Nadine Lustre | Complex PH

“Multi-hyphenate” is a term that gets tossed around often, but it’s a title that fits Nadine Lustre like a glove. We’ve seen Nadine grow from a teen actor into a FAMAS awardee, a singer, an unofficial Siargao ambassador, and an environmental advocate. Every milestone required a push against the boundaries set on young talents, and yet she did so with grace and a genuine love for the craft.

As she leaves her 20s, Nadine takes on a new milestone: a creative who is more in charge of her decisions. Her new single, “Overgrown,” is the latest in her crafting stories that better reflect her journey through the years. It took a while to gain this independence, but Nadine represents the blossoming creatives who are more self-assured and free to pursue their identity.

Complex Philippines talks to Nadine Lustre about the best lessons of her 20s, advocating for the environment, and titles left to conquer.

D.D.Daily white bodysuit, black bomber jacket and cargo pants; LORICO utility skirt

“Overgrown” talks about scars and learning more about yourself through the years. What are the best lessons you’ve learned in your 20s?

First off, trust your gut.
Be careful of the people you keep around you.
Manage your time, Work-play balance is very important. Time for yourself is very important.
Try to keep a one-track mind. It’s good to know what you want and be straightforward.
Protect your peace.

We’ve seen you grow as Nadine the actor, Nadine the singer, and Nadine the Siargao advocate, among others. Now, you're calling more shots as Nadine the creative. What can we expect with this venture?

I’m still trying to get [my] footing as Nadine the creative. I’m really excited this time around tho because I get to share my ideas and more parts of myself. Medyo malabo pa siya (It’s still a little uncertain) just cuz acting is keeping me busy for now. But I’m pretty sure when I start working on music, there's lots of [opportunities for] creative directing so it’s come eventually.

Sidenote: Did Nadine the President ever really take off in your headspace?

Nope, never, every time someone calls me “President” I’m like, “wtf?” (laughs).

Seriously, even on set, people call me “President” and I get a bit awkward. “President” assumes such a high rank and I feel like I don’t deserve it in some way. It feels weird.

Among your other titles is being an advocate for the environment. What drew you to that advocacy?

I think this all started when I would always go on hikes and I would see my surroundings. Witnessing a lot of trash and areas of the forest being destroyed makes me feel bad. Earth is so beautiful and it breaks my heart knowing that a lot of us don’t even take care of her.

I'm slowly starting to speak out about the animals… giving voice to the voiceless.

We personally see you as the actor that proved young audiences are smarter and more emotionally mature than others give them credit for. This might be premature, but how do you want to be remembered?

I want people to remember me as a risk taker—from acting to music.

Do creatives have more freedom to branch out in the industry nowadays?

I guess it’s very limiting for creators to work in the industry, considering that brands have their identity and sometimes creatives don’t really have a choice but to follow along.

But a lot of brands now are becoming more open to new ideas and out-of-the-box aesthetics and content. Before, sobrang strict (they were so strict). If a brand is very conservative, I’m not even allowed to show my tattoos. I’d have to conceal them and all that, but now they’re more open-minded.

Everyone is evolving and adapting to [the times] and I’m happy to see that because a lot of creatives are really good and sayang naman (it’s a waste) if they don’t get to show off their ideas and talent.

You mentioned that you wanted to be remembered as someone who tried everything. What are other things you’d like to do?

I wanna try delving into floral arranging and photography. That’s something I’ve done before leisurely. Hopefully, I get to jumpstart my directing career again too.

Credits

COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive.

Photography Joseph Bermudez
Art and Art Direction Alexandra Lara and James Francisco
Interview and Story Gelo Lasin and Xavi Bautista
Styling LA Styling Studio
Makeup Jelly Eugenio
Hair Paul Nebres
Production Complex Philippines
Location Bulb Studios

The Council: Nadine Lustre

I want people to remember me as a risk taker - from acting to music.

“Overgrown” talks about scars and learning more about yourself through the years. What are the best lessons you’ve learned in your 20s?

We’ve seen you grow as Nadine the actor, Nadine the singer, and Nadine the Siargao advocate, among others. Now, you're calling more shots as Nadine the creative. What can we expect with this venture?

Sidenote: Did Nadine the President ever really take off in your headspace?

Among your other titles is being an advocate for the environment. What drew you to that advocacy?

We personally see you as the actor that proved young audiences are smarter and more emotionally mature than others give them credit for. This might be premature, but how do you want to be remembered?

Do creatives have more freedom to branch out in the industry nowadays?

You mentioned that you wanted to be remembered as someone who tried everything. What are other things you’d like to do?

Credits

The Council: Nadine Lustre

I want people to remember me as a risk taker - from acting to music.

“Overgrown” talks about scars and learning more about yourself through the years. What are the best lessons you’ve learned in your 20s?

We’ve seen you grow as Nadine the actor, Nadine the singer, and Nadine the Siargao advocate, among others. Now, you're calling more shots as Nadine the creative. What can we expect with this venture?

Sidenote: Did Nadine the President ever really take off in your headspace?

Among your other titles is being an advocate for the environment. What drew you to that advocacy?

We personally see you as the actor that proved young audiences are smarter and more emotionally mature than others give them credit for. This might be premature, but how do you want to be remembered?

Do creatives have more freedom to branch out in the industry nowadays?

You mentioned that you wanted to be remembered as someone who tried everything. What are other things you’d like to do?

Credits

Signup for the Complex Newsletter