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Christine Gambito
Christine Gambito at the 777 YouTube gathering in Washington Square Park
Background information
Born	{{{birthdate}}} United States
Nationality	Filipino/American Born
Web alias(es)	HappySlip, christinegambito
Period active	August 31, 2006-present
Host service(s)	YouTube, Revver
Genre(s)	Variety
Signature phrase	"Christine, be sure to wear your hap e-slip."
Official site	http://www.happyslip.com

Christine Gambito, better known by her screen name HappySlip, is an American Internet personality, actress, and comedian. She maintains one of the most-subscribed-to channels on YouTube, a popular video sharing website.^[1] On January 25, 2008, Gambito, who is of Filipino ancestry, was appointed ambassador for Philippine tourism by the Department of Tourism.^[2]

In March 2007, Gambito's video Mixed Nuts was nominated for the 2006 YouTube Video Awards for Best Comedy,^[3] resulting in the second place.^[4] In May of the same year, she became one of the first users accepted into YouTube's revenue sharing program.^[1]

Gambito's performances typically include comedy sketches in which she impersonates members of her family. She also sings and plays the piano and guitar. As Gambito has stated repeatedly in her videos, she is notably one of the very few top users acting, filming, editing and producing her shorts completely on her own.^[5][6]

Before YouTube

Born of Filipino ancestry and raised in the United States, she was involved in cameo appearances and small parts of television commercials, movies, and industrial and training films.^[7] Christine was also a licensed practical nurse (LPN) before her YouTube fame.

Origin of "HappySlip"

Gambito attributes her nickname "HappySlip" to her Filipino mother's mispronunciation of "half slip":^[8]

At her personal site, she explains that the phrase is not only a funny phrase from the past, but it also reflects what she would like people to feel when they watch her videos, hoping they will “slip into happiness” while watching. ^[10]

Videos

Gambito in "Mixed Nuts"

Her first sketch, Instant vlogging,^[11] was originally broadcasted on September 6, 2006 and featured Gambito impersonating four different characters, each representing a different video blogging style. Due to the positive response she received from the YouTube community, two of those characters (the teenager and the girl in the "soap opera" style) were explored further in the following videos, the latter becoming the first episode of a soap opera spoof featuring two twin sisters both interpreted by Gambito.

Her second video introduced many of the recurring themes in her following sketches, such as her parents' attitude towards her growing popularity over the Internet and her family's ethnic habits seen through the mind of an American. Other notable sketches include Mixed Nuts^[12] — a video depicting what she would call "a typical family discussion" which was later awarded with the second place in the 2006 YouTube Video Awards for Best Comedy^[4] — and Mac Beautiful,^[13] her first musical video, an ironic cover of the song You're Beautiful by James Blunt praising the beauty and efficiency of the Apple MacPro. Gambito later broadcast two videos containing original songs.^[14][15]

Gambito has collaborated with fellow YouTube comedian Kevin Wu (KevJumba) and has made five videos with him.^[16]

Recently, Gambito opened a new YouTube channel, self-titled 'christinegambito', showcasing bonus videos such as behind the scene footage of her videos, covers by Gambito herself of modern hits, bloopers, and more. Profits from this channel are all donated to charity by Gambito.^[17] She is also the host of YouTube Caroling. ^[18]

Characters

Gambito is known for playing many characters within her videos. Her characters are easily recognized in her videos for their hair, attire, and personality. When portraying a character, Gambito uses wigs and notable accessories to differentiate each character when necessary.^[19]

Major Characters

The following characters are still portrayed today in Gambito's videos:

• Christine - Known as the main character in Gambito's videos seen to deal with her family's comedic traditions. Portrayed by Gambito.
• Dad - Christine's father who is commonly seen in Gambito's videos constantly eating pork rinds. "Disaster!" is his commonly known catch phrase. The upper half of his face is not seen in any of Gambito's videos possibly to conceal Gambito's face and/or for easy recognition. Portrayed by Gambito.
• Mom - Christine's mother known for her traditional antics with her family. Portrayed by Gambito.
• Auntie Babie Cruz - Christine's aunt known in Gambito's videos for her comedic antics and, at times, snobby remarks. Portrayed by Gambito.
• Minnie Cruz - Auntie Babie's daughter and Christine's cousin who is constantly embarrassed by her mother. Portrayed by Gambito.
• Lola - Christine's grandmother known for her comedic confusion. Portrayed by Gambito herself.
• Teenie - A teenager known for her stereotypical acts meant to mock modern American teenagers. Portrayed by Gambito.

Minor Characters

The following characters are known for their role in affecting the HappySlip universe:

• Kevin - Minnie's boyfriend whom Minnie met online. Portrayed by Kevin Wu (KevJumba).
• Fred G (Not to be confused with the other Fred) - Known for his love interest in Minnie. Also known for being an opponent to Kevin in a dance battle for Minnie's love.^[20] Gambito left the judging to viewers by holding a poll on her official website with Fred losing with 12% of votes.^[21]
• Christian - Minnie's cousin sent out by Auntie Babie to watch over Minnie as she attends college. Portrayed by ninjadrops.
• Sheila & Sally Smoot - Known for their roles in 'Plop & Shop!' imitating infomercial hosts. Both portrayed by Gambito.
• Claire & Audrey - Twin sisters known for their soap opera acts. The characters became inactive after both allegedly shot each other to death.^[22] Both were portrayed by Gambito.

See also

• YouTube celebrities

References

External links

• Official site
• HappySlip homepage on YouTube.com
• www.filipinas.ph