Davao Conyo named TikTok Philippines Creator of the Year, heads to regional awards

Philip Te Hernandez, the content creator known online as Davao Conyo, won Creator of the Year at the TikTok Awards 2026, according to The Philippine Star. The win earns him a spot representing the Philippines at the inaugural TikTok Awards Southeast Asia.

The ceremony, held on November 5 in Makati under the theme "The Ones Who Spark It," honoured local creators for their creativity, influence and storytelling on the platform.

Hernandez, who is known for comedic skits, said in his acceptance speech that he had been nominated several times before without winning. "This means so much to me as someone who always gets nominated but I never win," he said. He joked that he had only two months left in 2026 to show off the trophy. He then thanked God, whom he called "the original creator," along with his mother and longtime followers.

He also credited TikTok with opening content creation to ordinary people. He said it is no longer limited to those with costly equipment or attractive homes, and that even creators filming in front of a clothesline or a chicken coop can make others happy.

In a separate interview, Hernandez said his passion had grown into a business that demands commitment and consistency. He urged aspiring creators to start producing content rather than wait for inspiration. "Action creates the motivation," he said. He added that every job has its difficulties. He also said he has no immediate plans to move into mainstream entertainment, citing the freedom of being a content creator.

Other winners included Pau Pelaez for Beauty and Fashion Creator of the Year. She said five years of making videos allowed her to buy a house and a car. Rising Creator of the Year Jericho Mark Asis, known for his viral "Sharmaine" content, named Davao Conyo as his inspiration.

The regional awards are set for November 27 in Bali, Indonesia. Creators from six Southeast Asian countries will compete there for regional honours.