Cristopher Diwata of 'What hafen, Vella' fame on navigating newfound popularity

Cristopher Diwata impersonates Hollywood actor Taylor Lautner on 'It's Showtime.' Screenshot from video on ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube channel

Cristopher Diwata, who recently shot to internet fame after a clip of him on the noontime variety show "It's Showtime" went viral, is embracing his newfound popularity with a sense of responsibility and a clear goal: to make the most of the moment while it lasts.

Diwata is best known for his appearance in the program's "Kalokalike" segment, where everyday individuals impersonate celebrities. He took the spotlight as a look-alike of Hollywood actor Taylor Lautner, performing a skit as Lautner's iconic character, the werewolf Jacob Black, from the hit vampire romance film "Twilight."

In his skit, he delivered the now-viral lines: "What hafen, Vella? Why you crying again? I know, vamfayr, right?". The clip quickly became an internet meme, catapulting Diwata back into the spotlight after spending over a decade working as a fish dealer in his hometown of Orion, Bataan.

Now, Diwata is staying at a budget hotel in Metro Manila with his brother and two other friends, who are helping him navigate his fame.

In a recent interview with ABS-CBN News, Diwata said he was not totally surprised that the clip of his impersonation stint had resurfaced as it typically happens every year.

This time, things took a different turn for Diwata, who has since found himself booked and busy, with television appearances and endorsement deals coming one after another. At peak days, he juggles up to four projects, ranging from TV guestings to commercial shoots.

"Ang daming nagulat kasi ang bilis. Ang dami ko agad endorsements. Ang hindi nila alam, nilalagari ko 'yun nang apat na beses. Magsisimula ako ng umaga, matatapos ako madaling araw," said Diwata, who is self-managed.

“Gusto ko hawak ko 'yung oras ko sa mga endorsement, kung ano mga project na kaya kong pagsabay-sabayin. Gusto ko lahat, bibigyan ko, open ako sa lahat.”

Photo provided by Diwata

Diwata has been able to purchase a car and pay off some of his debts from his recent earnings.

Aware that fame can be fleeting, the internet personality is making the most of every opportunity, focused on earning and securing a better future for his family.

“Mawawala rin 'yan,” he said of his popularity.

He expressed that selling himself is like fish dealing: “Pag hindi mo kayang i-benta ang isda na mataas, baba ka nang konti. Parang sa akin din naman. Pag hindi ko kayang i-market ang sarili ko sa mataas, bababa ako nang konti.”

However, Diwata emphasized that he knows his worth: “Depende rin sa i-endorse ko. Kung alam mo naman talaga na ginigisa ka sa sarili mong mantika, huwag na.”

Diwata also considers social media users as his bosses.

“Lagi mong tandaan kung sino nagpasikat sa 'yo, huwag mo tatalikuran, huwag mo kakalimutan, lagi sila ang boss mo,” he said.

He shared that he always accommodates requests for photo opportunities and shout-out clips, although he admits feeling disappointed when people insist on paying him for something he’s willing to do for free.

“Ngayon nasabihin ko sa mga nagpapa-shoutout, huwag niyo po lagi sasabihin sa una magkano. Kasi nakaka-insulto po siya.”

“Sabihin ko lang ang pangalan niyo, Hawakan ko lang 'yung cellphone, [Mag] sasalita lang. 'Di naman ako napagod” he said.