“TRENDING NOON NA SI PAMBANSANG KOLOKOY, HETO NA PALA ANG BUHAY NIYA NGAYON!!”
It was a headline that swept across Filipino social media, leaving fans and followers both curious and concerned. Once hailed as the “Pambansang Kolokoy” — the nation’s ultimate jokester — he made millions laugh with his hilarious skits, family-based comedy, and feel-good content. But what really happened after the laughter faded? Where is the man who once dominated every news feed and trended at every turn?

Buckle up, because this is the deeply emotional, shocking, and raw journey of Pambansang Kolokoy—from viral stardom to a life far from the spotlight.

A HOUSEHOLD NAME — THE RISE OF A LEGEND

Pambansang Kolokoy, real name Joey Jimenez, first rose to fame on Facebook and YouTube with his short skits poking fun at daily Filipino life. Whether it was playing a father nagging his son, a wacky neighbor, or reenacting hilarious “asawa” scenarios, Joey’s content was relatable to every Filipino household — local or abroad.

Millions of views rolled in. Sponsorships came knocking. And with his wife and son often included in the videos, fans felt like they were part of his real-life family. In a world full of fake smiles, Pambansang Kolokoy felt real.

He wasn’t just trending — he was loved.

THE PERFECT LIFE? NOT QUITE.

But behind the camera, things were unraveling.
Fans started noticing fewer appearances from his wife. Then came the cryptic captions. A few silent months. And then — the bombshell:

“We are no longer together. Please respect our privacy.”

Joey’s announcement of his separation sent shockwaves through his fanbase. The couple that once made everyone laugh had now parted ways. And with that, a piece of Pambansang Kolokoy’s brand seemed to disappear.

But the pain didn’t stop there.

FAME VS FAMILY — THE DARK SIDE OF VIRAL LIFE

After the separation, Joey tried to continue creating content. But the spark was gone. His videos became sporadic, the tone more serious, the laughs less frequent. Behind the scenes, he was battling loneliness, criticism, and the pressures of staying relevant in a platform that moves on fast.

“I lost not just a partner… I lost my identity,” Joey shared in one interview.

He admitted to feeling depressed, burnt out, and overwhelmed by the weight of keeping a strong public image. Comments shifted from laughter to judgment. Many netizens, unaware of the full story, accused him of changing. Of letting success get to his head. Of “abandoning” the very people who made him famous.

It was a painful irony. The same fame that gave him everything was now taking it all away.

SILENCE… THEN A REBIRTH

After months of silence, fans noticed something new.

Gone were the flashy thumbnails and loud titles. In their place: simple videos. A man talking. Reflecting. Crying.

Joey began uploading raw, unedited vlogs — sharing how he wakes up alone. How he cooks his meals. How he misses his son. No acting. No comedy. Just truth.

And the response?

Overwhelming support.

“Kuya Joey, we’re still here.”
“You made us laugh when we needed it most. Now it’s our turn to lift you up.”
“Real men cry. Real men heal.”

The nation rallied behind their Kolokoy once more — but this time, not for laughs. For healing.

A NEW CHAPTER — WHAT IS HE DOING NOW?

Today, Pambansang Kolokoy lives a quieter life in Las Vegas, far from the bright lights of trending algorithms. He still posts videos occasionally — but not for clout, not for views. He posts to connect.

He has launched a small mentorship program for aspiring Filipino content creators. He supports mental health awareness in the diaspora community. And perhaps most touching of all — he now dedicates every video to his son, whom he calls his “greatest joy.”

Though not as viral as before, Joey is finally happy, whole, and healing.

FROM LAUGHTER TO LEGACY

The story of Pambansang Kolokoy is not just about fame, comedy, or heartbreak. It is a mirror of what happens when the cameras stop rolling. When the likes disappear. When the laughter dies down.

But more than that, it is a story of resilience.

He made us laugh. He made us think. And now, he’s making us believe — that even in brokenness, there is rebirth.

So, “Pambansang Kolokoy trending noon”? Yes. But today — he is something even better.

A symbol of strength.
A reminder to be kind.
A testament that even the funniest hearts can carry the deepest pain — and still rise again