It’s 2022 and Filipino representation is at an all-time high in the music industry. Whether it’s Filipinos winning big at the GRAMMYs or a Filipino-American playing an iconic Disney princess, influence is everywhere for the next generation of talented Filipino creators to be inspired and empowered to follow their dreams in the entertainment world. In honor of Filipino American History Month, we are introducing five artists that you should add to your favorite playlists.
Zacari
You might recognize Zacari as the secondary voice from Kendrick Lamar’s “Love” single from the rapper’s classic DAMN. album. The Bakersfield, California native is currently signed to Top Dawg Entertainment and has released other dope tracks with BLXST, Isaiah Rashad, SiR, and more! Check out some of his essential releases below and follow him on Instagram here.
Pressa
Pressa is a half-Filipino/half-Jamaican rapper from Toronto who has been buzzing in Canada since 2017. The Sony Records artist has major cosigns from some of the biggest names in the region, such as Tory Lanez, The Weeknd, and Drake. Pressa has even been invited by Drizzy to be an opening act on a world tour. Check out some of his essential releases below and follow him on Instagram here.
Maliibu Miitch
Maliibu Miitch is a rapper of African American, Vietnamese, and Filipino descent. She was born in Charlotte, North Carolina and raised in the Bronx, NYC. The femcee has been in the music industry since 2011, having record deals in the past with Ruff Ryders, Island Records, and Atlantic Records. Maliibu Miitch often pays homage to her Asian roots in her photoshoots and music videos. Check out some of her essential releases below and follow her on Instagram here.
CEE1K
CEE1K is a Filipino artist from Queens, NYC. The singer has been making waves due to his ear for catchy melodies and his relevant heartfelt records that hit close to home for fans. Since launching his YouTube last year, he has quickly gained approximately 4M views on just 7 music videos. Check out some of his essential releases below and follow him on Instagram here.
Kajo
Kajo is a Filipino artist from Los Angeles. The multitalented act is most known for his production and songwriting work with Logic behind the scenes. Now, the experimental musician is releasing his own music under Logic’s Bobby Boy Records/Def Jam Recordings. Not much information can be found about the genre-blending act online, but his honest coming-of-age inspired music speaks for itself. Check out some of his essential releases below and follow him on Instagram here.
Celebrate FAHM by rediscovering the birth of Filipino cuisine and entertainment. The Space & Time Filipino Night Market is ready to bring you an unforgettable celebration of Filipino culture on October 27th. Held at The Space LV, the night market invites all ages to enjoy diverse Filipino cuisine, learn about Filipino traditions, and celebrate Filipino-American history.
Attendees will travel back to the islands with a carefully curated all-inclusive food tasting menu (while supplies last!) and a specialty cocktail bar inspired by the history of the Philippines, from Pre-Colonial to Chinese, Spanish and American. Featured vendors include Milkfish Bakeshop, Tasteful Affairs, Café de Manila, Kuya’s Manila BBQ and Istorya.
The event will also bring the best of old school and up-and-coming Filipino and Filipino-American music, with headliners Larrenwong, Innerlude, Chels Fuego and Nievera performing, as well as local artists and dance groups from the Vegas Strip and beyond. There's tickets available for any budget and students get a special GA pricing!
For tickets, visit bit.ly/spaceandtimenightmarket or the official Facebook event page:
The last spotlight for FAHM is no other than Anthony Schlander, Found and CEO of Anthony Presents. The event production company has been putting together themed events all over the Bay Area and putting San Francisco on the map. Name an artist or celeb and Anthony Presents has probably covered the event. Let's get to know more about the person behind the firm creating some of the best events.
1. Anthony Schlander is Bay Area proud
Anthony Presents’ mission is to unite the many aspects that make the Bay Area a world-class cultural destination. Each event is a physical manifestation of this union in the form of a celebration. Through the partnerships with local businesses and venues, he likes to take advantage of his city and show clients what they're missing in San Francisco.
