Motorists along EDSA-Guadalupe have been doing double-takes lately at a larger-than-life sight: Conan O’Brien grinning from a billboard, clutching packs of Tarzan and Texas Bubblegum. No, it’s not Photoshop or a late-night sketch—this one’s for real.
The unlikely collaboration began not in a marketing boardroom, but on an episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. During the podcast, the veteran comedian chatted with Charles de Guia, a Filipino mechanical engineer who casually mentioned that he worked at his uncle’s small candy company, Philip Candies. Their family business, he said, had seen better days.
Conan, ever the master of mixing humor with heart, didn’t just laugh it off—he decided to do something about it.
While filming an episode of his travel docuseries Conan O’Brien Must Go in Manila, the American comic made good on his promise. He dropped by the Philip Candies factory, met the workers behind the beloved local sweets, and then surprised everyone by launching an actual billboard campaign to help promote the brand.
The gesture instantly turned Conan’s Manila visit into an internet sensation, blending comedy, kindness, and Filipino nostalgia in one viral moment.
“It’s beyond my wildest dreams to see you, Conan, and to have you visit us here in the Philippines—especially in our candy factory,” Charles wrote in an emotional Instagram post. “Grateful to you and everyone at @teamcoco for making this an unforgettable experience.”
From punchlines to production lines, Conan O’Brien has proven once again that laughter—especially when shared—can be the sweetest gift of all.