VP 2019-07 DARREN ESPANTO DIGITAL
VP/SPOTLIGHT YONG MUHAJIL: DIGITAL PRINCE BY JANVIN BRUA VP/TRAVEL NEW CAMIGUIN TOURISM AD SHOWS HOW STUDENTS CAN MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR FREE TIME BY NIKKI MENESES VP/LIFESTYLE SHARP PHILIPPINES LAUNCHES REVOLUTIONARY SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER LIFE! VP/FASHION BREAKING BOUNDARIES OF GENDERED STYLE BY SHAWN KLIFF SACAL TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT www.villagepipol.com | 1
- Page 2 and 3: VP/EDITORIAL VP EDITORIAL EVOLUTION
- Page 4 and 5: VP/TRAVEL In partnership with Skyje
- Page 6 and 7: NOVEL DERMATOLOGY & COSMETIC SURGIC
- Page 8 and 9: VP/ EVENTS Business Solution As tec
- Page 10 and 11: VP/COVER GOES ONWARDS AND UPWARDS D
- Page 12 and 13: Music is surely the strongest form
- Page 14 and 15: DARREN BECOMES A WORLDWIDE SUCCESS
- Page 16 and 17: D DARREN AS A TRIPLE-THREAT Above a
- Page 18 and 19: DARREN LOVES HIS SUPPORTERS With hi
- Page 20 and 21: VP SPOTLIGHT YONG MUHAJIL Digital P
- Page 22 and 23: HUMBLE BEGINNINGS The moment you se
- Page 24 and 25: THE MAKING OF DIGITAL PRINCE Inspir
- Page 26 and 27: VP/FASHION Who are YOU? While that
- Page 28 and 29: 28 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipo
- Page 30 and 31: 30 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipo
- Page 32: 32 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipo
<strong>VP</strong>/SPOTLIGHT<br />
YONG MUHAJIL:<br />
<strong>DIGITAL</strong> PRINCE<br />
BY JANVIN BRUA<br />
<strong>VP</strong>/TRAVEL<br />
NEW CAMIGUIN<br />
TOURISM AD SHOWS<br />
HOW STUDENTS CAN<br />
MAKE THE MOST OF<br />
THEIR FREE TIME<br />
BY NIKKI MENESES<br />
<strong>VP</strong>/LIFESTYLE<br />
SHARP PHILIPPINES<br />
LAUNCHES<br />
REVOLUTIONARY<br />
SOLUTIONS FOR A<br />
BETTER LIFE!<br />
<strong>VP</strong>/FASHION<br />
BREAKING BOUNDARIES<br />
OF GENDERED STYLE<br />
BY SHAWN KLIFF SACAL<br />
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 1
<strong>VP</strong>/EDITORIAL<br />
<strong>VP</strong><br />
EDITORIAL<br />
EVOLUTION<br />
RED ENTERTAINMENT, INC., THE COMPANY THAT PUBLISHED THE 1 ST<br />
RED ENTERTAINMENT, INC., THE COMPANY THAT PUBLISHED THE 1 ST<br />
FREE ONLINE AND PRINTED NEWS MAGAZINE IN THE PHILIPPINES,<br />
VILLAGE PIPOL, WAS ESTABLISHED ON OCTOBER 20<strong>07</strong>. #CHEERS!<br />
Generation Z is driven and optimistic. They embrace diversity and equality<br />
in gender, race, and religion — making them the generation of open hearts<br />
and unprejudiced minds. The rise of Gen Z is evident and the society is slowly<br />
interpreting their distinctive characteristics: independent, confident, and<br />
passionate.<br />
Aside from being technology advanced and internet-savvy, Gen Zers can offer<br />
something bigger to society. With their ability to learn fast and their deep<br />
understanding of what is happening to the world, the possibility of changing the<br />
world is realizable. We, as the older generation, have this responsibility to guide<br />
them and to bring out the best in them. Through our wisdom, let’s pave the way for<br />
them.<br />
This July <strong>2019</strong>, we are proud to feature two of the most promising stars of this<br />
generation. Total performer Darren Espanto graced our cover, sharing his journey<br />
to stardom. The 18-year-old singer-actor entered the industry with genuine<br />
enthusiasm, which evolved into a passionate drive to do more.<br />
Meanwhile, <strong>VP</strong>/Spotlight highlights Yong Muhajil, a young passionate man who<br />
is now making his own name in the vlogging industry. With his determination<br />
to succeed and his humility, Yong surely knows where he is going. He may not<br />
be perfect but he is natural—he speaks with sincerity, and that alone made him<br />
unforgettable. A good character makes a great man and he is a perfect example, no<br />
doubt.<br />
Grab your July <strong>2019</strong> issue now.<br />
“Innovation is change that unlocks new value”<br />
Village Pipol – The Evolution of Advertising!<br />
Richie de Quina<br />
PUBLISHER<br />
#<strong>VP</strong>TEAM<br />
PUBLISHER<br />
RICHIE DE QUIÑA<br />
GWYNN CRISOSTOMO<br />
MANAGING EDITOR<br />
JOHN LUKE CHICA<br />
PR & MARKETING MANAGER<br />
JOSH AUSTRIA<br />
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF<br />
JIM REYNOLD ZAMORA<br />
<strong>DIGITAL</strong> MANAGER PHILIP ANDAYA<br />
<strong>DIGITAL</strong> LAYOUT MANAGER ARTIST FRAME PHILIP ANDAYA RIVAS<br />
EDITORIAL LAYOUT ASSISTANTS ARTISTS LARA FRAME TOLDANES RIVAS<br />
JANVIN ZISA BLANCA BRUA<br />
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS LARA TOLDANES<br />
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS LORD JANVIN HARVEY BRUA MONTEROSO<br />
ANGELA GRACE BALTAN BALTAN<br />
JEZREL SANTILLAN<br />
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS HYACINTH SHAWN KLIFF LUDIVICO SACAL<br />
SHAWN NIKKI MENESES KLIFF SACAL<br />
PHOTOGRAPHERS DOOKIE GIO MARASIGAN DUCAY<br />
KENNETH WIL JOLINDON TANGONAN<br />
RAPHAEL RXANDY CAPINPIN YU<br />
VIDEOGRAPHERS RAYMOND JASPER LAWAN CABALHIN<br />
JIMMY DONNA CRUZ REY<br />
MAKE-UP ART DIRECTOR ARTISTS ANTHEA JOBO NACPIL BUENO<br />
MAKE-UP ARTISTS JANELL MABETH CAPUCHINO<br />
CONCEPCION<br />
APRIL JANELL IBAÑEZ CAPUCHINO<br />
STYLISTS VAN RODEL MERCADO BRIÑAS<br />
JANNO ARNEL ZULIETA STYLES<br />
HAIR STYLISTS MYCKE BENJ BARUS ARCANO LEDESMA III<br />
HAIR STYLIST JAYMAR MYCKE ARCANO LAHAYLAHAY<br />
RON VEGAROS<br />
RED Entertainment, Inc.<br />
Unit 419 & 420 One Oasis Hub B Building M,<br />
Ortigas Ext. Ave., Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Pasig City 1600<br />
For Inquiries:<br />
(02) 218-8683 | 0917-844-5981<br />
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MEDIA PARTNER<br />
A PART OF RED ENTERTAINMENT, INC.<br />
2 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 3
<strong>VP</strong>/TRAVEL<br />
In partnership with Skyjet Airlines, Nathaniel Castro Productions<br />
produced an advertisement entitled “Hanggang Saan Ka Kayang<br />
Dalhin ng Free Time mo?” that featured the new direct flight<br />
that now connects Manila and Camiguin—an island province<br />
located in Bohol Sea that is part of the Northern Mindanao<br />
Region.<br />
