Copra farmer in Lanao del Norte goes viral after showing singing talent

A copra farmer in Lanao del Norte has become an internet sensation after showing his singing talent.

According to Oscar Oida's report on "24 Oras," Wednesday, Jinky Bagod went viral after belting '70s songs while peeling coconut husks.

Jinky said singing is what he does to relax after a hard day's work. He likes songs by Eddie Peregrina, his mother's favorite singer when he was young.

"Galing ako mag akyat ng puno ng niyog, pagdating ko sa bahay 'yun lang ang libangan ko. Ginagawa ko may speaker ako na maliit, inano ko 'yung USB ko ayun masaya na ako kakanta-kanta lang," he said.

("After climbing coconut trees, that's what I do after arriving home. I have a small speaker, I connect it to a USB and then I'm happy just to sing.")

His wife, who got emotional beside him during his interview, said their family was overjoyed to see their father go viral.

She said Jinky only reached Grade 1 and often asks for the help of his children when singing English songs.

"Sabi ko, 'Nak meron akong hindi naintindihan na words, sana tulungan n'yo ako.' 'Yun mag-tu-tutor na ang mga anak ko," he said.

("I said, 'Child there's a word that I don't understand, please help me.' So my children would tutor me.")

Jinky also vlogs about his life as a copra farmer on YouTube and hopes that his channel can earn some income in the future.

"Makaahon din sa kahirapan sir, makatulong sa pag-aaral ng mga anak ko," he said. "'Yun talaga ang pangarap ko sir, ayaw kong matulad ang mga anak ko sa akin."

("[I hope it helps us] to get out poverty and help send my  children to school. That's my dream, I don't want my children to end up the same as me.")

—MGP, GMA News