The screen flickered, and then there he was—Armando “Arman” Gadula Macasusi known as Arman Salon—smiling on the other end of our virtual call. Though miles separated us, his presence carried the weight of a lifetime. Our conversation was not just about an artist’s journey, but about survival, humility, and the kind of faith that transforms suffering into strength.

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Humble Beginnings

“Natural lang ako, walang itinatago, anong nararamdaman ko, sinasabi ko,” Arman began.
(“I’m just natural, I don’t hide anything. Whatever I feel, I say it.”)

Yet behind that simplicity lay a childhood marred by pain.

“Hindi ako prinotektahan ng magulang… sinasaktan ako ng stepdad ko.”
(“My parents never protected me… my stepdad hurt me.”)

There were no birthday cakes, no celebrations. Instead, he carried cassava from the fields and worked just to survive.

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The Difference of Arman

When I asked him to describe himself, he didn’t speak of fame.

“Mapagmahal ako sa pamilya, kahit maliit na bagay, naa-appreciate ko. May takot ako sa Diyos… kahit malaki kasalanan, basta humingi ng tawad, napapatawad ko. Hindi ako makakatulog kung may nasaktan ako.”
(“I am loving to my family. I appreciate even the smallest things. I fear God… no matter how big the sin, if someone asks forgiveness, I forgive. I cannot sleep knowing I’ve hurt someone.”)

In a society driven by pride, Arman’s strength lies in humility.

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TikTok as Therapy

“Parang langaw na walang pumapansin, walang halaga ako dati,” he admitted.
(“I was like a fly no one noticed, I felt worthless.”)

But through TikTok, he found a voice. “Yung drama ko, galing talaga sa buhay ko.”
(“My skits come from my real life.”)

And in those skits, people saw themselves. From being ignored, Arman was suddenly embraced by strangers who asked for photos, hugs, and smiles.

“Hindi ko naranasan sa pamilya, pero sa TikTok, naramdaman ko na minahal nila ako.”
(“I didn’t experience love from my family, but on TikTok, I finally felt loved.”)

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Breakthroughs with AFP

Arman’s partnership with Artista Film Productions opened doors. Within a year, he starred in short films, and was soon featured on GMA, TV5, ABS-CBN (Channel 2), and even in a Palawan Pay commercial.

“Hindi ako sikat pero pinagkatiwalaan ako,” he said softly.
(“I’m not really famous, but they trusted me.”)

Trust became his turning point.

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Lessons I Learned from Him

As our virtual call unfolded, I realized I wasn’t just documenting his life—I was being taught. From Arman, I carried three lessons:
1. Hardship makes you stronger.
“Kahit may mabigat kang pinagdadaanan, dun ka nagiging matibay.”
(“Even if you go through heavy burdens, that’s where you become strong.”)
2. Humility is strength. Success should never erase simplicity.
3. Faith and kindness are true treasures. Love, respect, and fear of God matter more than material success.

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Message to the Youth

His words of advice were straightforward:

“Kapag pinag-aaral kayo, pahalagahan ninyo kasi yan ang susi ng tagumpay. Iwasan ang toxic na barkada, piliin ang tama, umiwas sa bisyo. Mahalin ang pamilya. Gamitin ang social media para umangat, hindi para madistract.”
(“If you are being sent to school, value it—it’s the key to success. Avoid toxic peers, choose what’s right, stay away from vices. Love your family. Use social media to rise, not to be distracted.”)

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Dreams Beyond Fame

When I asked about his future, his answer was grounded:

“Basta may project ako para makatulong sa pamilya, at maging boses ng Pilipinas para ipagtanggol ang kalikasan at magsasaka.”
(“As long as I have projects to help my family, and to be the voice of the Philippines—to defend nature and farmers.”)

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Closing Reflection

As our call ended, the screen faded but his words remained. From a boy once unloved to a man embraced by thousands, Arman’s journey is not about virality—it is about visibility.

For me, interviewing him was more than journalism. It was a lesson in resilience, humility, and grace. Fame may come and go, but Arman Macasusi’s story reminds us: the true measure of a person is not how loud the world applauds, but how quietly he chooses to love, forgive, and endure.