In this era of rising multi-hypernated individuals and content creators, Chef Ylyt Frixiah Manaig is rapidly making a name in the culinary niche through her delightful recipes mixed with engaging story-telling.
“The Chef Ylyt TV” on Tiktok has been receiving millions of views and engagement with its innovative segments like MukbangMasarap, where Chef Ylyt takes her viewers to her restaurant visits; ReciVlogs, a fun vlog peppered with cooking tips and kitchen hacks; and JuiceKong Healthy, which introduces viewers to healthy juice recipes.
Chef Ylyt’s flair for culinary artistry and digital trends earned her a spot as one of Tiktok Top16 Filipino Education Creators in the Philippines. It is no surprise that she continuously grows her popularity and following, with numerous brand collaborations and TV guestings.
The Road to Online Kitchen
As young as 11 years old, Chef Ylyt already pictured herself as a successful chef. Her passion for cooking ignited by watching various cooking shows and experimenting with leftover ingredients, she proudly claims her skills are entirely self-taught.
“I always picture myself to be a successful chef someday. Yung mga palabas sa TV before na MasterChef, Iron Chef America, Food Network, Martha Stewart, Ina Garten, Rachael Ray, Anthony Bourdain, and Gordon Ramsay, sila talaga mga pinapanood ko before’, Chef Ylyt passionately remembers.
“When I was a kid, I always get my mama’s leftover ingredients to transform them into new and unique dishes. Siya yung nagturo sakin magluto. Her name is Nina Manaig. Of course, with my Papa Joseph Manaig’s guidance. He used to put up a small stove outside our old house. It’s always been a magical feeling especially when you can cook for your loved ones. It literally makes me happy. It’s like cooking with feelings, and I feel that ‘love’ is one of the best ingredients when you cook. Kaya natutuwa ako pag sinasabi nila na ang sarap ng luto ko.”
To refine her cooking skills, Chef Ylyt pursued culinary and courses at both LPU Culinary Institute Laguna and CCA Manila. She plans to further enhance her culinary prowess by enrolling in additional prestigious culinary schools. But even before donning the chef’s toque, she already earned an AB Communication degree.
“As an AB Communication graduate, my major subjects have played a pivotal role in shaping my career as a vlogger and content creator. The comprehensive understanding of communication theories and practices that I gained during my studies has empowered me to effectively connect with my audience and create engaging content. The courses in media production have equipped me with the necessary skills to craft high-quality videos, edit them professionally, and employ visual storytelling techniques to captivate viewers.”
“Additionally, my knowledge of media ethics and social responsibility acquired through my coursework ensures that I create content that is not only entertaining but also responsible and respectful. Overall, my AB Communication background has been instrumental in enabling me to excel in my current role as a vlogger, allowing me to produce compelling content that resonates with my audience.”
Prior to the inception of “The Chef Ylyt TV”, Chef Ylyt had spent six years as a registered Marketing Professional in a car dealership company, successfully selling over 800 units. Additionally, she worked as a Social Media Team Lead, gaining expertise in the realm of digital marketing. But it was in June 2021 when she first started her journey as a food vlogger.
“I started my vlogging career through my Tiktok account during my trip in US last June 2021. My family always asks me to cook any Filipino food they always crave for. My Ate Kuy, Mommy Bienvenida, Tito Alex, Bie, and Lily love Filipino dishes. I started filming recipe videos so that they can rewatch it if they want to cook that dish again. My brother Yron always insisted that I should make a TikTok account, but at that time I didn’t like to do one. I thought TikTok was all about dancing. One day, I decided to upload one video, and the rest is history.”
In addition to being a full-time content creator, Chef Ylyt stays busy with her franchising business, Masterwok (Home of Best Fried Noodles), with her partner Ralph which has been thriving for 3 years, and soon she will launch JuicekongHealthy that started from her trending and viral juicing recipes.
“I’m proud to say that I am a full-time content creator. Ang saya talaga, kasi sobrang enjoy ko yung career na ‘to. This is what I really want – to share my knowledge and experiences with people through vlogging, and to share my blessings through my monthly giveaways. In this small act, I can help people in little ways.”
One of the biggest projects for Chef Ylyt was the recent project with HBO Asia where she flew to Singapore to shoot content with Mark Wiens.
“TikTok has selected two foodies to join Mark Wiens in Singapore for a food tour. Luckily, I was one of them, the other foodie was Rachel Tiu a.k.a @panda.eatss. It was a fun and totally a once in a lifetime experience to meet the most famous Food Vlogger in the world. He is super kind, generous, and a really down to earth human being. Big thanks to TikTok Philippines, especially to Alex Soon and Jameson Lopez. Kudos to Mark!”
Brand Collaborations
Chef Ylyt has been an invaluable asset for numerous renowned brands in the Philippines. One of the distinguishing aspects of her recipe videos is the seamless integration of the brand’s values and identity into each creation. Through her expertise in combining storytelling and culinary techniques, she effortlessly showcases the brand’s products in a manner that resonates with viewers and fosters a strong emotional connection.
“I love brand collaborations! Ako kasi yung tao na mahilig mag explore especially with recipes. Tapos minsan yung ibang marketing teams nagiging friends ko after campaigns, everyday ba naman kausap ko sila. I’m super friendly too, happy lang ako palagi. Obvious naman sa live cooking shows ko (laughs), same with all the Gen-Z teams na I handled before. Ako yung cool na “Girl Boss” kasi hindi ko yata kayang maging masungit unless below the belt na yung approach sakin. Pag work, work mode ako. kasi I’m workaholic.”
“Sometimes, they asked me how could I handle my businesses, my career, love life and my dog? You know the secret? Si Lord talaga and proper time management. Plus, I always make sure to consume healthy food and perform workouts, ‘yan talaga yung formula ko.”
Aside from working with esteemed brands, Chef Ylyt has also amassed a substantial following across various social media platforms. Her engaging content not only educates and entertains but also inspires aspiring chefs and home cooks to try their hand at cooking delicious Filipino and other simple dishes.
“Advice to aspiring content creators? Always pursue your passion and stay consistent. If you really want to achieve your dreams, go and start now. It’s like testing the water. Ako kasi I uploaded so much videos, as in marami talaga. Minsan nga I’m sending it pa sa group chats sa Facebook, walang pumapansin. Feeling ko ako nalang nanonood ng videos ko (laughs). My advice is, do not copy other people, learn your niche and everything will follow. One day, may manonood din sa’yo. Basta tuloy mo lang. The goal here is to enjoy, grow and inspire people with your videos. It will be like your Virtual Diary”
From Vertical Videos to TV Screens
From vertical videos on mobile phone to TV screens, Chef Ylyt has made numerous guest appearances on TV shows and Branded Mall Shows, showcasing her natural talent for cooking in Live Cooking segments. She is a resident Chef of Eden Cheese Philippines which airs in Unang Hirit every Friday morning with TV host Suzie Endrada.
In addition to her TV shows and Branded Mall Show appearances, Chef Ylyt has established herself as a valued content contributor for Breville Philippines, a luxury appliance brand. Chef Ylyt shares easy-to-follow recipes featuring Breville’s top-of-the-line products.
Chef’s Ylyt’s recently concluded project with Tiktok Philippines where she represented the country at the SEA Food Festival that has gained over 134,000,000 million views. The campaign aimed to help in building awareness about food tours all over Asia by adding Point of Interest or location in a video.
For inquiries, collaborations, or more information, you can follow Ylyt’s adventures on Tiktok, Facebook and Instagram at @thechefylyt_tv.
