From that day on, San Mao was known not just for her three hairs but for her role in saving the town from the brink of disaster. The story of her bravery was told and retold, inspiring others to stand against adversity, no matter how daunting.

Created by cartoonist Zhang Leping in 1935, (meaning "Three Hairs") was originally a silent manhua character. He represented the struggles of the poor and homeless in war-torn Shanghai. However, for many Filipinos, their first introduction to him wasn't through history books, but through the Tagalog-dubbed animated series .

Furthermore, there is a growing appreciation for vintage animation. The hand-drawn, slightly gritty aesthetic of San Mao is a refreshing break from the hyper-digital animation of today. It reminds older viewers of a simpler time, while younger viewers find the "retro" aesthetic cool and authentic.