po umalis si Mama nun… ang ginawa nya muna is di nya muna kami pinansin, inalagaan kasi gusto nya matuto po kami paano mag-alaga ng kapatid. Lalo iniwan po yung baby… baby pa po kasi ang kapatid namin nun, 5 months."
It was then that they learned responsibility, love, and sacrifice far beyond their years.
From those tearful goodbyes and nights of hunger, the Marie Twins rose. An agency eventually discovered them, bringing them to Manila. The journey wasn’t smooth there were struggles along the way but with the right management, they were guided to where they are now: two young women chasing dreams not just for themselves, but for their family.
Today, with millions of followers watching their every move, the Marie Twins are living proof that no hardship is permanent. From a leaking roof and empty plates to the bright lights of success, their story is one of faith, grit, and the unbreakable bond of family.
