Ready for world domination

MANILA, Philippines - If there’s one thing the Philippines has never had a shortage of, it’s creative talent, and the West is finally starting to sit up and take notice. International talent manager Jed Root is setting up shop right here in Manila, with a Southeast Asian arm called At East | Jed Root. His track record for talent development includes the late and great makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, The Sartorialist Scott Schuman, fashion photographer Michael Thompson, and leading makeup artists like Dick Page and Laura Mercier, to name just a few. He’s putting the Pearl of the Orient back in business as the central hub for talents from key cities like Singapore and Jakarta, “to create a bridge connecting the East to the West and vice versa, with the objective of championing Asian talents worldwide.”

YStyle touched base with At East | Jed Root’s pioneering Philippine roster to get the lowdown on what they’re hoping for now that Jed Root has come to town.

The Photographers

Jason Quibilan

“Initially, my purpose was to get an informed eye to look at my work. After Jed saw my personal art, he felt that applying myself to commercial and fashion still life photography might be a good idea. Jed showed me a side of my photography that I never saw, and I was just happy to go in that direction with him and At East | Jed Root.”

MJ Suayan

“I’m aware of how At East | Jed Root molded the careers of international photographers and other creative artists. Signing with them will bring local and international exposure for my career. It will also be an advantage for us artists to be represented by a good and reputable agency to connect us to clients here and abroad.”

Johann Bona

“After joining the agency, I’m hoping to have guidance in honing my strengths and working on my weaknesses; bringing out the best of my potential in order to penetrate the international arena.”

Mark Nicdao

“I know with hard work and luck At East | Jed Root can bring me to shoot more in the Asian and European region. It’s been a dream for the longest time but now, slowly, with his help I can wake up and make it a reality. My dream is to shoot a major campaign for a big fashion house. Shoot for Vogue Paris, Vogue Italia. Número, L’Officiel.“

Shaira Luna

“I’ve been on my own for such a long time, since I started, and from experience it’s oftentimes hard to concentrate on work and ideas when I’m forced to think about the business side of it! I feel that being with At East | Jed Root will allow me greater freedom, and more importantly, provide even nicer opportunities to keep creating as well.”

Mau Mauricio

“It’s almost every artist’s dream to be represented, and definitely a no-brainer to be represented by one of the pioneers in the industry, Mr. Jed Root himself. Mentorship, creativity, unfiltered opinion of work, and input on how I can improve on my weaknesses as an artist are some of the things I’m expecting to get from the team.”

Samantha Lee

“A good relationship is finding a partner you can grow with and that’s what At East | Jed Root is for me — I’m going through a somewhat transitional time of my life right now, taking my master's and trying my luck in another country, and I feel like At East will be able to help me grow and change into the kind of director I want to be. I’ve never believed in being complacent and I’ve found the perfect people to say ‘Yes, you’re good but this is how much better you can be.’”

Edric Chen

“I have always risked a lot when it comes to photography, many times to the detriment of commercial success. I believe At East | Jed Root will help me find the right balance between staying true to my voice and sustaining a career.”

BJ Pascual

“I signed because I know it will be good for the creatives in the country to professionalize the industry as a whole. I’m hoping that the agency will push Filipino talent towards a more global market.”

The Stylists

Patrick Galang

“At East | Jed Root will bring me a new connection to the world. I always believe that Filipinos, who embrace both domestic and international cultures, can aspire and transcend global fashion.” 

Daryl Chang

“At East | Jed Root recognizes styling as a profession and it will redefine and set benchmarks on how the business of behind-the-fashion will be run. It will bring my career to international standards and a more global fashion reach. My dream project is working with anything that involves Phoebe Philo, Nicolas Ghesquière, Alexander Wang and Vogue.” 

Pam Quinones

“I think it will professionalize the creative industry in the country at the very least. That itself is reason enough. It will create a structure of profession, a higher standard in quality of work and push us to do and be better.”

Suki Salvador

“I was thrilled with the idea that Filipino creatives were finally going to be represented professionally both locally and internationally. I truly feel that the Filipino point-of-view is global and we’ve been ready to be seen beyond the Philippines.”

Angela Alarcon

“This is a huge step in a positive direction for the Philippine creative industry. I feel so honored to be part of the pioneer roster. Despite our limited resources, Jed Root was impressed with our work and that goes to show how much potential we have and it’s about time for the rest of the world to see it as well. 
I hope to learn, expand, and create more with the help of the agency.”

The Beauty Team

Borge Aloba

“I’m looking forward to how the agency will bring the whole industry to a new level of professionalism.”

Amanda Padilla

“I’m really excited that At East | Jed Root is finally here in Manila because I think it will revolutionize the business for makeup artists, hairstylists, etc. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this industry because things are booming, there’s so much work and opportunity available. We are, however, fairly young and there is lots of room to professionalize things. For me, personally, I feel like it will open so many doors for my career.”

Cats del Rosario

“I’ve always been quiet in the industry and never marketed myself because I felt that my work should always just speak volumes of my craft and my professionalism. Now that the agency is representing me, it validates my existence as a professional hairstylist and makeup artist here in the Philippines and now internationally.”

Xeng Zulueta

“At East | Jed Root has elevated our profession by making us, the behind-the-scenes people, equally important as the celebrity. The agency puts each of our creative genius in the spotlight. I’m hoping they can take me places where my creativity can thrive, grow and be lauded.” 


Celeste Tuviera

“Signing with At East | Jed Root means opening my doors to endless possibilities, not only for my creative talent as a hairdresser but for exploring new territories that will make me learn more, and in effect, grow more. With Jed Root’s success in managing creative talent, I hope to learn tons from him and take all that to reach higher heights in my career as a hairdresser.”

Mark Familara

“At East | Jed Root is a known agency with international exposure. With their expertise and good reputation, they will definitely elevate and package my career for the next level, in which I envision having the opportunity for international collaboration with other international artists.”

Omar Ermita

“For several years, Jed Root’s website has always been one of my go-to pages for inspiration. So when things fell into place, how could I not give it a go? I’m hoping that it will open more doors and career opportunities both here and internationally.”