He once can’t even pass as background talent in a TVC, now Fonz is main character in Netflix ad | ABS-CBN
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He once can’t even pass as background talent in a TVC, now Fonz is main character in Netflix ad
He once can’t even pass as background talent in a TVC, now Fonz is main character in Netflix ad
RHIA GRANA
Published Jun 06, 2023 01:00 PM PHT
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Updated Aug 16, 2023 02:10 PM PHT
He’s the guy who can find the funny—and unexpected twist—in every relatable Pinoy situation, with his ever-present lapel mic in between his fingers. One of the most familiar guys online today, his name is Aldrich Nartia, but he’s known in the TikTok world simply as Fonz (@ribsp).
He’s the guy who can find the funny—and unexpected twist—in every relatable Pinoy situation, with his ever-present lapel mic in between his fingers. One of the most familiar guys online today, his name is Aldrich Nartia, but he’s known in the TikTok world simply as Fonz (@ribsp).
With the help of every available backdrop, he’s played a holdup victim, a medium, a superstitious aircraft passenger, a stressed-out MRT passenger, a doctor, a suspicious Facebook Marketplace buyer, a sarcastic ghost, the most beautiful girl from college, a cheating girlfriend, an akyat-bahay, a self-involved birthday celebrant, two friends competing against each other, a boring teleserye underdog and so many more. In short, he’s essayed a range of characters even the most veteran of actors could only dream of. Well, kind of.
With the help of every available backdrop, he’s played a holdup victim, a medium, a superstitious aircraft passenger, a stressed-out MRT passenger, a doctor, a suspicious Facebook Marketplace buyer, a sarcastic ghost, the most beautiful girl from college, a cheating girlfriend, an akyat-bahay, a self-involved birthday celebrant, two friends competing against each other, a boring teleserye underdog and so many more. In short, he’s essayed a range of characters even the most veteran of actors could only dream of. Well, kind of.
It's only been two years since Fonz started his TikTok skits and his videos have, as of this writing, earned a total 55.1 million likes. On the video app alone (he’s also on Instagram), his following is now almost 900,000 strong. But believe it or not, becoming a TikTok star wasn’t part of Aldrich Nartia’s plans. He opened a TikTok account with a desire to hone his acting chops and get comfortable in front of the camera.
It's only been two years since Fonz started his TikTok skits and his videos have, as of this writing, earned a total 55.1 million likes. On the video app alone (he’s also on Instagram), his following is now almost 900,000 strong. But believe it or not, becoming a TikTok star wasn’t part of Aldrich Nartia’s plans. He opened a TikTok account with a desire to hone his acting chops and get comfortable in front of the camera.
“I got cast in a boy love (BL) show,” shares the 34-year-old comedian. “And although I passed the audition, I felt insecure about my acting skills because I had very little experience in theater, if you’d even call that an experience because it was a very short stint.”
“I got cast in a boy love (BL) show,” shares the 34-year-old comedian. “And although I passed the audition, I felt insecure about my acting skills because I had very little experience in theater, if you’d even call that an experience because it was a very short stint.”
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The insecurity may have roots in his younger years, when he used to audition for commercials and always ended up not making the cut. “Sobrang crushed na crushed ako noon pag hindi ako nakakapasa sa audition. Inisip ko, hindi ata talaga ako para rito,” he recalls to ANCX. “I thought, I’d rather stay in corporate, behind the scenes.”
The insecurity may have roots in his younger years, when he used to audition for commercials and always ended up not making the cut. “Sobrang crushed na crushed ako noon pag hindi ako nakakapasa sa audition. Inisip ko, hindi ata talaga ako para rito,” he recalls to ANCX. “I thought, I’d rather stay in corporate, behind the scenes.”
But since passing the audition for the BL show, he was convinced he wants to excel in acting. So he thought of posting his self-made skits on his TikTok, which at that time only had less than a hundred followers. “Kung mag-flop, okay lang,” he thought then. “Kung may makapansin ng videos ko, okey lang din.”