The island’s peaceful atmosphere, its untouched environment,<br />
and its relatively ideal size for exploration make it the perfect<br />
vacation spot for tourists who want the perfect getaway from<br />
the stresses of reality, or for those who simply want to get<br />
adventurous and explore the island’s beauty. And for the first<br />
time after years, travel time to the mentioned vacation spot in<br />
the Philippines is finally made shorter. Thanks to the new direct<br />
flight line, vacationers wanting to get a taste of Camiguin no<br />
longer have to worry about the long hours of travel when they<br />
consider travelling there.<br />
NEW CAMIGUIN<br />
TOURISM AD<br />
SHOWS HOW STUDENTS CAN<br />
MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR<br />
FREE TIME<br />
By Nikki Meneses<br />
Going back to the different social media<br />
trends that went viral, one would likely<br />
recall the famous challenge where<br />
students made the most out of their<br />
vacant period by going to different<br />
vacation spots such as beaches, resorts,<br />
and other places. Many others joined the<br />
bandwagon and did their best to be extra<br />
with their posts, going as far as stepping<br />
up the social media challenge by taking<br />
social media-worthy photos abroad, still<br />
proudly sporting their school uniforms.<br />
This eventually became the inspiration<br />
for the storyboard of the airline's new<br />
advertisement, making it the ultimate<br />
#squadgoals for every barkada out there<br />
wanting to spend their free time together.<br />
In addition, the video was patterned to<br />
the mentioned social media trend to show<br />
how quick it is now for tourists to reach<br />
the beloved travel destination, making<br />
it easy even for students to utilize their<br />
vacant period in visiting Camiguin.<br />
Despite the limited people and resources<br />
available for shooting the video, the<br />
production team behind the airline’s new<br />
advertisement still managed to make the<br />
shoot as creative as possible. Nathaniel<br />
Castro is the owner and founder of the<br />
stated film production. During the shoot,<br />
he was the director, drone operator,<br />
storyboard creator, and the cameraman,<br />
all-in-one for the production team. The<br />
rest of the production team members also<br />
lent a hand in the creation of this famous<br />
advertisement. They became the actors<br />
for the two-day shoot, showcasing some<br />
of the breathtaking locations in Camiguin.<br />
4 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
The viral advertisement is now Skyjet<br />
Airline’s most viewed video, with over<br />
488,000 views on Facebook and over<br />
144,000 views on Youtube, and has<br />
been garnering positive comments<br />
and reactions from netizens. Last<br />
2017, another Camiguin Tourism<br />
Advertisement had also gone viral<br />
after viewers were touched with<br />
the video’s story of a chatty tourist,<br />
whose journey was led by a mute<br />
tourist guide.<br />
SOME OF THE BREATHTAKING PLACES<br />
FEATURED IN THE NEW CAMIGUIN<br />
TOURISM ADVERTISEMENT!<br />
Nathaniel Castro Productions,<br />
the brainchild behind the famous<br />
advertisement, is a start-up film<br />
production specializing in same<br />
day edit, slide show creation,<br />
documentaries & other professional<br />
services. As a production team full<br />
of millennials with the passion and<br />
fire to stand out, Nathaniel Castro<br />
Productions envisions to be more<br />
adventurous and creative while also<br />
showcasing the strong millennial spirit<br />
in all of its crafts.<br />
Nathaniel Castro Productions would<br />
also like to formally give thanks to Sto.<br />
Nino National High School Paranaque<br />
for its participation in shooting the<br />
Skyjet Airlines Camiguin Tourism<br />
advertisement<br />
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 5
NOVEL DERMATOLOGY &<br />
COSMETIC SURGICENTER<br />
IS THE FUTURE OF BEAUTY<br />
BY JANVIN BRUA<br />
There is more than a love story when a Dermatologist marries a Cosmetic Surgeon<br />
and eventually joined forces for the love of beauty and wellness. Novel Dermatology &<br />
Cosmetic Surgicenter will prove that you can achieve your desired results with the care<br />
of two loving professional beauty doctors!<br />
History and branches<br />
Dermatologist Dra. Ma. Christina L. Tanciangco-Javier already made her<br />
name in the industry almost 2 decades ago. In 2002, she already started<br />
with her first clinic Tanciangco’s Derm-Med Center after her dermatology<br />
residency training. After treating patients with skin diseases in her<br />
hometown, she then married Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Julio P. Javier II in 2003.<br />
Dr. Javier’s hometown, Las Piñas City, is where they opened their second<br />
branch with a bigger and improved facility. Finally in 2010, Dr. finished his<br />
training in General Cosmetic Surgery. That sparkled the evolution of their<br />
clinic into Novel Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgicenter. For those of you<br />
who are wondering, Növel came from a Hungarian word which means<br />
enhance. This is because both doctors believed that each and every human<br />
being possess their own version of beauty.<br />
Last July 2016, they officially started penetrating the business capital of the<br />
Philippines, Makati City. They became easily accessible now to their clients<br />
here in the Metro.<br />
Your face and body can be as good as new once you got the chance to<br />
experience the Novel touch. The married doctors will make sure that you will<br />
not spend too much on what services and products you deserve.<br />
“You don’t want to change anything. You want to be<br />
beautiful na unique”<br />
Their clinics specializes Surgical and Non-<br />
Surgical Cosmetic and Dermatological Services.<br />
Dra. Javier will take care of your hair, skin, and<br />
nails and all other Non-Surgical Dermatological<br />
Services. They have the common services like<br />
Wart Removal, Diamond Peel, Photo-Acne Facial,<br />
etc. To know more about their dermatological<br />
services, you can check it here!<br />
While Dr. Javier makes sure Cosmetic Surgery<br />
