For sure, those who have been chronically online or spending much of their time on social media have certainly come across the contents uploaded by popular content creator Philipp Hernandez, or more well-known as “Davao Conyo,” who consistently amused us with his hilarious and relatable skits that he uploads on social media.

While he has been all over the internet in recent years, did you know that he didn't have any mainstream media appearances before? Not until he guested in ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube’s Bisaya talk show “Kuan On One,” wherein we’re able to find out more about him, his process and journey as a content creator, and his life before fame during his conversation with our gregarious Kuantie Melai Cantiveros.

Born and raised in Lanang, Davao City, Philipp moved here in Manila three years ago to pursue better opportunities. His screenname is derived from the term “Davao Conyo,” which pertains to speaking in both Tagalog and Bisaya that is common among the people in Mindanao. He told the host that he learned Tagalog by watching ABS-CBN teleseryes growing up, with “Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan” (2001-2003) and “Saan Ka Man Naroroon” (1999-2001) as two of his apparent favorites since he is a self-confessed “Claudinian” or fan of Claudine Barretto. On her part, Kuantie Melai imparted that it’s “Esperanza” (1997-1999) and “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” (2000-2002) for her.

As Melai asked if ABS-CBN has a big impact on his content, Philipp enthusiastically imparted that since he grew up watching Kapamilya shows, there was a point in his life that he wanted to be an artist. Thus, he tried auditioning for “Pinoy Big Brother” not just once but five times, with his first attempt being in “PBB Teen Edition Plus” in 2008, which was won by Ejay Falcon. He almost reached the final round as the staff already went to their house for an interview, but he sadly didn’t make it to the final cut.

The first-ever content he uploaded, which was his dubbed version of the 2013 Star Cinema family comedy-drama film “Four Sisters and A Wedding,” was indeed a hit among netizens as it immediately went viral on social media. He told Kuantie Melai that he actually kind of expected it because he knew back then that his content was the first of its kind, not to mention that he used a very famous movie and the “Davao Conyo” language, which is popular among the younger generations in Davao.

When asked how he adjusted to his growing popularity, Philipp said in Bisaya, “Honestly, I think it’s just about balance. I enjoy it but, at the same time, I also pay attention to my numbers because, of course, when brands are paying, you’ll be under pressure. When brands are paying you, you become more pressured.”

He may seem to always succeed in tickling us with his humor; he admitted that he actually made some videos that he didn't find funny. However, instead of wallowing, he always simply reminds himself to just enjoy the process, which Melai seconded by pleading to everyone not to hurl nasty remarks at others if they do not like what was offered to them. 

As the Kapamilya host imparted her process of uploading videos on social media, which involves seeking the feedback of her loved ones at home, Philipp shared that he’s also not really into watching other comedy content creators because he doesn’t want to unconsciously copy them or feel envious about them.

“I get envious easily. But I don’t see it as a bad thing because sometimes, when I feel envious, it pushes me to work harder. I’m not the type to get envious and then badmouth someone. I use it as motivation that if they can do it, so can I. So, it’s in a good way,” he related.

While his being green-eyed is considered a weakness, one of Philipp’s strengths is his writing prowess. He was initially embarrassed to admit it since he’s in ABS-CBN and there are a lot of great writers here, but Kuantie Melai insisted that he indeed is since it's only him who makes his own content.

“Yes, I love writing. I don’t know how I developed the skills, maybe through the movies I’ve seen on CinemaOne,” he said when quizzed by the host if he loves writing. “I’m not saying that because I’m here, [but because] I grew up watching TV.”

While there’s an impression that he is an extrovert because of the content he uploads, Philipp confessed that he is actually an introvert. In fact, he prefers to shoot his videos all by himself, although it is tiring since he’s not used to other people seeing or accompanying him, including his parents. Besides, he’s more comfortable working alone and not having a team to edit and write for him.

However, he’s not always been that way since he recalled being an extrovert when he was still younger. But as he gets older and becomes more mature, he realizes that some people can be exhausting, so he starts reducing his social circle until he only has a few friends left in his circle. He was also not ashamed to admit that he’s picky about friends since, for him, it’s way better than just hanging out with people he doesn’t like.

They then talked about their respective lives as students in private school and public school in the “Dakong Problema” segment, in which they reminisced on their fondest and funniest memories—from the food they used to order in the canteen during breaktime to how they tried to catch the attention of their crush in another section.

The episode wrapped up with them relaying their takeaways from their lighthearted and insightful conversation in the “Ultimate Yawyaw” segment. Philipp believes that we shouldn’t let our educational background define our future or the path that we’re going to take. Kuantie Melai agreed with him and commended him at the same time for always remembering where he came from, which is evident in the content that he uploads, and for choosing not to stop in spite of obstacles.

And lastly, for his most favorite Bisaya word, it would be “kusog” which could either mean “strong” or “loud.”