When Ernability entered the Rocket Design Studio for Metroscene Mag's September cover shoot, titled Days of Girlhood, one thing that immediately stood out was her youthful aura—a blend of innocence, youth, and a bubbly personality. But there was also a certain grit into it that screamed, "I am one hot sh*t!"
Ernalyn's charm wasn't just in her pretty face and light demeanor; it was in her quiet fierceness. It was clear that behind the playful energy was a young woman determined to carve her own path, one step at a time.
During our talk, she shared candidly about her personal growth, the insecurities she's overcome, and the close-knit community she's built with her followers.
Hello, Ante Marie!
At just a young age, at the height of the pandemic, the rising content creator captured the hearts of the masses with the OG Vebs Squad—Queen Dura, Ernalyn, Dakota Notes, and Sesable. Now at 20 years old, beyond her quirks on TikTok and camera lights lies a young woman whose story is just as captivating as her online persona.
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Born JoeBrylle Balao, Ernalyn's journey into the digital space began, like many others, with a simple video. "Naalala ko nung unang beses akong gumawa ng video, hindi ko akalain na ganon magiging support ng tao," she recalls. What started as a hobby quickly turned into her bread and butter, as more people began to relate and connect with the authenticity of her content.
One More Push for Ernalyn
Like many young influencers, her journey, however, isn't without its challenges. Ernalyn understands the fine line between the personal and public. "Lahat naman na nasabi ko sa social media may part lang din talaga na hindi na pwedeng ilabas online." Navigating the blurred lines of digital fame and personal growth, she acknowledges that some stories, some struggles, are hers alone to carry.
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"Ang dami kong insecurities simula nung pumasok ako sa mundo ng socmed, naging inspirasyon ko yung ibang content creator para malampasan ko yung fear para maging better na person," she admits.
Luckily, the relationship she shares with her followers is deeply personal. "Tinuturing ko silang kaibigan, grabe ang support—wala din naman ako sa posisyon na ito kung hindi dahil sa kanila," she said as for Ernability, this online connection runs deep, helping her overcome her own self-doubt.
At the heart of her journey is the unwavering support of her closest friends. "Yung mga kaibigan ko laging nag-pupush sakin, 'ganito gawin mo para mas lalo kang makilala.' Ang role nila sakin ay para ko silang mga ate," she shares, smiling.
Real, Raw, and Relatable
In an era where content creators often seem distant, Ernability's relatability sets her apart. 'The most remarkable part of my journey is how more and more people are getting to know the real me,' she muses. "Ang pinaka namumukod-tangi sa journey ko ay palaki nang palaki yung nakakakilala sakin kung sino ba talaga ako," she reflects. People resonate with her because they see her as she truly is—authentic, unfiltered, and relatable. Most truly, her charm doesn't stem from perfection but from her courage to display her imperfections.
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With a future as bright as the right lights of her online persona, Ernability remains grounded in the friendships she's built and the community that surrounds her. "Andon na tayo sa pagkakaibigan, pero kasi ang laki na ng pinagsamahan namin together, turing ko na sila as sisters ko." For her, this bond, both online and offline.
As we conclude our conversation, I must say Ernalyn's Days of Girlhood are far from over. As she grows, so too does her community, her vision, and her influence—proof that youth, grit, and heart can indeed change the world, one video at a time.
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