But since passing the audition for the BL show, he was convinced he wants to excel in acting. So he thought of posting his self-made skits on his TikTok, which at that time only had less than a hundred followers. “Kung mag-flop, okay lang,” he thought then. “Kung may makapansin ng videos ko, okey lang din.”
In no time, Fonz’s videos were getting a thousand likes, and people would share his content on other social media platforms. “That’s when I thought, this is something na pwede kong seryosohin.”
In no time, Fonz’s videos were getting a thousand likes, and people would share his content on other social media platforms. “That’s when I thought, this is something na pwede kong seryosohin.”
If you ask the guy, the video that launched his TikTok career was the one where he played a polite kidnapper. This was inspired by an earlier video he did about a teleserye that had no shouting matches. “In the skit, may confrontation pero mababait sila. Tipong, ‘Tita,’” he says, sounding like he’s about to nicely express a request. “‘Ipapapatay ko po kayo pag hindi nyo ibinigay ang yaman.’”
If you ask the guy, the video that launched his TikTok career was the one where he played a polite kidnapper. This was inspired by an earlier video he did about a teleserye that had no shouting matches. “In the skit, may confrontation pero mababait sila. Tipong, ‘Tita,’” he says, sounding like he’s about to nicely express a request. “‘Ipapapatay ko po kayo pag hindi nyo ibinigay ang yaman.’”
The sketch did not really get that much traction—but it got the attention of major influencer, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. “Sabi niya, tawang tawa daw siya sa video na yun. So I thought, may audience. May nakaka-gets.”
The sketch did not really get that much traction—but it got the attention of major influencer, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. “Sabi niya, tawang tawa daw siya sa video na yun. So I thought, may audience. May nakaka-gets.”
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This inspired the next skit—a kidnapper politely negotiating with his captive’s mother what time she could best deposit the P520 million ransom money to his account. The kidnapper was not only polite, he was also concerned about his prisoner’s welfare.
This inspired the next skit—a kidnapper politely negotiating with his captive’s mother what time she could best deposit the P520 million ransom money to his account. The kidnapper was not only polite, he was also concerned about his prisoner’s welfare.
Introvert
Introvert
His videos may not show it but Fonz is actually an introvert. The Caviteño thinks this may have come from the fact that he was bullied in grade school. “Naging armor ko ang pagiging introvert kasi inisip ko if I don’t speak, people wouldn’t bother me,” he recalls.
His videos may not show it but Fonz is actually an introvert. The Caviteño thinks this may have come from the fact that he was bullied in grade school. “Naging armor ko ang pagiging introvert kasi inisip ko if I don’t speak, people wouldn’t bother me,” he recalls.
He developed a knack for performing—or being “bida-bida” as he calls it—from family reunions and get-togethers where Fonz’s act was often the most requested entertainment. “Alam mo yung ino-offeran ka ng P1,000 para mag-perform sa mga parties? Siyempre ang utak ko nasa pera so nagsasayaw ako ng Dayang Dayang,” he says, launching into the popular song and dance ditty.
He developed a knack for performing—or being “bida-bida” as he calls it—from family reunions and get-togethers where Fonz’s act was often the most requested entertainment. “Alam mo yung ino-offeran ka ng P1,000 para mag-perform sa mga parties? Siyempre ang utak ko nasa pera so nagsasayaw ako ng Dayang Dayang,” he says, launching into the popular song and dance ditty.
Once, his titas asked him to perform a declamation piece in front of 70 or so relatives. “I think I was already 12 or 13 then. Pag ganung edad medyo nahihiya-hiya ka na kasi pabinata ka na,” Fonz recalls with a laugh. But those experiences made him realize he enjoys performing in front of an audience. In high school, he actively participated in campus programs and inter-school contests. “I may not be good in academics pero pag need ng representative to perform, ako parati ang isa sa mga top picks ng mga teachers,” he says.
