More Videos You Can Watch
The Show Must Go On: The Fight for Queer Representation Is a Fight for Liberation
Queer stories have colored Filipino cinema for decades, and yet, there persists a need for proper and authentic representation.
by Em Enriquez
Published Jun 7, 2024
Updated Jun 7, 2024
Queer representation has come a long way, but the show must go on.
“Wala naman akong kasalanan. Hindi naman ako namemerwisyo ng kapwa. Wala naman akong nilalabag na batas… Ewan ko nga ba dito sa mundo,” Dolphy waxes as the gay beautician Coring in 1978’s Ang Tatay Kong Nanay. The character, brought to life by the late King of Comedy, was asked a la beauty queen if they’ve ever been ashamed of who they are. In the movie, Coring faced prejudice as an openly queer person raising a child on their own.
“Ako, at ang lahat ng kapatid ko dito, ay tao rin naman. Marunong din naman akong tumawa, marunong din akong umiyak. Kaya bakit ako mahihiya?” she defiantly declares.
The sentiment echoes 50 years later. Ang Tatay Kong Nanay was one of the first local productions to prominently feature an LGBTQIA+ character, and many have followed in Coring’s footsteps since then. The likes of Facifica Falayfay, T-Bird at Ako, and Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros were titles audiences clung to before they had Praybeyt Benjamin, Baka Bukas, and Die Beautiful. Over time, the "bakla" gradually became a hallmark of cinema.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
However, LGBTQIA+ individuals lead a far less colorful life outside of these fictional realms.
On-screen, they may be everyone’s best friend, but what is it worth when they’re taunted and beaten up in the streets? Are queer people supposed to believe that they’re worthy of romance when they have to express their love in the shadows? Can we really claim that the community is celebrated in a country where laws meant to protect them are questioned and delayed?
It’s within these contexts that proper representation becomes a matter of survival. Both behind and in front of the camera, the bakla is still withheld opportunities to tell their stories, which, in turn, shapes how they’re perceived by society. Queer people have existed before we had modern cinema as we know it today, and it’s become increasingly vital for them to be showcased in their most authentic forms.
CONTINUE READING BELOW
watch now
In this perpetual struggle, one truth remains: The show must go on.
PHOTO BY PHOTO: Cenon at Mav
Preview June 2024 Pride Cover
Borgy Angeles
Mimiyuuuh, EJ Jallorina, KaladKaren, Precious Paula Nicole, NAIA, Awra, Yani, Zar Donato, Sassa Gurl, Pepe Diokno, Denise Julia, Iyah Mina, Sheryn Regis, Easy Ferrer, Dids Veneracion, Rod Singh for Preview June 2024
Borgy Angeles
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
MJ Felipe, Klea Pineda, Pat Lasaten, Alex Diaz, John “Sweet” Lapus, Esnyr, Samantha Lee, Adrian Lindayag, Petersen Vargas, Kren Yap, Agnes Reoma, Taylor Sheesh, Jason Dhakal, Pat Tingjuy, Paolo Ballasteros, Wenn Deramas (†) for Preview June 2024
We’re Here
As citizens of the digital era, we often attach ourselves to what we see on screen. We turn on the television and have that “aha!” moment whenever we catch a character we resonate with.
Director Easy Ferrer grew up watching Roderick Paulate movies such as Bala at Lipstik and the original rendition of Petrang Kabayo. They’re as good as it gets when it comes to slapstick comedy, and that’s exactly what someone like Easy needed to see at the time. “Nire-represent kasi nung mga characters ni Roderick yung masayang type of queer person. [Kahit na] naging source of comedy yung portrayal niya, we knew that he was fighting [and that] he had goals,” direk Easy shares. “Parang na-imbibe ko yun. Lumaki ako as a very happy gay person.”
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
For the Gen Zs who came of age in the 2000s, Vice Ganda has been the symbol of mainstream LGBTQIA+ representation. Through her work with directors such as the late Wenn Deramas, the comedienne revamped the genre and gave it a 21st century touch. Her faithful “daughter” Awra certainly agrees to this, illustrating how the nation would annually look forward to her meme’s Christmastime comedies. Social media star Mimiyuuuh cites Vice as a “gay icon” who opened her eyes to what a person like her can aspire to. “Iniba nya talaga yung scene. Hindi lang yung mga gusto maging artista yung na-inspire nya. [Naipakita nya na] normal lang talaga ang bading sa media,” she shares.
