In this ongoing series, the Vogue team recommends 10 individuals shaping the next chapter of their industries.
Influence isn’t always measured by visibility. Across industries, there are individuals whose work quietly shapes the way we engage with fashion, music, design, and business. Whether by rethinking sustainability, pushing creative boundaries, or redefining industry standards, their contributions create ripple effects, setting new standards and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
We live in an era where innovation is the currency of success, and a new wave of Filipino trailblazers is redefining what it means to lead. They break barriers, set new benchmarks, and prove that the Philippines is no longer just keeping up with global standards, but actively taking part in shaping them. In this ongoing series, Vogue Philippines recognizes individuals who are reshaping their fields through creativity, dedication, and a thoughtful approach to their craft.
Whether in beauty, wellness, or sustainability, these pioneers are introducing fresh perspectives to their industries while staying rooted in Filipino values. These are the Filipinos shaping the next chapter of their industries; below, see the stories of leaders who saw opportunity, challenged the status quo, and turned passion into purpose.
Toni Potenciano, writer, strategist, and restaurateur
“Toni Potenciano shows how passion can evolve into a thriving business and how being a multi-hyphenate creative today can allow you to build a community that both speaks to and for you.” —Anz Hizon, Vogue Philippines media channels editor
Toni Potenciano is a writer, strategist, and creative director whose work revolves around storytelling in multiple forms. Initially drawn to writing, she discovered branding as a creative extension of her craft, using narratives to shape businesses and experiences. This expertise eventually led her into the F&B industry, where she applied her branding knowledge to restaurant management, founding Kodawari, a concept-driven dining space.
Balancing creativity with the demands of running a business was a challenge, but Toni embraces the learning curves, seeing them as opportunities for growth. Currently, she is focused on ensuring Kodawari’s longevity, moving beyond fleeting trends to build a brand that lasts. Looking ahead, she envisions refining and strengthening Kodawari while continuing to explore storytelling in different forms. Above all, she hopes for more stories to be told, great food to be shared, and time to enjoy the journey.
Andie Remulla, marine photographer
“Andie Remulla’s work encourages Filipinos to know our country by way of the water, inspiring important conversations in conservation through her documentation and, inadvertently, through the beauty her photographs present.” —Chelsea Sarabia, Vogue Philippines digital associate editor
As climate change and human activity threaten our oceans, photographers like Andie Remulla play a crucial role in conservation, using their art to foster awareness and advocacy for marine protection. A former competitive swimmer, Remulla always felt at home in the water, but diving initially seemed intimidating. “It takes about 30 dives to feel at home,” she says.
Determination, passion, and an innate curiosity allowed her to realize the transformative rewards of marine photography. She practices and experiments with various compositions that depict various creatures: jellyfish and octopodes, stingrays, and dolphins. Now gearing up for an upcoming photography exhibition, Remulla hopes to inspire others to appreciate marine ecosystems and break the barriers preventing more photographers from venturing underwater and, more importantly, to foster a deeper and more mindful connection to the planet. “Something I realized from doing underwater photography is that the ocean has a personality,” she reflects. “You can only want to protect something if you know it.”
Dr. Joseph Andrei Bongalo, medical director at Basix Aesthetics Clinic
“Dr. Joseph is a passionate practitioner whose commitment to innovation, patient care, and education empowers you to discover beauty practices that suit you.” —Daphne Sagun, Vogue Philippines digital content writer
The rapidly changing world of aesthetic medicine is driven by breakthroughs in technology. For Dr. Joseph Andrei Bongalo, however, progress must always come with responsibility. This led Bongalo to pursue specialized education under the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine in the U.S. before returning to Davao to establish Basix, his homegrown clinic.
With this influx of treatments, Bongalo takes a patient-first approach. “When the patient comes into the clinic, and then they want just a general, ‘I want improvement in my skin,’ or ‘I want a little lift,’ they have a lot of options. But if it’s non-surgical, then that’s where I come in.”
With Filipinos becoming more open to aesthetic procedures, Bongalo remains committed to ensuring the industry remains ethical and patient-centered. “Basix will continue to be a homegrown clinic in Davao. I don’t see [myself] putting up new branches. Maybe internal expansion because we still have room for improvement.”
Jessie Jiang, co-founder and CEO of Basically Borrowed
“Advocating for fashion circularity through her community-powered platform Basically Borrowed, Jessie Jiang leads with purpose, passion, and perseverance, values honed from years of researching and reporting for the likes of Time Magazine and The New York Times.” —Ticia Almazan, Vogue Philippines associate fashion features editor
Jessie Jiang’s journey has been anything but linear. She began as a science journalist before navigating the world of tech startups, where she sharpened her ability to distill complex ideas and anticipate cultural shifts. Over time, she grew increasingly interested in the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and access.
