Boy on TV

MANILA, Philippines - We’re outside of Rockwell Tent where the Young STAR Prom is being held and everybody here is dressed to the nines, true to the event’s alluringly cryptic dress code, prom kla$$y. But the event is, first and foremost, a celebration. Not just of how far the publication has come but also of how promising youth culture is turning out to be, making waves in the fields of art, literature, design, music — you name it.

Chino Lui Pio, the host for YS Prom, is certainly no stranger to success. A veteran Myx VJ and one of the brilliant minds behind UNSCHLD clothing, Chino has maintained a steady career in the business and hosting game, driven not only by passion but by a solid work ethic. Pretty good for a guy who went to his first Myx audition on a whim.

We decided to take the opportunity to ask him a few questions.

YOUNG STAR: How has the Myx gig been so far?

CHINO LUI PIO: It’s been great, actually. I’ve been doing it for almost six years now, and I’m still loving it, up until now. I’ve gone through a lot of activities. There’s been a lot of lineup changes when it comes to the VJs, but I’m still here, so I’m very thankful to the whole Myx team for retaining me because it’s been one hell of a ride.

You’re also one of the geniuses behind UNSCHLD clothing. How did that start out and how’s it been going so far?

It started out, just us four, me and some of my barkada. We were just out of college and we were just planning to do something with our lives. We love fashion, we love streetwear, so we decided to start out our own clothing brand. Just started designing online, put it up, sold it, and people started buying. It’s been going great. I’m really passionate. about the whole UNSCHLD thing. So hopefully it will push through up until we’re old. We’re coming out with fresh, new designs, and everyone should look out for those.

How do you manage to balance the priorities of VJ-ing and running that business?

Well, we’re eight in that business, so we have our own tasks. I handle design and some of us handle marketing and some of us handle the operations. We know what we have to do, we have our deadlines. As long as we get to meet them, we’re good. Of course I try to finish everything first when it comes to Myx and then after that, in my free time, do everything that I need to do for UNSCHLD.

You’ve been making a lot of waves lately in youth culture. What kind of advice would you give to young people like you who want to make a name for themselves?

Just do what you wanna do. Don’t let other people tell you what you should do and what you should be. Whatever you love doing, whatever your passion is, just go for it. Go for broke.

Can we know what your plans are for the rest of 2014?

I have this dream of mine that I’ve been really planning to pursue and hopefully I’ll be able to fulfill it by the end of the 2014. I’m gonna keep it a secret, I don’t wanna reveal anything at this point ‘cause I don’t wanna jinx it. But if ever the project pushes through, Young STAR will be the first to know.

Last question: Do you have a favorite prom memory?

My favorite prom memory was when I was in fourth year, and the parents didn’t allow me to go to the prom, because I was wearing jeans. I just stayed in my room. So my girlfriend back then, she had no choice but to go stag for the night.

Well, it’s her parents’ loss, not yours.

Yes. I’m here. I’m at a better prom right now. (Laughs)