Davao Conyo wins TikTok’s top creator award this year

“People tell me I’m one of those creators na kahit random kids pinapanood. I think that is a validation,” he shared.

He also acknowledged the importance of brand partnerships in sustaining a career as a content creator, saying creators should be able to earn through collaborations while continuing to produce content they genuinely enjoy.

Asked whether content creation comes with responsibility, Hernandez agreed, noting that the internet gives people access to both good and bad content.

“Of course, it is a responsibility, especially when you venture into the screen. The internet really opened a lot of doors for everyone. People will have good content, bad content. So I think as audiences, we also have a responsibility to filter whatever we see here online,” he said.

For aspiring creators, he encouraged them to find their niche and rely on their talents rather than resorting to negativity just to gain views.

“My advice ko is find your niche. Ang dami naming ways kung paano magpasaya ng tao and to inspire other people. Don’t go sa route na madali, like creating something, or doing something negative because alam mo na maraming manonood. That is the easiest way to [go] viral. But for me, you have to make your way through your talent and kung ano ba talaga ang gusto mong gawin to inspire other people,” he added.

This year’s TikTok Awards carried the theme “The Ones Who Spark It,” celebrating creators who inspire communities and make an impact beyond the digital platform.

TikTok head of public policy Yves Gonzalez said the theme reflects the platform’s power to spark inspiration, create cultural phenomena, and drive real-world impact.

During his opening remarks, Gonzalez highlighted how TikTok connects creators and communities through shared experiences, allowing users to express themselves creatively and authentically.

Aside from Hernandez, Margaux Nonato won Sports Creator of the Year, Spencer Serafica received Entertainment Creator of the Year, Pau Pelaez was named Beauty and Fashion Creator of the Year, and Juri Imao took home Food Creator of the Year.

Louise Anne Nagal (LANS) won Education Creator of the Year, Belle Rodolfo received Lifestyle Creator of the Year, and Jericho Mark Asis was named Rising Creator of the Year.

Jomar Yee won Popular Video of the Year for his running video, Ryssi Avila received TikTok Live of the Year, and Aeriel Jan Tolentino was named TikTok Shop Creator of the Year.

Special recognition was also given to J. Em Ang, Jacque Manabat, Your Millennial Psychologist, Jax Reyes, Kim Atienza, and Mighty Magulang for their contributions to TikTok’s “Think Twice” Digital Literacy campaign.

All category winners are set to fly to Bali, Indonesia, this month to represent the Philippines at the TikTok Southeast Asia Awards.