Allyzza Kay Trinidad

Chito Samontina revisits humble life in Davao, challenges before becoming a content creator

Article (news)

Mary Ann Bardinas

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1738974298015ENT-OD2(66).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>Almost a year after guesting in his popular online talk show, “CHITchat, Ato Ni!” in February 2024, it was Melai Cantiveros’ turn to have Bisaya host, internet personality, and content creator Chito Samontina in the latest episode of her own online program, ABS-CBN Entertainment’s “Kuan On One,” released on Tuesday, February 4.Kuantie Melai began their lighthearted and inspiring conversation by acknowledging that Chito, who’s fondly called by his followers as “Angkol” and dubbed the “King of Bisaya Talk,” is actually one of the inspirations behind the well-loved Kapamilya digital Bisaya show. “Hindi ako makapaniwala dahil nag-umpisa ang show na ‘to na isa ka sa mga inspirasyon. Isa ka sa mga inspirasyon dito dahil ginuest mo ako bilang isang Bisdak at natuwa ako dahil may talk show na Bisaya,” she conveyed. “Nagbukas ang lahat ng inquiries at opportunities para gawan din ako ng show dito, at dahil ‘yon sa’yo.”For this episode, we’re able to take a further look not just on the journey of Chito but of Kuantie Melai, too, as they discussed chasing their dreams and reaping the fruits of their labors while also enjoying their journeys towards success. <div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nsZtcPWRkng" title="CHITO SAMONTINA:”Kung wala nako ‘to naagian, di ko maningkamot…” | KUAN ON ONE S2 Ep11 w/ subs" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>As a starter, Melai asked Chito regarding the moments in his life that he would never trade now that he has already attained success. He told her in Bisaya, “Ang mga paghihirap, ang mga rejection, ang mga masasakit na napagdaanan ko tulad ng, ‘Parang wala na akong pag-asa sa pangarap ko.’ ‘Yon ang masasabi ko na pinakamagandang nangyari sa akin dahil kung hindi ko pinagdaanan ‘yon, hindi ako magsusumikap.”According to him, he appreciated everything that he went through because he firmly believes that it’s through those times when he was able to attest that hardships indeed prepare us to the triumph that we’re aiming for. Prior to becoming the popular content creator that he is now, he disclosed that he once tried to audition for “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/pbbgen112024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pinoy Big Brother</a>” but didn’t impose himself further after he got rejected. He then sent an audition tape of him showing off his TV hosting stints to seasoned showbiz reporter and talent manager Ogie Diaz, hoping that he would be discovered by him but the latter had seemingly missed or didn’t notice his email.When quizzed how his “angkol” or “kol” moniker started, Chito recounted that it was the producers of the local TV program he used to host who decided on it. There were people, including his fellow vloggers in Davao, who called him “Kol” and that was when it all began. And he didn’t have any qualms nor felt a tinge of awkwardness since it befits his personality and he’s also already an uncle to his older siblings’ children for real. “Pero mas gusto ko na naging ‘uncle’ ako dahil parang napunta ako sa direksyon na hindi pwedeng hindi ako maging responsable sa influence ko sa social media. Kapag uncle ka kasi, kailangan ay okay ang ugali mo para sundin ka ng mga pamangkin mo, irerespeto ka nila,” he related. Chito also reminisced on the simple life he used to have in the province, which made him realize how far he has already gone in life. He recalled how he and his siblings had to walk several kilometers from their house to get to school and to the central market since there were no means of transportation there at the time, until the advent of habal-habal in their barrio, which cost a fortune. Meanwhile, when he got here in Manila, he experienced having to chase buses and stand inside them despite already being exhausted in order for him to reach his destination.Besides, he also remembered having to borrow a motorbike and ride on tricycles in the early days of his journey as a vlogger. Now, he can go anywhere in his own car and pay for the taxi fare, to which he’s very grateful to God, along with his other blessings. He further related how he still finds it unbelievable that he’s already able to get to this point and experience the things that he used to only dream of.

Popular Bisdak content creator Chito Samontina fondly talks about life before fame in this episode of “Kuan On One.”

Popular Bisdak content creator Chito Samontina fondly talks about life before fame in this episode of “Kuan On One.”