Different strokes, different folks

MANILA, Philippines - Doom and gloom seem to be the tempo of our times. Between a dwindling economy and the continued popularity of Kim Kardashian, it’s hard not to feel hopeless, especially when you’re a kid grappling with post-adolescence and the prospect of graduating into underemployment.

Here at Young Star, we’ve always valued the urgency of young people in pursuing their passions. This generation isn’t so much about following the safe, stable path into 9-to-5 jobs and Jollijeep lunches. There’s a willingness to take risks, a willingness to carve out their own niches, even if they have to fight tooth and nail to do that.

So when Ray-Ban approached us with a concept to shoot some young people leaving their marks on their respective fields, in a twist on their global elevator campaign, we didn’t think twice. Upwardly-mobile youth literally moving upwardly in our kind of flash and fluff (literally) shoot? Dream shoot scenario.

First up was an old Young Star favorite  with a new guy in tow. Saab Magalona was in the first batch of our “Fresh Produce” feature, way back in the reboot’s first issue. Since then, she’s moved from blogging and the indie scene to stake her claim on showbiz, by way of shows like Koreana. More impressive is her ability to move between the two worlds  screaming her lungs out with a beer in hand at indie music fest Meiday, when she isn’t lounging around in Republiq. The guy in question, of course, is Jim Bacarro, vocalist of band Ernville. 2011 proved to be the band’s breakthrough year as their songs scaled the upper reaches of the Myx charts.

Meanwhile, the other two girls on our list, Bea Vega and Patricia Prieto, couldn’t be more different. Bea is a young surfer who came with great recommendations from Philippine Surfing Academy’s Paolo Soler. Patricia, on the other hand, is a style blogger who, when not doing brand ambassador duties for Forever 21, styles for some artistas.

A round-up of bright young things wouldn’t be complete without Mike Concepcion though, by now a staple of this sort of list. His inclusion is especially relevant this year, coming off the twin successes of Greater Good and his new endeavor, the katsu place Yabu, which he helps run.

Saab Magalona, 23, blogger/actress/DJ

I started doing what I do when I got bored. I didn’t have many friends in school so I had to keep myself entertained.

The one thing I want to change about my industry is the crab mentality. I used to get annoyed when new bloggers would come out of nowhere but I remember exploring other fields myself and I really don’t want to be like the snobby directors who tried to discourage my filmmaking.

I break the mold because not everything is for everyone but it’s not my fault I’m awesome at all that I do… See, I’ve got a dry sense of humor, too.

The future is fashionably late. It involves a lot of waiting but when it comes it will be gorgeous.

Jim Bacarro, 23, vocalist of Ernville

I started doing what I do when I was seven. I started performing in a band in high school but I was making and playing music before that.

The one thing I want to change about my industry is the lack of opportunities given to artists to do thisa for a living  and a comfortable one at that. 

I break the mold because I constantly try to make something different. 

The future is what scares me.

Mike Concepcion, 20, student/entrepreneur

I started doing what I do when I was 17, picked up my first few marketing books and everything just trickled down from there.

The one thing I want to change about my industry is the outlook on local initiatives.

I break the mold because I don’t believe in setting limits.

The future is looking pretty good right now.

Bea Vega, 20, surfer

I started doing what I do when I was a kid, ever since I can remember. I have always been passionate about the sport and have been fascinated with the ocean. I spend countless visits just to surf or chill, whenever I get the chance. There’s nothing more alluring than the thrill I get when I ride a perfect wave.

One thing I want to change about my industry is nothing because nothing else really matters when you’re in the ocean.

I break the mold because it’s all about the feeling I get from riding that perfect glassy wave. I surf because it keeps me alive and there’s nothing like surfing.

The future is unwritten, it’s something we create.

Patricia Prieto, 21, blogger/stylist/clothing brand ambassador

I started doing what I do when I was about 17, and all I had was a Lookbook (http://lookbook.nu/patriciaprieto/). It eventually evolved into me starting a blog.

The one thing I want to change about my industry is the competitiveness. Trust me. This gets messy.

I break the mold because I like to think that I am constantly evolving. I try not to stick to one frame of mind, blogging or fashion-wise, I’m always on the hunt for something different.

The future is inevitable. You’re never certain what’s going to happen but only you can make or break your future.