Ka Mangyan Vlogs: From Viral Sensation to Cultural Ambassador

Mercedes Lasac, widely known as "Ka Mangyan," has become a significant figure in the world of social media through her "Probinsya Life" vlogs. Born and raised in Socorro, Oriental Mindoro, she has captivated audiences with her authentic depiction of the simple yet vibrant life in the province. Her journey from humble beginnings to receiving the Influencer Circle’s Lifestyle Inspiration of the Year Award is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and eagerness for responsible influence.

Photo: Mercedes Lasac, also known as “Ka Mangyan” 

Rise to Fame

From a young age, Mercedes loved gadgets, and during her first year in college, she discovered a passion for vlogs. She was inspired to create long-form content after watching "CongTV”. Realizing the fun of shooting videos without the expensive setup, she began exploring this side of the creative world. However, her first vlogging attempt was unsuccessful, as her account got deleted. Discouraged, she stopped sharing content. 

Photo: Screengrab from YouTube/ @KaMangyanVlogsOfficial

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point for Mercedes. She went back to sharing videos by the encouragement of her brother, who enjoyed watching "province life" content and thought she could thrive in the niche.

She then made a video on YouTube addressing misconceptions about Mangyans, particularly the myth that they have "tails." This video marked her comeback to vlogging, and when it reached 100 views, Mercedes thought it had already gone viral. The video eventually got 17,000 views, motivating her to create more content. This turn of events was a big deal for her and her family.

"Mangarap lang kayo nang mangarap at syempre ‘yung pangarap na ‘yon ay samahan ninyo ng action at walang imposible, lahat yan ay kaya n’yong ma-achieve." — Ka Mangyan Vlogs

Mercedes gained traction by showcasing the daily lives and culture of the Mangyan people. Her relatable and authentic content resonated with many, leading to a steady increase in followers and engagement. Today, her "Sugpo Catch and Cook" vlog is one of her most popular videos, with 1.8 million views on YouTube.

A notable collaboration with fellow influencer Ivana Alawi further boosted her popularity. Their joint vlogs, featuring Ivana's visit to Socorro and Mercedes experiencing city life, amassed millions of views, highlighting the growing appeal of Ka Mangyan's content.

Photo: Facebook/ Ivana Alawi

“Hanggang ngayon, ay kinikilig pa rin talaga ako tapos hindi pa rin talaga akong makapaniwala na, may mga artista na na-contact sa amin; may mga gusto na mafeature kami. Kasi ho syempre kami naman ay pinapakita lang namin ‘yung simpleng buhay namin dine sa Mindoro.” — Ka Mangyan Vlogs

A Strategic Mind Behind the Camera

After her viral video about Mangyan misconceptions, she focused on typical vlogs featuring challenges, tours, and daily life in the province. Viewers find them entertaining as they encourage people to appreciate the simplicity and resourcefulness of rural communities. She is committed to sharing the sustainable aspects of provincial life and emphasizes self-sufficiency and respect for the environment. 

Photo: Facebook/ KaMangyans

"Sobrang nag-enjoy ho ako dito (City) sa mga ginawa namin dine, pero s’yempre, ang puso ko talaga ay nasa probinsya pa rin. Ang payapa ho ga ng pakiramdam kapag ikaw ay nasa province." — Ka Mangyan Vlogs

Aside from featuring her everyday life, KaMangyan is also a savvy content creator who knows her audience well through her effective partnerships with brands. Even in her promotions, she maintains her genuineness, relatability, and humor, which her followers love. Her background in marketing has been a significant advantage, enabling her to consistently produce creative and engaging content for YouTube and TikTok. 

Influence and Impact

Mercedes has built a huge following across various social media platforms, making her one of the country’s top content creators. However, her commitment to using her platform for good makes her stand out. Beyond entertainment, Ka Mangyan Vlogs has positively impacted by actively participating in charitable activities such as supporting Bahay Kanlungan for Women and Children and helped provide water sources to Sitio Malvarosa. By offering support to vulnerable individuals, Mercedes has shown that her heart is as big as her online following.

Photo: Facebook/ KaMangyans

Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her "Ka-Mangyan Shirts" project, which generated profit and helped the Mangyan community in Mindoro. . Her success has also improved her family's life by helping her sister graduate, purchasing a car, renovating their home, and acquiring land.

“Lagi ko areng nasabi mga kaMangyan, maliban kay Lord, thank you ho sa inyong lahat, sa sulit kaMangyan diyan, alam ko na hindi ko ere mangyayare kung hindi ho dahil sa inyo, sa suporta ninyo, sa pagmamahal ninyo.” — Kamangyan Vlogs

Mercedes’ journey to stardom is marked by hard work and dedication. Her engaging content has resonated with millions, and in 2024, she has reached a subscriber count of 727K on YouTube, 8.2M on Facebook, 19.2K on Instagram, and a massive 7M followers on TikTok. These impressive numbers are proof of her ability to connect with her audience on a personal level.

KaMangyan has also worked with several brands, including Vitress, Maxi-Peel, Silver Swan Wow Sarap, Jollibee (Pinamalayan), RC Cola, and Y.O.U, demonstrating her influence in the commercial world.

Photo: Screengrab from TikTok/ @mercedeslasac09

"Sa panonood niyo pa lang ho ng video, sa pag rereact, sa pag shashare. pagcocomment. Hindi ko ho kayo maisa isa, pero grabe sobrang thank you ho sa inyong lahat, grabe napaka solid ninyo.” — Ka Mangyan Vlogs

In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the lifestyle space, Mercedes Lasac will be honored with the Influencer Circle’s Lifestyle Inspiration Award. This award celebrates influencers who inspire positive lifestyle choices, promote healthy habits for a fulfilling life, and use their platforms to spark meaningful conversations. Mercedes' ability to balance a successful career with a strong dedication to community service makes her a true inspiration and deserving of this acknowledgment.

She has turned her platform into a powerful tool for promoting provincial life, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring responsible consumption. By showcasing the beauty of simple living and embracing her roots, she has created a unique niche for herself. And through her authentic storytelling, strategic content creation, and commitment to sustainability, she has become a role model for aspiring influencers and a champion for rural communities.