Once, his titas asked him to perform a declamation piece in front of 70 or so relatives. “I think I was already 12 or 13 then. Pag ganung edad medyo nahihiya-hiya ka na kasi pabinata ka na,” Fonz recalls with a laugh. But those experiences made him realize he enjoys performing in front of an audience. In high school, he actively participated in campus programs and inter-school contests. “I may not be good in academics pero pag need ng representative to perform, ako parati ang isa sa mga top picks ng mga teachers,” he says.
Fonz had a knack for making people laugh ever since he can remember, something he most likely got from his mom who he says is blessed with flawless timing and likes to spout hilarious “boomer-type punchlines.”
Fonz had a knack for making people laugh ever since he can remember, something he most likely got from his mom who he says is blessed with flawless timing and likes to spout hilarious “boomer-type punchlines.”
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“I think sa kahit anong group na masalihan ko, ako ang nagpapatawa. I don’t consider myself a comedian, na on the spot magaling mag-isip ng jokes. Pero palagay ko, nakakatawa ako as a person.”
“I think sa kahit anong group na masalihan ko, ako ang nagpapatawa. I don’t consider myself a comedian, na on the spot magaling mag-isip ng jokes. Pero palagay ko, nakakatawa ako as a person.”
When Fonz met Kris
When Fonz met Kris
Fonz’s introduction to the world of entertainment was not thru TikTok but thru a Kris Aquino meme he created back in 2017. He edited an existing interview of the then Queen of All Media to make it appear like she was candidly answering job interview questions voiced by Fonz. Kris liked the video, reposted it on her Instagram, and offered Fonz a job at Kris Cojuangco Aquino Productions (KCAP). For a while, Fonz was taking care of Kris’ vlogs.
Fonz’s introduction to the world of entertainment was not thru TikTok but thru a Kris Aquino meme he created back in 2017. He edited an existing interview of the then Queen of All Media to make it appear like she was candidly answering job interview questions voiced by Fonz. Kris liked the video, reposted it on her Instagram, and offered Fonz a job at Kris Cojuangco Aquino Productions (KCAP). For a while, Fonz was taking care of Kris’ vlogs.
When Kris stopped making the vlogs, the talent agency Cornerstone Entertainment offered Fonz a social media staff position. Unfortunately, in 2020, the Covid pandemic happened, a situation aggravated by the ABS-CBN shutdown. “I was just working for three weeks at Cornerstone nung nag-shutdown ang ABS-CBN. After nun, nag-resign na din ako. Medyo mutual decision na [between me and the company],” recalls Fonz. But to his surprise, Cornerstone reached out in late 2021 to offer him an artist management contract.
When Kris stopped making the vlogs, the talent agency Cornerstone Entertainment offered Fonz a social media staff position. Unfortunately, in 2020, the Covid pandemic happened, a situation aggravated by the ABS-CBN shutdown. “I was just working for three weeks at Cornerstone nung nag-shutdown ang ABS-CBN. After nun, nag-resign na din ako. Medyo mutual decision na [between me and the company],” recalls Fonz. But to his surprise, Cornerstone reached out in late 2021 to offer him an artist management contract.
Creating his skits
Creating his skits
Most of Fonz’s skits are inspired by real-life experiences. “For example, bumili ako sa grocery, tapos medyo sinungitan ako ng kahera. In my head, ‘Ba’t ang sungit ni Ate? Tanungin ko kaya siya?’” But he’s not going to approach the cashier and ask what’s her problem. Instead, scenarios would start playing in his head and one of them would lead to a TikTok video.
Most of Fonz’s skits are inspired by real-life experiences. “For example, bumili ako sa grocery, tapos medyo sinungitan ako ng kahera. In my head, ‘Ba’t ang sungit ni Ate? Tanungin ko kaya siya?’” But he’s not going to approach the cashier and ask what’s her problem. Instead, scenarios would start playing in his head and one of them would lead to a TikTok video.
Fonz usually works on his skits at night when he feels most creative. He doesn’t write a script; everything’s all in his head. “Halimbawa nasa labas ako, nakaisip ako ng concept for a skit na gagawin ko. Pag-uwi ko, habang fresh pa sa utak ko, ishu-shoot ko na siya. Edit, then post agad.” This is why he sometimes launches content at three in the morning.