MJ Felipe, on the other hand, looked up to Boy Abunda. In the early days of his career as a showbiz reporter, MJ had to deal with naysayers who didn't take him and his work seriously, even going as far as calling it cheap. “But tito Boy is not cheap. Tito Boy is classy [and] refined,” he recalls telling himself. Tito Boy was his blueprint—not only because he was gay, but because he was someone who carried himself with a reputable demeanor.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
Even fictional characters can catalyze the process of discovering oneself. Dids Veneracion, for one, found herself relating to masculine figures such as the cartoon character Danny Phantom. And when OPM singer Sheryn Regis saw Dorina in Bituing Walang Ningning, she realized that she, too, was capable of stardom in spite of all rejections.
Adrian Lindayag found himself in Angel Dumott Schunard, a role he’s since reprised on-stage, when he watched the movie version of the musical Rent. “As someone who felt different, it was amazing to resonate with a person who was othered and was queer [but] was celebrated by her community like that,” he states.
Cenon at Mav
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ON PAOLO: Custom Valentina Look, JOB DACON. Black Rose Earrings, RUSSET ACCESSORIES; ON KALADKAREN: Custom Red Bodysuit, Arm Cuffs, and Head Dress, all NERIC BELTRAN. Red Stocking Boots, THIAN RODRIGUEZ
Klea Pineda recalls watching teleseryes like Mulawin and feeling conflicted if she related more to Angel Locsin or Richard Gutierrez’s character. When 2009’s remake of Darna came along, she inched towards a little bit more clarity. “[Ginusto] ko ba maging si Darna, or naging crush ko ba si Darna?” the Sparkle GMA actress candidly shares.
Not everyone has that lightbulb moment when tuning into the screen though. John “Sweet” Lapus, a seasoned actor and a staple in LGBTQIA+ narratives, actually grew up not seeing anyone he wanted to emulate. “Nung bata ako, nakakanood ako ng mga gay characters and natatawa ako sa kanila. [Pero] wala akong tiningalaan o in-idolize,” he opens up.
“Ang representation ng gay when I was growing up was [laging] laughing stock. Nagpapatawa, binu-bully, tinatapunan ng cake sa mukha,” Sweet continues. “Doon ko na-realize na parang ayoko yata maging ganoon.”
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
In the same vein, Samantha Lee struggled to come to terms with her sexuality upon seeing how the “tomboy” was showcased. “I never saw myself in Philippine media. Whenever I would see a tomboy on TV, lagi syang nasasaktan, lagi syang pinagtatawanan,” she details. “Seeing that representation made it harder for me to come out and to reconcile all these things about my identity.”
It was this personal experience that led to Samantha’s decision to become a filmmaker. Equipped with a bachelor’s degree, she set out to tell the stories she once needed to see herself. “I wanted to make work that would encourage the younger version of myself to come out sooner. That’s the main compass of my work,” she puts it.
Many LGBTQIA+ individuals grapple with the idea of coming out. In an ideal situation, no person has to go through the stress of having to disclose their identity to the world. This is something Easy highlights with his filmography. He states, “I always make it a point that the characters [in my stories are] members of the community that don’t have to deal with the struggle of coming out anymore. These characters are actually just normal people.”
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
“Bakit natin sila ine-exclude? Hindi naman sa minamanhid ko na yung audience sa queer characters ko,” Easy goes on. “Pero gusto ko makita nila na hindi kailangan [ng mga queer people] makipagbugbugan in life para lang makuha yung mga gusto nila. They’re just people who have the same problems to solve and goals to achieve. Ganun lang.”
Cenon at Mav
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ON ESNYR: Blue striped vest P1995, ZARA, Zara Megamall. Pinstripe shorts in Black, P3675, BARO LABEL; ON TAYLOR: White button down, GLORIOUS DIAS. Orchid Necklace, MIRROBEADS. Denim skirt, ZIV REI ALEXI. Resin Earrings, RUSSET ACCESSORIES; ON ALEX: Denim Jacket and Jorts, Price unavailable, MARTIN UY
For better or for worse, these scenarios blur the lines between reality and fantasy. In this day and age, what we see on screen constantly influences who we are, how we act, and what we become. This has become apparent to Sweet, who emphasizes how the work done in his field could impact viewers who resonate with him.
