A 50-year-old Singaporean man has found himself stranded in the Philippines after allegedly discovering that his marriage to a Filipina woman was not valid, leaving him struggling to return home and relying on the kindness of a social media content creator for assistance.
The man, identified as Hasbi, had reportedly hoped to build a life with his Filipina partner after meeting her in Singapore. However, his plans took an unexpected turn when he discovered that the marriage he believed was genuine was allegedly not legally valid.
According to reports by AsiaOne and Malay Mail published on October 8 and 9, 2026, respectively, Hasbi’s situation came to public attention after Filipino content creator Carrie Laine Abad, known online as ItsCarrie, shared videos documenting his circumstances on TikTok.
In the videos, Hasbi explained that he had met a Filipina woman in Singapore and wanted to marry her. He claimed that the marriage process there was too lengthy, prompting the couple to move to the Philippines to get married instead.
The pair reportedly planned to hold another wedding ceremony in Singapore, but their relationship ended before that could happen.
Hasbi later said he did not have a marriage certificate, raising questions about the validity of the marriage he believed he had entered into.
From Relationship Hopes to Living in a Mosque
The situation reportedly left Hasbi without sufficient money to make his way back to Singapore.
At one point, he had been staying in a mosque to avoid becoming homeless. Footage shared by Abad showed him carrying his Singapore passport and packing his belongings into bags as he explained his predicament.
Hasbi said he no longer had a reason to remain in the Philippines and wanted to return to his home country.
His story highlights the difficulties foreign nationals can face when relationships break down, financial resources run out and questions arise over the legal status of a marriage or their immigration circumstances.
TikTok Creator Pays for His Journey to Manila
After learning about Hasbi’s situation, Abad stepped in to help him navigate the next steps.
In an update posted on September 21, she offered to pay for his flight from Bohol to Manila so they could approach immigration authorities and the Singaporean embassy for assistance.
Abad subsequently shared videos showing Hasbi travelling to Manila. She also accompanied him, along with an American and a Nigerian reportedly facing similar circumstances, to the Bureau of Immigration’s head office.
The group was awaiting updates from immigration authorities as they worked to resolve their respective situations.
Abad also helped Hasbi with meals and accommodation in Manila. In his comments to AsiaOne, the Singaporean said he was stressed about his circumstances and was not yet ready to discuss the matter further.
Meanwhile, Abad explained that she decided to assist him because she believed he genuinely needed help.
Her videos documenting his journey attracted significant attention online, with her initial post about Hasbi receiving more than 120,000 views and nearly 2,000 likes, according to AsiaOne.
Many viewers praised her for offering practical assistance to a foreigner who had run out of options.
Why Marriage Documents Matter for Foreign Nationals
Hasbi’s case also highlights the importance of understanding the legal requirements for international marriages.
A relationship or wedding ceremony does not automatically guarantee that a marriage will be recognised for every legal or immigration purpose. The validity of a marriage depends on the applicable laws, the circumstances in which it was solemnised and the relevant documentation.
In the Philippines, the Supreme Court has previously ruled that a simulated marriage lacking the essential intent and legal requirements of marriage can be declared void. However, Hasbi’s individual circumstances have not been fully established publicly, and no official determination concerning his alleged marriage was reported in the available coverage.
For foreign nationals facing similar situations, contacting their embassy or consulate and the relevant immigration authorities can help clarify their legal status and the procedures required to return home.
Will Hasbi Finally Be Able to Return to Singapore?
As of the latest reports on October 9, Hasbi was in Manila while seeking assistance to resolve his immigration and documentation concerns.
AsiaOne reported that it had contacted Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Singapore Embassy in Manila for further information. No confirmed resolution or return date was provided in the reports available at the time.
For now, Hasbi’s journey home remains dependent on the relevant authorities and the resolution of his documentation issues.
His story has sparked discussion about the vulnerability of foreigners who find themselves without money, legal clarity or a support network in another country.
While the circumstances surrounding his alleged marriage remain unresolved, one thing is clear: a stranger’s willingness to help has given him a chance to seek a way out of an increasingly difficult situation.
As people continue following his story online, many will be hoping that the Singaporean can resolve his paperwork and reunite with his life back home.
