MANILA, Philippines - There’s a new energy in the city. Maybe it’s the new decade. Maybe it’s the new administration. Maybe it’s Lady Gaga’s new video. But in our brief survey of Manila’s brightest lights, fresh creative energy was so evident we could feel it through our laptop screens.
Eschewing the starving artist stereotype, our A-to-Z list of Manila’s creative forces flips and reverses our notions of a creative life and delivers the fresh flavor we’re all so hungry for. These people are creating their own opportunities.
We’ve got entrepreneurs turning the corporate whore stereotype inside out and providing avenues for creativity and true change. We’ve got models breaking the ANTM model mold and showing us a different, edgier kind of beauty. We’ve got a married couple showing us that settling down doesn’t mean settling, not to mention a 17-year-old who doesn’t let school and bedtime cramp her creativity.
It’s an exciting time to be young and creative; even more exciting to be a witness to this new creative revolution. There’s mind melding, collaborations, and whatnots in every corner of the city. It’s 2010 — new decade, new blood. Get with the program.
Anjo Bolarda
(23, illustrator/apparel graphic designer)
My biggest influence/s: NIARK1, MCBESS, and Alberto Sereso.
Inspiration usually hits when… I’m depressed. I always turn negatives into something positive.
My art is… low-brow funky doodle art.
What is your motto? If you want to be the best, be the best in the world.
BJ Pascual
(22, fashion photographer)
My biggest influence/s: In photography, Paolo Roversi.
Your most marked characteristic? My mood swings.
What is it you most dislike? Deadlines.
What natural gift would you most like to possess? Height, because it would make shooting much easier. I wouldn’t have to stand on boxes all the time.
Commune
(2.5, retailers/brand builders)
You are unique to the industry because… While we look to the international pioneers of the independent lifestyle community, we want the Philippines on the same map as we build our own community of people to share the love and passion for the culture — whether through fashion, music, or art. Support your local.
What would you like to be? Influencers and inspiration to others who want to start from the ground up.
What is your motto? Communicate. Congregate. Collaborate. Commune.
Dominique Tiu
(21, GMA7 marketing specialist/stylist/blogger)
My style is… beautiful because it is constructed in the midst of confusion. I don’t want a “defined” style. That constant search or confusion when it comes to finding your style makes it awesome.
What would you like to be? Someone who would exist in history books — reach as far as you can. Depends, really. Today, I feel like I want to be a doctor but, tomorrow, who knows? Ultimately, I just want to be me.
Who are your heroes in life? Right now, Lady Gaga and sometimes Freja Beha, usually the band Queen.
Ernville
(3, rock band)
Our style is… garage/punk
In the future… Earth will rely on the sun’s power and our greatest single will be about this.
What natural gift would you most like to possess? To be mathematically competent and the natural gift of answering these types of questions well.
Felix Roco
(21, actor)
My art is… acting.
In the future… I would like to be a successful actor.
Who are your heroes in life? My hero is my dad.
What natural gift would you most like to possess? If I were to choose a skill, it would be singing.
Grendel Alvarado
(25, professional model)
My style is... street glam/rock. I don’t follow a certain style though, because it depends on my mood for that day.
My art is... like fire, it’s fiery and it burns.
What is it you most dislike? I dislike small minds. Enough said.
What is your present state of mind? Optimism. It turns the impossibilities into endless possibilities.
Heima
(1, furniture and home design store)
Heima is unique to this industry because… We introduce a new meaning to furniture and home design, one that is fun, whimsical and colorful.
In the future… I’m hoping Heima and Philippine design in general would be recognized abroad.
What is it you most dislike? Minimalism.
What is your motto? Heima is where the heart is.
Idris Vicuna
(20, visual artist/rock band Bee Eyes/former Cobrasnake graphic designer)
Idris is unique to this industry because… he has a Bart Simpson tattoo!
My art is… whatever looks pleasing through the eyes I use.
Your most marked characteristic? I got good taste.
What is your principal defect? I think too much.
Jessica Mendoza
(21, radio jock for
89.9’s “Top 5@5”)
My biggest influence/s: My co-workers at Magic.
