Smiles All Around: Behind the Scenes of Jon Santos’ First Vogue Philippines Shoot

At the MiraNila Heritage House and Library, there was an abundance of smiles and laughter during Jon Santos’ Vogue Philippines shoot.

Perhaps there has not been as much laughter heard on set as when Jon Santos did his first shoot with Vogue Philippines. Through his different facial expressions and mini-improvs, the actor, impersonator, comedian, and writer lit up MiraNila Heritage House and Library, just as he does any stage or screen.

While he appears to be in his usual element, Santos describes the shoot as a “new adventure.” “I decided to snap out of my default mode, which was ‘fish-out-of-water,’ this is ‘too-good-to-be-true,’ and ‘What am I doing here?’” he says. He expresses to deputy editor Pam Quiñones that he had never been shot this way before; he had always been asked to be in drag in photoshoots.

“But in a way, fashion is drag,” Quiñones says. With a vision to see Santos like “we’ve never seen before,” the fashion direction dresses the actor as a dandy. “He is an institution in comedy, drag, and a master in impersonation, and we thought that there is quite a parallel narrative to dandyism,” she says.

Dandyism can be defined by meticulous grooming and sharp tailoring, as laid out by the previous Met Gala themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” but more importantly, it serves as a way to express individuality and defy social norms. With bold colors, summery patterns, and accessories, the fashion team imagined three archetypes of dandies.

The first archetype alludes to one of Santos’ most popular impersonations: former First Lady Imelda Marcos. Described as a dandy with many shoes, it underlines the concept of overdressing and cross-dressing. The second archetype leans into the romanticism of the dandy. Wearing oversized specs (a subtle nod to his impersonation of former President Corazon Aquino), the layout also includes a peacock chair, a historical object of the dandy movement.

Lastly, Quiñones describes the last archetype as “the dandy in a world of whimsy, offering a sense of wonder and playfulness. Shot next to the “Binasuan Mural,” by Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Santos wears a vintage kimono, reminiscent of an Edo-dandy. “We wanted to place him in a scene that reveals his place in the industry,” Quiñones adds. “This was a way to create the dialogue between the greats.”

Santos shares his favorite parts of the shoot: “I loved the sudden inspiration moments: the discovery of a big and very precious mural hidden behind the drapes and of a very confident and elegant ‘camera-ready’ dog willing to strike a pose with me,” he says. He also read aloud Shakespeare’s Sonnet 29, a piece that is close to his heart.

Beyond the smiles, laughter, and style, fashion associate Neil de Guzman highlights the significance of featuring Santos in this year’s Pride issue. “Jon is one of our most talented theater performers, and featuring him in Vogue Philippines feels like a strong nod to the queer community in the local theater scene,” he says. “It’s about giving him the spotlight he truly deserves.”

Reflecting on the shoot, Santos expresses his gratitude. “Having my story told, having my work appreciated meant so much to me,” he says. “I am a mental health advocate, and the invitation to be part of this issue made me even more inspired to be an ambassador for laughter and for joy, not just for the pride community, but for every Pinoy who could always use a smile.”