That curiosity led her to launch Basically Borrowed, a platform dedicated to rethinking consumption through shared wardrobes and circular fashion practices. At its core, Basically Borrowed challenges the disposability of modern fashion by fostering a community that values longevity and craftsmanship. By facilitating community clothing exchanges and partnering with organizations with the same philosophies, the platform provides an accessible alternative to fast fashion.
Jiang envisions a future where each consumer considers their garment as something that carries history and meaning rather than serving as a fleeting purchase. Through this approach, she encourages a shift in perspective: one that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and shared responsibility. Her work not only aims to reshape how individuals engage with fashion but also contributes to a broader cultural shift toward intentional and responsible consumption.
Kristine Agcopra, founder and CEO of Theia Gems
“What started as a humble side business has grown into one of the emerging jewelry brands out in the market. That’s the inspiring story of Kristine Agcopra: a compelling reminder that hard work, adaptability, and passion can drive a dream into success.” —David Milan, Vogue Philippines fashion editor
Kristine Agcopra’s journey into fine jewelry began unexpectedly, shaped by years spent traveling the world as a flight attendant. Later on, the 2020s then became a turning point for Agcopra. As though businesses slowed down, she continued selling jewelry online, with some clients even visiting her home to shop in person. “That’s when I realized I had to take the next step. So, right after the pandemic, I took the risk and opened Theia Gems. And I’m grateful that I did.”
Though her pursuits involved adopting a fast-paced lifestyle, the business owner shares that she has no regrets in opting for more stable roots. Looking ahead, expansion is on the horizon for Theia Gems, yet what remains most rewarding for the business owner is seeing her pieces become part of her clients’ most cherished moments. “And if I had to redo it, I wouldn’t change anything at all. Because those experiences led me to where I am now, and I’m grateful for that.”
LUSTBASS, musician and producer
“LUSTBASS is a vanguard of creative movers. With collaboration at the core of his practice, he is constantly innovating and lifting the local music landscape.” —Julian Rodriguez, Vogue Philippines producer
Lustbass is a musician and producer whose sound is deeply rooted in personal experience and musical exploration. Growing up in Thailand with influences from ’90s R&B, grunge, and hip-hop, he developed an early love for music, first picking up the guitar and transposing drum patterns from his favorite songs. Moving to the Philippines for college, he studied music production and found his way into the creative community.
His journey saw him play in death metal, psychedelic rock, and neo-soul bands before transitioning into a solo career, allowing him to explore his love for drums, bass, and keys. Lustbass is most popularly known for his collaborations with artists like Jess Connelly and Jason Dhakal, but his work ethic remains rooted in curiosity and persistence. “There are going to be days when you can’t [make anything]. But I feel like sometimes, you have to beat it out of yourself. Just do it, even if it sucks,” he advises. “It’s showing up that matters.”
He believes in creating without overthinking nor thinking of “the flowers,” using his passion for the craft to continually push his sound forward.
Nikki Tang, CEO of DMark Beauty and DermAsia
“Informed by advancements in cosmetic science and technology, Nikki Tang pushes the envelope with the philosophy that beauty isn’t just skin deep.” —Bianca Custodio, Vogue Philippines beauty writer
For Nikki Tang, CEO of DMark Beauty and DermAsia, beauty is more than aesthetics; it’s about empowerment, self-confidence, and overall well-being. “The most fulfilling part of this journey is witnessing the transformative power of beauty; Not just in how it enhances one’s appearance but in how it uplifts confidence, self-worth, and overall well-being.”
However, keeping up with the rapidly evolving beauty industry is a challenge in itself. “The global beauty landscape moves at an unprecedented pace, and my role requires visionary foresight, not just following trends but leading them, ensuring that we bring only effective, science-backed solutions to the market.”
Looking ahead, Tang envisions DMark Beauty and DermAsia as the premier authorities in dermatological beauty and aesthetics across Asia. Beyond expansion, she also sees exciting shifts in the Philippine beauty industry, particularly in AI-powered diagnostics, biotechnology-driven formulations, and non-invasive treatments. “I see a major shift toward ultra-personalized skincare, where science and technology work together to create tailor-made solutions for every individual.”
