American TV host and comedian Conan O’Brien extended a helping hand to a struggling local candy manufacturer, boosting its visibility with a playful and unexpected twist–a quirky billboard ad.
American TV host and comedian Conan O’Brien made an unexpected appearance on a giant billboard along EDSA-Guadalupe, promoting Tarzan Bubblegum and Texas Bubblegum, candy brands from the local manufacturer Philip Sweets Manufacturing. The company is known for making treats, like the classic caramel candy, that have become a nostalgic staple in many Filipino childhoods, particularly from the 1960s to the 1990s.
The billboard features Conan sporting muscular abs and a cowboy hat while swinging on a vine, an image that captures his signature comedic style.
The story behind this quirky ad began on Conan’s podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend where he interviewed Filipino fan Charles de Guia, a mechanical engineer working at his uncle’s candy factory, the aforementioned company. The episode was released on November 21, 2024.
During the conversation, Charles shared the company’s struggles, prompting Conan to step in and offer his help.
While in Manila filming for his travel show Conan O’Brien Must Go, Conan visited the candy factory. He shared the experience on his Instagram account, along with a photo of himself lounging in a pool of candies.
“Visited my fan Charles’ candy factory and lost my f-ing mind,” he wrote in the caption.
But what surprised Charles the most is the unveiling of the billboard earlier mentioned, showing Conan promoting their family’s factory to help elevate the brand in a playful and surprising way.
“Still chewing on how surreal today was. Love you, Conan! @teamcoco,” Charles wrote on Instagram.
Moreover, Charles was touched by Conan’s personal gestures, making the experience even more memorable.
Among the surprises that Conan gave him were a doodle signed by his idol, a Conan mug with a thoughtful note, and a signed Funko Pop toy of Conan that Charles kept in his office.
Meanwhile, besides filming for his travel show, Conan shot a cameo scene with Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado for the GMA Prime series Sanggang-Dikit FR.
The American celebrity also surprised Michael V. with a video greeting for the 30th anniversary of his comedy gag show, Bubble Gang.
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