Our Story

We all know that laugher is good medicine...

The Story Behind Poppoh was born out of the deep laughter, quiet resilience, and endless love of one unforgettable man—Papa Hipolito Gonzales.

Long before there was a brand, there was a dad who told the corniest jokes with the straightest face. The kind of dry humor that would leave you groaning... and then laughing minutes later. We called them “dad jokes,” but they were more than that. They were tiny gifts, passed out freely during times when joy felt hard to come by.

Papa Hipolito raised his family of five in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, where life was far from easy. Financial struggles were a daily reality, and opportunities were scarce. But he was determined. With the kind of grit that only a father who loves deeply can muster, he made the sacrifice to leave home and take on work abroad. His journey led him to Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, and eventually to Oahu, Hawaii, where he learned to be a steelworker—earning just $2.19 an hour. Dad eventually returned to Hawaii and worked for Hawaiian Reinforcing Steel Company. His team, which included his brothers grew in the ranks and were known as the trouble-shooter guys.

Even then, Papa never complained. Instead, he gave. He fixed neighbors’ faucets, laid bricks for friends’ homes, and offered his skilled hands to anyone who needed help. His talent for building wasn’t just in construction—it was in building people up, lifting spirits, and helping others stand a little taller, smile a little wider.

His dedication and skill didn’t go unnoticed. Over the years, he rose to become a respected steel foreman, leading teams with the same strength and kindness he showed at home. In Kalihi, he raised his family with humor, humility, and heart.

Papa Hipolito wasn’t just a builder—he was a bringer of joy. His sense of humor fostered that love for laughter and making fun in our family. Dad would amuse us with his antics towards mom saying things like "your mom is not watching TV, the TV is watching her?" Sometimes he would hide mom's phone, only to be the hero later saying that he found it.


He loved a good party, treasured moments with his grandchildren, and, in his own quiet way, shared his blessings—sometimes handing out hundreds, even thousands, just to see someone smile. He’d chuckle at a silly dance, grin at a corny punchline, and always had something witty to say—even in his final days.

Six days before Dad passed he shared a vision with us: He was walking with Jesus and in front of them was a garden, but, there was what dad described a s a small tree, about 12 inches high that separated them. And all he needed to do was walk over the small tree. He mentioned that Jesus was walking with him.

As he prepared to pass, tears of sadness would be halted with a wise crack for his youngest grand daughter, "Hailee stop crying, you're my favorite..." knowing that some of the other grandkids were around... a slight chuckle would break the thick air and joy again would linger in the room. Tears and giggles danced together as we remembered all the love he gave. When I said, “Say hi to Jesus for us, Dad,” he gave us one final thumbs up—his signature mix of humor and grace.

And so, Poppoh.com was born.

This isn't just an online store. It's a tribute. A celebration of the kind of joy that gets you through tough times. A reminder that even in the face of hardship, there’s always room for laughter, always room for love. Every shirt, every piece of laugh wear, is a little echo of Papa H’s spirit—a wink, a grin, a warm hug in fabric form.

So when you wear Poppoh, you wear a story. One of hope, humor, and heart.

Thank you for being part of it. — The Poppoh Family