Hakot Queen Maricel Tulfo-Tungol Speaks Out on Nepotism Claims
MARICEL TULFO-TUNGOL – The Hakot Queen responded to being called a “nepo baby” by some netizens, emphasizing that she has worked hard to build her own name despite being the daughter of Senator Raffy Tulfo and Representative Jocelyn Tulfo.
At 33, she serves as treasurer of the Senate Spouses Foundation Inc. for 2025–2026 and has gained attention through her “Hakot Challenge” vlogs, where she travels around the Philippines to distribute groceries to people in need. She explained that starting the vlogs was accidental, but it has become her signature project, allowing people to recognize her for her own work rather than her family name.
Maricel said her father has always supported her efforts, and now people recognize her more for her charity work than her political connections. While some still notice her surname, many are more interested in her next “Hakot Challenge” activity. She has 2.7 million Facebook followers and 770,000 YouTube subscribers, showing that her consistent effort has built a strong personal following.
Regarding her lifestyle, Maricel said she enjoys fashion and shopping as a way to relax and does not feel the need to explain her choices to anyone. She balances her public work and personal life with the support of her family. Even though her father, mother, and brother are busy with politics, they make time for family bonding through annual trips, especially to the U.S. She and her husband, Atty. Garrett Tungol, have a child, and she said her family does not interfere in political conflicts, leaving personal matters to the individuals involved.
On the Senate Spouses Foundation, Maricel explained that the group focuses on helping families and communities, not politics. Even with changes in leadership, the group’s activities and cooperation among members remain consistent.
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