Against all odds: Brenda 'Shangme' Darrough's story of triumph

 

Popular content creator and entrepreneur Brenda "Shangme" Darrough, now based in the US, looks back on her humble beginnings—days when she mopped floors and slept on the fire escape of a bustling mall in Makati City. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

During an exclusive interview at Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City, Shangme shared how she gave her all for her children. "I also worked at Rockwell Power Plant, mopping floors and sometimes sleeping on the mall's fire escape for almost two years. I even worked as security personnel," she recalled.

But her struggles began even earlier. Growing up in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur, her family often went without enough food on the table.

"Even as a child, life was already difficult for us. There were days when we barely had anything to eat. I had a sibling with epilepsy, and whenever we had nothing for our meals, I would always find a way to help my family.

"When I was just 10, 11, and 12 years old, I would do laundry for my aunt so I could have a little money for school. I didn't want to be a burden to my parents. That's where I drew my strength and inspiration to keep going," Shangme said.

Brenda 'Shangme' Darrough

Shangme has three children; the first two are from her previous relationship. Her first relationship did not last long; apparently, they were so young back then.

"I had a lot of problems with my first husband. I gave birth when I was only 17 years old. My life was filled with struggles. But I knew I had to do something because my children were growing up. I wanted to change my life. I only finished my second year of high school. I prayed to the Lord to give me a chance to rise above my circumstances," she revealed.

Shangme, now 36, admitted there was a time when she felt completely overwhelmed and hopeless in the face of her challenges. She even thought about giving up on life.

"I would often pray in Greenbelt, crying there every day. I prayed at that time because I was exhausted. Back then, I would eat only once a day. There came a point when I even thought of ending it all.

"I wasn't with my children then because they were with their father. I promised the Lord that whatever blessings He gave me, I would share with others," she said.

Brenda 'Shangme' Darrough and family

But things changed when she met the man of her dreams: Charles Steven Darrough. He’s a professional American with a big heart who cares for herself and her children. She met him while on duty as security personnel at the mall.

"I met my husband by chance at the mall," she recalled. Shangme and Charles first crossed paths in December 2014. Charles proposed in February 2015, and just three months later, they became engaged. In 2017, the couple began their married life together in the US.

Shangme added, "He wanted to marry me here in the Philippines, but I said it would be better for us to get married in the US. I never hide my past or who I was, because I know my life story can inspire many people."

When asked what she likes about her husband, Shangme shared that he accepted her children from a previous relationship. "He supports my parents. He accepts my past. I also saw how much he cares for the homeless in our country.

Balikbayan boxes for Shangme's followers in the Philippines

“Whenever he sees homeless people, he approaches them and gives them money. I said to myself, 'This is the man for me.' I was surprised by my husband because he always helps the homeless. Sometimes he gives P500 or P1,000—whatever he has in his wallet.

“We were not yet married then. He cannot bear to see people go hungry. But I have never asked him for anything," she said.

Having lived in the US for almost 10 years, Shangme now enjoys a new life as a content creator. Her kids are Orland Dave, 18; Stephanie Shane, 16, and Ryan Travis, 10.

Shangme has millions of followers on social media as a dumpster diver. She recalled how she started to embrace her newfound fame on YouTube.

"I have a friend in Florida who was doing it, so she told me to check out her content as a dumpster diver. I tried it for two months and was amazed at how much people in other countries throw away—sometimes, even items with price tags still on them," she said.

But Shangme warned the public that collecting items from garbage thrown out by neighbors is unlawful in the US.

"It's actually not allowed, but I only do it for content. That's when I thought of the balikbayan box, because some of my followers commented that they wanted the items I found. I wondered how I could send it to them since I'm so far away. Sometimes, I find printers, TVs, and refrigerators," she explained.

So Shangme considered sending balikbayan boxes filled with food and clothes donated by her friends and other organizations in the US. She started sending balikbayan boxes to the Philippines as gifts for her followers in 2021. 

"Where I live in the US, there are many new homes and neighborhoods. The items I send are clothes, food, school supplies, toys, and shoes. I buy the food myself, but the clothes are donated by American families or sometimes by fellow Filipinos. Some of the Americans I know send clothes every two to three months," she shared.

Shangme said she feels joy in sending balikbayan boxes to her followers. "This is how you can share your blessings. You should share because those were entrusted to you. The Lord sees your good heart, and He knows you will share what you have," she said.

While in the US, Shangme also works as a phlebotomy technician. "I studied in the US, but it seems my destiny is to vlog and share my story. I never really planned on becoming a vlogger—a friend just suggested it. It started in 2021, but I have been posting on YouTube since 2020. My topics vary, I have no script, and I really want people to get to know the real me," she said.

Shangme, 36, is also a beauty queen, having been crowned one of the Noble Queen titleholders. She said she was grateful to actress-singer Patricia Javier, who encouraged her to enter the pageant. Shangme met Patricia when she went to the clinic for her father's chiropractic care at Doc Rob's Chiropractic Wellness Center in Timog, Quezon City.

"When I joined, I developed my confidence and have since participated in many charity events," she said.

Shangme also announced her venture into skin care, dubbed Shangme Skin Care, whose products are now available online.

Shangme: 'Never give up and trust in the Lord'

With everything going well, Shangme has nothing but praise for the Lord. She shared advice for anyone whose life is also challenging.

"Life is unpredictable. Whenever I face challenges, I always turn to the Lord and pray. Trust yourself and never give up. Life is like a wheel—sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down. When you're at your lowest, it doesn't mean it's the end. That moment will teach you humility and strength.

"Sometimes, we just need to cry it out because we're only human and all have problems. Let those challenges become your inspiration. I became a teenage mother at 17 and thought that was the end for me. But every time I see my children, I tell myself I won't give up.

"You have to keep moving because you hold your children's future in your hands. So, for us mothers, we need to find ways. Start a business, work even harder. It's not easy, but trust in the Lord and never give up," she added.