LOOK: Conan O'Brien models, fulfills wish of Filipino fan to save family's struggling candy business
Have you spotted Conan O'Brien's giant billboard along EDSA-Guadalupe? It's actually him fulfilling a promise to a Filipino fan to help save his family's struggling candy business.
The American comedian paid a visit to the struggling Filipino candy factory, Philip Sweets Manufacturing Co., Inc., fulfilling a wish for fan Charles Guia, a mechanical engineer who works for his uncle's business.
During the November 2024 episode of the "Conan Meets a Friend" podcast, Guia shared that the factory, which began operations around World War II and produces Tarzan and Texas candies, has been experiencing financial difficulties.
Guia admitted that the company is struggling despite its decades-long history, with its current visibility being a major issue. He pointed out that their candies are mainly known by people aged 50 to 60, a demographic he noted is unsuitable for marketing their gum, underscoring the necessity of attracting a younger market.
Hearing his story, O'Brien said that they need a "hard play" strategy to catch the interest of the youth.
“I think we need to do something drastic, we need to do a campaign that appeals to the youth of the Philippines, and we put your candy back on the map," the comedian said, joking that they may use Taylor Swift references to appeal to the youth.
"It just occurred to me, what you need is a celebrity endorsement by somebody big with the youth. Here I am," O'Brien said. “I would be happy to endorse the candy."
While Guia jokingly said that he may not be big enough of a celebrity to the youth compared to Taylor Swift, O'Brien said he "wanna try and help your candy company."
"I think you guys were stuck in the past," he added. "I’m rooting for you guys, ‘cause I’d like to turn things around for you. I want your candy company to be the biggest candy company in the Philippines."
Nearly a year after the episode, O'Brien fulfilled his promise and went to endorse the company, looking like macho Tarzan on the giant billboard.
"Visited my fan Charles' candy factory and lost my f-ing mind," he wrote on Instagram.
The comedian is in the Philippines to shoot his travel series, Conan O'Brien Must Go, a spinoff from his podcast. This series follows him visiting fans he previously spoke with virtually through his podcast.
The series premiered in 2024, with the first season featuring trips to Norway, Argentina, Thailand, and Ireland. The second season, released in May 2025, saw the former late-night talk show host traveling to Spain, New Zealand, and Austria.