There’s a certain kind of laughter that doesn’t come from scripted jokes — it comes from home. It’s the laughter that fills a kitchen at midnight, the teasing that turns into giggles, the chaos that somehow feels like calm because you’re with family. That’s the kind of laughter that the Family YAY has turned into an art form — a digital diary of love, humor, and second chances among siblings who once lived separate stories.
When I sat down with Ate Aya, the eldest and undeniable anchor of the group, I didn’t meet a content creator chasing trends. I met a big sister who found healing through humor, and connection through chaos. “We just did it as kulitan moments, as magkakapatid,” she said with a nostalgic smile. What started as playful bonding between siblings soon grew into a platform that rekindled their relationship — and eventually, won the hearts of millions online.
As a journalist, I’ve met countless digital creators — but rarely do I see a family turn content creation into a bridge of love, laughter, and understanding.
The Beginning of YAY
Before they became the internet’s favorite sibling squad, Family YAY was simply a household of brothers and sisters living in different corners of life. The team started with Yuki, followed by Ate Aya, Adrian, and Alain. “The name ‘YAY’ just felt catchy,” says Aya, laughing. “It actually came from the song ‘Ayayay Pag-ibig.’ Eventually, it became Family YAY because we’re all siblings — me, Erica, Yuki (Ena), Adrian, and Ellaine.”
Their vlogs soon became a joyful escape from routine — full of tropa vibes, banter, and lighthearted connection. “Before, we were watak-watak,” shares Aya. “But social media brought us closer. Through vlogging, we got to know each other better than ever before.”
Ate Aya: The Pillar of Strength
Behind the laughter is a woman who carries a quiet strength. “Nasa akin yung dalawa kong bunso, si Adrian and Ellaine,” she explains. “Ako nagpapalaki sa kanila. Si Erica at Ena are with mom, and Yuki is independent.”
Despite her responsibilities, Aya finds joy in every moment she spends with her siblings. “What we do in life is what we show in our vlogs,” she says. “They’re all authentic.”
Her strength as the eldest shows not only in leadership but in resilience. “As an ate, mahirap maging panganay,” Aya admits. “Dapat strong ka kahit may times na nasa downside ka. Di ka pwedeng magpakitang umiiyak. They need to see you as a role model.”
The Viral Magic
When asked about their most unforgettable prank, Aya laughs like she’s replaying the moment in her head. “It was when Diwata Pares was trending,” she recalls. “Ellaine was supposed to prank me, acting rude, but I sensed it — so I did a reverse prank! I told her she wasn’t my sister but my child. She actually believed it because of our age gap. Then I said her father was Diwata — everyone just lost it!”
That clip became one of their biggest viral hits, earning over 20 million views on TikTok and another 10–14 million on Facebook. “We were laughing so hard — but what made it special was that it was so us,” Aya shares. “People felt that it was real.”
The Creative Engine Behind the Laughter
For Aya, the eldest, vlogging is a commitment. “I treat this vlog as work,” she says. “Kuya Yuki is our manager, and Adrian handles the editing.”
Their creative rhythm works because of trust. Each sibling brings something to the table — whether it’s comic timing, editing skill, or energy. Their most viral reel to date reached 110 million views on Instagram, a hilarious skit imitating transition videos that ended in a monkey transformation.
Their growing influence led them to achievements beyond the digital world. They were honored at the Artista Achievers Awards 2025, managed by Artista Film Productions, and collaborated with You Glow Babe! They’ve also performed and guested on major TV programs including Kada Umaga (NET25), DZMM, and The Highlights Show on Euro TV.
Healing Through Humor
What makes Family YAY extraordinary is not their fame but their foundation. “My parents weren’t perfect,” Aya shares softly. “Before, we were distant. But when we started vlogging, I got to watch my siblings grow. We became more connected.”
Through laughter and shared projects, Aya found herself not only as a content creator but as a nurturer. “There are fights, tampuhan moments,” she admits. “But at the end of the day, you always go back home. That’s what matters.”
Their story reminds audiences that family doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to stay together. “We know there’s no perfect family,” she says. “But what matters is understanding your role, and embracing it.”
Impact Beyond the Screen
For many viewers, Family YAY has become a comfort watch — a slice of real life that feels close to home. Their dynamic mirrors the Filipino family spirit: imperfect yet full of heart.
“We hope to bring smiles to people’s faces,” Aya says. “To show that sibling bonds can be fun and real. Especially in the Philippines, the eldest usually isn’t the kulitan type — but I wanted to change that.”
Through their authenticity, they’ve proven that laughter can rebuild what time once scattered.
Dreams and Legacy
Despite their massive following, Family YAY remains grounded. “Fame is just a bonus,” Aya reflects. “Our legacy is the memory we’re creating together — the time we spend, the laughter we share.”
Their dream? “To join Family Feud!” Aya laughs. “Not just for exposure, but for the experience — the bonding.”
She looks forward to seeing each sibling grow into their own light. “I hope our bond becomes stronger, and we reach our dreams together,” she says.
Behind the Name ‘YAY’
To their fans, YAY is more than a name — it’s a feeling. A shout of joy. A reminder that even in chaos, there’s something worth celebrating. “It came from ‘Ayayay Pag-ibig,’ but now it means more,” Aya says. “It’s about us. About family.”
Their authenticity has become their trademark. “What we do in life is what we show online,” Aya emphasizes. “Nothing fake, nothing forced — just us.”
Ate Aya’s Final Message
Being the eldest isn’t easy — and Aya never sugarcoats that truth. “You have to be strong even when you’re breaking inside,” she says. “But I remind myself — I’m their role model. My strength gives them courage.”
And where does she draw that strength? “Sa kanila,” she says simply. “They’re my reason to keep going.”
A Legacy of Laughter and Love
The story of Family YAY isn’t just another influencer success. It’s a love letter to every sibling who ever felt distant, every family trying to reconnect, every big sister trying to hold it all together.
From viral pranks to heartwarming confessions, from online fame to offline closeness — their journey shows that laughter can rebuild, and love can last.
Because when the cameras stop rolling and the laughter fades into quiet, what remains isn’t the fame, the views, or the numbers — it’s the family.
And for Family YAY, that’s the greatest legacy of all.
“Yung kasikatan bonus nalang,” Aya concludes with a smile. “Our real success is the memory we’re creating — because one day, when all the noise fades, what’s left will be our laughter, our love, and the story we built together.”
Written by: Amb. Antonio Ma-at
