Esnyr journey from Digos dreamer to DonBelle’s onscreen bestie

Before becoming one of Gen Z’s most beloved content creators and bagging 3rd Big Placer in Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition, Esnyr Ranollo was just a small-town dreamer from Digos City, Davao del Sur—with viral skits, a suitcase full of ambition, and no idea that a three-second cameo would change the course of his life forever.

But fate—and two of the country’s biggest young stars—had other plans.

'Belle's best friend'

That’s how Esnyr jokingly described his first ever film project when he convinced his family to let him fly to Manila for the first time. In a recent episode of Kuan On One with Melai Cantiveros, Esnyr recalled that pivotal 2021 moment when Star Cinema reached out to offer him a cameo role in Love Is Color Blind, the Donny Pangilinan–Belle Mariano rom-com that had just gone into production.

At the time, Esnyr was riding the high of viral fame, thanks to his hilarious school-themed skits on TikTok and YouTube. But acting? In a full-length film? That was uncharted territory.

Still, when he learned it was for a DonBelle movie, he didn’t hesitate. “Go agad ako,” he said. Without even knowing what role he’d play, he eagerly told his parents he was Belle’s best friend in He’s Into Her, hoping that would earn their blessing — and it worked. Plane tickets were booked, bags packed, and the entire family escorted him to the airport.

From extra to essential

Upon arrival in Manila, however, the glamour quickly gave way to reality. Esnyr found himself listed under the art department, bunking with staff in a shared production house. It wasn’t quite the start he imagined — but it was the beginning of something far more profound.

On set, his infectious energy didn’t go unnoticed. Despite being cast in a quick cameo, the directors took a liking to his natural charm and comedic timing. His role was expanded, scenes were rewritten, and even characters from his social media “multiverse” — like Precious — were brought into the movie.

Donny and Belle also took notice.

Learning about Esnyr’s rough accommodations, Donny offered to get him a hotel. Belle, meanwhile, welcomed him with open arms. What began as professional courtesy evolved into genuine friendship. Soon, Esnyr found himself laughing, bonding, and becoming part of the DonBelle circle — something he never imagined could happen so quickly in such a competitive industry.

“I’m really grateful to that film,” Esnyr told Melai in Bisaya. “There was something in me that said, ‘Don’t let this opportunity pass.’ I felt it—this would change my life.”

And he was right.

That one-month stay in Manila turned into something permanent. Belle’s management eventually signed him under Star Magic, allowing him to be co-managed alongside his newfound friends. Now based full-time in the capital, Esnyr continues to build his brand — not just as a content creator, but also as an actor and performer.

He reunited with DonBelle in the hit series How To Spot A Red Flag, where he played Maxie, the effervescent best friend to Belle’s character. The chemistry was seamless, a testament to their real-life camaraderie that blossomed on and off screen.

And when Esnyr entered the Pinoy Big Brother house earlier this year, Donny and Belle were among his most vocal supporters. Fans flooded social media with messages of encouragement, uniting under the shared joy of watching Esnyr evolve from TikTok comedian to full-fledged Kapamilya star.

Finding home and purpose

Esnyr’s journey is more than just a showbiz success story. It’s about the power of kindness, humility, and taking chances. From a skit-filled bedroom in Davao to big-screen moments with DonBelle, he has navigated fame with grace — and a whole lot of humor.

These days, he returns to Digos only for vacations. Manila is now home, and his calendar is fuller than ever with upcoming projects, digital campaigns, and new episodes of Kuan On One, which now features fellow Bisdak artists, creators, and beauty queens.