A young Cuban man, known on TikTok as @el_nene.2003, recently became a viral sensation after sharing a phone call with a friend from Cuba who requested $200 for the end of the year. The video sparked a wave of comments, laughter, and discussions about the experiences of many Cubans who have emigrated.
In the video, the friend persistently asks for money while El Nene explains why he is unable to assist. The interaction, which some viewers believed was staged, elicited a variety of reactions. "I hope this is staged," one user commented, to which El Nene firmly replied, "Not staged, message me privately and you'll see how many similar messages I get."
Opinions were divided, but most agreed that the request was excessive. "He says $200 is nothing, what madness!" a follower noted. Another commented, "People think you just pick money off the ground here." Some viewers related to the situation: "The same happens to me; they only contact you when they need something," shared another user.
Setting Priorities in Financial Decisions
In response to the controversy, El Nene released another video clarifying his decision and included an audio message from his mother, who requested the same $200 for a hair appointment. "It's not about being stingy; it's about priorities. I can't say no to my mom, even if she wants to spend it on rum. Everything I have is because of her," he stated.
His explanation shifted the tone of the conversation. "Mom is mom, you're thinking right," one user wrote. "You're absolutely right, the priority will always be your mom," another added. Some joked about the amount: "$280 for hair? Wow," while others praised him for speaking from the heart. "That's how it should be; family comes first," summarized a supporter.
In just a few days, El Nene's videos garnered thousands of views and sparked a conversation familiar to many Cubans living abroad: managing requests, setting priorities, and the enduring bond with mothers. As one of the most liked comments stated, "Friends come and go, but mom... mom is irreplaceable."
Common Questions About Supporting Family from Abroad
Why did El Nene refuse to send $200 to his friend?
El Nene prioritized sending money to his mother over his friend, as he considered it a matter of priorities, not stinginess.
What was the reaction of viewers to El Nene's decision?
While opinions were split, many viewers sided with El Nene's decision, praising him for prioritizing his mother.
How did El Nene's video impact the conversation among Cubans abroad?
The video highlighted the common challenge of balancing requests from friends and family, emphasizing the strong ties to family, especially mothers.