2. He's a veteran in the event industry
Anthony's had more than a decade of entrepreneurial & corporate experience as an Event Planner. His mission includes providing the finest entertainment by restyling, adding sophistication and elevating San Francisco celebrations. Not only is the CEO of his own company, Anthony Present, he also serves as Program Director with Francisco Event Production firm and is the Founder of Tonic Live Entertainment (toniclive.com), as an Independent Contractor with numerous San Francisco clubs, restaurants and lounges.
3. Anthony produces events for all kinds of celebrations
Him and his team specializes in everything from themed events, company gatherings, trade shows, and more for any kind of crowd ranging from an intimate gathering to a guest list of 1500+ people. Some of his more known clientele includes names like Justin Bieber, Drake, Steph Curry, Wiz Khalifa, G-Eazy, Kehlani, Miguel, ASAP Rocky & more.
4. Catch him and Anthony Presents in MYX Global's series, Making It in America.
Stay tuned to see a lot more of Anthony's story in the upcoming docu-series episode where he'll talk about surviving the pandemic when everything shut down, especially events. See how he and his team pushed through and came back stronger than ever.
ABOUT ANTHONY PRESENTS:
With more than a decade of entrepreneurial & corporate experience as an Event Planner, San Francisco-based Anthony Schlander is the Founder & CEO of Anthony Presents. His firm specializes in themed events, company gatherings, corporate team building, incentive travel services, on-site & off-site meetings, business trade shows, fashion galas and talent showcases. Anthony also offers packages for bachelor & bachelorette parties, birthdays and graduations. He has produced events with artists/celebs like but not limited to Justin Bieber, Drake, Steph Curry, Wiz Khalifa, G-Eazy, Kehlani, Miguel, ASAP Rocky & more.
Anthony Presents’ mission is to provide the finest entertainment by restyling, adding sophistication and elevating San Francisco celebrations. He regularly partners with other businesses and venue owners to assist in developing world-class performers who are not currently taking advantage of opportunities in the San Francisco marketplace.
He also serves as Program Director with Francisco Event Production firm and is the Founder of Tonic Live Entertainment (toniclive.com), as an Independent Contractor with numerous San Francisco clubs, restaurants and lounges.
Cover Photo Credit: Anthony Presents Facebook
We love when creatives collide and show each other their craft. Recently, Paradise Rising artist Ylona Garcia collaborated with parent label 88rising for Filipino-American History Month for a fun cooking lesson. Yes, we know Ylo is Aussie, but she couldn't pass up the opportunity to cook with Yamashiro Head Chef in Hollywood, Chef Vallerie. We all wish we could have an exclusive lesson with Chef Val on adobo 101.
Ylo's vlog gives us extra content and takes us behind the scenes at Yamashiro. Chef Val and her whip up a Filipino classic dish, adobo but they added a little twist by using ribs and pineapple juice. They make the semi-traditional dish with no other than it's partner in crime, some good old fashion white rice. And of course, Ylo and Chef Val measured the rice and water using their fingers as precise measurements.
Chef Val shared that all her recipes come from her grandfather. They had a pig farm in the Philippines and after closing their bakery, Chef Val's family would get to cooking Filipino pork recipes. She challenges Ylo to cook the adobo dish herself and we definitely feel her anxiousness. As Ylo said, it's like having your parents watching your every move when you're cooking because in Filipino culture, food is life. Ylo didn't disappoint though, her pork BBQ adobo looked so tasty and it's Chef Val approved because it's the first time she's combined ribs and pineapple juice now known as Ylo ribs.
After finishing up delicious meal, Ylo headed to Vista Hermosa Natural Park for location number two. She sings a couple songs like her single, "Don't Go Changing." Finally, Ylo answer what FAHM means to her. "It [Filipino-American History Month] means acknowledging who we are which is the best feeling in the world." To catch more BTS and the series, make sure to follow Ylo on social!
Cover Photo Credit: Ylona Garcia Twitter
We're down to one of our last profiles for FAHM, yes we know. We don't want it to end either. But we have a great spotlight for you, Byron Atienza, Global Creative VP at Capitol Records. He wears many hats as he describes himself as a director, producer, and photographer based in Los Angeles. He thrives on serving his audience and clients with compelling visual content that shows off his unique style and creativity. Check out more about Byron Atienza in this spotlight feature!