will run as smooth sailing as possible. If you're<br />
planning to schedule an appointment for a<br />
surgical enhancement, then check this full list of<br />
their cosmetic surgery offerings here!<br />
They also specializes in non-invasive facial<br />
rejuvenation. For those of you who are not familiar<br />
with this term, it is a treatment where you don't<br />
need to undergo surgery just to achieve surgical<br />
changes. This is a more high-end procedure that<br />
enables clients not to suffer from "after-surgery"<br />
effect. With this in mind, this treatments do not<br />
offer lifetime results unlike surgeries<br />
Check out their Non-invasive Facial Rejuvenation<br />
Treatments here<br />
So the next time you feel like visiting a<br />
dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon for your<br />
own aesthetic satisfaction, why not try Novel<br />
Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgicenter!<br />
-Dr. Ma. Christina Tanciangco-Javier.<br />
6 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
<strong>VP</strong>/EVENTS<br />
Sharp Philippines<br />
Corporation (SPC)<br />
has been providing a better<br />
and convenient life for<br />
everyone for more than 37<br />
years. They truly becomes<br />
the leading appliance<br />
brand here in the country.<br />
The brand continues to<br />
commit high-quality and<br />
innovative products. Sharp<br />
launched revolutionary<br />
products last July 2 at<br />
the Shangri-La the Fort‘s<br />
Grand Ballroom.<br />
SHARP BETTER SOLUTION<br />
FOR A BETTER LIFE<br />
Sharp’s Media Launch<br />
Hosting the launch, Giselle Sanchez energized the crowd during the morning event. Chief Executive Officer Yoshihiro<br />
Hashimoto started the launch with a warm opening remark and thanked the support they received from media and<br />
bloggers. President and General Manager Kazuo Kito presented how Sharp Philippines performed drastically well<br />
throughout the years. He also introduced game-changing products which fall into four categories: Entertainment,<br />
Business Solutions, Clean & Comfort and Health & Beauty.<br />
Entertainment Solution<br />
Sharp Philippines is changing the world with 8K technology. It delivers<br />
clear and high-definition images that has the potential to eventually change<br />
the society. It develops and expands into sectors such as broadcasting,<br />
healthcare, security, and education. Sharp leverages 8K Ecosystem strategy<br />
while developing the 8k according each company’s strengths.<br />
The 8K Ecosystem is finally in the Filipino market with the Sharp 2nd<br />
generation 8K TV (8T-C80/70/60AX1). The 8K LED TV has impressive features<br />
that give every Filipino household a chance to level up. This has the 8K AI<br />
Revelation Engine which analyzes and coverts contents up to 8K picture<br />
quality, resulting in clear and high-definition videos. It has the brand’s original<br />
panel with IGZO, an extremely high resolution with around 33-million pixels<br />
delivering crystal clear images.<br />
AQUOS 8K LED TV already succeeded in Japan, making society better as it<br />
is being used in the medical, security, and education field. Just like in Japan,<br />
Sharp expects this technology to enhance industry and business possibilities<br />
in the Philippines. Aside from this, the brand proudly offers newest audio<br />
category which expands customers’ viewing experience with AQUOS Sound<br />
Partner. This offers ear-free and hands-free personal audio. SS1 remains<br />
suitable for enjoying music while being alert of your surrounding and SX7 is to<br />
add more immersive experience through acoustic vibration system.<br />
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 7
<strong>VP</strong>/ EVENTS<br />
Business Solution<br />
As technology evolves, there comes the need to upgrade the tools we already use in<br />
organization and enterprises. With this in mind, Sharp launched their new set of B2B<br />
AQUOS TV, which remains a perfect part for signage in retail and and product A<strong>VP</strong>s<br />
in the office. This leads to Sharp acquiring Toshiba Dynabook and introducing it in<br />
the Filipino market. These professional LCD products are available in four models:<br />
The All-in-One Display has a professional LCD display monitor with built-in SoC<br />
(system on a chip) technology for a versatile digital signage solutions.<br />
The Video Wall Display is a signange display monitor using Sharp’s Advanced UCCT<br />
(Universal Colour Calibration Technology) for superbly colour-accurate, dynamic<br />
video walls for inspiring signage.<br />
4K B2B AQUOS is a digital display monitor in a 4K resolution which is built for an<br />
eye-catching signage.<br />
Sharp Big Pad is an interactive display monitor that can become a smart and<br />
powerful partner to boost your collaboration in business meeting.<br />
Clean & Comfort<br />
Filipinos started to give importance to hygiene and comfort in<br />
households. We now value the clean and fresh air we breathe inside our<br />
homes. With this in mind, Sharp showcased their Plasmacluster Ion<br />
Technology, which purifies the air with positive and negative ions,<br />
deactivates airborne mould, viruses, dust mite allergens, and bacteria.<br />
This technology is present in the AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things)<br />
J-Tech Inverter which purifies the air, eliminates odor, removes static, and<br />
keeps the skin moisturized.<br />
Health & Beauty<br />
Sharp knows that its consumers’ demands on health and beauty have started to<br />
evolve. They now offer products that meet their needs and objectives with fast and<br />
cost-effective solutions. With that said, they introduced Healsio Hotcook, which<br />
is an automatic cooker promoting healthy cooking. You won’t even need to stir the<br />
food you would want to cook as it already has a stirrer inside that does the work for<br />
you. This has a total of 330 stirring patterns and different functions to cook your<br />
food and dessert.<br />
Aside from Healsio Hotcook, Sharp also introduced Vacuum Blender, which<br />
minimizes oxidation-retain vitamins and minerals of fruit and vegetables. This makes<br />
it perfect for health conscious Filipinos.<br />
