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Recently, social media platforms have been buzzing with people captivated by the viral song “Hawak Mo Ang Beat.” The hit track was created by DJ Mogo, a French national currently residing in Tacloban City, Leyte.

The music became an even bigger hit thanks to the accompanying dance steps, one hand raised while the other is placed over an ear, popularized by the dubbed “Pitik Queen,” Ian Mark Kamangkang.

In the March 22 episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Ian Mark shared his life story and the journey behind the viral dance craze currently being joined by many across the country.

The 33-year-old Ian Mark is a native of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, home to the T'boli ethnic group.

In his exclusive interview, he jokingly described himself, “Mas malambot ako kaysa gelatin."

He and his dance style, characterized as “pitik with soft moves,” have gone trending, a style he describes not as scripted, but as something innate to him.

“'Yung pitik ko is nandoon na, kumbaga, hindi siya scripted. Nakabase sa beat ng music,” said Ian Mark.

During the interview, Ian Mark also gave out tips for those wanting to master his signature steps.

“Dapat confident, mayroon kang happy face, marunong kang gumiling,” he shared.

Aside from the moniker “Pitik Queen,” netizens have also dubbed him the “Secretary of the DPWH” which, in his case, stands for the “Department of Public Works and High-waist.”

This is a nod to his signature look, as he is frequently seen with his shirts tucked into high-waisted pants.

Ian Mark also shared that this style started back when he was in college, noting that it brings him joy because it allows him to express his true self.

“College days, 'yung pormahan ko talaga kapag pumunta ng paaralan is naka-tuck in, nakainsert. Ito 'yung ikaliligaya ko dahil ako ito,” shared Ian Mark.

He continued, “Walang kurakot, pitik lang at giling.”

While humorously dubbed the “Secretary of Public Works and Highwaist,” his professional life involves working as a school secretary.

Ian Mark also revealed that he serves as an educator for both college and junior high school students, focusing on the rich cultural heritage of the T'boli people.

“[I am the] secretary to the School President ng Sta. Cruz Mission School Inc. Before ako naging secretary, isa akong college instructor at isa rin akong junior high school teacher. Ang itinuturo ko ay Travel Education. Itinuturo namin kung ano 'yung aming being T'boli ethnic group,” he shared.

Beyond the viral fame, he also revealed his devotion to his family, sharing how he supported his two siblings through school until they finally earned their degrees.

“Mayroon akong mga kapatid na nakatapos, dalawa, ako 'yung nagpaaral sa kanila. 'Yung ama ko at ang aking ina 'di sila nakapagtapos,” Ian Mark said.

Despite his cheerful persona on camera, Ian Mark revealed that he has endured a string of personal struggles.

“'Yung una ay 'yung hindi ko pagpasa sa board exam, Licensure Examination for Teachers. ['Yung ikalawa,] may isang portion doon sa Sorala na blind curve, hindi ko na maano [mapagana] 'yung preno ko, 'yung tatay niya 'yung nabunggo ko. After ng insidenteng 'yon, na-ospital ang aking lola; and the last one, Christmas, binahaan kami rito,” shared Ian Mark.

After everything he has been through, he expresses his gratitude to the Almighty, as he never expected these opportunities to come his way, all starting with his simple and entertaining viral videos.

However, he admitted that he was not spared from the judgmental eyes of netizens; as his views increased, so did the number of his bashers.

“Bumawi ngayong taon, hindi ko inakala noong nag-start na mag-trending 'yung aking videos, 'Oh my God; Lord, sobra na 'to,” he said.

“Hindi ko inakala na nag-viral ako, nag-increase 'yung views, as well as maraming mga bashers. Maraming nagsasabing 'Kaba-,' nirereplyan ko rin sila ng 'Kabaklaan.' Sanay na po ako sa mga bashing."

Beyond his viral social media presence, Ian Mark is a dedicated community servant. He organizes charity missions to far-flung areas, sometimes traveling for more than half a day just to ensure help reaches those in need.

“Almost 16 hours 'yung aming nilakad. Eight na bundok at five rivers bago kami makarating doon sa area. 'Yung kalagayan nila na lack of education, kulang sa medisina, nasiyahan ako kasi nakatulong ako sa kanila,” Ian Mark said.

“Baka inakala niyo na mayaman kami, hindi po. Minsan kumakain ng dalawang beses, minsan isa, pero 'yung makatulong sa ibang tao, 'yan ang tinuro sa akin ng aking magulang,” he added.

Watch the full interview here:

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