Some of those who have been chronically online or like watching digital talk shows have probably come across popular Davaoeño content creator Chito Samontina and his YouTube program “CHITchat, Ato Ni!,” in which he interviews some Bisdaks making waves in various fields, including Melai Cantiveros. And in the latest episode of ABS-CBN’s “Kuan On One,” premiered on Tuesday, February 4, it was his turn to be interviewed by the Kapamilya star.

Before becoming the “King of Bisaya Talk,” Chito implied that it was actually his dream to break into the local entertainment scene. He recalled trying to audition once for an edition of “Pinoy Big Brother,” as well as submitting audition tapes of him showing off his hosting chops to seasoned showbiz reporter and talent manager Ogie Diaz, from which he was both got rejected. Those rejections apparently helped him realize that his real calling was in content creation.  

Aside from his online talk show, “CHITchat, Ato Ni!,” those who follow him online are likely aware that Chito also ran the digital reality search “BSDK DOSE” on his YouTube channel, which aimed to train and introduce aspiring Bisaya content creators. When asked by Kuantie Melai how his passion for content creation got enkindled, Chito said that it was upon his realization that being an artist, perhaps, wasn’t meant for him and he was destined to become a host and producer instead.

“So, parang na-enjoy ko ang proseso ng content creation. Gusto ko na ako ang gagawa ng sarili kong show, parang gano’n. Nagustuhan naman ng mga tao, kaya doon ako na-push na content creation pala ang para sa akin,” he related.

The “Asia’s Best Bisaya Talk Show Host” awardee went on to advise those who aspire to tread on the same path as him to not be easily discouraged even though the journey is not going to be easy. He warned about getting lost in the process sometimes or at first, until we’re able to completely figure it out. However, in the midst of confusion, one should fret not because God is there to help us get through it and steer us to where we really should be.

Although he has already gained throngs of followers, Chito never regarded them as fans since he didn’t like the idea of having so. He explained, “Para sa akin kasi, makikita mo kasi na may mga taong nakatadhana maging celebrity. Ngayon, kahit sino ay pwede na maging celebrity. Para sa akin kasi, ilagay natin na kilala ako, kilala ang palabas ko. Ang nakikita ko sa sarili ko ay para akong si Direk Lauren [Dyogi]. Parang gano’n ang direksyon ko.” 

Chito added, “Gusto ko mag-produce ng mga palabas. Naging bonus na lang, naging produkto na lang ang kasikatan. Hindi naman sa hindi ko siya gusto, hindi ko lang gusto maramdaman na sikat ako. Kaya kung tatanungin mo ako kung paano i-handle ang fans, sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung paano. Pero alam ko at naa-appreciate at naa-acknowledge ko na may mga taong totoo na sumusuporta sa akin.”