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Gang-raped at age 13 and struggling as a mother and a prostitute at 16, Kara Rondina had already died so many deaths. But it was certain death in the hands of a customer that changed her life forever. Learn more about her tale of survival in 'Bingit.'


When I interviewed Kara Rondina in Tayuman, I was expecting someone caked in make-up and smoking incessantly – the typical young prostitute who has died so many deaths so early in life.

But the Kara who faced me was not caked in make-up. She was not even carrying a cigarette.

She was, in fact, dressed conservatively, and was carrying an envelope filled with application forms and documents.  She told me she just came from a department store where she applied as a salesgirl. 

My militant tongue asked instantly, “Ah, so, magtse-change career ka na?”

She told me, “Oo, kuya, para sa anak ko. Ayoko namang maging prostitute habang panahon.”

That began her tale backtracking to her days growing up in a broken and impoverished family in Agusan del Norte to her plight in Manila when she came to live with her mother and stepfather at age 13. 

Confounded with life’s intricacies – she sold vegetables and cleaned other people’s houses for money – she was also gang-raped by 12 boys she considered as ‘tropa’ one drunken evening as her girlfriends took photos and videos. 

A year later, she gave birth to a son, not knowing who his father is.  Kara was then only 16 years old.

It was downhill from there.  She discovered Avenida and became a full-time sex worker.  She told me she had to keep up with the times but most of all, she needed money to survive and feed her son.

One night, she encountered a client who tried to kill her. The experience changed her life forever.

Kara’s story will be featured in ‘Isang Gabing Bangungot, the Kara Rondina Story” on Bingit this Saturday, October 26, at 4 p.m.  after Startalk. Michelle Madrigal stars as Kara under the direction of Mark S. Dela Cruz. – Text by Jon Verzosa