For the beauty section, Sharp introduced beautéA that has a new line-up for beauty<br />
appliances including Hair Iron, Blower, and Curling Iron with a Plasmacluster<br />
technology. This lessens the dirt and prevent hair damage. This also includes a<br />
massager where it reduces the sebum which causes dry scalp.<br />
8 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 9
<strong>VP</strong>/COVER<br />
GOES ONWARDS<br />
AND UPWARDS<br />
Darren Espanto<br />
With no one and nothing stopping him, Darren Espanto will continue going onwards and upwards.<br />
WRITTEN BY Angela Grace Baltan<br />
PRODUCER | ANGELA GRACE BALTAN PHOTOGRAPHER | GIO MARASIGAN VIDEOGRAPHER | DONNA REY<br />
ASSISTED BY PATRICIA YSABEL TORRES STYLIST | RODEL BRINAS ASSISTED BY KIMMY GUEVARRA, JESSA GREGORIOS,<br />
AND JOEY BUENAOBRA GROOMING | MABETH CONCEPCION ASSISTED BY BRYAN SANDERS FASHION DESIGNERS | MOSES BERAMO, JOJO BRAGAIS,<br />
RUBRI | MCA MUSIC INC. RICKY ILACAD CEO MCA MUSIC INC. | NEIL GREGORIO SENIOR DOMESTIC LABEL DIRECTOR | KERWIN ROSETE<br />
ARTIST MANAGER | JACKIELOU DELOS SANTOS ROAD MANAGER<br />
10 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
<strong>VP</strong>/COVER<br />
On Vivoree, Juan Paolo Francisco<br />
On CK, Rosbert Villar and Moses Beramo<br />
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 11
Music is surely the strongest form of magic. It gives a soul<br />
to the universe and becomes the language that doesn’t<br />
speak in particular words. It speaks to us with emotions<br />
through melody and rhythm. Keeping the foundation of joy<br />
and love alive in us, music dissolves one’s perplexities and purifies their<br />
character and sensibilities.<br />
<strong>DARREN</strong> SPEAKS THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE<br />
Delivering these feelings with raw talent and powerful vocals, Darren<br />
Espanto lets music communicate what the lyrics convey. He wows<br />
his audience with every song he performs. Definitely wise beyond his<br />
years, he talks with sharp wit and clever perception.<br />
At such a young age, Darren entered the industry with genuine<br />
enthusiasm, which evolved into a passionate drive to do more. He<br />
gives credit to his parents for inspiring him to become the acclaimed<br />
performer that he is today.<br />
“As a kid, I always enjoyed watching other performers po sa TV doing<br />
what they love which is singing. Doon po talaga ako na-influence sa<br />
panunuod sa kanila and also, ‘yung parents ko po kasi mahilig rin silang<br />
kumanta sa karaoke. Pinapakanta rin po nila ako. It has always been my<br />
dream talaga to perform here in the music industry.”<br />
Performing for a huge amount of people across the globe takes nerve<br />
and courage. With true grit, Darren learns through practice as a means<br />
of inviting the perfection desired. Despite his fame, he still experiences<br />
performance anxiety with clammy and shaky hands.<br />
“Before I go on stage, I always feel like I’m going to throw up. Minsan<br />
nanginginig ako, minsan sobrang lamig ng kamay ko… I don’t really deal<br />
with it. I just let it happen because when I go on the stage, it goes away<br />
naturally kasi ‘yung energy po ng crowd and ‘yung vibe nila.”<br />
12 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol<br />
12 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
<strong>DARREN</strong> AS<br />
AN ARTIST<br />
Creating music isn’t just staring at a river and<br />
telling your audience what you see. It’s stepping<br />
into the river, joining the flow and absorbing the<br />
temperature as the sun lightly kisses your skin.<br />
Darren gets involved in the creative process of<br />
his music, its videos, and the message it should<br />
convey.<br />
“I like getting involved in the creative process<br />
ng paggawa ng music videos and ng kanta. I<br />
think it’s important for an artist to be involved in<br />
such kasi it’s your own image din. It’s your own<br />
branding, the way you want to present yourself to<br />
the world.”<br />
Music travels from one mouth to another’s<br />
ears, and from one person to a whole audience.<br />
Darren’s audience isn’t just in the Philippines but<br />
also out of the country. As a performer, he can<br />
travel to different countries and performing for<br />
Filipino all around the globe.<br />
“My favorite part of being a singer… is I get to<br />
travel and perform in different countries. So,<br />
I’ve been to almost all the continents and dream<br />
destinations na gusto kong mapuntahan. It’s so<br />
nice to be able to see all of the Filipinos in each<br />
country and to be able to perform for them and<br />
to be able to live my dream po talaga.”<br />
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 13
<strong>DARREN</strong> BECOMES A<br />
WORLDWIDE SUCCESS<br />
“I get to inspire other people din. It’s<br />
cool seeing them na minsan ginagaya<br />
nila ‘yung mga ginagawa ko. It’s<br />
something that I have always dreamed<br />
of din: to inspire others.”<br />
Speaking of his experiences in<br />
traveling the world and performing<br />
for Filipinos across the globe, Darren<br />
appeared and showed his finesse on<br />
the hit Chinese show Singer <strong>2019</strong>. He<br />
stepped on the stage for a special<br />
performance during its finale.<br />
“I felt very nervous po kaming apat<br />
na sumalang,” referring to his fellow<br />
performers Russian singer Polina<br />
Gagarina, Kazakhstani child singer<br />
Daneliya Tuleshova and Chinese<br />
rapper, Air. They performed We<br />
Are The World and their whole<br />
performance made waves of positive<br />
and optimistic feedback.<br />
Darren felt like an electric current<br />
flowed through him with thrilling<br />
and galvanizing fire of enthusiasm.<br />
An animated jolt of a sudden charge<br />
coursed through his veins during their<br />
performance.<br />
<strong>DARREN</strong> DOESN’T LET HIS MUSIC GET LOCKED UP<br />
INSIDE OF HIM. HE RELEASES ITS BEAUTY AND<br />
TENDERNESS, UTILIZING IT TO ACHIEVE ONE OF HIS<br />
DREAMS: TO INSPIRE OTHERS.<br />
“Ako po talagang… feeling ko parang<br />
na-ground ka, ‘yung buong katawan<br />
ko ganun po ‘yung pakiramdam bago<br />
ako sumalang sa stage. Sobrang ang<br />
