Photography by Sharif Hamza
Meet 32 creatives who are shaping the future.
The youth of generations past often defined themselves against an establishment, counter to culture. They were rebelling against an order that was outdated, a status quo that needed destabilizing. They were, in essence, defying parents who thought their hair was too long or music too loud. Today’s crop of young motivators, raised in a milieu of endlessly accessible information, has moved beyond the performative desire to defy authority, instead choosing to build communities and networks that challenge the norm by centering inclusivity, diversity, and equality.
That’s what they say, anyway—trend forecasters and market researchers who like to put people into definitive categories. But they’re not wrong, as it turns out. Gen X parents who are still on Facebook proudly post about their children (with their consent, of course) who are not only redefining what it means to be cool, but what it means to be human.
With information as their superpower, the youth are catalyzing social change at light speed and across multiverses. Digital natives are the first to embody decentralization, living in a state of flux and fluidity, expressed through gender and identity and collaborative relationships. On any given night out in Manila throbs an underground scene reminiscent of early raves, carving out safe spaces for the freedom to be.
And while they will never know the singular frustration of using a dial-up modem, these kids were also born into a world hovering on the knife’s edge of climate disaster, giving rise to a deep commitment to sustainability, and finding creative ways to restore balance and beauty. For this generation of tuned-in individuals, activism is a daily practice of small acts that build up to big changes.
The future is so bright, it’s radiant. Vogue Philippines gives you 32 reasons why, across the fields of fashion, art, music, sports, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and all the intersections in between. Say hello to the cool kids.
Concept & Photographs by Sharif Hamza, Styling by Daryl Chng & MJ Benitez, Fashion Director Pam Quiñones, Makeup: Angeline Dela Cruz, Bryan Cuizon, Gery Penaso, Japeth Purog, Rochelle Lacuna, Twinkle Bernardo, Vince Leendon of Estée Lauder. Hair: Christian Bojo, Dale Mallari, Jocelyn So, Mark Ibarrola, Misty Gabriel, MJ Rone, Patrick Cristobal of Estée Lauder, Gerelyn Valentino of Toni&Guy (Gabbie Sarenas). Talents: Agatha Wong, Alisha Del Campo, Antonina Abad Amoncio, Brisa Amir, Bon Hansen, Cheska Cortez, Christian Tantoco, Daphne Chao, Dinesh Mohnani, Elijah Canlas, ena mori, Enzo Razon, Gab Mejia, Gabbie Sarenas, Gianne Encarnacion, Gio Panlilio, Hali Long, Hideki Ito, Inna Palacios, Jason Dhakal, Juliana Gomez, Mariton Villanueva, Martika Ramirez Escobar, Matt San Pedro, Max Gutierrez, Pat Cortez, Rio Cuervo, Rod Malanao, Sai Versailles, Sean Bautista, Siobhan Moylan, Zild Benitez. Art Director: Jann Pascua. Producer: Anz Hizon. Casting: Andrea Ang, Marga Magalong, Raymond Ang. Multimedia Artist: Gabbi Constantino, Tinkerbell Poblete. Production Design: Constance Events Styling, Justine Arcega-Bumanlag. Production Assistants: Adam Pereyra, Bianca Zaragoza, Patricia Co. Photographer’s Assistants: Artu Nepomuceno, Choi Narciso, Sela Gonzales. Stylist’s Assistants: Marga Magalong, Renee de Guzman, Ticia Almazan, Zofia Agama. Production Design Assistants: Gabrielle Mantala, Junior Bondoc, Rodel Bondoc. Photo Retoucher: Grace Sioson
