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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider ICYMI: Here's an overview of everything Conan O'Brien did during his visit to Manila

ICYMI: Here's an overview of everything Conan O'Brien did during his visit to Manila

Published Oct 24, 2025 07:37 am
American host Conan O'Brien (Image courtesy of Instagram)
American host Conan O'Brien (Image courtesy of Instagram)
From the streets of New York to the heart of the Philippines, award-winning host Conan O’Brien’s short trip to Manila was packed with fun, excitement, and unforgettable moments with his fans.
Arriving in the Philippines on Oct. 13 to film the new season of his travel series "Conan O’Brien Must Go," staff writer and content producer Jose Arroyo took his time crafting delightful details about Conan’s adventures.
Posted on his Instagram page, Jose wrote that the first day started with a trip to Quiapo, and Conan got to eat "Halo-halo."
"Day one in Manila: Conan shot in Rizal Park today and in the crowded market in Quiapo, just outside the Church of the Black Nazarene. He ended the day eating halo-halo like a true 'Manilenyo.' He took dozens of selfies with such smart polite fans," Jose wrote.

Entering another entry dated Oct. 15, Jose shared that Conan experienced the Manila traffic while making his way to Quezon City.
"That's where our superfan Charles runs his family-owned candy factory (Philip's). The traffic in manila makes LA's freeways look like the Bonneville Salt Flats, which gave me time to draw Conan in the van checking his phone," he wrote on his post.

Aside from "Halo-Halo", Conan also got to taste another tourist fave, which is 'balut', and he roamed around Fort Santiago riding a bamboo bike to mark his third day.
The TV host shared a photo of himself holding a balut as Jose, dressed like a doctor, pressed a stethoscope against the delicacy.
"My personal physician Dr. Arroyo gives my balut a thorough exam," Conan wrote.
On the same day, Conan and his team made their way to Manila Hotel, where he channeled the spirit of Gen. Douglas McArthur.
"At the Manila Hotel, he channeled the spirit of Gen. Douglas McArthur. Everywhere we filmed, Conan's fans showed up to say hi. 'Thank you' in Tagalog is 'Salamat,' and I'm very 'Salamat-ful' for everyone we met," Jose said.

Conan also posted a funny photo on Instagram showing a fan giving him a P20 bill with his face on it instead of former president Manuel L. Quezon.
"A fan is distributing these bills in the Philippines. He's being arrested as we speak," O'Brien joked.
To feel the real pinoy spirit, Conan made a special appreance on the GMA series, "Sanggang-Dikit FR'', which stars Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado. According to Jose's post, Conan played the role of a "rich, evil creep" that required an "evil creep moustache."

On Oct 18, the comedian and his team traveled to Tanauan City, where they met superfan Tricia and her husband, Patrick. The couple playfully made Conan their temporary bellhop—a move Arroyo humorously called their “worst hiring decision ever.”

Capping off the tour in PH, Jose uploaded photos of all the souvenirs they got, which include a tote bag that features an animated Conan that says, I love balut."
Jose also gave his thanks to all the fans who welcomed them with the real pinoy energy.
"A special thanks to Charles, Mustafa, Tricia, who inspired us to visit and to the hundreds of fans who found us on the streets, in the hotel lobby, and at the airport. (Salamat = Thank you)," Arroyo said.

"Conan O’Brien Must Go" follows the comedian as he visits fans he previously met virtually through his podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan.
The series debuted in 2024, featuring episodes in Norway, Argentina, Thailand, and Ireland. The second season, released in May 2025, took him to Spain, New Zealand, and Austria.
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