lamig ng kamay ko and everything<br />
but it was really a great experience<br />
to be able to sing in a different<br />
country and on television, as well…<br />
Sobrang na-proud din po ako sa sarili<br />
ko kasi siyempre parang I pulled it<br />
off. Masaya po ako sa reaction ng<br />
tao na nagustuhan pala nila. I felt<br />
really loved by, of course, ‘yung mga<br />
kababayan po natin, fellow Pinoys<br />
kasi they supported me din kahit hindi<br />
naman ako sumali.”<br />
14 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
<strong>DARREN</strong> CELEBRATES HIS FIFTH YEAR OF SUCCESS<br />
Despite his success, Darren still wants<br />
to prove himself to others. At such<br />
a young age, he already garnered<br />
millions of fans as he ventures to the<br />
top. The thought of other talented<br />
people coming in the same industry as<br />
him makes Darren strive even harder<br />
to stay at the summit of his success.<br />
“I think every day [I still try to prove myself<br />
to others], especially in the music industry,<br />
you have to keep improving your craft po<br />
and sa lahat ng ginagawa mo… At any<br />
moment, pwede kang palitan, eh. Ang<br />
dami nang pumapasok na mga bagong<br />
singers, of course, atsaka mga bagong<br />
artista. So, it’s something na you have to<br />
keep working on kahit feeling mong okay<br />
ka na kung nasaan ka ngayon. You should<br />
set a standard for yourself and just keep<br />
on… pushing yourself.”<br />
As Darren grows up, he obviously would<br />
go through puberty. His voice started to<br />
change where one’s pitch suddenly drops<br />
and deepens. Scientifically, it is usually<br />
happens along with the larynx where the<br />
vocal cords grow significantly longer and<br />
thicker. This affected a full year of his<br />
career as he needed to adjust to it.<br />
“Thankful po ako na ‘yung boses ko ‘di siya<br />
biglaang bumaba na it was gradual. Pero<br />
meron talagang isang year na hindi ko<br />
alam kung anong gagawin ko kasi nawala<br />
‘yung falcetto ko. Tapos, hindi po ako<br />
maka-birit na and then, dadaan ka pala<br />
talaga doon para mag-adjust. So after<br />
niyang mag-adjust, I started doing vocal<br />
coaching. Ayun po, nakatulong rin and I<br />
got my falcetto back and also, ‘yung range<br />
ko mas lumawak. Kasi, dati puro nasa<br />
taas lang. Ngayon, parehong taas atsaka<br />
baba.”<br />
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 15
D<br />
<strong>DARREN</strong> AS A TRIPLE-THREAT<br />
Above all, Darren doesn’t stop with singing and<br />
performing. He becomes a full triple-threat as he<br />
debuted as an actor through The Hows of Us, which<br />
also starred Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. This<br />
is under Cathy Garcia-Molina’s direction and Star<br />
Cinema’s production. He played Kathryn’s younger<br />
brother, who has a difficulty in seeing. He comes<br />
along with her sister to look for their father overseas<br />
who never came back for them.<br />
After his stint in the movie, he received offers for<br />
movies and television shows. However, his schedule<br />
never seems to match with the opportunity. Darren,<br />
on the other hand, would want to work on his acting if<br />
he decides to continue down the road.<br />
“Actually after po ng The Hows of Us, I got offers po<br />
for teleseryes and movies. Pero ‘yung schedule ko rin<br />
po, hindi sumasakto. I also want to probably work on<br />
acting din bago isalang kasi ‘yung THOU biglaan lang<br />
pong binigay ‘yung role din. If I am going to do another<br />
project, I’d like to siguro do workshops muna din.”<br />
Darren has nothing but kind words to Kathryn, Daniel,<br />
and Direk Cathy. In fact, he expressed how they truly<br />
helped him through the new process. Kathryn and<br />
Daniel had a lot to input in conveying his feelings and<br />
emotions without even saying it. Direk Cathy, on the<br />
other hand, let him relish as his character and it would<br />
be his job to figure out how that person manages their<br />
emotion.<br />
“Sobrang gaan po katrabaho ng lahat, especially Ate<br />
Kath and Kuya DJ. Tinutulungan nila ako sa pag-deliver<br />
ng emotion atsaka ng linya. Si Direk Cathy po…<br />
hindi niya sasabihin kung anong dapat gawin mo, eh.<br />
She will put you in the place that your character is in<br />
and then, i-figure out kung anong emotion mo dapat.”<br />
“That really helped po talaga so parang workshop as<br />
it was going on. Actually habang nagfi-film kami, nung<br />
parang sixth day ko na parang naisip ko na I could<br />
have done na ‘yung first day ko na mas ganito, mas<br />
ganun. Kasi sinasanay ko palang ‘yung sarili ko nung<br />
first week, eh. Nung medyo nasanay na ako, ‘Ah, sana<br />
ganito ‘yung ginawa ko.’ Pero I’m still happy on how it<br />
turned out.”<br />
“Actually after po ng The Hows of Us, I got offers po<br />
for teleseryes and movies. Pero ‘yung schedule ko rin<br />
po, hindi sumasakto. I also want to probably work on<br />
acting din bago isalang kasi ‘yung THOU biglaan lang<br />
pong binigay ‘yung role din. If I am going to do another<br />
project, I’d like to siguro do workshops muna din.”<br />
Darren has nothing but kind words to Kathryn, Daniel,<br />
and Direk Cathy. In fact, he expressed how they truly<br />
helped him through the new process. Kathryn and<br />
Daniel had a lot to input in conveying his feelings and<br />
emotions without even saying it. Direk Cathy, on the<br />
other hand, let him relish as his character and it would<br />
be his job to figure out how that person manages their<br />
emotion.<br />
“Sobrang gaan po katrabaho ng lahat, especially Ate<br />
Kath and Kuya DJ. Tinutulungan nila ako sa pag-deliver<br />
ng emotion atsaka ng linya. Si Direk Cathy po…<br />
hindi niya sasabihin kung anong dapat gawin mo, eh.<br />
She will put you in the place that your character is in<br />
and then, i-figure out kung anong emotion mo dapat.”<br />
“That really helped po talaga so parang workshop as<br />
it was going on. Actually habang nagfi-film kami, nung<br />
parang sixth day ko na parang naisip ko na I could<br />
have done na ‘yung first day ko na mas ganito, mas<br />
ganun. Kasi sinasanay ko palang ‘yung sarili ko nung<br />
first week, eh. Nung medyo nasanay na ako, ‘Ah, sana<br />
