Yourself.
Philippine society tends to define itself in certain boxes—either A or B, black or white. It’s irrelevant nowadays because we’re exposed to many ideas on how people live their lives. At the same time, it’s none of our business how others live. Be happy with your friends and accept them for who they are.
I go for a more minimalistic, monochromatic look where the colors complement each other. Converse goes with every look—when I work out, eat with my family, even when I go to school; I like to wear black ones just for the hell of it.
Don’t slouch. Push your shoulders back, puff out your chest, and promote a solid, good look.
You, because that’s the only thing that separates you from everyone else.
I tried following trends to assimilate with other people—not necessarily to copy, but to take inspiration. But I found myself molding into the crowd instead of standing out.
I now have this mantra where I try to go for a different look every day. I push myself aesthetically. But more than that, your individuality is what makes you unique. You can dress the same way or differently, but your core personality will make you shine.
I love the variety that Converse offers. The options are endless because they mix and match with different aesthetics.
My yaya told me something that I grew by: sa nagdadala yan.
Every single day, she always tells me that even if you don’t look or feel my best or if you think things could’ve been better—at the end of the day, sa nagdadala yan.
Inclusive. Here in the Philippines, we are slowly inching towards being accepting of others. We celebrate Pride Month and have brands like Converse tapping into the community, as examples.
As a transgender woman, I dress up as a woman, as a girl, because this is the real me. I’m only staying true to myself. I’ve been using Converse for three years, and it suits me perfectly because their style fits everyone.
A part of the community. Hindi tayo tumitigil to voice out our rights, to voice out na kulang pa rin sa pagtanggap sa society—sa lipunan, especially now we don’t have the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGIE).
Hindi pa rin protected yung LGBTQIA+ Community here, so I’m proud na hindi kami tumitigil at napapagod isigaw ang rights namin.
By wearing whatever I want without thinking of what people would think or the box that society is trying to impose. Pag lalaki ka, dapat ganito suot mo; pag babae ka dapat ganito damit mo. I don’t want to think about that because I want to express myself fully through my fashion and clothing.
Converse completes the look because it’s simple, yet stylish, so I feel free and comfortable.
Wear what you want. Once you stop thinking about what other people think, you aren’t hesitant to achieve your goals and dreams.
Filipinos are very talented people. If you have it, don’t be afraid to show it. People might say something about it, but who cares? You are beautiful and talented. Do your thing.
I’m very much more into comfort than aesthetics or style. Well, I think that’s my style—being comfortable, especially when I’m out of drag.
I like the subtleness and simplicity because I love people being mesmerized with the transformation. ”Oh, how did you become this gorgeous, this energetic, this confident?” I want them to feel that magic.
I’ll definitely be wearing more Converse because of this campaign. It’s a great move to tap into and support a very wide community.
It’s the confidence and smile. When I feel down, I remember my beautiful smile and energy that can capture anyone. I bring these with me wherever I go.
A lot of things. When you act on [your interests], there are a lot of consequences, so as long as you’re proud of your authentic self, you don’t end up feeling sorry for anything.
Well, Kate is a product of just being my laid-back self. As a DJ, I mostly wear cargo pants and a top or a sports bra, with my favorite shoe, Converse.
Be confident about who you are and what you represent.
Yourself. That’s it. Point blank, period. Because who should you be other than that? Especially in the Philippines where it is jurassically conservative, traditionalist, and patriarchal, we’re born into boxes.
It’s such a chore to pretend to be someone you’re not. You’re supposed to wake up and be yourself, no fuss. If you’re soft, or hard, if you flick your wrists, and swish your hips, do so—there is no dictionary for who you are except the one authored by you.
It’s the little things. I paint my nails because I trace that happiness back to my childhood. I color my hair, wear heels and sneakers with skirts—it’s dressing the way I choose to. People will judge either way, so huwag mo nang pahirapan ang sarili mo. The most important thing is what makes you happy.
I’m the type of guy who likes routines and comfort, as I will wear a shoe out—and Converse is made for that. You can wear them to the gym, dress up or down, and they come in many styles.
Don’t give a damn. Don’t give a flying fuck. It’s easier said than done, of course. But the moment you let negativity set, wala na nasira na araw mo, so if [your look] makes you smile, you’re good.
A part of the LGBTQ+ community. Isa sila sa mga pinaka-matibay na taong kilala ko. Ang daming nag-jujudge [sa kanila] pero nandito pa rin sila para ipakita kung sino talaga sila.
Medyo girly ako mag-outfit and boyish. Kumportable ako sa parehas na style.
Maging confident lang sa kung anong meron sa inyo, kasi dun talaga yun mag-start. [Confidence] ang makikita ng mga tao kaya huwag mailang.
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PHOTOGRAPHY WILMARK JOLINDON
ART & ART DIRECTION ALEXANDRA LARA AND JAMES FRANCISCO
STORY GELO LASIN
INTERVIEWS GELO LASIN, XAVI BAUTISTA, AND ADIE PIERAZ
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.
© Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Complexphilippines.com is a part of
