Chris Punsalan tells MEGA Man all about becoming his grandmother’s full-time caregiver and why he thinks it was the most worthwhile choice he’s ever made in his life
They often say that the love we receive from our grandparents is unparalleled, and for Chris Punsalan, this sentiment hits close to home. The 29-year-old Filipino content creator based in Nevada gained widespread recognition online by proudly showcasing his role as his grandmother’s devoted caregiver. In an exclusive interview with MEGA Man, Chris candidly discusses the reasons behind his choice and why it is the most significant decision he’s ever made, emphasizing the importance of honoring and caring for our elders.
The spark within
“Before becoming a content creator in 2014, I was in college trying to figure out what I was passionate about.” In a glimpse into his past, Chris depicted his college years as a period of uncertainty. In one of his videos, he revealed that his lack of plans after his college graduation was one of the reasons that made the choice to become his grandmother’s caregiver feel natural. Today, eight years into his caregiving role, he continues to touch hearts with his content featuring his grandmother. Beyond that, he is also known for his musical prowess, crafting beats for different artists and even venturing into his own music releases.
The content creator took a trip down memory lane, revisiting his moments in the Philippines. He reminisced about his visits when he was younger, recalling, “I enjoyed every minute of my stay in the Philippines, and I spent a lot of time with family while I was out there.” He said that he was deeply moved by the strong sense of community he witnessed here, realizing that he had discovered his true home within this caring environment.
Nurtured by love
Chris shared that his deep bond with his grandmother, cultivated over the years, propelled him into action when she could no longer walk or manage tasks on her own. Confronted with the decision to place her in a care facility or hire a caregiver, Chris didn’t think twice. He wholeheartedly accepted the responsibility, motivated by his sincere desire to ensure his grandmother’s comfort and quality of life.
“Growing up, my grandmother was always extremely caring. She made sure I was fed and happy at all times throughout the day. Her love and patience with me is what made us so close.”
Courage in kindness
Long before he took on his current role, Chris had a passion for capturing his life’s moments, evident in his old videos showcasing his musical skills and daily happenings. So when he became a caregiver, it simply felt inevitable for him to document this aspect of his life and share it online. Little did he know that his actions would leave a lasting mark and pave the way for meaningful relationships as he remarked, “I had no idea the impact it would make and all the connections I would have.”
Despite his sincere dedication, the content creator encountered his share of critical remarks. When asked about the most poignant comment he received, Chris replied, “I can’t remember exactly the most ‘hurtful’ comment, but it was about me only taking care of my grandmother for views and that I don’t actually care for her.” Nevertheless, he recognized people often project their issues onto others. Accepting he couldn’t please everyone, he stayed true to himself, focusing on his family’s well-being for peace and reassurance. “As long as I keep that intact and the health of my family is good, I have nothing to worry about,” he added.
A grandson on a mission
Bringing our conversation to an end, Chris beamed with pride, affirming his heartfelt promise to improve his grandmother’s life, making it as comfortable and easy as he could. He also shared that one of his current goals is to enlighten others about the importance of caregiving. “I can’t speak for everyone, but it’s important for me to take care of both of my grandmothers because that’s what they did for me. I care for them very much, and I am fulfilled by knowing that my contribution to them makes their lives easier.”
Photos: CHRIS PUNSALAN (via Instagram)