Your most marked characteristic? I’m ditzy smart.
What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? Someone denied the chance of watching all six Star Wars films.
What is your motto? Don’t be afraid to dream big, but don’t be afraid to start small.
Kermit Tesoro
(22, fashion designer/
shoe designer/artist)
My style is… veering away from the commercial notion of clothing… or maybe not.
My art is… torn between several disciplines.
In the future… I will rip everything off from my past sensibilities.
What is your motto? Vent out the vomiting creativity.
Leeroy New
(24, artist/designer)
Leeroy is unique to this industry because… history will declare it so.
My style is… materially manifesting.
What is it you most dislike? “Acculturation of mediocrity.”
What is your present state of mind? Doing.
Mackie Galvez
(25, cinematographer)
My style is… natural. I try to hide lighting, until you don’t notice it anymore.
In the future… all my equipment will float, like in The Jetsons.
Your most marked characteristic? Shut up.# StopMakingFunOfMyHeart.
What is it you most dislike? Cynicism. #TeamCoco
Nice Buenaventura
(26, illustrator/writer)
My style is… are-you-a-boy girl.
My art is… always clean.
Your most marked characteristic? Nimble fingers.
Who are your heroes in life? Madeline, Jonathan Safran Foer, Owel Alvero.
What is your present state of mind? Maternal.
Owel Alvero
(25, Ang Bandang Shirley vocalist/music composer)
My biggest influence/s: Malcolm Gladwell, Thurston Moore, Dave Eggers, Nice Buenaventura.
My style is… lo-fi with love.
What would you like to be? A great father.
What is it you most dislike? Dimwits.
Pauline Prieto
(17, model/student)
My art is… instant.
Your most marked characteristic? Lazy and rude.
What would you like to be? An interior designer.
What natural gift would you most like to possess? Beauty.
Quarterlife Crisis
For inspiring creatives locked in corporate jobs to free themselves and follow their dreams
Reese Fernandez
(25, social entrepreneur, Rags2Riches)
My art is… sustainable design, uncompromising beauty.
In the future… Rags2Riches will be one of the reasons why Filipinos will be proud of the Philippines.
What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? If we suddenly discover that the damage we have done to this world is already beyond repair.
Salary
Because the new generation of artists refuses to starve.
Toby Gadi
(20, student/national athlete)
My art is… how precise my shots are, how graceful my movements are.
What is your principal defect? Lack of time management.
What is your motto? Dream your dream and do your best. Never doubt, never rest until that dream is yours.
Laureen Uy
(20, owner of Stylebreak/digital consultant for Virus Inc)
Laureen is unique to this industry because… I started writing and styling at 15, became a model at 17, and started my own business at 18.
My style is… Fierce! Girl meets punk.
In the future… Stylebreak will become the local Topshop.
Valerie Chua
(23, illustrator)
Biggest influence/s: East Asian artists like Rain and Western artists like James Jean and Sabrina Ward Harrison.
My art is… a woman’s battle with herself and the forces of nature.
What is your motto? Never rely on talent. Work hard!
Wright Supply Co
(2.5, customized fragrance brand)
Our style is… clean.
Our art is… minimalist.
Who are your heroes in life? Tom Ford.
What is your present state of mind? A movie in black and white.
Xernan Orticio
(19, fashion designer)
My biggest influence/s: Dark-themed sci-fi movies, ‘80s rock music, and forensics.
My style is… dark with a hint of purity in it, modern and very constructive.
Who are your heroes in life? Bryanboy, the Herrera twins, and my parents.
What is your motto? Quality and consistency are key.
Ylla
(1, footwear and
accessories brand)
Ylla is unique to this industry because… we try to innovate how Filipinos make high-quality footwear while highlighting our own textile industry by using indigenous material.
Who are your heroes in life? Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes
What is your present state of mind? Empire.
Zoe Sandejas
(17, student/actress/singer/
photographer/visual artist)
My art is… any vehicle I can use to express my emotions.
What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? To be unable to express yourself.
What would you like to be? A superhero! Saving one movie or art work at a time.
What is your present state of mind? Relieved. (Note: Zoe had her first day of college on the day of the shoot.)