Mark Averilla, professionally known as Macoy Dubs, is a Filipino content creator, television host, actor, and educator.[1] He is best known for his Tagalog-dubbed videos of popular films and for creating the comedic persona "Auntie Julie".[2]
Mark Averilla came from a broken family, as his parents separated when he was two years old.[2] During his childhood, he experienced bullying in grade school due to his weight and asthma.[2]
He attended Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila, where he completed a degree in Communication Arts.[3][2] During his time in school, he was active in theater groups and served as a student council officer.[2][3]
Before his career in social media, Averilla worked as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Qatar as a property consultant.[3] He later returned to the Philippines and worked as a college instructor at his alma mater, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, where he taught advertising and broadcasting.[4][5]
Career
Content creation
Averilla began creating content in December 2017.[1] He gained initial popularity on Facebook by posting Tagalog-dubbed versions of clips from Western films such as Mean Girls and The Devil Wears Prada.[6] His dubbing videos popularized the phrase "Ganda ka?" (transl.Are you beautiful?).[6][7]
In 2019, Averilla revealed that a brand had dropped a collaboration with him because he was considered "too gay," sparking discussions about discrimination in the advertising industry.[7] By 2021, his Facebook page had reached over one million followers.[8]
"Auntie Julie" persona
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Averilla introduced a new character named "Auntie Julie" on TikTok.[9] The persona is depicted as a wealthy, progressive aunt from Saint Pedro Poveda College who wears pearl jewelry.[10][11] The character became known for giving life advice, discussing sex education, and matchmaking her son.[1][9]
In August 2020, Averilla briefly halted the "Auntie Julie" series, citing "cancel culture" and negative comments that affected his mental health.[12][10] He resumed the character shortly after receiving support from fans and celebrities.[13][11]
Television, film, and podcasts
Averilla transitioned to mainstream television in October 2020 as a host for the noontime variety show Lunch Out Loud on TV5.[1] He also made guest appearances on the ABS-CBN show It's Showtime.[14] In 2024, he participated in auditions for the gag show Bubble Gang.[15]
He made his film debut in the 2024 movie Fruitcake, produced by Cornerstone Studios.[16]
In 2024, Averilla launched a podcast titled "Dogshow Divas" alongside fellow content creator Baus Rufo.[17] He has been recognized as part of the "new comedy royalty" in the Philippines alongside influencers Pipay and Sassa Gurl.[18]
Activism and advocacy
Averilla uses his platform to speak on social issues.[19] In 2020, he was a speaker at the "My Space, My Rights" virtual Children’s Rights Summit organized by the European Union Delegation to the Philippines.[20][4] He also joined other content creators in filing a petition against the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and encouraged the public to speak out against disinformation.[19]
He has partnered with organizations like "We The Youth Vote" to encourage voter registration among the youth.[21] He defines an "influencer" as someone who contributes to the common good and remains socially relevant.[22]
Personal life
Averilla identifies as gay.[23] He has cited actress Jolina Magdangal as a major inspiration for his work and his "Auntie Julie" character; he was previously the president of a Jolina Magdangal fans club chapter.[2][1]
He is a car enthusiast and creates content related to automotive restoration.[24]
Public image and controversies
In October 2020, Averilla's face accidentally appeared on the Facebook livestream of Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla due to a technical glitch during a rehearsal.[25] This led to speculation that he was managing the governor's page, which his production team denied.[26]
In July 2021, he deactivated his Twitter account, stating that the platform had become "toxic" and detrimental to his "inner core."[27]
In September 2021, Averilla issued a public apology after an old behind-the-scenes video resurfaced showing him joking with a male colleague.[28] He clarified that the interaction was consensual banter between friends but acknowledged that posting it publicly was a mistake and could be misinterpreted.[29][30][31]
Averilla has also gone viral for his humorous ID photos, where he is seen "pouting" in official government documents such as his driver's license and visas.[32][33]
His approach to dealing with online bashers involves "compartmentalization," as he chooses not to engage with personal attacks.[34] His rise to fame has been discussed in media, noting his financial success as a content creator.[35][36] Media outlets have also analyzed his astrology chart in relation to his fame.[37]
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