“What Hafen, Vella?”
This was the iconic line of It’s Showtime Kalokalike Face 2: Level Up finalist Christopher Diwata that shook the country with his unexpected return to the spotlight this 2025.
Christopher first took the stage on It’s Showtime in 2013, where he performed a dramatized scene impersonating Hollywood actor Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black in the movie saga Twilight. With his intense acting and unique accent during the performance, Christopher regained popularity when the old clip was rediscovered and widely circulated on TikTok early this year.
READ: Taylor Lautner knows about 'What hafen vella’ trend
Netizens were attracted by Christopher’s expressive delivery and the unique characterization of the phrase. As his stint spread across social platforms, it evolved into a cultural reference point, prompting thousands of recreations from regular users, creators, and celebrities. What was once a simple acting bit on a variety show from more than a decade ago became a meme after users began lip-syncing and remixing the line.
Among the Filipino celebrities who recreated Christopher’s iconic line was father and son duo Piolo and Inigo Pascual.
Another was Kapamilya actress Bela Padilla who took her acting game to the next level, wearing a shirt that says “I ❤️ CRYING” as she happens to have the same name as Christopher’s suppoosed partner in the drama spoof, Bella Swan.
BINI members Maloi, Aiah, and Mikha, known for their humor and recreation of viral trends online, also rode the wave. Maloi even claimed, “Basta ako si Vella ha”
READ: Filipino celebrities join the viral ‘What Hafen Vella?’ TikTok trend
Apart from celebrity recreation, the viral momentum brought Christopher renewed visibility and opportunities. With netizens tracing the meme back to his 2013 performance, It’s Showtime welcomed him back on air in 2025, leading to fresh interviews and features about his life after the competition.
Netizens were proud and happy with his unexpected comeback, with some expressing their sentiments online.
“Nakakatuwa lang! Deserve niya! 😆❤️,” one wrote.
“Kung sinuman ang nanghalungkat nito para mag-trend ngayong 2025, salamat sa'yo! Mas nakilala na natin itong si Cristopher at tamo, sikat sya ngayon dahil sa ‘What haffen Vella?’ meme nya... Yun oh!” another added.
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The attention translated into endorsements, brand partnerships, and new bookings, giving him a second career wind that he openly acknowledged brought financial relief to his family. The meme also reshaped his public image: from a onetime impersonator to an online personality whose expressions and soundbites were adapted into comedic content across platforms.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Christopher Diwata shares why he will always be proud to be a fish dealer
“Malaking tulong po sa akin, lalong-lalo na sa aking pamilya. Nabibigay ko po yung pangangailangan po nila. Yung iniisip namin para sa mga bata, kung malayo man ako sa kanila sabi ko sa kanila mag-tiis lang at kailangan yung mga bata yung unahin natin— sa pag aaral nila, sa kinabukasan,” he expressed in an interview on Tao Po with Bernadette Sembrano.
His sudden rise highlighted the changing dynamics of Philippine entertainment, showing how moments from variety shows can be rediscovered years later and developed into new opportunities. It underscored the power of archived television content in the age of social media, where a few seconds of footage can elevate an ordinary performer into a national talking point.
READ: Christopher Diwata now owns a food franchise
As of this writing, Christopher maintains an active presence online, making guest appearances on television and continuing to receive offers from brands and advertisers. His meme-driven comeback has allowed him to expand into small business ventures and secure a more stable livelihood than he had after his original Kalokalike moment. The renewed attention gave him not just viral fame, but a long-awaited second chapter in life.