1. Creativity and business runs deep with Byron
As a son of an acrylics and oil painter and a business woman, creativity and understanding logistics is in Byron's blood. From working in different industries and around the world like South Africa, Mexico City, and the Philippines, Byron runs on creating art through video and photography.
2. His background and experience in creativity industries drives his unique style
Byron's background spans in film, music, and the tech industry. He says, "I’m in touch with forward-thinking ideas, connect well with dynamic personalities, and characterized with explosive creativity." He's shot campaigns for Nike, Jameson, and VICE with fashion films debuting on Vogue, L'officiel, and Flaunt.
3. Byron's worked with artists like Paul McCartney
Before becoming Global Creative VP at Capitol Records, Byron previously ran the creative direction at Spotify Studios. From there, he's worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Halsey, Chris Brown, Queens of the Stone Age, and ASAP Rocky. Recently, him and Phil “SACBxY” Tayag from Jabbacwockeez took creative control on Paul McCartney's remixed song, “Find My Way” from the album, McCartney III Imagined featuring Beck.
"One of the best parts of this entire video production was that Filipino-Americans were behind the creative. I knew that if I ever was in a place of agency, I would open the door for other Pinoy creatives to shine. For this one, it was Phil Tayag, who with his star studded resume, gave young Paul his groovy moves."
BYRON ATIENZA ON PAUL MCCARTNEY'S "FIND MY WAY"
Cover Photo Credit: Byron Atienza Facebook
October is almost over and that means Filipino American History Month is rounding out as well, but that doesn't mean we can't keep on celebrating us. However for now, let's dive in with these last couple of FAHM Spotlight features. If you've seen the Netflix hit, Bling Empire and binged in basically a day, did you know the mind behind the show is Fil-Am Brandon Panaligan.
1. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Brandon keeps his Filipino roots close
Brandon looks forward to spending more time in Manila when he can travel back. It's been years since the first time he visited the Philippines. He remembered taking a side trip to Manila and meeting his dad there while filming Shahs of Sunset in Thailand. After traveling throughout Luzon, he now wants to see Palawan and hang out at some of the best beaches with his family.
2. Brandon enjoys his Filipino food, especially halo-halo
Listing off some of his favorite foods, Brandon is definitely a foodie! You can't visit the Philippines without trying some of the most amazing food. He shared that he loves Filipino food like crispy pata, sinigang and anything with ube. Maybe he can link up with some of our favorite ube spots in LA. However he says his all time favorite is halo-halo. Same here!
3. Before becoming the Executive Producer and show runner of Bling Empire, Brandon worked in the music and film industry
According to an interview with Metro Style, Brandon worked with big names like Madonna and he always had a talent for storytelling. The passion for documentaries led him to taking on reality series. With the boom of reality tv, it was only natural for him to take on a new challenge of storytelling. He looked to increasing representation on television and he's definitely doing that.
4. Bling Empire isn't the first reality series, he's produced
You've definitely seen some of the other shows Brandon has produced. Does Million Dollar Listing New York, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and Big Rich Texas sound familiar? Yes, he's also produced those too. He's also taken space in the Netflix world with Made in Mexico and DeafU.
5. With Bling Empire, show creator Jeff Jenkins wanted an all-Asian cast and crew off and on camera
With Jeff Jenkins wanting to bring an all-Asian cast and crew, Brandon's Fil-Am heritage helped in his role as executive producer. The series may seem like it's all glitz and glam, but Brandon intended to share the "entire spectrum of life" and everything in between about the cast's families and lifestyle. He tells viewers "don't get distracted by the diamonds.” He wanted to tell an honest story and make sure he represents everyone as a full person.
Cover Photo Credit: IMDB
Rona Mercado is our next spotlight feature this week for FAHM. As a Chief Marketing Officer at Cashmere, a marketing agency, she's gained 20 years of experience in her field and created countless of campaigns. She was recently recognized by AdAge in their Women to Watch in 2020 and this year, she is a Campaign US 2021 Championing Change Female Frontier Honoree for her contributions in the industry. Let's get to know more about Rona Mercado.
