Aitutaki’s young ‘superstar’ goes viral sharing language, culture and identity

On the small island of Aitutak in the Cook Islands, a young boy is bringing people together across the Pacific and beyond.

Nine-year-old Jared Richie Manuia Reyes-Cadainggan, known as Manuia, is becoming an internet sensation by sharing his life, his language Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, and who he is.

“It's all about my daily life and mostly teaching people some Filipino and Aitutaki words,” Manuia says on PMN Cook Islands.

What makes his story particularly unique is his dual identity. Manuia is of Filipino descent.

Manuia’s Adventure is shared on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Filmed and edited by Jenny, their short videos centre around their day-to-day activities.

“Manuia was born on September 9th, 2015. He was the first and only Filipino born on the island of Aitutaki,” Jenny Cadainggan, his mother, tells PMN Cook Islands.

Watch Manuia and Jenny's full interview below.

That identity sits at the heart of what he does.

In his videos, Manuia switches easily between Tagalog and Aitutaki dialects, using both to teach and connect with his audience. For him, Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani is not just words, it is about belonging.

“It’s important to speak the reo so I will be able to understand and communicate with the community,” he says. “I speak Tagalog too so they can identify me as Filipino.”

In a region where many families carry more than one culture, Manuia’s story is striking a chord.

What started as something small has grown into a shared journey for mother and son.

“It's been fun and a learning experience,” Jenny says. “This is the first time we've done some content and reels. I'm learning Reel Reo Māori through him as well while doing the content.”

The impact is already being felt on the island. Jenny and her husband Richie own an eatery in Tautu village called Manuia’s Kitchen, specialising in Asian food, burgers, and pastries.

These days, customers are just as likely to come in asking for Manuia. Some want a photo. Others ask for an autograph.

While she is still navigating the world of social media, she says the digital journey has strengthened the bond between mother and son.

Despite his growing popularity, with nearly 5000 followers and videos reaching more than 15,000 views, Manuia is still a typical nine-year-old, even feeling nervous before his radio interview.

But his message is clear: Manuia offers a mantra for children everywhere.

“Do what you love doing, be good with your craft, and [learn] new things,” he says.

And like many Pacific families, his biggest support comes from home.

“Words of encouragement to the parents, always communicate with your child,” Jenny says. “Ask them what they want to do and support them to the best of what you can.”

Manuia sums it up in his own way, with advice passed down from his mum. “Like what my mum always says, ‘the sky is the limit’. Always dream big and always achieve your goal.”