âMabango tingnan. Malinis. Mamahalin. Hindi Mabaho.â
I am honored and grateful to welcome this new era with my new families,
@cosmopolitanph ,
@cloutplus , and
@summitmedia . This is beyond what I envisioned for 2025 because who wouldâve thought that one of the leading magazines in the Philippines, especially in beauty and lifestyle, aligned with my crazy-ass, oftentimes campy, and âpalabanâ or bold personality?! I am even humbled to be represented by one of the biggest media groups in the country as a content creator.
A year ago, I started modeling and, only 7 months ago, I started doing content. Back then, I heard a lot of rejections and doubts of me fitting in this industryâ let alone a magazine or an agency. Kudos to these organizations who believed and fought for our inclusion. This yearâs Vibe Tribe had their first batch of openly queer talents. This is not just for us but for every trans and queer kid who dreamed of making it in the industryâ and weâre just starting.
âMabango tingnanâ is a remark I would often hear when models and creators are placed for a job. I understand where itâs coming from but also its undertones of elitism that I dare say doesnât best represent what Philippine fashion and creativity are and should be. This look is very personal to me as I have worked with a queer young designer and close friend
@rnrxs whose design takes inspiration from the Filipino masses and the iconic red and white striped Divisoria plastic bag.
To me, Philippine aesthetics have always been maximalist, diverse, and inclusiveâ a manifestation, and even a mover, of how our identity as Filipinos persist against the strongholds of colonialism. Fashion is artâ and art should be liberating just as much as it should be âbeautifulâ. Taking a plastic bag that is often seen in our lower-income communities and even associated to âmabaho,â to me, is a commentary on that remark aboveâ if a plastic bag could belong in a magazine, so should peopleâs diverse narratives. We exist, we belong.
Designer:
@rnrxs
Exec. Editor:Â
@idaaldana
Art Dir.:Â
@icadelmundoodle assisted by
@gaby__molinaa
Photographer:Â
@ennuhchew
Producer:
@alyanamariexx