Project 7 to 1 Podcast: Jico Umali aka JiConyo

Description

In this episode of the Project 7 to 1 Podcast, Carlo Ople sits down with Filipino content creator Jico Umali, better known online as JiConyo.Jico takes us through his journey as a creator—from finding his voice through his now-iconic “conyo” persona and building an audience online, to working behind the scenes as a content strategist, writer, director, actor, and creator. His work eventually expanded beyond social media, including appearances in film and other creative projects. But this conversation takes a more personal turn as Jico opens up about the health scare that changed his life. In July 2025, at just 28 years old, he suffered a stroke that left him temporarily bedridden and affected the left side of his body and vision. His road to recovery became a journey he openly documented with his followers—from hospitalization and rehabilitation to gradually regaining his mobility and independence. Jico also talks about the lessons that came with that experience and how it changed his perspective on health, life, and the choices we make. More recently, he has spoken publicly about his belief that smoking and vaping played a major role in his stroke and has turned his experience into a warning for others who may be taking similar risks. Expect a conversation that starts with the laughs and stories behind one of the Philippines’ recognizable creator personas, but eventually goes much deeper—into health, second chances, recovery, and finding a different perspective on life after a life-changing experience.