They say, “You can’t have your own world,” because no man is an island, but what if that very own world you created can reflect the very same world that you are in? Specifically, to bring back the good old days you once experienced?
In a world where social media users from various digital applications consume short-form videos every day—a format that researchers have linked to challenges in sustaining attention on longer tasks—there comes Esnyr.
ESNYR’S DISCOVERY
Esnyr Ranollo, also known by his username @Esnyrrr on many social media platforms, mainly on TikTok, is a digital content creator who creates skits through short-form videos that relate to many of his viewers—content that features the high school journey of a Filipino student during their early years of studying.
During those boring and terrifying lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a jolly and creative Esnyr emerged—he posted content on TikTok to kill his boredom. In his room, he only had a phone, himself, and his idea—to create videos about his experiences during his high school years, unaware that they could change his life. He began posting videos on his page, and little by little, he gained the attention of many—viewers who also related to his content. Those fun, dramatic, and OA videos he posted gained millions of views in a short span of time.
A queer who wore his shirt as a wig, used props he created from scratch, a plain white background in his room, and his experiences that carried a bag of ideas turned into someone who also killed the boredom of many in the Philippines. Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, his videos provided entertainment and nostalgia for many viewers during a time when uncertainty prevailed. When schools closed their gates to face-to-face classes, Esnyr’s content reminded us of the moments when we laughed, cried, loved, and connected during our high school days.
That’s when viewers began following him, garnering not only supporters but also finding friends and family in his community. He became viral and well-known, not only for his creative videos that involved characters he created and portrayed himself, but also for his character as an individual—his humor and the way he confidently delivered his acts.
SHIFTING TO…
Esnyr didn’t just successfully film content that garnered millions of views, but he was also discovered and cast in a movie called “Love Is Color Blind,” starring Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, also known as the love team “DonBelle.” This love team was one of the most famous love teams, and he was set for a cameo role, but his originally brief appearance was expanded, giving him more screen exposure in the movie.
But Esnyr, being a confident risk-taker, surprised his community by producing content on YouTube—from portrait short videos that made him famous to landscape videos that were longer than his usual content with better cinematography; from a green-screen background to real-life locations; from portraying all characters by himself to adding actors; from self-edited videos to having an actual team that directs and edits behind the camera.
That Esnyr that’s known for his characters on TikTok videos as Jessa (the smart overachiever girl), Andrei (the silent introverted genius classmate), Charlotte (the expensive rich girl), Balong (the high-energetic queer), Ma’am Castro (the terror teacher), Margielyn (the “astig” masculine girl), Bogart (the “boys at the back”), and Precious (the “feeling main character” girl), became the main characters of his own short film.
After uploading one of his most ambitious school-themed short films in 2024 with a new character, as usual, it gained a massive amount of attention and views, and viewers ended up requesting more and turning it into a series. Because of the success of his first episode, many viewers requested more episodes. Many of them applauded his creativity, talent, and efforts in portraying multiple characters at the same time—including side characters like the guard, canteen staff, tricycle driver, and more—a talent that offered a new outlook.
Due to the massive requests, Esnyr didn’t hesitate to produce another short film just a month later. Introducing new characters in each episode, it eventually became a full-blown series, with viewers looking forward to every episode since then. He produced a short film that tackled compilations of high school crush moments, heartbreaking moments, section wars, hell week moments, graduation moments, and more—those moments when you thought is the worst and best before knowing that it is only the tip of the iceberg to the reality of life, that reminiscing it through a short film felt so nostalgic and memorable—proving that there is more to learning than stress.
Esnyr’s short films remind us that there’s more to chasing perfect grades—enjoying and making memories that will last for a lifetime can coexist with studying your best. We must not forget to enjoy every bit of it—making friends along the way, going out of your comfort zone to experience things, and live your high school life to the fullest. Because one day, those memories will not be in your report cards but will live in your head—something you can look back to some day. You can only live this chapter once, so make it worth remembering.
During his peak, he achieved more and more success—becoming part of Rise Artists Studio, the talent management arm of ABS-CBN, joining Pinoy Big Brother and ending as the 3rd Big Placer, and being cast in more movies. These became his stepping stones to achieving more.
A SURPRISE…
When Esnyr got his big break by joining PBB, he was cut off from the outside world—no social media, no new updates, no phones, and only connections inside the house. Fans looked forward to his success. When he emerged as the 3rd Big Placer, he basked in the success he was receiving but remained more driven and kept his feet on the ground.
But Esnyr stayed on track. After the very long wait, he once again proved his talent and creativity by transforming his short film into an almost full-length movie, giving a surprise to his followers by featuring several well-known personalities, artists, and content creators in the Philippines—including Vice Ganda, DonBelle, Enchong Dee, Donna Cariaga, Mimiyuuuh, and many more.
This time, they focused on compilations of first-day high school moments—from being late on the first day, meeting the terror teacher, riding to school, looking forward to making new friends, and many more mixed-emotion moments. The nearly hour-long film he uploaded for free received praise from viewers online, who commended his dedication and talent in producing films that were different from the usual type of content.
This film did not only target a specific audience, but it also bridged various generations—whether you are a Millennial, Gen Z, or Gen Alpha. It is proof that Esnyr can bring back memories from the golden times of high school, creating his own universe where diversity and inclusion remain, reflecting what our world needs.
How was it different from the usual?
He created a universe where even the same faces, but different characters, could still shine in many ways—promoting an inclusive narrative that one is not limited to only one role. From having his own production team all the way from figuring out how to create content by himself, building his fame from scratch, making his viewers smile and forget about their problems for a while, and inspiring generations to keep believing in their dreams.
In many ways, his work reflects what happens when traditional storytelling meets digital content creation—it evolves. It becomes flexible, accessible, and personal—it becomes a refresher. Going beyond the usual will not hinder you, as long as you carry your creative juices along the way. Its complexity can carry you to where you want to be. A testament to how filmmaking can become more progressive and inclusive.
You can shine in your own ways when hard work and dedication are there. Because Esnyr did not become famous and known in the snap of a finger, but worked hard for it, step by step. He believed in his talent and creativity. When you do the same, it is not impossible for you to achieve your dreams too.
Esnyr is proof of dedication and talent. You must believe in yourself first so others can do the same for you. Never ever forget or ignore the talent that you have within you.
And in doing so, he built a universe that now reflects the memories of many.
Written by Chalton Sean Ramos, Insight PH
Chalton Sean Ramos, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
