Manila, Philippines — In a stunning turn of events that has left both fans and netizens deeply moved, Jimmy Santos, the iconic Filipino comedian and former television host, has reappeared — not on a movie set or in a game show studio, but behind a sizzling street food cart, serving fishballs, kwek-kwek, and isaw to everyday Filipinos.

Known for his infectious humor and decades-long presence on TV shows like Eat Bulaga, Jimmy Santos was once a household name in Philippine showbiz. But in recent years, he stepped away from the spotlight. While some assumed he had quietly retired, Jimmy has instead taken a surprising — and inspiring — new path.

“This Is Not a Downfall — It’s a New Chapter.”

In a now-viral vlog that garnered millions of views in just a few days, Jimmy is seen in a simple shirt and apron, enthusiastically frying street food in a small stall along the side of a bustling local street. His trademark smile and high energy remain, as he cracks jokes with customers and even offers cooking tips.

“Every fishball has a story,” he quips in one scene. “And every customer teaches me something new.”

Contrary to expectations, Jimmy is not in financial distress. According to his own explanation, he chose this life out of personal passion and a desire to reconnect with the real world — away from the glitz and glamor of celebrity life.

“I’m not doing this because I have to — I’m doing this because I want to,” he shared in his vlog. “This kind of life is real. There’s joy here that no spotlight can match.”

Why Street Food?

After leaving the showbiz scene, Jimmy started exploring content creation and travel vlogging. His journeys through provinces and small communities opened his eyes to the richness of ordinary Filipino life. It was there that he discovered his new mission: to highlight unsung heroes like street vendors, one skewer at a time.

“I used to entertain people on screen. Now, I get to entertain them face-to-face — while serving them good food.”

Overwhelming Support from the Public

As videos of Jimmy Santos the “street vendor” spread across social media, fans quickly flooded the comment sections with praise and admiration.

“This isn’t a downgrade — this is a glow-up of the soul,” one netizen wrote.

“Jimmy Santos just reminded us what true dignity and humility look like. I respect him more now than ever before.”

“He went from star to legend. Not many celebrities could do what he’s doing with this much grace and joy.”

More Than a Vendor — A Storyteller and Advocate

Jimmy isn’t just selling food. Through his vlog series, he’s turning the spotlight toward the everyday struggles and triumphs of ordinary Filipinos. Each episode features not only the food he sells but the lives of the people he meets — from fellow vendors to students and jeepney drivers.

“I want to give a voice to the voiceless,” he said. “There are amazing people out here — and their stories deserve to be heard.”

The Comeback That No One Expected — But Everyone Needed

Jimmy Santos’ transformation is not just a personal journey — it’s a cultural moment. At a time when celebrity culture often centers on luxury, filters, and image, Jimmy is choosing authenticity over applause. And in doing so, he’s capturing hearts all over again — not as a TV host, but as a symbol of humility, resilience, and the joy of meaningful work.

“Fame fades,” he said with a smile, “but purpose doesn’t.”

So, the next time you’re walking through a side street and you smell freshly fried fishballs, don’t be surprised if the man behind the cart looks familiar. Because Jimmy Santos is back — and this time, he’s serving more than food — he’s serving heart, hope, and humanity.

Jimmy Santos flaunts street food peddling, pleads with customers
NETWOMEN have once again praised comedian and former “Eat Bulaga” Dabarkads Jimmy Santos for trying his hand at a difficult but noble business.

The now-defunct actor and TV host proudly flaunted his street food peddling business in an area in Nueva Ecija.

In Jimmy’s latest YouTube vlog, he proved that street food peddling is a very hard job because it really requires hard work, perseverance, and lots of patience.

“This job is very hard for the vendors because the heat is there. Sometimes it rains, but you have to be patient to make a living.

“The daily income, it helps us with our daily needs,” the comedian shared.

He added, “We need to be patient here. If you don’t be patient, you’re screwed. This kind of job requires patience.

“You have to be strong and of course you have to be strong. You have to wake up early to prepare the goods,” Jimmy continued.

Meanwhile, one of the original “Eat Bulaga” Dabarkads reminded all customers to be honest when buying and paying.

There are also times when customers cheat, just saying “lafang lafang” but not paying and just running away.

“If they are not honest, how can the vendors be honest?” Jimmy said.

He continued, “You can see that people enjoy what is cheap and delicious, they are fine there, they are happy there. Especially those who are good at work.”

Jimmy also said to Filipinos who continue to work hard in life even when they are poor, “This is the Filipino life. They are persistent in earning a living, they are persistent with their small income.”

If you recall, the comedian’s business venture also went viral when he settled in Canada in 2023.

Many admire him because even though he is an artist and famous here in the Philippines, he is not shy about showing off to the world the kind of work he does abroad.