ganito ‘yung ginawa ko.’ Pero I’m still happy on how it<br />
turned out.”<br />
16 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
ARREN GOES ONWARDS<br />
AND UPWARDS<br />
With his worldwide success, Darren continues<br />
his journey to the top. He acknowledges his busy<br />
schedule and hectic environment with a relaxing<br />
moment as a way to take care of himself mentally.<br />
He described his way of relaxation, which always<br />
includes taking a step back from the things that<br />
make him feel overwhelmed.<br />
“Mentally, gusto ko lang nagre-relax kasi diba, hindi mo naman maiiwasang maoverwhelm<br />
din and nabu-burnout talaga. Kahit sino naman, diba, sa trabaho. So, ang<br />
ginagawa ko po talaga, I like to relax [and] unwind. Minsan, may biglaang roadtrip lang,<br />
biglaang kain sa labas ganun. I guess [sometimes], I like to stay at home and binge watch<br />
or hang out with friends and family. I think it’s very important to surround yourself with<br />
positive vibes din since sobrang toxic rin ng industry minsan.”<br />
Of course, Darren admitted that the industry can be toxic sometimes. With that<br />
knowledge, he revealed how he deals with hate and backlash. Although he doesn’t<br />
particularly care when someone tries to tear him down, his parents do. His mother and<br />
father who just want the best for their 18-year-old son can’t handle the hate that their<br />
young child has to endure.<br />
“I do not respond to hate… Ako po talagang ever since pumasok ako sa showbiz, hindi<br />
po talaga ako na-bother sa bashers. ‘Yung parents ko sobrang gusto na nilang awayin…<br />
Sinasabi nila, ‘Hindi mo kasi alam ‘yung pakiramdam…’ Sabi ko naman, ‘It’s how you deal<br />
with the situation rin.’ Atsaka if nasa showbiz ka, it’s something that’s inevitable sa career<br />
na ito. Even if you’re not in showbiz, actually, people will still backstab you… judge you<br />
for… a lot of things.”<br />
With the amount of fans that he has, there are always people who would want to<br />
become a part of the music industry. Darren hoped they think about entering this world<br />
and he wished they push through rejections.<br />
“For me, if you’re going to want to go into the music industry, pag-isipan mo. Pag-isipan<br />
mo ng mabuti, isipin mo kung ano ‘yung mawawala sayo; siyempre ‘yung privacy mo. If<br />
this is really something na gusto mo, go for it and pursue your dreams. Siyempre you will<br />
get rejections along the way, pero that shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love. It<br />
should inspire you… to do better. That’s one way to help you improve, as well. Sing your<br />
heart out!”<br />
Darren truly and deeply loves his fans, of course. In fact, he holds on to many<br />
interactions with them, counting those as his favorites. He had a birthday concert at the<br />
Mall of Asia, seeing the people who had supported him since day one.<br />
“There’s so many that I hold on. I get to have parties with my fans so ang dami namin.<br />
Pero my favorite will always be yung sa MoA Arena na concert ko po, kasi birthday<br />
celebration ko. It was so nice to see everyone who supported me from The Voice.<br />
Nandoon silang lahat and parang isang malaking birthday party lang po talaga siya. It’s<br />
something I will always remember na ginawa ng fans ko para lang sa akin.”<br />
When asked about his messages to his fans, Darren felt confused why they choose to<br />
support him. However, he thanked them for the outpour of love and support they give<br />
him. He also hoped they cherish the friendship they built within their community.<br />
“’Uhm, bakit? Bakit ako ‘yung pinili niyong suportahan?“’<br />
‘Yun po talaga ‘yung tinatanong ko minsan kasi ewan ko din kung anong ginawa ko para<br />
ma-deserve ‘yung suporta nila and all their love. Pero I’d like to thank them for all the<br />
efforts din na ginagawa nila po talaga. It’s crazy kasi dati, konti lang po sila. Ngayon,<br />
over the years, they’ve grown. Sobrang nakakatuwa kasi ‘yung mga hindi magkakakilala<br />
nagkikita sa mga events ko. Sa next events ko, magkakabarkada na sila… Ang sayang<br />
makita noon. They’re my inspiration, they’re the people that keep me going besides my<br />
parents and my friends.”<br />
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 17
<strong>DARREN</strong> LOVES HIS SUPPORTERS<br />
With his worldwide success, Darren continues his journey to the<br />
top. He acknowledges his busy schedule and hectic environment<br />
with a relaxing moment as a way to take care of himself mentally. He<br />
described his way of relaxation, which always includes taking a step<br />
back from the things that make him feel overwhelmed.<br />
“Mentally, gusto ko lang nagre-relax kasi diba, hindi mo naman<br />
maiiwasang ma-overwhelm din and nabu-burnout talaga. Kahit sino<br />
naman, diba, sa trabaho. So, ang ginagawa ko po talaga, I like to<br />
relax [and] unwind. Minsan, may biglaang roadtrip lang, biglaang kain<br />
sa labas ganun. I guess [sometimes], I like to stay at home and binge<br />
watch or hang out with friends and family. I think it’s very important<br />
to surround yourself with positive vibes din since sobrang toxic rin ng<br />
industry minsan.”<br />
Of course, Darren admitted that the industry can be toxic sometimes.<br />
With that knowledge, he revealed how he deals with hate and backlash.<br />
Although he doesn’t particularly care when someone tries to tear him<br />
down, his parents do. His mother and father who just want the best for<br />
their 18-year-old son can’t handle the hate that their young child has to<br />
endure.<br />
“I do not respond to hate… Ako po talagang ever since pumasok ako<br />
sa showbiz, hindi po talaga ako na-bother sa bashers. ‘Yung parents<br />
ko sobrang gusto na nilang awayin… Sinasabi nila, ‘Hindi mo kasi<br />
alam ‘yung pakiramdam…’ Sabi ko naman, ‘It’s how you deal with the<br />
situation rin.’ Atsaka if nasa showbiz ka, it’s something that’s inevitable<br />
sa career na ito. Even if you’re not in showbiz, actually, people will still<br />
backstab you… judge you for… a lot of things.”<br />
With the amount of fans that he has, there are always people who<br />
would want to become a part of the music industry. Darren hoped<br />
