JaMill

2017–2020: Beginnings and growth

Manabat and Trinidad met through Facebook in 2016.^[5] Manabat is from Binangonan, Rizal, while Trinidad is from Gapan, Nueva Ecija.^[6] They created their YouTube channel in 2017 to document their daily lives.^[1] The channel gained a following for its prank videos and couple-themed content.^[2] Their fanbase is collectively referred to as "Mandirigma" (transl. Warriors).^[7]

In 2019, the couple was included in the lineup for the YouTube FanFest in Manila.^[8] They also developed a reputation as a love team.^[9] By July 2021, the couple received the Diamond Play Button from YouTube for surpassing 10 million subscribers.^[10] At the time of its deletion in August 2021, their channel was the ninth most-subscribed in the Philippines, with a total of 12.5 million subscribers and 1.3 billion lifetime views.^[11]

Music and business ventures

In July 2020, JaMill released a debut single titled "Tayo Hanggang Dulo" (Us Until the End) under Star Pop, a sub-label of Star Music.^[12] The song was composed by their talent manager, Perry Lansigan.^[13] During the single's launch, Trinidad expressed a desire to collaborate with Solenn Heussaff, while Manabat hoped to work with Michael V..^[7]

Outside of content creation, the couple established several businesses, including a merchandise line called the Mandirigma Shop.^[5] They opened a milk tea shop in Nueva Ecija in February 2021.^[6] In September 2021, they launched a car service business named "Shimmer and Shield".^[14][15]

Cheating allegations

In April 2021, Trinidad posted photos on Facebook accusing Manabat of cheating on her with multiple women.^[16] The issue was featured on the public service program Raffy Tulfo in Action, where two women involved in the controversy gave statements regarding the issue.^[17] Manabat appeared on the show, admitted to the affair, and apologized to Trinidad, stating he would not be a cheater forever.^[17] The couple eventually reconciled and continued their relationship.^[1]

Channel deletion and tax issues

On August 19, 2021, the couple deleted their YouTube channel, which had over 12 million subscribers at the time.^[18] In a statement, they claimed the deletion was done to focus on their relationship and personal lives.^[19] Trinidad later explained that she deleted the channel impulsively following an argument where she questioned if their relationship existed only for the vlog.^[4][20] The argument had been triggered by questions asked during a counseling session for a potential brand endorsement.^[21][22]

Following the deletion, posts circulated online appearing to sell their house and car, though Manabat later described these attempts as impulsive decisions made during a difficult time.^[23] The deletion coincided with an announcement by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) that it would investigate social media influencers who were not paying income taxes.^[24] On August 24, 2021, the BIR stated they were investigating a specific "celebrity couple" who had deleted their channel, leading to public speculation that it was JaMill.^[25]

Manabat confirmed in an interview with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho that BIR representatives had visited their home to educate them on tax obligations.^[23] He stated that they were complying with the requirements and processing their documents properly.^[26] The couple denied that the deletion was related to tax evasion, attributing it solely to their relationship struggles.^[27]

Return to YouTube

Prior to their official return, the couple hinted at a comeback through social media posts showing them editing video content.^[28][29] They officially launched a new channel on September 15, 2021.^[30] In their comeback vlog, they addressed the rumors surrounding their departure and criticized media outlets for publishing "fake news" about their situation.^[31]

Television

Web