Fonz usually works on his skits at night when he feels most creative. He doesn’t write a script; everything’s all in his head. “Halimbawa nasa labas ako, nakaisip ako ng concept for a skit na gagawin ko. Pag-uwi ko, habang fresh pa sa utak ko, ishu-shoot ko na siya. Edit, then post agad.” This is why he sometimes launches content at three in the morning.
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“I’m a firm believer na when you put out something na maganda, kahit walang audience, maganda pa rin yan,” he says. “Kahit walang nanonood, walang natawa, deep down in your heart, you know there’s something special about that video. Kaya pino-post ko siya kahit anong oras. Then magugulat na lang ako, the following morning, boom, viral!”
“I’m a firm believer na when you put out something na maganda, kahit walang audience, maganda pa rin yan,” he says. “Kahit walang nanonood, walang natawa, deep down in your heart, you know there’s something special about that video. Kaya pino-post ko siya kahit anong oras. Then magugulat na lang ako, the following morning, boom, viral!”
He does everything himself, including all the background voices. It takes him about 15 minutes to shoot a skit’s main character but recording the background voices is the more tedious part. But he enjoys the whole process.
He does everything himself, including all the background voices. It takes him about 15 minutes to shoot a skit’s main character but recording the background voices is the more tedious part. But he enjoys the whole process.
Fonz says TikTok helped give him the validation he needed as an artist. “These skits you’re seeing on my TikTok were in my head for years, but I wasn’t sure if others would find them funny as well,” he says. “Then when I started putting them out as videos and people responded positively to them, that’s when I realized, nakakatawa pala talaga ang iniisip ko.”
Fonz says TikTok helped give him the validation he needed as an artist. “These skits you’re seeing on my TikTok were in my head for years, but I wasn’t sure if others would find them funny as well,” he says. “Then when I started putting them out as videos and people responded positively to them, that’s when I realized, nakakatawa pala talaga ang iniisip ko.”
Now his followers suggest topics for his skits, which makes creating content much easier. “Ang trabaho ko na lang ngayon ay gawing weird, kakaiba at funny ang plot twist ng mga scenarios,” Fonz says smiling.
Now his followers suggest topics for his skits, which makes creating content much easier. “Ang trabaho ko na lang ngayon ay gawing weird, kakaiba at funny ang plot twist ng mga scenarios,” Fonz says smiling.
Is there something he’d never joke about? “A lot of things. Very careful ako with my humor. I wouldn’t joke about body image, rape, domestic violence and other sensitive matters. Kung wala akong ganoong considerations, sobrang daming material na pwede ko gawing joke. But I wanted to be a responsible content creator so paikot-ikot na lang sa mga multo, jeep, grocery.”
Is there something he’d never joke about? “A lot of things. Very careful ako with my humor. I wouldn’t joke about body image, rape, domestic violence and other sensitive matters. Kung wala akong ganoong considerations, sobrang daming material na pwede ko gawing joke. But I wanted to be a responsible content creator so paikot-ikot na lang sa mga multo, jeep, grocery.”
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For Fonz, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to being a successful content creator. “You see a lot of viral videos on your FYP (TikTok’s For You Page) so you would copy them to emulate other’s success. Pero deep down, this is not what you want to do, so you end up feeling burned out.” His advice: “Do something that you genuinely enjoy. Every time na gumagawa ako ng content, even until now, I do it for myself. Ito talaga ang nagpapasaya sa akin.”
For Fonz, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to being a successful content creator. “You see a lot of viral videos on your FYP (TikTok’s For You Page) so you would copy them to emulate other’s success. Pero deep down, this is not what you want to do, so you end up feeling burned out.” His advice: “Do something that you genuinely enjoy. Every time na gumagawa ako ng content, even until now, I do it for myself. Ito talaga ang nagpapasaya sa akin.”
This story has been recently updated.
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