“[Sa pagiging] artista ko, hindi ‘ko dapat katulad yung mga napanood ko nung bata ako na [laging inaabuso],” Sweet muses. “Yung mga [nanonood sa’kin], dapat makakita sila ng matapang na bakla na ipinaglalaban [yung sarili niya.] Dapat hindi nila ikahiya na bakla [rin sila]. Dapat ma-inspire sila magtagumpay sa buhay.”
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
We’re Queer
While the bakla has made several appearances throughout cinematic history, they continue to be a novelty in a sea of heteronormative narratives.
Adrian knows this well. Ever since he began his career, it’s been a conscious effort for him to play LGBTQIA+ characters, as scarce as they can be. “Here in the Philippines, the roles available are very limited. It depends on what the producers prioritize. So, for me, it's more of a socio-economic issue,” he shares.
This has been a prevalent truth for someone like EJ Jallorina, who has been on our screens ever since her salad days on Goin’ Bulilit. “I know for a fact that ‘di ka masyado mabibigyan ng trabaho if you’re queer. It’s a reality for many queer people [to not have work],” she shares, “if no one writes queer characters, we cease to exist.” Zar Donato backs this up, sharing, “As an actor, projects come and go. There are seasons that I do have projects and there are seasons that I don’t. I’m giving myself the chance to hone my craft and not box myself into a certain role.”
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
Cenon at Mav
ON EJ: Floral dress, P15,000, SAINTE MARION, Instagram.com/saint.marion; ON ZAR: Striped Button Down, CHLOÉ. Denim Vest, VIKTOR MANILA.
There are filmmakers like Rod Singh who go through several struggles in pushing forward queer stories. Even after her original concept Drag Den gained billing on Prime Video, for example, she still knows that LGBTQIA+ programs aren’t prioritized in the industry.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
“Every time that you pitch a queer story, hindi siya buhay. Technically, patay siya. Ire-revive mo siya sa pitching table, and you just hope na mabubuhay siya,” she illustrates. Even with the prevalence of queer-oriented titles today, direk Rod says that there’s still a lack of support for these stories behind-the-scenes, support that’s readily available to other types of projects.
“Isipin mo yung mga movies [about straight people]. If mag-storycon sila ngayon, may air date na sila in four or five months. Do you see queer films na ganoon din? Wala. Kasi literal na wala,” she explains. “Hindi mo ako masasabihang tuloy ang pelikula ko until nakapag-day one na ako ng shooting. Pero kahit nga matapos na ang shoot, may chance na hindi pa umere, lalo na pag queer. Ang hirap talaga. Sobrang hirap.”
Similarly, artists who open up about their queerness are quickly made aware of the limitations that might be imposed on them. Before he became famous as Mawma Pao of Drag Race Philippines, Paolo Ballesteros once felt the hesitation to openly express himself. “I turned down a commercial ad because the role [I was being offered] was gay. I declined thinking that I was going to be typecast after,” he reveals.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
Adrian says that when mainstream media boxes queer people into certain roles, it restricts their capabilities. “I’m grateful [to play these roles] but, personally, I know that I can give a lot more than that. [There should be] variety and depth in the roles that we’re given,” he states. Fellow actor Alex Diaz admits that it can feel “monotonous” being offered roles that solely revolve around his sexuality. “Telling queer stories has really helped me explore and understand my own ideas about myself, [but] I hope to tell a more diverse portfolio of stories,” he expresses.
Cenon at Mav
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ON EJ: Gardenia dress, P18,000, ROSANNA OCAMPO, rosannaocampo.com. Kalachuchi Earrings, KATARI; ON ZAR: Brown striped blazer, GLORIOUS DIAS; ON EASY: Pearl Encrusted Denim Jacket, P10,000, BON HANSEN, Instagram.com/hhnnssnn; ON KREN: Crocheted button down, $49 (approximately P2866.45), ZARA, Zara Megamall; ON PETERSEN: Grey suit, SACASAS. White long sleeve button down, Archival, H&M STUDIOS; ON NAIA: Dress, SANDRO DELA PENA. Mother of Pearl Necklace, KATARI. Resin Earrings, RUSSET ACCESSORIES.; ON YANI: Fairy top, P5000, SASSA JIMENEZ. Trousers, MARTIN UY. Paradise Scarf, PLAIN SIGHT X SOFIA COPE. Pleasures Scarf, P6000, JER DEE, Guava Sketches
When Klea publicly came out in 2023, she woke up the next day uncertain of her career path. “Ayaw ko isipin nila na dahil lesbian si Klea, eto lang yung roles na mabibigay natin sa kanya,” she shares. But despite this reality, people like her have learned to prioritize themselves over what others may think of them. “Marami man magmahal sa’kin, or marami man mang-hate sa’kin, basta alam ko sa sarili ko, naging masaya ako,” she declares. “Naging malaya ako.”