they think about entering this world and he wished they push through<br />
rejections.<br />
“For me, if you’re going to want to go into the music industry, pag-isipan<br />
mo. Pag-isipan mo ng mabuti, isipin mo kung ano ‘yung mawawala<br />
sayo; siyempre ‘yung privacy mo. If this is really something na gusto mo,<br />
go for it and pursue your dreams. Siyempre you will get rejections along<br />
the way, pero that shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love. It should<br />
inspire you… to do better. That’s one way to help you improve, as well.<br />
Sing your heart out!”<br />
Darren truly and deeply loves his fans, of course. In fact, he holds on<br />
to many interactions with them, counting those as his favorites. He<br />
had a birthday concert at the Mall of Asia, seeing the people who had<br />
supported him since day one.<br />
“There’s so many that I hold on. I get to have parties with my fans so<br />
ang dami namin. Pero my favorite will always be yung sa MoA Arena<br />
na concert ko po, kasi birthday celebration ko. It was so nice to see<br />
everyone who supported me from The Voice. Nandoon silang lahat and<br />
parang isang malaking birthday party lang po talaga siya. It’s something I will always remember na ginawa ng fans ko para lang sa akin.”<br />
When asked about his messages to his fans, Darren felt confused why they choose to support him. However, he thanked them for the outpour of love and support they give<br />
him. He also hoped they cherish the friendship they built within their community.<br />
“’Uhm, bakit? Bakit ako ‘yung pinili niyong suportahan?“’<br />
‘Yun po talaga ‘yung tinatanong ko minsan kasi ewan ko din kung anong ginawa ko para ma-deserve ‘yung suporta nila and all their love. Pero I’d like to thank them for all the<br />
efforts din na ginagawa nila po talaga. It’s crazy kasi dati, konti lang po sila. Ngayon, over the years, they’ve grown. Sobrang nakakatuwa kasi ‘yung mga hindi magkakakilala<br />
nagkikita sa mga events ko. Sa next events ko, magkakabarkada na sila… Ang sayang makita noon. They’re my inspiration, they’re the people that keep me going besides my<br />
parents and my friends.”<br />
18 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
<strong>VP</strong>/COVER<br />
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 19
<strong>VP</strong><br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
YONG<br />
MUHAJIL<br />
Digital Prince<br />
The moment you see the meek radiance in Yong Muhajil’s visage is the exact moment you’ll have a glimpse<br />
of the beautiful soul inside. He’s almost an angel whenever he blesses you with a sight of his gentle and<br />
heartening smile. But more than what meets the eye, this determined man will never run out of passion in<br />
his heart. Yong is never afraid to show how grateful he is for his family, friends,<br />
and people who supported him.<br />
Producer Janvin Brua | Photographer | Wilmark Jolindon Art Director | Jobo Nacpil Videographer | Jasper<br />
Lawan Stylists | Arnel Zulieta and Benj Barrus Ledesma III of Van Mercado Styling Team Makeup Artist | Janell<br />
Capuchino Hairstylist | Mycke Mortiz Arcano Special Thanks To Nenette Rustia, Star Magic, and Studio 206<br />
20 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
<strong>VP</strong>/SPOTLIGHT<br />
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 21 | 21
HUMBLE<br />
BEGINNINGS<br />
The moment you see the meek radiance<br />
in Yong Muhajil’s visage is the exact<br />
moment you’ll have a glimpse of the<br />
beautiful soul inside. He’s almost an<br />
angel whenever he blesses you with a<br />
sight of his gentle and heartening smile.<br />
But more than what meets the eye, this<br />
determined man will never run out of<br />
passion in his heart. Yong is never afraid<br />
to show how grateful he is for his family,<br />
friends, and people who supported him.<br />
Before he was hailed as Pinoy Big<br />
Brother Lucky Season 7 3rd Big Placer,<br />
Yong went through a tough journey<br />
in his quest inside the famous yellow<br />
house. Their batch is undoubtedly one<br />
of the most remarkable ones — with the<br />
likes of Edward Barber, Tanner Mata,<br />
and Elisse Joson to name a few. The<br />
opportunity given by this show is one<br />
thing Yong will be forever grateful for.<br />
But when he auditioned for this show,<br />
he did not tell anyone — even his family.<br />
He only confessed it to his parents after<br />
receiving a confirmation as an official<br />
housemate.<br />
“Grateful ako na naging parte<br />
ako ng Pinoy Big Brother.<br />
Doon ako nagsimula at naging<br />
daan ‘yun para marating ko<br />
kung nasaan ako ngayon.”<br />
22 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
FAMILY FIRST<br />
Yong also made history as the first Tausug housemate<br />
in Big Brother’s house. His representation of his<br />
community is greatly needed in the media nowadays.<br />
But greater than this, the love for his family is what the<br />
general public should see and appreciate.<br />
Being in a family with 17 siblings in total, Yong<br />
strives to live up to his title:<br />
“Pag-A-Son ng Angkan ng Zamboanga”<br />
He may be living here in Manila with a sibling and<br />
some of his cousins, but there will always be one<br />
place he will call home.<br />
"Mahalagang mahalaga ang pamilya ko sa akin,<br />
kahit magkakalayo kami, nagsusuportahan kami sa<br />
isa’t isa.”<br />
Coming from a big household, he did not have a<br />
hard time mingling with a bunch of new faces —<br />
thanks to the lessons he learned living in a one big<br />
happy family.<br />
“Kasi ang dami niyo, iba-iba kayo ng ugali, matututo<br />
kang makisama at rumepeto kahit minsan hindi<br />
kayo pare-pareho ng opinyon kasi parte pa din kayo<br />
ng iisang pamilya.”<br />
Before joining the reality show, Yong knows how<br />
to do things on his own. As he put it into words, he<br />
learned it the hard way. He grew up helping his late<br />
father in feeding and taking care of their chickens.<br />
He also worked in a water station, and he did all of<br />
these things to ultimately help his parents.<br />
You can call Yong, in layman’s term, a family guy.<br />
Even if the opportunities are greater here in the<br />