1. Rona helped launch the Nice Sweater division at Cashmere
According to PR Newswire, she oversaw the launch of Nice Sweater, a digital events division. With everything that happened during the pandemic moving all events digitally, the division focused on altering the way brands connected with consumers by taking client experiences virtually. They'll be giving the experience of in-person events, parties, and performances in a virtual setting.
2. She began her career in the music industry
As Rona will lead the marketing, advertising and strategic communications initiatives for the organization's brand as CMO, Rona will be focusing on client health and growth. Before her time at Cashmere, Rona began a career in the music industry working with notable artists like: Snoop Dogg, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Jadakiss, Wu-Tang Clan and Mos Def. During that time, she also created and produced a SIRIUS XM show and managed a DJ collective.
3. The San Diego native also lends her time as an advisor to organizations
From her hometown to graduating from CSU Long Beach, she's a SoCal resident through and through. Rona sits on the board of directors of Street Poets, a Los Angeles non-profit organization that helps at-risk-youth connect with their authentic selves through poetry and art. She is also on the Advisory Council for Orthopedic Institute for Children.
4. She was the first employee at Cashmere
"When I joined the agency, the first employee, the vision was to become the go-to agency for brand and entertainment clients...Now we're a mid-size agency made up of 75 percent people of color and 55 percent women. There's a high demand for our knowledge and expertise that's socially-driven and deeply rooted in culture. That's why we're working with some of the biggest brands in the world and we look forward to continuing that growth in 2021," Rona tells PR Newswire.
5. She really maintains a work-life balance
Outside of work, Rona enjoys riding her bike, indulging in amazing eats, finding the best coffee roasts in town and spending time with family. She also owns a very impressive collection of signed vinyl records and hip-hop memorabilia, spanning from Eric B. & Rakim to Kanye West.
Rona Mercado is definitely someone to look up. We are excited to see what else is in store for her and her team over at Cashmere.
Cover Photo Credit: Cashmere Agency
We're halfway through FAHM and we're not slowing down with these spotlight profiles. This week, we're kicking off with Cassidy Hubbarth who you may have seen on TV and online as an ESPN Anchor and Host. You've seen her frequently on televised NBA games as a sideline reporter chatting with players and coaches during timeouts, halftimes, and post-game. Lets get to know her more with these facts.
1. Cassidy Hubbarth is of Filipino and European descent
The Illinois native is of Filipino descent from her mother's side and German and Irish descent from her father's side. In high school, Cassidy was a three sport athlete for four years and part of the 2002 ETHS State Championship high school soccer team. One of the coolest anchors is also one of the biggest Chicago Bulls fan.
2. She began her career in news before becoming a sports anchor
After graduating from Northwestern University with a degree in Journalism, Cassidy became a traffic reporter and producer for WMAQ NBC5 Network in Chicago. From there, she entered the sports industry and became a host and reporter for the Big Ten Network and Fox Sports South, where she won a Southeast Emmy for Interactivity for her work on SEC Gridiron Live.
3. Cassidy now serves as a full-time reporter for different ESPN outlets
Before covering ESPN NBA games as a full-time sideline reporter throughout the regular and playoff seasons, Cassidy also was a regular host for college football and WNBA studio host for ESPN and ABC. When she's not an in-game reporter, she also lead ESPN's digital show, Hoop Streams which is a pre-game analysis and preview to upcoming NBA games. Other shows Cassidy is also involved in includes: Get Up, SportsCenter, First Take, The Jump, and NBA Countdown.
4. Cassidy was grinding during the NBA bubble as an anchor
Even the sports world was put on pause and later resumed within a secured environment last NBA season because of the pandemic. However, when the NBA bubble became a successful alternative to a regular season, Cassidy was in the midst of it all as one of the few reporters invited to anchor. She recorded her experience through an Instagram vlog called, Bubble Diary where she talked about the bubble, historical moments that happened on and off the court, and how the NBA created a whole new game.
