By Ace Pariña
(December 23, 2024) – There are a lot of things happening in the world. Thankfully, there’s social media to make things even zanier.
Every year, a new wave of online personalities pops up, making us laugh until our sides hurt with their creative genius. It’s an entertaining escape from the daily grind, a chance to forget about our existential dread for a few minutes and just laugh or chuckle or gain knowledge.
Spotify has its annual Wrapped, but we’re all about a different kind of wrap-up. Papatalo ba kami? Here are five online sensations that entertained Filipinos in 2024. Kapit ka na, bare minimum enjoyer.
5. Arshie Larga
Arshie is a pharmacist. Let us explain.
From dispensing pills to dispensing laughs, Arshie took the internet by storm with his wealth of healthy tips. He has over 4.2 million followers and 141.8 million likes on TikTok.
He’s like the friendly superhero of health advice, who always has his own medicine bag every time he goes out. Moreover, he debunks myths and adds wisdom amid the often confusing world of medicine.
With his wit and humor, viewers have continued to watch Arshie’s videos. As they say, if symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
4. Fonz
Everybody sing: Baby, one and only, ikaw ang aking one and only. Caring ka kasi.
Fonz a.k.a. ‘Yung Naka-Mic has served skit after skit on TikTok, delivering an unexpected twist at the end of each video. Just like that moment when you realize—plot twist!—you’re single again.
Aldrich Nartia in real life, he’s a one-man production crew: Director, writer, producer, and yes, unfortunately, even singer.
His content has also become interactive, with fans sending him skit ideas. He has 1.4 million followers on TikTok. You know Fonz will deliver once he has his mic in his hand. Thank goodness we have him—one and only—in our lives.
3. Arman Salon
Jusko po! Jusko po!
Who wants to join the Arman Salon Acting Workshop? With Hollywood-level acting skills, Arman Salon, Arman Macasusi in real life, has outperformed some of the biggest gaslighters out there. Spectacular performance! *chef’s kiss*
He turns his salon into a stage, with customers becoming co-actors in the worlds he creates. Arman Salon’s genuine acting skills and quick wit are his greatest assets, making his TikTok videos more believable than politicians who suddenly get sick and end up in wheelchairs. He’s gotten so good, he even auditioned for Cinemalaya.
Fonz and Arman Salon’s TikTok collaboration was dubbed the “Collab of the Year,” bringing together two of this generation’s greatest actors in one frame.
2. Diwata
Nagmula sa kalangitan, lumagapak sa kalupaan.
Filipinos got an unli-serving of Diwata in 2024. With a simple pares stand and a sassy personality, Diwata, Deo Balbuena in real life, found the perfect pairing for instant stardom.
He’s not just serving up pares overload, he’s also dishing out life advice and meme-worthy lines. During the peak of his popularity, curious and selfie-seeking fans lined up for hours just to try Diwata’s pares.
But just when we thought Diwata would quickly fade into obscurity, we might see more of him after he entered politics, running as the fourth nominee of the Vendors Party-list in the 2025 midterm elections.
What will he offer? Some said it’s an easy question: Unli-pares for everyone, including his bashers-bashers.
1. Malupiton
Boss? Bossing! kumusta ang buhay-buhay?
What started as silly skits about different odd jobs have turned into an actual profession for Malupiton. His hilarious content skyrocketed to the top in 2024. Now, he regularly collaborates with various brands, showcasing his clever marketing gimmicks.
Malupiton, Joel Ravanera in real life, is that friend who always has a wild story. You know you’re being entertained even if you’re not entirely sure if what you’re hearing is real.
Malupiton’s videos make you feel like you’re being fooled, yet you can’t help but enjoy them. Just like the familiar antics from the government. Trapo pa more! K*pal ka ba, boss?
Featured photo courtesy: Facebook/Malupiton, TikTok/scarlette_macasusi, TikTok/arshielife, TikTok/ribsp, TikTok/diwataparesoverload
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