Lara Rapanan, founder of Munimuni Studio
“Lara Rapanan is the beating heart behind Munimuni Studio, a slow fashion brand that advocates for conscious consumerism amid today’s fast retail world. Committed to ethical practices and supporting local artisans, the brand incorporates handmade techniques and elements occasionally sourced from Rapanan’s own garden.” —Bianca Custodio, Vogue Philippines beauty writer
After years in corporate fashion, Lara Rapanan grew disillusioned with the industry’s environmental and ethical costs. Her time in fast fashion left her questioning its exploitative systems. This period of awakening led her to explore traditional Filipino craft, traveling across the Philippines to learn about the work of artisanal and indigenous communities. What began as research became a mission that shapes the cult-favorite brand Munimuni Studio.
Munimuni challenges the conventional retail model by prioritizing circular materials and direct collaboration with artisans. Rapanan believes local craft should be at the forefront, not treated merely as a resource. For her, success is no longer defined by corporate milestones but by inner peace and purpose. She tells Vogue Philippines that the brand is her way of being part of the solution, proving that fashion can be both innovative and responsible. Through her work, she invites others to reconsider their role in shaping a more ethical industry.
AJ Cabarles, founder of Kaulayaw Coffee
“AJ Cabarles advocates for Philippine-grown coffee, enabling farmers from the Mountain Province to Davao del Sur to uplift their communities while sustaining local coffee heritage and culture—truly ‘grounds’ for her inclusion on this list.” —Audrey Carpio, Vogue Philippines features editor
Before launching Kaulayaw Coffee, AJ Cabarles wore many hats: a wedding planner, an environmental consultant, and even an event organizer for mall shows. But in 2019, a simple favor for a friend led her to an entirely new path. “We started selling coffee pouches online in 2019. We only had three variants at the time. Our house blend and beans from Sagada and Benguet.”
Then, in 2020, the budding brand began its expansion, starting with a small coffee shop in Antipolo and later followed by locations in Coron, Tanay, and BGC. But for Kaulayaw, the brand sees itself as a movement to uplift local farmers and communities. “We have 45 coffee partners all over the country. We’re funding them to plant the coffee, to harvest the coffee, and after that, we buy from them.”
As Kaulayaw begins its expansion internationally, the brand sees itself remaining in its values for local support and customer experience with each step. “We will show consumers how we roast the coffee. And of course, we’ll provide better facilities for our guests.”
Cherry Tiosejo-Reyes, Toni&Guy Philippines managing and creative director
“True creativity, at its very core, can be expressed in any type of medium and form, including our very own crowning glories. With Cherry Tiosejo-Reyes of Toni&Guy Philippines, innovation and dedication to the craft of hairstyling have always been at the helm of her pursuit of passion and purpose in continually elevating the local hair industry.” —Jann Pascua, Vogue Philippines art director
Few understand the transformative nature of a haircut better than Cherry Tiosejo-Reyes, the force behind Toni&Guy Philippines, who has spent years ensuring that hairstyling in the country meets international standards of precision, technique, and creativity.
Since its launch, Toni&Guy Philippines has introduced global techniques and trained local stylists to be world-class professionals. “Education is non-negotiable, it’s our foundation,” says Tiosejo-Reyes. “Every stylist in our team goes through rigorous training based on the Toni&Guy philosophy. We run in-house training programs and ensure our team gets international exposure through courses and mentorship from global educators.”
With Filipinos becoming more adventurous with their hair, be it through bolder styles, lived-in textures, or custom colors, Tiosejo-Reyes sees herself pushing the industry forward, ensuring that innovation and education remain at the heart of hairstyling in the Philippines.
By CAROL RH MALASIG, CELINE LAGUNDI, and DAPHNE SAGUN. Photographs by KARL KING AGUÑA. Media Channels Editor ANZ HIZON. Digital Associate Editor CHELSEA SARABIA. Styling by Neil de Guzman and Geno Espidol. Makeup: Christian Rey and Neal Laureano. Hair: Patty Cristobal and Mong Amado. Video by Andy Tan, Ken Tan, Liah Barra, Roger Valenzuela and Michael Beltran of Chapters PH. Producer: Julian Rodriguez. Advertising Manager: Jamaila Isleta. Creative Production Supervisor: Esab Raymundo. Account Managers: Yassi Centeno, Bettina Mendoza, Claudia Cruz, and Andrea Ramos. Nails: Extraordinail. Photographer’s assistants: Rojan Maguyon, Ruby Pedregosa. Interviews by Celine Lagundi and Daphne Sagun.
