Christine Gambito, also known by her online pseudonym “HappySlip,” is a Filipino-American internet personality, comedian, and actress. She gained popularity in the mid-2000s for her humorous skits and parody videos on YouTube and has since expanded her career to include acting, public speaking, and writing.
Born on August 16, 1974, in the Philippines, Gambito moved to the United States with her family when she was two. She grew up in Virginia and later attended the University of Illinois, where she earned a degree in Human Resources Development. After graduation, she worked various corporate jobs but found herself unfulfilled and yearning for a creative outlet.
In 2006, Gambito discovered YouTube, a relatively new platform. She began uploading videos of herself performing comedic skits and impersonations of family members, friends, and cultural stereotypes. Her early videos were often shot in her parent’s house, and she used simple editing techniques to add subtitles and sound effects.
Gambito’s videos quickly gained a following, and she became one of the first “YouTube celebrities.” Her humor was relatable and universal, and many viewers appreciated her ability to poke fun at herself and her culture. In addition, she often touched on themes of family, identity, and the challenges of growing up as a Filipino-American.
Some of Gambito’s most popular videos include “Mixed Nuts,” which portrays her as a child with a multicultural background struggling to fit in, and “Taglish,” a skit in which she switches back and forth between English and Tagalog (a Filipino language). Her videos have been viewed millions of times, and she has amassed over 1 million subscribers on YouTube.
In addition to her comedic videos, Gambito has pursued acting and public speaking. She has appeared in several television shows, including the ABC drama “Desperate Housewives,” and has spoken at conferences and events on topics such as entrepreneurship and diversity in the workplace. She has also written a book, “The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook,” which features recipes inspired by her cultural heritage.
Gambito’s success on YouTube and beyond has inspired many other Asian-American creators to pursue careers in comedy and entertainment. In addition, she has been praised for her ability to use humor to bridge cultural divides and to bring attention to important issues facing underrepresented communities.
However, Gambito has also faced criticism for some of her earlier videos, which some viewers have called out for perpetuating stereotypes and mocking certain cultures. In recent years, she has been more vocal about her efforts to create more inclusive and thoughtful content. In addition, she has advocated for more excellent representation and diversity in the entertainment industry.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Gambito remains a beloved figure in the world of online comedy and entertainment. She continues to create and share content on YouTube and recently launched a new podcast called “HappySlip: What’s Your F’in’ Deal?” where she interviews other creators and explores creativity and personal growth topics.
