YouTube has been one of the go-to pastimes of Filipinos during the lockdown period. With a colorful variety of content, it has provided a respite from the unsettling reality of the coronavirus pandemic. More so, countless people have also been able to relive their pre-quarantine life through the video-watching platform. And men are no exception.
As it stands, most activities that guys used to do have taken a backseat in these trying times. These include playing basketball, hitting the gym and bonding with loved ones, among many others. Fortunately, there are local content creators that can keep them entertained, offering a virtual shot of nostalgia.
Mav’s Phenomenal Basketball
Here in the Philippines, the love for the sport of Basketball is unparalleled. So, it should not come as a surprise that Mav’s Phenomenal Basketball has caught the attention of the masses, gaining a large following over time. It started back in 2013, rallying behind Mavrick Bautista, who runs a skills development program for aspirants and professionals alike. His channel has now amassed 1.32 million subscribers and over 229 million views.
A deeper understanding of the game’s Xs and Os awaits once you delve into Bautista’s vast knowledge and experience. His channel is where he explores the grueling process of achieving basketball excellence through hard work and dedication. That’s why his range of videos is a treasure trove of informative content, but expect to be entertained as well. He constantly dishes out all sorts of hard court action — from full court pick-up games to intense one-on-ones.
Still, nothing seems to fit the taste of the masses better than the so-called “Dayo” series. This string of vlogs takes viewers into the escapade of Pheno Gang, a team built on Bautista’s trusted colleagues. It is where they lock horns with several amateur talents across various basketball communities in the country. Drawing strength from the emotional-charge and unrestrained nature of streetball, every game-day content is passionate and downright amusing. If you’re big on basketball and a fan of this channel, then you surely miss competing to your heart’s content.
Ken Hanaoka
Possessing a considerable amount of experience in the bodybuilding scene, Ken Hanaoka is undeniably an online presence that you can lean on when it comes to transforming your body into your dream physique. He has been cranking out workout clips of himself since 2015. However, it was only four years after when he began imparting his practical knowledge of bodybuilding to others. This incited a steady rise on viewership, and in no time, his channel now has over 11 million views. Recently, it breached the 100,000-subscriber territory as well, receiving the coveted Silver Play Button afterwards.
Hanaoka has carved his niche as a favorite pasttime in the local fitness community by showcasing his brains and brawn on camera. Save for his informative approach in vlogging, though, he is also not one to shy away from showing his quirky, down-to-earth attitude. This has earned him a dedicated band of supporters, whom he calls “Ka-Saiyan” — a clear reference to Dragon Ball, a famous Japanese animated series that many Filipinos love. More than that, he appears to be a natural when it comes to boosting one’s motivation towards working out. A testament to that is when he’s helped transform the then-scrawny frame of his videographer into a bulk, chiseled one, which has been documented through his channel.
Recently, Hanaoka, who also provides personal fitness coaching services, has been reaching out to fellow YouTube content creators, who are in need of hands-on guidance in their fitness journey. To the delight of many, one of the personalities he has taken into account is Bautista and his Pheno Gang. Their collaboration has been serving up entertaining content left and right as of late, leaving audience satisfied.
While patiently waiting for the green light to again pump some iron in the gym, spend time on his channel. And do expect that every second of doing so will add more fuel to your already burning fire.
Agassi Ching
Living in lockdown for months, people cannot help but miss their social life, even the simplest of interactions. Whether it is a casual walk down the street, a family get-together, an inuman session with friends, or even a romantic date with a special someone, you are most likely longing to experience those moments again. That is why it is all the more delightful to watch Agassi Ching these days.
A quick trip on Ching’s YouTube profile would reveal how good his looks are. However, that is only one of the many reasons why he has a growing legion of supporters, over 4.08 million subscribers in the said platform alone. Pretty face aside, he is known for having a bright, bubbly personality that complements well with his content, which features anything under the sun. Be it a hilarious prank and bonding time with his fellow content creators, a celebration with his family, or a romantic surprise for his girlfriend, Jai Asuncion, who is also as famous as he is in the vlogging scene, there is never a dull moment. To say the least, he makes viewers feel like they are listening to a friend rather than a famous personality, causing a surge of longing for social connection.
You might be missing out on usual everyday things right now, but it is perfectly fine to feel a sense of nostalgia for normalcy. In the meantime, find happiness in what you have and make the most out of it. Also, it is important to remember that health and safety should be at the top of your priority list. So stay safe at home and enjoy binge-watching videos produced by the content creators on this list!