Kurt Vicencio. Photographed by Kim Santos.
Driven by their respective hybrid Hyundai chauffeurs, the three artists share how they relish a quiet ride, and what it means to be part of the greater Filipino creative community
One overcast morning in the week of Vogue Threads Manila 2025, Hyundai Motor Philippines invited model Kurt Vicencio, hairstylist Suyen Salazar, and photographer Kevin Gonzales to experience what it’s like to be a passenger in its current line of hybrid vehicles on the way to RCBC Plaza.
The three creatives later shared a moment with the Vogue Philippines team to express their thoughts leading up to the event, from relishing a silent ride’s peace to reflecting on what it means to be part of the local creative scene.
Kurt Vicencio
“The ride has been quite comfortable, it’s really smooth, and I can easily tune out the outside noise,” Vicencio shares. Taken by the Hyundai TUCSON Hybrid and its e-Comfort Drive technology, the model adds how being able to lounge comfortably and view the cityscape through its panoramic sunroof puts him in a clearer disposition. “It really just sets me up to be in a place of openness to take on the information and inspiration I hope to get from the masterclasses today.”
As a model who openly explores his craft through commercial and editorial work, Vicencio later expresses how he resonates in the greater creative community. “Being part of it means that I get to discover and understand not just how the Filipino mind works, but the culture and creativity, the heart and philosophy, of what makes our artistry unique.”
Suyen Salazar
As she recalls how the Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid’s adjustable captain’s seats and integrated fast-charging features allowed her to have a moment of rest while on her way to Vogue Threads, Salazar elaborates on how giving herself time to repose creates a space for a moment of self-care. “The first thing that I do when I get in a car is put my phone away because whenever I’m in an enclosed space, I take that as a moment for me,” she says.
She later expresses her excitement for the photography-centered lineup of masterclasses, reflecting on the parallels of the respective technicalities that go into their work. “Because I get to work alongside some really creative photographers, I’m looking forward to seeing how they craft their work from their point of view.”
Kevin Gonzales
While his ride to Vogue Threads made the most of the day’s brief moment of sun, Gonzales shares how the All-New Hyundai KONA Hybrid’s e-Motion Drive, suspension, leatherette seats, and low NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) features allowed him to relax and declutter his thoughts, despite the metropolitan traffic and uneven roads. The photographer later expresses his excitement for the photography-centered masterclasses he insisted on attending.
“As a creative, I’m drawn to personal stories, so being able to just sit there and listen to Artu Nepomuceno and Neal Oshima share their own is a humbling experience,” he adds. While recalling how finding a community in his career has allowed him to grow from his introverted personality, he then visualizes how being a part of it reminded him of an open market like Divisoria. “Like all the works displayed in the gallery, the pool of creatives today all have their distinctive styles and motives, but are still motivated by the same goal: to tell stories.”
Visit the Hyundai Philippines website to view the Hyundai TUCSON, SANTA FE, and the all-new KONA Hybrid vehicles; visit Hyundai Philippines on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.
