Rich Khloe Mapile celebrates his 7th birthday. Courtesy of Maria Krishna and Philip Samson Mapile

MANILA – A seven-year-old boy from Pasig recently went viral on social media when he celebrated his birthday wearing a sparkly purple ball gown, shoulder length wig and a tiara – all made possible with the support of his parents. 

The boy, Rich Khloe Mapile, would often choose his own outfits, said his parents Maria Krishna and Philip Samson Mapile. 

“Dapat pink coat lang talaga ang ipapasuot ko sa kanya pero gusto talaga niya ng gown kaya nagpatahi pa ako noong birthday niya,” Maria said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.   

“Sa mga outfit naman niya, siya talaga ang nag-iisip. Kapag nag-shopping kami, siya ang kumukuha ng damit niya na pang-babae tapos ibibigay niya sa Daddy niya para pabayaran sa counter.” 

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She said her son had requested a Roblox-themed party – but with a twist. 

“Sixth birthday niya ‘non, nag-swimming lang kami sa Subic tapos napansin niya walang decoration so nangako ang Daddy niya na next year, we will throw a party. Kaya ngayong seventh birthday niya, nag-party na kami dahil iyon ang gusto niya,” Maria said. 

“Nag-meeting na kami with the event coordinator tapos Roblox themed na at originally blue ang theme, pipirma na sana kami ng contract pero sabi niya ang pangit daw. Tapos pink and purple pala ang gusto,” she added. 

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A video of Rich Khloe’s birthday celebration with friends has garnered over 4 million views on Tiktok. 

"POV: Healing my inner child. We will support you, even in your wish to become a complete girl on your birthday celebration," the clip's caption reads. 

Scores of comments praised Rich Khloe’s parents for granting his birthday wish. But others criticized them for supposedly concluding that their son is part of the LGBT community even though he might still be too young. 

“Una pa lang tanggap na namin siya, hindi naman basehan ang gender para mahalin ang anak. Kung ‘yun ang gusto niya, hahayaan lang namin,” Maria said. 

“Aminin natin, may mga taong napapariwara kasi kapag hindi tanggap sila ng mga magulang nila, maghahanap sa iba tapos hindi maayos ang surrounding na mapupuntahan. At ayaw naming mangyari na ma-feel niya na hindi namin siya suportado,” she added.  

Rich Khloe Mapile celebrates his 7th birthday. Courtesy of Maria Krishna and Philip Samson Mapile 

Rich Khloe is the second child in a brood of three. He is passionate about drawing, modeling, dancing, and fashion design, his parents said.   

On Pride Month, Rich Khloe’s mother told members of the LGBT community who are still afraid of coming out to their parents: “Huwag sila matakot.”

“Kung hindi man kayo matanggap ng parents niyo, andito kami at ang ibang tao para magsilbing inspirasyon niyo,” Maria said.  

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But Maria also acknowledged that it might not be easy for some parents to accept their children who are part of the LGBT community out of fear that they could be humiliated and hurt by other people. 

“Ako nga kapag may bata na inaasar ang anak ko, ako ang nasasaktan para sa kanya. Kaya minsan parang gusto ko sabihin sa kanya na huwag na kaya siya maging gay, kaya hindi ko masisisi 'yung mga magulang na gusto lang protektahan ang mga anak nila,” she said. 

Maria added that while parenting styles may differ, it is important for children to feel their family’s support, regardless of their gender.  

When asked what about her message for Rich Khloe, she said, “Andito lang kami, bubuuin namin pagkatao mo. Kung ano gusto mo, support ka lang namin. Super love ka namin.” 

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