Content creator and rising actor Esnyr Ranollo is best known for his comedic skits and relatable content—but behind the laughter is a deeply moving story of resilience, identity, and friendship.
In an emotional sit-down with veteran journalist Karen Davila, Esnyr bared the struggles behind the spotlight and the people who helped him rise above them—including actor Donny Pangilinan.
Toward the end of the 34-minute vlog interview, Esnyr recalled a moment early in his career when he didn’t know where to go after filming his first movie.
“‘Nung una ko pong movie, kasama po sila. At ‘nung pack up na po ako, hindi ko na po alam kung saan po ako pupunta,” he shared.
With only his taping allowance to survive on, Esnyr found himself in a vulnerable position and decided to reach out to Donny Pangilinan for help.
“Meron po akong money na taping money. Tapos sabi ko, ‘Donny, baka may ano, baka puwede mo kong i-help,’ ganyan. Tapos ayaw niya na i-gastos ko po ‘yung pera ko. Gusto niya na sa bahay na lang po nila mag-stay ako.”
Though deeply touched, Esnyr hesitated.
“Tapos ako po, siyempre, nahihiya po ako sa kanya. Donny Pangilinan na po ’yan.”
Even after Esnyr declined the offer to stay at Donny’s home, the actor still went out of his way to support him.
“Tinulungan niya po ako, nag-find po siya ng matutuluyan ko dito sa Manila. At sa loob po ng one month na ‘yon, inasikaso niya po talaga ako. Papadala siya ng food. Ganyan.”
More than just a temporary lifeline, Donny’s generosity helped form a lasting bond.
“He always tells me na he’s proud of me sa lahat ng mga achievements ko,” Esnyr said tearfully. “I really found a friend in him. At more than just a friend po, like family na po talaga.”
But one of Esnyr’s most personal revelations came when Karen asked him about coming out to his family. To his surprise, his father’s reaction was nothing but acceptance.
“Wala po, wala pong pagalit,” he said. “Actually, nagulat po ako na pinost po ako ng Papa ko na naka-long hair po ako.”
That post—simple as it seemed—carried immense meaning.
“‘Yun pa po ‘yung moment na the day before po ako lumipad dito sa Manila kasi kinuha na po ako ng ABS. ‘Yun po ‘yung first and last post niya sa’kin before po ako pumasok ng PBB.”
From that point on, something shifted within him.
“Sobrang laking impact po na nagawa ng pag-post niya po sa’kin kasi wala na po akong kinakatakutan. Kumbaga, kasi tanggap na po ako ng mismong father ko. Hindi na magma-matter sa’kin ‘yung sasabihin ng ibang tao. Wala na akong tinatago, kumbaga, spread my wings na ko.”
Before the brand deals and millions of views, Esnyr was just a student from the province making videos with humor and heart. When he earned his first ₱5,000 through content creation, he didn’t spend it on himself.
“Those are 30 videos, in exchange for ₱5,000. It’s my first time to earn, so that ₱5,000 is already too big for us,” he said. “I bought groceries for us… We contributed to the electricity.”
That moment became symbolic of his long-held dream to give back—and to make his mother proud.
“This is my moment—‘Mom, it’s me first.’ Those moments like that.”
Today, Esnyr Ranollo stands tall as an LGBTQIA+ personality, a rising star, and a voice for authenticity in the digital space. But more than fame, what defines him is his ability to inspire—with vulnerability, gratitude, and truth. He speaks for countless young Filipinos finding their voice—those navigating identity, chasing dreams with limited means, or longing for love and acceptance.