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
Production companies often hesitate to label projects as queer for fear that it might limit the audiences who will support them. In meetings with studios and advertisers, Pepe Diokno is no stranger to such a notion. “Maybe there's a big segment of the Filipino population that's not willing to accept Filipino queer stories yet,” the director speculates.
Although, Pepe acknowledges that there’s a “tendency to put queer cinema in a box as if there's a quota that needs to be filled.” In a way, queer films becoming a genre of their own already assumes that only one demographic will be inclined to see it, which counters the intention that anyone should be able to enjoy the movie, regardless of their own SOGIE. “It would be nice if we reach a point where a story is just a story. No matter if it's gay, no matter if it's straight,” he adds.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
This holds true even for non-fictional settings like the newsroom. For a trailblazer like KaladKaren, being the first transgender woman news anchor in the Philippines bears great significance. However, she emphasizes that her SOGIE should not be the only thing she's remembered for. “Being in the broadcast industry has nothing to do with how you look and with how you identify,” she states. “Hindi sya tungkol sa kasarian mo. It's really about your competence, your dedication, and your contribution to the industry.”
Cenon at Mav
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ON DENISE: Red coordinates, Archival, RAJO LAUREL; ON JASON: Pleated button down; trousers, VIN ORIAS; ON MIMIYUUUH: The Songbird Gown, P15,500, RAJO LAUREL, Rajo Store Shangri-La Plaza, rajolaurel.com. Diamond Ring, BAGFUL OF GLITTER; ON PRECIOUS: Mirage Top, P7495, RAJO LAUREL, rajolaurel,com. Resin earrings, RUSSET ACCESSORIES.
In the opportunities queer people are presented, it’s important to give them the freedom to tell their stories their way. For singer-songwriter Jason Dhakal, all of his art can be considered queer art because of who he is as a person. Agnes Reoma and Pat Lasaten of Ben&Ben add that it makes a world of difference to know that an artist shares the same lived experience as the listener. “Mas nafi-feel mo yung connection kasi may similarities sa mga pinagdaanan mo,” the latter says. Through her music, Denise Julia hopes to broaden people’s perceptions of how a sapphic person can express themselves, stating that “it’s really important to tell my stories that way so they know that I’m coming from somewhere that’s real.”
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
Petersen Vargas, who’s made films top billed by A-list actors, has made it his signature to include LGBTQIA+ coded characters in his work. “If we can just highlight those lived experiences [in whatever way], we can at least keep sharing the different colors of the queer community,” he says.
Similarly, Rod believes that when LGBTQIA+ creators are given the agency to tell their stories, it’s important to highlight how people like them can and will triumph. “Nakikita mo ang power kapag ikaw na yung gumagawa ng kwento. E di gawin na natin yung kwento na panalo tayo,” she puts it. “Ikaw na yung nagde-desisyon eh. Ako, gumagawa ako ng pelikula [kung saan] makikita nyo na kahit sa isang beses, pwede tayo manalo.”
We’re Not Going Anywhere
To the credit of several creatives whose efforts have never ceased, queer people have been victorious outside of the screen.
We see it today with how actresses such as Iyah Mina and Pat Tingjuy are critically- acclaimed for their portrayals of queer characters. Drag has also transcended past the nightlife scene, with all-around winners Precious Paula Nicole and NAIA showcasing how the art form is meant to be partaken in by all. Someone like Taylor Sheesh is now able to tour the world and be adored for her talents. Even within the four corners of social media, we have personalities like Yani (known on the web as yanihatesu) and Esnyr sparking conversations and building safe spaces.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
But there are no laurels to be rested on yet. To think that we have done enough in terms of queer representation blatantly disregards the injustices LGBTQIA+ people still face in real life. Such representation solely remains a fantasy.
