Impression of 'Carrot Man'

After seeing a couple of videos, I should say this man is one of the genuine people I've 

known. He is so pure, innocent and proud most especially when he talks about his heritage. 

Jeyrick Sigmaton Carrot Man Vector
Portrait by Anthony Layderos

Jeyrick Sigmaton, popularly known as the 'Carrot Man' is today's online sensation. Even before media revealed his identity, he captivated the netizen's attention of his photo only taken by a tourist who happened to visit the Mountain Province. In the picture, he was seen as the handsome/good-looking farmer carrying a big basket of carrots. There's also a picture taken in a different angle where he is being compared to the Taiwanese star Vic Zhou and our very own Hero Angeles.

For a week, the netizens went curious about this mysterious guy. The photogenic man with the long hair, pointed nose and deep dimples. Even the uploader herself didn't know his name until he was tagged by the name 'Carrot Man'. The picture went viral until the crew of Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho took the initiative to look for him and reach him to Mt. Province.

This effortless discovery made him overwhelmed. At first he admitted that he had no idea he's now that popular in the social media. I can see in his eyes he is still in shock and he gets to adapt with the sudden fame. In the segment, he showed his tribe Kenachakran, an Igorot group where they danced Kanyaw. 

In his guesting to Willie Revillame's show Wowowin, I could see his amusement seeing that huge crowd as he waves every now and then to the cheering audience. He's so adorable he couldn't find the right words to say. What made me admire to this man is his will to help his family. Imagine, at the age of 12, he has to stop schooling just to have money.  He just finished elementary level. Unfortunately he is underpaid for the hardwork. When asked about what's his dream, he simply told Willie to finish his studies, support his family and have a simple living. Such a humble person as tears of joy came out from his eyes. 

Willie assured to help him fund his education. That's a relief! On the other hand, aside his fame here in the Philippines, it went across Korea! There was one video that Jeyrick's photo was actually featured in a Korean show! Wow...

Honestly, it changed my perception about the Igorots. They are maybe in the highlands doing their ritual dance and farming but they represent the true Filipino race. Being hardworking, family-oriented and proud of their race are what makes an Igorot truly a Filipino. Not only that, because of Jeyrick, it showed that Igorots are undeniably good looking. 

My only advice is: it's just ok to change for the better but never forget where you came from. It would be better if Carrot man will pursue his studies. We'll never know if years later, Carrot man will finish a bachelor's degree! Aw. That could be a biggest accomplishment on his part!

But whatever! Now, he's got the spotlight, I hope that he will use this wisely even build his self-confidence for more. I heard that he will be having his first ever commercial of Goldilock's. The endorser of their carrot cake perhaps?

Well, go further Carrot man! Always be proud being a full-blooded Igorot. Who wouldn't want a handsome yet hardworking man like Jeyrick? Hmm.. I think that made him more admirable to the eyes of the public. I realize that beauty is really something in the heart and not just in its physical aspect. It's not also by the status of the person. Yeah! I'm going to support you all the way, Carrot man! Truly thumbs up!