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Clara Matos is a 17-year-old vlogger from Camarines Sur.

She was first seen in the vlog of Virgelyncares 2.0, a known Bicolano vlogger.

According to Virgelyn, whose real name is Mark Anthony Rodriguez, he was impressed to see Clara's hard work and decided to feature her.

“Si Clara, nadiskubre ko siya sa bakery. Habang nag-va-vlog ako, nabilhan ko siya ng tinapay.

“Sa kabila pala ng pagtitindera niya sa bakery, paglalako niya ng mga online selling na mga skin product is nagtitinda pa siya ng fishball.

“Bibihira ang mga taong ganoon.”

Virgelyn eventually gifted Clara a motorcycle, bought from the earnings of the vlog she and her father were featured in.

The said vlog has already garnered more than 1.6 million views, and Clara was also able to create her own vlog with the help of Virgelyn.

Clara Matos and her father in Virgelyncares 2.0's vlog / Source: Virgelyncares 2.0 (YouTube)

Clara is just like most young ladies her age, bubbly and full of dreams.

But behind Clara's happy disposition, lies a heartbreaking story.

Clara grew up with only her father by her side as her mother left them when she was only six years old.

“Sobrang thankful ko po sa tatay ko dahil siya na po 'yung naging ina ko na rin po.”

Clara's father, Ismael Matos, is a retired member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) and suffered from a stroke many years ago.

Despite being raised by his father alone, Clara said she still wants to meet her mother again.

“Hinanap ko rin po 'yung ina ko dahil kahit po may nag-aalaga rin po sa akin, hinahanap ko rin po 'yung kalinga po ng ina po sa akin.

“Tsaka matagal ko na rin po siyang hindi nakikita, kaya gusto ko rin po siyang makita.”

So, 'On Record' looked for Clara's mother so the two can be reunited.

The team was successful in tracking down Clara's mom, Maria Luisa Domingo Ronduen, who now lives in Fairview, Quezon City.

But when the 'On Record' team was finally able to set up a surprise virtual reunion for Clara and her mom, things didn't go exactly as planned.

Clara Matos and her mom / Source: On Record

Clara seemed not ready to talk to her mother just yet.

When her mom asked her, “'Di mo na ko kilala? Mama mo? Nakalimutan mo na ako?”

She replied, “Hindi po. Matagal ko na po 'yon kinalimutan.”

Clara's mom seemed disappointed with her reaction but hopes Clara will eventually have a change of heart.

“Kung ganun, patawarin mo na lang ako kung ganyan pala ano mo, kahit hindi mo ko batiin, okay lang. Kahit na ayaw mo ako makita. Basta ako nakahingi na ko ng tawad sa'yo.

“Sige, magpakabait ka lang. Sana palagi kang malakas, 'yung katawan mo.”

Clara eventually explained to the 'On Record' team why reacted the way she did.

“Hindi ko po kasi alam kung ano pong sasabihin ko sa kanya kasi matagal na po siyang hindi nagpakita.

“Katulad po ng sinabi niya pong gusto niya akong makita matagal na, pero dapat sana noon po ginawa niya po 'yon.”

The 'On Record' team sought permission from Clara's father if they could still air the virtual reunion even though it didn't exactly go well, and he gave his go signal.

As hosts Mav Gonzales and Oscar Oida emphasized in the episode, such is life, reunions won't always be perfect, heartwarming, and happy.

But what matters most is that out of painful experiences, there are valuable lessons that we can learn from.

Watch Clara Matos and her mom's virtual reunion in the 'On Record' video below.

Watch 'On Record' every Tuesday, 11:30 p.m. on GMA-7's Power Block.

Viewers abroad can also watch 'On Record' via GMA's flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

And for more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

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