Meet Randy Diodiot—the 'John Wick of Baguio' who continues to captivate the local social media scene
John Wick clad in Ifugao indigenous attire? No, this isn’t a set for an untitled franchise sequel, nor an AI-generated image—and Keanu Reeves definitely isn’t in the country in secret.
He’s just a guy with an uncanny resemblance to Reeves’ character in the smash hit franchise, John Wick.
Born and raised in Quirino province, Randy Diodiot—an Igorot native and self-styled “John Wick of Baguio”—won hearts and captivated the local social media scene. The Baguio resident, who is managing a small business to support his family while volunteering for the DSWD teaching basic financial literacy, claims it started when he began growing his hair and people saw the resemblance. Amused, he told his wife and she agreed after realizing he does look like the movie star.
Since he launched his persona in April, he has been invited to cosplay conventions and to also model in Baguio.
Diodiot took time out in between engagements to chat with PhilSTAR L!fe about his unexpected fame, family, and plans to break into show business.
PhilSTAR L!fe: When did you start becoming the "John Wick ng Baguio"?
Randy Diodiot: This started when I grew my hair and people said we looked alike. I would get stopped for photo ops. At first, I found it amusing but didn’t really think much of it. It wasn’t until John Wick IV hit the big screen that I adopted being “John Wick ng Baguio.”
PL: What made you do it?
RD: Here in Baguio, buhay na buhay ang entertainment industry. Naisip ko lang noon, although hindi ako prepared kasi syempre as I said, hindi ko naman ‘to pinaghandaan, hindi ko pinagplanuhan but with the help of people who support me, I embraced it. I’m enjoying the process and the opportunities na dumarating. I also think I can use my platform to promote Cordillera traditions and correct misconceptions about us as a people.
PL: What opportunities have come your way since you started?
RD: I got invited to a cosplay convention in Bacolod City last May 27-30. It was the very first convention na napuntahan ko as John Wick. I wasn’t used to those kinds of events so medyo nanibago ako. I’ve also been interviewed by local TV stations here in Baguio. I’ve also been invited to model and some establishments have reached out to me to help endorse their businesses. I also do the rounds in the three provinces of Cordillera: Mountain Province, Benguet, and Ifugao, and nakakatuwa naman na mainit yung pagtanggap nila sa atin.
PL: On breaking into the showbiz scene, is this in the cards for you?
RD: Oo naman. Hinanda ko 'yung sarili ko at 'yung family ko kung sakaling mapansin tayo. Sino ba namang aayaw? As a family man, I have to support my family and I know what it’s like to have nothing and I’d like to give them a better quality of life.
Although it is a big adjustment for me especially when we’re out and about, people stop us to request a photo op. My wife graciously moves away with our children so I can oblige them. Medyo masakit sa akin that they’re being cast aside but I’m hoping she understands that everything I do, I do for them. I also make sure when we’re together, I’m not John Wick.
PL: Since you launched "John Wick ng Baguio," you have racked up about 13k followers. How does it feel to have that many people follow you on social media?
RD: Masaya naman tayo. Biruin mo, 'yung taong dating pagala-gala lang na kung ano-ano eh kahit papaano may napapasaya. May 13k na naniniwala sa atin. Minsan nga, raw videos na lang yung nagagawa ko kasi hindi ako masyadong marunong mag edit but I strive to give them quality content.
PL: If you are to break into show business, which roles would you be interested in and who would you want to work with?
RD: Kontrabida, syempre! Kasi kung titingnan mo yung mukha ko, pang kontrabida talaga! Hindi maamo yung mukha ko. But if bida, siguro pang action scenes. Who do I want to work with? Kung action, si Sen. Robin! Gusto ko siya! I also want to work with Richard Gutierrez and Coco Martin.
PL: What would your advocacy be as John Wick?
RD: Since I’m a full-blooded Igorot, yung Binnadang culture is my number one advocacy. It is a kankana-ey term also called as "ub ubbu," "ob-obfu" in another Igorot ethnic group. It is a tradition of mutual aid that is deeply engraved in the Igorot culture. It is a spirit of helping each other in times of need without expecting anything in return.