5. Cassidy chatted with Jordan Clarkson about the Yum Yum Food Truck
She isn't one to shy away from topics other than sports. In an episode of Hoop Streams, Cassidy shed light on the actions of Jordan Clarkson and how he helped the Utah food truck, Yum Yum Food Truck get back on its feet. Cassidy spoke up that even if these racial attacks are no longer making headline news, it's still important to talk about how it's happening. She continues to hope that more people will keep paying attention and do their part to help others.
Catch her on ESPN and its various outlets!
Cover Photo Credit: Cassidy Hubbarth Facebook
San Francisco native Adrian Per is a self-taught music video director, photographer, DJ, and production company co-owner of Lumpia Watermelon. Beginning with producing his own music videos, he transformed into the go-to collaborator for some of your favorite mainstream artists. Lets get to know this multi-hypenated creative!
1. Adrian Per began producing his own videos at 19.
This film director has a speciality in creating music videos. While he started working with artists locally in the Bay Area, Adrian turned into a popular up and coming director. The visual content he creates focuses on storytelling told the proper way.
2. He made the move from the Bay to LA by 2018 to expand opportunities
As an on-demand director in the Bay, Adrian felt he reached his potential and decided to make the big move to Los Angeles. The move allowed him to continue growing in his craft and learning from some of the best in the industry. Then in 2015, he took his career to the next step and launched a full service video production and post production company called Lumpia Watermelon in Los Angeles.
3. Adrian was the photographer for Lil Nas X's iconic pregnancy photos
In addition to being a director, he takes dope photos too! We've all seen Lil Nas X's iconic pregnancy photos for People Magazine for the release of his album, Montero. The photos are gorgeous and literally sent everyone into a frenzy. Adrian also worked on the promo video where Lil Nas X gave birth.
4. He's worked with so many different artists: E-40, P-Lo, The Kid LAORI, Tyga, G-Eazy, Megan Thee Stallion, Kehlani, and more!
Name an artist and Adrian Per has probably worked with them. He's even worked with the legend Scottie Pippen! You just have to see his resume as you've probably seen his work and didn't even know!
5. Catch Adrian and friends in a new podcast Brick x Brick Podcast
While guesting on the @creative_ambiance podcast and getting real on the episode with @leviozzy, he drops a surprise. Adrian is working on his own podcast show, @brickxbrickpodcast hosted by him and some of his very cool friends. We can only guess who'll be guesting as he's worked with amazing people from the industry. You'll want to give the account a follow as he'll for sure be dropping more news soon!
Adrian Per is a self-taught music video director, photographer, DJ, and production company co-owner. Born and raised in San Francisco he began his journey in the entertainment industry by producing his own music videos at the age of 19. These videos caught the attention of his friends, childhood icons, and local artists in which they hired him to direct their music videos. He spent the next few years developing his skills and experience and becoming one of the top music video directors and photographers in the Bay Area.
By 2018, he had directed countless videos and realized he had reached his potential in the Bay Area. So he made the move to Los Angeles in order for him to continue growing and learning from the best in the industry. Since then, he co-founded a full service video production and post production company in 2015 called Lumpia Watermelon based in Los Angeles. Under Lumpia Watermelon, he has had the opportunity to work with more notable mainstream artists such as: Lil Nas X, The Kid Laroi, Polo G, Tyga, 24kGoldn, Megan Thee Stallion, O.T Genasis, Kehlani, G-Eazy, and more.
Cover Photo Credit: Adrian Per
Xoom, a PayPal Service, invites you to join them on Wednesday, October 21 at 3PM PT for a special webinar just in time for Filipino American History Month. Featuring a special performance by AJ Rafael, join panelists Wil Dasovich, Berna Anat, and Ferdinand Tan as they talk about ‘ber months, balikbayan boxes and more!
This will be a warm and engaging conversation about how to save money during the holiday season, and unique ways to feel connected with loved ones while we are miles apart.
To register, visit this LINK. Once you've registered, you'll immediately receive details on how to attend. Feel free to share this invite to anyone who might be interested.