city, the one thing he can’t trade for this luxury is his<br />
mother in Zamboanga.<br />
“Ang pagkakaiba lang nandoon ang nanay ko,<br />
pamilya ko.”<br />
There will always be pros and cons wherever you<br />
chose to stay. But, what’s more important is you are<br />
rooted to the core of your being, knowing where<br />
your heart should always be.<br />
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 23
THE MAKING OF<br />
<strong>DIGITAL</strong> PRINCE<br />
Inspiration is what drives Yong to do his current endeavor — vlogging.<br />
His co-PBB housemates-turned-vloggers are his biggest influence in this<br />
venture.<br />
“Sila Ate Baninay, Ate Aura, Kuya Jesi – lahat sila nag vlo-vlog at lahat<br />
sila nakainspire at nakatulong sa akin.”<br />
Seeing his brothers and sisters in Big Brother’s house fulfill their dreams<br />
through this platform made him realize a lot of things. Through vlogging,<br />
his authentic self shines through. Above all, he emphasizes that vlogging<br />
gives him the opportunity to showcase his truth.<br />
“Ngayon mas kilala ko na ‘yung sarili ko, alam ko kung ano ang totoo sa<br />
hindi. Lagi akong naka-focus sa blessings, good vibes lang. Masaya pag<br />
minahal ng mga tao ang totoong ikaw. Hindi mo kailangan magpanggap.<br />
Maging humble palagi. Ako pa rin si Yong, hindi ko tinitignan na mas<br />
lamang ako sa ibang tao.”<br />
His following on Instagram and Twitter is a solid 470k+ and 142k+,<br />
respectively. Yong also has 142k+ subscribers on his YouTube account,<br />
giving him the Silver Play Button. At the end of the day, he will not be<br />
called Digital Prince for nothing.<br />
Of course, every YouTuber has their own dream collaboration. For Yong,<br />
he wishes to do a video with two people who encouraged him to do<br />
vlogging — although Baninay Bautista and Will Dasovich are the ones<br />
who inspired him to enter the world of YouTube, they haven’t got the time<br />
to film a YouTube video together.<br />
Moreover, Yong wishes to join Alex Wasabi in a video, one of his<br />
international YouTuber idols.<br />
As he establishes his name on YouTube, let this be the perfect time to<br />
reign Yong Muhajil as a rising star in both entertainment and new media.<br />
The prince has now been crowned but that doesn’t stop there. As long<br />
as Yong keeps on doing the things he’s really passionate about, there will<br />
always be a bright future ahead of him.<br />
Yong Muhajil doesn’t need a sword or a shield to fight since it’s not<br />
always about blood and war. He got the charm that could shoot holes to<br />
every heart but his healing smile can fix it in an instant. Living a tough life<br />
taught him so much about life in general, metamorphosing him to a man<br />
of passion. This gentleman has the courage to tell his truth in the most<br />
light, relatable way.<br />
He is unstoppable yet unassuming, lionhearted yet receptive, relaxed yet<br />
charming.<br />
He is Yong Muhajil.<br />
24 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
<strong>VP</strong>/FASHION<br />
BREAKING BOUNDERIES<br />
OF GENDERED STYLE<br />
Produced by Shawn Kliff Sacal<br />
PHOTOGRAPHER | RXANDY CAPINPIN STYLING | KEITH ANGELO HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST | LEI PONCE<br />
MODEL: THAIS AT WOMENS FOLIO<br />
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 25
<strong>VP</strong>/FASHION<br />
Who are YOU?<br />
While that question seems out of context, your sense of identity plays an important role in fashion. It is, in fact, the very<br />
foundation why this industry exists: self-expression. Despite business moguls capitalizing on social constructs, a latest<br />
trend is taking over that blurs out any gender divide.<br />
26 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
<strong>VP</strong>/FASHION<br />
Manila Fashion Festival menswear pieces shifts into<br />
parisienne fashion<br />
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 27
28 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
Recent years have witnessed a<br />
groundbreaking turn of events as labels<br />
welcome androgyny into their fold. Even Rei<br />
Kawakubo’s Comme De Garcons means “like<br />
a boy”. True enough, her Paris Fashion Week<br />
S/S 2020 screams unconventionality with<br />
men in skirts, dresses, and bloused sleeves.<br />
Alessandro Michele of Gucci and Miuccia of<br />
Prada opened such gates as well back in 2017.<br />
Although, is going beyond tradition and norms enough?<br />
Better yet, have we not mistaken it with crossdressing?<br />
The nuances of these terminologies often get confused<br />
and conflated, which is why it needs to be distinguished.<br />
How we define our style as androgynous might have misled<br />
us at some point. Apparently, it has been rather outdated<br />
considering how women have worn trousers for so long<br />
that it just doesn’t count anymore. Unisex, instead, would<br />
be an appropriate word. Moreover, technically-speaking,<br />
androgynous refers to how we meld or mute gender-specific<br />
apparel. As a result, it eliminates ‘reading’ of a person’s sex.<br />
What they wear would have nothing to say on the matter of<br />
gender or sexual roles. Simply put, how your aesthetic does<br />
not resemble both genders so much as resembling neither.<br />
On the other hand, let’s not forget how it is easier for<br />
women to take down the walls of exclusions as compared to<br />
men. At worst, the norm’s tacit approval of empowerment<br />
is considered an improvement. Freeing up men to be more<br />
fluid stands as a different hurdle on its own. This is seen to<br />
be rather demeaning and ridiculous (misogyny).<br />
In the end, clothing might prove as a matter of what genders<br />
share and what they take away from each other. Still, whether<br />
it’s androgyny, drag, or unisex? What we all crave for lies<br />
not in the subject of nomenclature but the lack thereof.<br />
Our creativity should lean closer to our identity without any<br />
specificity—as fashion should be.<br />
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 29
30 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol
TRAVEL• LIFESTYLE• ENTERTAINMENT<br />
www.villagepipol.com | 31
32 | VILLAGE PIPOL MNP @villagepipol