Theoretically Speaking

Behind every hit single is a musician’s career story. Filipino-American rapper DJ Virman of Far East Movement would know because he’s seen his fair share of chart-topping hits. Like any aspiring artists back in the day, his love for music expressed itself in the art of mixed-tapes, which landed him a career in the esteemed Power 106 radio station in L.A. Since then, he has spent years working in the music scene, alongside some of the most famous talents in rap and hip-hop known today. With so much insider-experience, DJ Virman dishes on some of the most surprising stories around musical hits, including their own international sensation “Like a G6”. Follow DJ Virman on IG at @virmizzle.

Filipino-American chef Erik Idos recounts his path into the culinary world, beginning with his rebellious childhood in L.A. and how he decided to pursue culinary school in San Francisco. It is in this sensorial world of cuisine that Erik found his vocation, which led to an amazing career at the prestigious Nobu 57. He started as the line cook, eventually working his way up to Executive Sous Chef at Nobu 57 San Diego, and finally to Executive Head Chef at Nobu Intercontinental Hong-Kong. Even after a decade into his successful career, Erik took a leap further by opening his very own restaurant chain Chino in Hong-Kong, and eventually in Manila. As Erik can attest, the job of a chef is exhausting and unglamorous; but if one truly loves their craft, everything is a blessing. Follow Erik on IG at @erikidos.

Hailing from Singapore, Amanda Scully goes by many accomplished accolades: brand builder, story-teller, and Maori healer. As one of the earliest purveyors of street-style culture, Amanda has immersed herself into the world of this vibrant, underground creative scene. In her early 20’s, she successfully co-founded the international clothing labels, the FALSE brand and Anti-Anti online store. Since then, she has made waves collaborating with multiple brands and talents. But despite the memorable highs and lows, the question remains for Amanda, “Who am I really?” The inquiry has since kicked-off Amanda’s journey into real self-healing, to unlock a life filled with more heart and intuition. Follow Amanda on IG at @amanda_scully.

Mong Alcaraz is a fixed name in the Philippine music and street-style scene. He is best known as the lead guitarist of bands ChicoSci, and Sandwich; the producer of social media video series Perea Street, plus the creative director and managing partner of D&D Custom Guitars. But before all that, he shares his humble, teen-drama laden beginnings as a struggling musician, filled with late-night gigs, brushes with metal music, and a lot of hard lessons. Within his story, a glimpse of the world in-between the CD generation, and the digital playlist age. Part nostalgia, and part motivational, Mong’s unique story is a musical artist’s hustle through the digital revolution, from musical albums, to hit singles, and finally to this “golden age of creativity”. Follow Mong on IG at @mongalcaraz.

In the Philippines, basketball is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle, and oftentimes a dream to pursue. This holds true for Raoul Reinoso, Managing Director of SLAM Philippines, as well as the Co-Founder and Director of Special Projects at Titan, a unique lifestyle brand dedicated to the world of basketball. Prior to establishing Titan with his co-founders, Raoul worked as the Brand Connections Executive in Nike Philippines, and eventually, Nike South-East Asia, which he admits is the coveted position for most sports aficionados. But instead of sticking to his dream job, Raoul took the risk to pursue a dream business. This year, as Titan celebrates its 10th anniversary, he’s proved that big rewards come to those who shoot their shots. Follow Raoul on IG at @raoulreinoso.

With over two decades of experience in advertising and creative design, Mark Arcenal is a branding force in the street style and car culture scene. After working as Nike’s Global Digital Lead, Mark established his own coveted international brands like Fatlace, and the clothing line Illest. Today, he is a globe-trotting creative entrepreneur, managing his many stores all over the world and scouting for the latest fashion. His key to success is the balance of authenticity, finding what you love and sticking to it as you ride the many shifts in the marketplace. Above all, Mark believes fun is the drive to make a memorable brand. Follow Mark on IG @mrk.rcnl and check out his website http://arcenal.com/.

Jon Herrera is a master manifester, and he’s here to share his tried-and-true methods. As one of the most influential marketing professionals in the Philippines, his staggering list of enterprises span the local entertainment, restaurant and media industries. His iconic establishments include night clubs like Embassy and Republiq; retail stores Greyone Social and Trilogy Boutique, as well as publications like Status Magazine--the list goes on! Presently, Jon is a marketing consultant for international brands Fatlace and Illest. While he has always been acclaimed for his hard work, his real key to mastery is understanding the power of the mind to shape reality. Follow Jon on IG @limitlessjon.

Journalist and editor Rob Patos, who has penned stories for esteemed publications like Highsnobiety and Hypebeast, takes us behind-the-scenes into the world of street style editorial. It is in this world of pages that Rob attests to the power of story-telling, how it builds that trusted network of artists, entrepreneurs, writers and followers. Fashion journeys are never easy. But with some grit and daring, this Filipino-Canadian proves how he paved his own unique way, from his breakthrough into the publishing scene, to his current position as Head of Content for A.I. fashion platform UCL. Follow Rob on IG @robertpatos

After moving and finding a sense of home in the USA with her husband Jon, Sarah Meier has some fresh perspectives. The former host, model and creative director shares her take on Philippine fashion, and the global industries at this pivotal time. Also, what role does trauma play into all this? Sarah sheds some light into the intricacies of our past hurt, how it has shaped the attitudes today, and how reckoning with it is the key to the future. Follow Sarah on IG @sarah_meier.

One of the most ubiquitous names in the Philippine fashion and media industries, Sarah Meier recounts her life course, flowing with the law of attraction. Beginning with her childhood as a third-culture girl, to how she seized the coveted role of MTV Asia VJ, following through with becoming a creative director for the fashion-forward e-commerce website Pormada, and Editor-In-Chief of Metro Magazine. Plus, how motherhood continues to play a role in growing her awareness. Follow Sarah on IG @sarah_meier.