Direk Rod firmly thinks that there’s an initiative we have to take to turn those fantasies into something more. “Yung mga napapanood mo sa pelikula, pag hindi pa sya nangyayari [sa tunay na buhay], iisipin mo fantasy lang siya. Pero yung fantasy na yon, kaya mo siyang gawing ideal,” she explains. “Pag pwede siyang mangyari sa pelikula, pwede siyang mangyari sa tunay na buhay. Naniniwala ako na hinuhubog ng media ang tunay na buhay.”
Sassa Gurl echoes this, saying that actors such as herself have a duty to choose roles that empower the community. While she sees nothing wrong with playing the reliable best friend or providing comic relief, such characters should still have depth of their own. They shouldn’t just be plopped into stories as a token.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
Cenon at Mav
ON ROD: Red Pantsuit, SACASAS.; ON AWRA: Cowl Neckline Top and A-Line Skirt, Graduation collection, EMANUEL RINOZA.; ON IYAH: Vest, Archival, H&M STUDIOS; ON DIDS: Leather Jacket, Stylist’s archives, ZARA; ON KLEA: Bodi Set: Top, P13,790, RAJO, Rajo Shangri-La, rajolaurel.com. Daloy Top [worn as a skirt], P1350, OUR PARAISO
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
“Ang baklang karakter, hindi lang sya dapat punchline. Dapat meron syang lalim... Hindi dapat tayo makahon sa ganoong [klase ng karakter],” she states.
She adds: “Bilang aktor, hindi ka dapat magpakain sa bulok na sistema
The statement adheres to the LGBTQIA+ movement as a whole, which has never been about asking for more rights or taking away privileges that non-queer people have. It's simply about seeking equal opportunities to thrive.
In this sense, representation in the media intersects with everything else that society is still lacking. And even with the progress that’s been made, there is still so much work that needs to be done. In the perspective of Kren Yap, Anima Studios’ head of creative development, “Sa totoo lang, wala pang nangyayari.”
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
“We are still in a bubble,” he explains. “Kwento tayo nang kwento, palabas tayo nang palabas. We use all the platforms that we have, but it can only go so far if ayaw makinig ng kinekwentuhan natin. If wala silang interest. I don’t think we’ve reached that much of an audience yet.”
As a third-world nation, Kren acknowledges that it’s difficult to take part in a movement when you have to concern yourself with your immediate needs first. “Ang hirap-hirap ipaglaban ng kung sino ka kung ang una mong kailangang intindihin ay ang sikmura mo,” he says.
This is where legal representation matters. The SOGIE Bill, which intends to protect the rights of all people, regardless of how they identify, has been languishing in Congress for more than two decades now. Not to say that such legislation validates queer identities—as they are already valid on their own—but it would be a great help in informing society of our rights, which are actually just the same as theirs.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
“Let the Filipino survive, but supplement the Filipino with education. Huwag nang ibigay yung burden ng paglalaban para sa karapatan natin. Binigay na dapat sa atin ng gobyerno yung mga karapatan na yan,” Kren says. “Ang dami-dami na nating iniisip. Pati ba naman yung karapatan ko bilang isang trans man, iisipin ko pa? Dapat, rightfully, na sa akin na siya.”
Cenon at Mav
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ON ADRIAN: Button down, GLORIOUS DIAS. Denim Jorts, Price unavailable, MARTIN UY; ON SHERYN: Floral dress, GLORIOUS DIAS.
Get Used to It!
The LGBTQIA+ movement has never been a solitary act. Banding together is an essential step in achieving the future we yearn for as a community. The truth of the matter is, we can have all of the queer stories we want on our screens, but none of it will matter if we don’t mobilize ourselves.
Samantha emphasizes this, stating, “It’s great that we’re changing mindsets [through our films], but systemic change needs to happen. Homophobia and bias are so deeply ingrained in our culture. There are so many things that we have to unlearn. The change that we want can’t happen unless we act on it as a collective.”
Rod shares that working hand-in-hand with other queer creatives, such as Kren and Easy, helps advance the stories she wants to tell. “We recognize na tayo-tayo lang talaga ‘to sa bandang huli. Tayo-tayo lang talaga magtutulungan,” she says. At the 2023 Pride PH LoveLaban Festival, Rod was one of the organizers responsible for bringing in 200,000 attendees together, making it the largest Pride event in Southeast Asia to date.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
It was a testament to just how many LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies are out there. It was a physical manifestation of having strength in numbers. When you see a turnout like that, it’s hard not to believe that anything is possible. “Naniniwala ako na mas malakas pag sama-sama tayo,” Rod says. “Kaya nating mag rebolusyon.”
