A Cuban man now living in the United States had a powerful response to a friend's claim that he had "drunk the Coke of forgetfulness." He reminded his critic that he spent 12 years behind bars in Cuba, while that same friend never bothered to bring cigars to his mother or contributed 50 pesos for a care package.
Keiber Boloy, known on TikTok as @keiber.boloy, shared the video at the end of July, and it quickly spread throughout the Cuban diaspora. In the brief video, Boloy directly challenges his accuser, asking where he was during his time of need.
"Look here, man, let me jog your memory: when I was in Cuba, I served twelve years in prison. Sadly, you never gave my mom cigars to bring me, nor did you give 50 pesos for a care package," Boloy states in the video.
The phrase "drinking the Coke of forgetfulness" is a common Cuban saying, used to sarcastically criticize emigrants who allegedly forget or neglect their family and friends back on the island once they settle abroad.
Life in the U.S. and Continued Support for Family
Boloy doesn't just recount his prison story; he also sheds light on the harsh realities of life in the United States. He works in construction and sends money back home to support his family. "You can't imagine the work we have to do here, helping family, sending 50 pesos to Cuba," he explains.
He also issues a direct challenge to his critic: "If you want 50 pesos, hop on a raft and come here to work in construction, see if you don't drink the Coke yourself."
An Ongoing Debate Among Cuban Emigrants
On the original criticism, his conclusion is straightforward: "If I drank the Coke now, it must taste good to me."
Boloy's story adds to a conversation that has been gaining traction on TikTok for over a year. In July 2025, Cuban Maylay Carmona went viral with a statement that resonated with many emigrants: "It's not that they forgot, it's that life really gets tough." That same month, a Cuban woman in Brazil shared her own thoughts, which sparked reactions from emigrants in Chile, Uruguay, Spain, and the U.S.
In May 2026, another Cuban offered a similarly strong response to those making the same accusation. And in June, a Cuban known as "Bad Boy" echoed the sentiment when responding to requests for mobile top-ups from the island, garnering over 60,300 views.
For Boloy, it's not just about high bills or exhausting workdays; it's about the years he spent in a Cuban prison and the lack of support he claims to have received from his friend during that time. His video has gathered 13,200 views, 601 likes, and 119 comments.
Understanding the Cuban Exile Experience
What does "drinking the Coke of forgetfulness" mean in Cuban culture?
This phrase is used sarcastically to describe emigrants who supposedly forget their family and friends in Cuba after moving abroad.
How did Keiber Boloy respond to criticism from his friend?
Boloy reminded his friend of the 12 years he spent in a Cuban prison and the lack of support he received during that time, while also highlighting the challenges he faces living and working in the U.S.
What challenges do Cuban emigrants face in the United States?
Cuban emigrants often face harsh working conditions and the responsibility of financially supporting their families back in Cuba.