Mikey Bustos, the Filipino-Canadian YouTube sensation and the face of Jack ‘n’ Jill’s Chicharron ni Mang Juan came back to Manila last December to delight his fans once again. I first met Mikey last October (blog post about it here) before the first Chicharron ni Mang Juan commercials came out.
We had a grand time during that first press con as he talked about growing up in Canada, being raised to uphold Filipino values, to enjoy Pinoy food, and his journey from YouTube to local Philippine television. Despite being raised in a Western society, Mikey makes sure that he stays close to his Filipino roots and insists that he is a true Pinoy at heart.
He describes his last visit as a “mind-blowing and amazing experience,” and says he can’t help but feel happy to be back in his home county, surrounded by friends and loved ones. More than that, Mikey has been excitedly catching up with his loyal fans via Twitter and Facebook, in malls, and other venues wherever he happens to be recognized, sometimes not as Mikey, but as Mang Juan! :p He sincerely expresses how much he loves his fans and that, “I don’t know where I’ll be without them.”
Although he was a finalist in Canadian Idol, Mikey really gained popularity among local and international audiences when his Pinoy Tutorials (uploaded in his YouTube channel Mikey Bustos Daily Videos in February 2011) went viral with thousands of hits and counting.
To date, he has posted a total of 19 videos that provide humorous insights on Filipino-isms that range from local accents to table manners and even balut-eating. Mikey possesses a strong and authentic Filipino identity―a rare attribute from someone born and bred abroad―having been brought up in a strictly traditional Filipino household. “Me and my brother were raised in really old school traditions,” he reveals. Mikey even has the Pinoy accent down, which is something he thanks his mom for.
Mikey singing "Yellow" by Coldplay during the press con
“A product like Chicharron ni Mang Juan calls for an endorser who is just as innovative and dynamic in his craft, but embodying the well-loved Filipino values that give life to our country and culture,” says Teree Eugenio, Marketing VP of URC Snack Foods.
Chicharron ni Mang Juan has truly found its perfect match in Mikey as they both embody that old school Pinoy quality with a modern twist. And just like Chicharron ni Mang Juan, Mikey Bustos’ brand of entertainment always leaves Pinoy fans wanting more.
The “no pork” Chicharron ni Mang Juan is available in three exciting, uniquely Pinoy flavors—Espesyal Sukang Paombong, Espesyal Suka’t Sili and Spicy Sisig.
No comments:
Post a Comment