Arman Salon: The story behind the TikTok sensation

Spend enough time on TikTok, and you'll eventually come across Arman Salon.

Lately, Arman has been making waves on the social media platform, with his content showcasing impromptu acting and dialogue reminiscent of the Philippines' heavy dramas, thrillers, and horrors.

In the latest episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," it was revealed that Arman owns a salon in Rodriguez, Rizal, a place he has had for 10 years. It's where he films his viral TikToks.

Expert he might be in cutting, rebonding, and coloring hair, Arman has wanted to be an artist since childhood.

"Gusto ko mag-artista kahit 'yung mahagip lang ng camera," he said. "Kahit na snatcher ako, kundi naman 'yung tsismosa. Masaya na ako."

["I wanted to be an actor, even if it's just for a small role. Whether it's playing  a snatcher or a gossipmonger, I'd be happy."]

Arman was unable to get any acting opportunities, but that didn't stop him from acting out skits for his salon customers.

"'Pag alam kong ka-close ko 'yung customer ko, [umaarte ako at sinasabi ko], 'Ikaw ang kapal ng mukha mo ha! Bakit ngayon ka lang nagpakita? Ganyan ka na porket may kaya-kaya ka na? Ganyan na ang ugali mo sa akin?'"

["When I feel close to my customers, I tend to act out and say things like, 'How dare you show your face here now? Is this how you treat me just because you've become wealthy?'"]

He shared that his customers would just laugh, knowing he was only acting.

Since Arman often acts out various characters and dialogues, he decided to create online content ranging from horror to drama. Before filming, he shared, he'll play a love song first to make himself cry.

As for how he nails her signature emotional lines, Arman said he has a lot of experiences or hugot to draw from.

Before starting his own salon, Arman worked various jobs, like selling newspapers, pandesal, and fishballs.

Arman worked tirelessly to support his children, earning every peso through hard work, relying only on himself.

Romance and gender identity

Arman has never hidden his gender identity, having known his preferences early on.

"Nagkaroon ako ng nobyo," he said. "Nasaktan ako nu'ng may nakita na siyang iba. Pagkatapos, hindi na ako mag-bo-boyfriend. "

["I had a boyfriend before. I was hurt when he found someone else. After that, I decided I wouldn't date men anymore"]

In 1991, Arman had a girlfriend who became the mother of his children, but they later separated.

"Siguro dahil sa bading ako, kaya iniwanan ako," he said.

["Maybe she left me because I'm gay."]

Two of his children stayed with his ex-partner, while Arman raised the other three. His children fully accepted his identity over time.

"Kailan lang po siya nagdamit ng mga pambabae nu'n, siguro mga 2013. Nakasuporta naman po kami doon," Arman's son Arnold said.

["He started wearing women's clothing around 2013. We supported him."]

He added that Arman is very hardworking. "Simula't bata ko, hindi po siya nagde-day off sa pagkatrabaho."

["Since I was a kid, he never took a day off from working."]

When Arman embraced his true self, he pursued his dream of acting through social media. His skits and livestreams gained him loyal fans who send gifts, money, and collaboration with fellow content creators.

"Napakasaya ko, na-a-appreciate nila ang ginagawa ko."

["I'm so happy they appreciate what I do."]

Arman's acting idol is none other than Kapuso Primetime Princess, Barbie Forteza. In fact, he would act as Barbie's "Pulang Araw" character Adelina, and was hilariously suspended on TikTok for it.

"Alam mo gustong-gusto kong makita si Barbie Forteza, kahit mag-a-acting, kahit sampalin niya ako, kahit na ano gawin nila sa akin basta mahagip lang ako ng camera. Sobrang saya ko na," Arman said.

["I'd love to meet Barbie Forteza. Even if it's just for a scene where she slaps me, I'll be happy just to be seen on camera."]

Meanwhile, Arman's celebrity crush is award-winning actor and "MAKA" star Romnick Sarmenta.

"Malayo pa lang, kikiligin na 'ko. Basta sa akin, malakas ang sex appeal niya saka talagang maamo 'yung mukha niya."

["Just seeing him from afar makes my heart flutter. He has such a kind face and an irresistible charm."]

Arman was able to have his dreams come true and meet his idols on "KMJS" to celebrate his birthday.

While getting dolled up at a salon, Romnick surprised him.

"I love you! I love you! Mahal na mahal ko 'to, nu'ng bata ka pa lang, mahal na mahal na kita," Arman told Romnick as they hugged.

["I love you! I've loved you since you were young."]

"Pero talagang ano talaga, Manilyn-Romnick," Arman added.

["But honestly, it's always the Manilyn-Romnick tandem for me."]

The two were also able to act out a drama skit together, showcasing a breakup scene.

"Ang husay!" Romnick told Arman after their scene.

["You're amazing!"]

"Salamat. Salamat, idol. Sobrang idol kita. Grabe! Minalat ako," Arman replied.

["Thank you. I idolize you. Wow! I even lost my voice."]

And to let Arman experience acting more, 'KMJS' invited him to GMA Network for a mock audition.

While delivering his lines, Arman was surprised by Barbie, and they performed a skit arguing over her new boyfriend. He got carried away and slapped her, but they laughed it off and hugged.

"Masaya na ako naka-collab kita, sobrang saya," Arman told his idol.

["I'm so happy to have collaborated with you. It's such a joy."]

Barbie said, "Actually, malaking bagay na na-a-appreciate ko sa 'yo na hindi ka talagang nag-be-break ng character kasi malaking bagay 'yan, kasi sa set kunwari umaarte ka o may eksena ka, maraming distractions. At saka siguro ang pinakaimportante ay puso."

["What I truly appreciate about you is how you never break character. That's a big deal because on set, when you're acting or doing a scene, there are so many distractions. And I think the most important thing is to truly pour your heart into it."]

"I'm very honoured to have met you," Barbie added. "At to have worked with you kahit very short na eksena lang. Ang saya-saya mong ka-eksena."

["I'm very honored to have met you, and to have worked with you, even for just a very short scene. You're so fun to act with."] —JCB, GMA Integrated News