And all revolutions start at home. In this era of cinema, they can be birthed through our screens. Representation matters not just because it provides resonance for people watching, but because it’s a tool that can push forward the ideals the community fights for. It pushes us to do something about the world around us, especially if it’s not as rosy as it appears on screen.
Cenon at Mav
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ON PEPE: Thread Craft Polo, Price unavailable, MARTIN UY. Ate top, P2150 [set], OUR PARAISO, our-paraiso.com; ON SWEET: Alexandria Necklace, KATARI, Instagram.com/katari______. Fur coat, JOB DACON; ON PAT TINGJUY: Green Ugo Jacket, P65,798, KIKO KOSTADINOV, Univers One Rockwell; ON SHERYN: Archival Piece, VANIA ROMOFF. Kalabasa Necklace (Gold Vermeil), P162,000; Kalabasa Bracelet, (Gold Vermeil) P64,800, ADAM PEREYRA & OSLOG.; ON AGNES: Ground zero button down, PAXON. Bottoms, ZIV REI ALEXI; ON PAT LASATEN: Textured Black Vest, Archival, H&M STUDIOS
Queer representation, and subsequently, liberation, is not a task that should fall on the shoulders of queer people alone. Those in power—from production executives who give the green light to LGBTQIA+ stories, to legislators who enact laws that protect all people, regardless of their SOGIE—should have a dominant hand in this fight. What the community yearns for benefits all of human civilization, after all. It’s still debated to this day, though it begs to be repeated again and again: LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
And with that, the show must go on.
Produced by The Preview Team
Cover Images Photographed by Cenon at Mav
Portraits Photographed by Borgy Angeles, assisted by Pao Mendoza
Creative Direction: Bacs Arcebal
Editor-in-Chief: Marj Ramos-Clemente
Production: Reg Rodriguez and Em Enriquez
Fashion: Pau Singh, Reg Rodriguez, in collaboration with Gee Jocson, Angelo Vasallo, Jason Mago, assisted by John Rubio
Beauty Direction: Isha Fojas
Makeup: Team Muriel Vega Perez, KaladKaren for themself, Jason Delos Reyes for Klea Pineda, Thazzia Falek for Mimiyuuuh, NAIA for themself, Paolo Ballesteros for themself, Precious Paula Nicole for themself, Ghulli Ghush for Taylor Sheesh
Hair: Team Muriel Vega Perez, Darwin Siñel for KaladKaren, Gelo Cibrian for Klea Pineda, Dale Mallari for Mimiyuuuh, Wigs by Scarlette for NAIA, Paolo Ballesteros for themself, Wigs by Margaux for Precious Paula Nicole, J Quinn for Taylor Sheesh
Set and Production Design: Rocketsets
Art and Video Direction: Jana Jodloman
Videographers: Jino Del Mundo, Richford Unciano, Micah Moleno
BTS Photographer: Cha Remigio
Social Media: Jamie Lou Briones
Story: Em Enriquez
Shot at Backyard Warehouse Studio
Special Thanks to McDonald's, Shake Shack, and Heybo Philippines
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
Cover stars are wearing pieces by AVAVAV from Akimbo, Baro Label, Bagfull of Glitter, Dona Lim Studio, Ericson Manansala, Erin, Eustancia Rodriguez, Fickle Friends Studios, Fren Supply, Gervacio, Glorious Diaz, Greyhound, H&M, Helmut Lang from Univers, Heyjow, House of Laurel, Inigo, Jer Dee, Job Dacon, Katari, Kenzo from Cul de Sac Podium, Kiko Kostadinov from Univers, Martin Uy, Monohomme Studios, Our Paraiso, Paint N Style, Plain Sight x Sofia Cope, Pull & Bear, Rajo, Rajo Man, Randolf, Rosanna Ocampo, Russet Accessories, Sainte Marion, Simone Rocha from Univers, Sola Body, Sprinkles PH, Strong Village, Sunnies Studios, Viktor Manila, Zara, and Ziv Rei Alexi for the cover image and portraits.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
