eksyus me! pilipino ka ba?
eksyus me! pilipino ka ba?
(excuse me! are you filipino?)
“pilipino ka ba?” is a series of man-on-the-street style interviews in search of everyday Filipinos doing remarkable work moving culture forward.
What does it mean to be Filipino? This question, though simply stated, can be layered. It can create division. It can be charged with nuances and riddled with stereotypes. It can be difficult but it can also be simple.
My good friend Alexa once wrote, "there simple is no one way to be Filipino because being Filipino fundamentally means being many things at once." She's right. And this series explores the exact idea that although our experiences might feel like worlds apart, there are common themes that can connect us together to build a better future.
In every video, I start with the same question, only as an ice breaker, to open up a world that even those that aren't Filipino can also connect with and understand.
all episodes
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The former VSCO girlie and Spotify marketing wiz that just started Kasama, a ceramics and woodworking studio, with her husband. In Anna’s episode, I got to spend time with her at Clayground in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, where we talked about her experience helping bring on the millions of podcasts and audio books at Spotify along with what she’s learned juggling many different jobs in NYC.
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A former club kid turned make up artist who’s been in the game for more than two decades. Mark and I got to spend some time together while he bleached eyebrows and prepped for a shoot. We talked about how he got started with make up, the legends he looks up to (and has worked with), and his colorful experience in fashion.
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A former Bay Area software engineer turned full time visual artist that found her calling through art. Andrea and I got to talk about why she took the leap of becoming a full time artist and the importance of doing something crazy – all while painting my pup and me!
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The bright and colorful baking sensation behind "Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed" Born out of the pandemic, her debut book, "Mayumu" recounts Abi’s recipes that blend traditional Filipino flavors with Western baking while speaking on her experiences as a Filipino-American.
"Mayumu" was named one of The New York Times’ Best Cookbooks of 2023 and won her the 2024 James Beard Award for Emerging Voice — one of the highest culinary honors in the US and an award that only 7 Filipinos hold.
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The badass bike messenger turned tattooer known for her no fuss traditional works of art.
The main theme of her tattooing career: learning.
From knowing how to say no to work that doesn’t align to understanding that building a community around you can help you excel in your craft, Tron’s 15+ years of experience are a result of her constant learning about the art of tattoos, the people that she’s met along the way, and the rules that you have to understand in order to break.
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The dynamic duo behind Oh So Easy! the first globally inspired baking mix brand in the United States.
One of the hardest things they’ve encountered so far as business owners? Their co-manufacturer bailing on them a month before their initial production run. Crazy!
Their tenacity, ability to think on their feet, and clear abundance of love and care for their product are the key elements that make them outstanding businesses owners. I am truly inspired and in awe of what these women have accomplished in a matter of two years.
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The head chef and owner of Little Chef Little Cafe, a quaint scratch kitchen in Long Island City serving sweet and savory comfort food with sprinkles of Filipino-American flair.
From navigating a new business during the pandemic to kicking off her first restaurant week, Diana’s passion for food and feeding those around her is the foundation that keeps this little cafe in her community’s heart.
The best thing I’ve taken from my afternoon with Diana? I mean, apart from my Caldereta Sloppy Joe and Brookie food baby? Her valuable advice on how to start your own business. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
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A freelance portrait and wedding photographer (@lovevioletarose) who co-runs @femmefoto.co, a NYC-based organization focused on cultivating a network of female, trans and nonbinary photographers.
Taking photos for over a decade, Caitlyn’s biggest lesson is something that I follow myself in this journey of putting work out there. Keep shooting, keep producing. The more you do the craft that you’re passionate about, the more you learn about yourself and how to excel in what you do.
Her advice? Build a community. From teaching you techniques in your work and helping you with starting out your career, community is paramount to your success.
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One of the Co-Founders and Chief of Product at Dieux (@dieuxskin), the highly coveted clinical skincare brand powered by science, transparency and ethical values that’s paving the way for a new generation in beauty.
As a L’Oréal alum and a comestic chemist for more than decade, Joyce started Dieux with partner, Charlotte Palermino, who was able to put into words the magic behind her "mad scientist."
Joyce’s proudest moment in her career, apart from the success of their skincare brand known for it’s efficacy, is the fact that she’s inspiring a new generation of Filipinos that didn’t realize that her path, running a skincare empire, is something that is also possible for them too.
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The legendary Clint Ramos (@clintramos), whose breadth of work spans across multiple roles, building worlds and telling captivating stories through art and design.
I caught him at The Metropolitan Opera where he is designing the costumes for "Tristan und Isolde."
Currently serving as the Visual Director for Lincoln Center’s (@lincolncenter) Summer for the City along with being their Artist-in-Residence, Clint is also the the Artistic Director of Theatre Group Asia (@theatregroupasia).
Among his numerous accolades, Clint has designed over 250 shows across theater, opera and dance.
In 2016, he made history by becoming the first person of color to win a TONY for Best Costume Design in a Play, for Eclipsed.
His humility, kindness, and advocacy is an inspiration for artists looking to make a difference in the world and I consider myself to be the luckiest person to have met him.
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The duo behind the upcoming queer Filipino wine bar, Beautiful Eyes (@beautifuleyesnyc).
Miguel, who was awarded the inaugural Michelin Sommelier of the Year in 2021 and a James Beard Foundation Media Award for Personal Essay in 2022, will head its wine program while LJ will direct its kitchen. Once opened, Beautiful Eyes would be the first wine bar of its kind in the United States.
Both NYC hospitality veterans, the pair met about two years ago and conceptualized the idea for Beautiful Eyes on the premise of being selfishly Filipino. From following the foundations of Sutukil (Sugba-Tuwa/Tula-Kilaw/Kinilaw) in their cooking, to cultivating dedicated wine pairings for its food, Beautiful Eyes is a bold reminder that Filipino cuisine doesn’t need elevation, it needs care and imagination.
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A multifaceted hair and makeup veteran who has been in the industry for nearly three decades.
Leslie’s journey started serendipitously. Originally looking to work in costume design, she fell in love with her craft after volunteering behind the scenes with her soon to be mentor.
After years of working as an artist in the Philippines, Leslie almost left the business behind until she won the 2019 Broadway World Philippines award for Best Hair and Makeup Design for her work in "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical." Now she’s breaking ground by becoming the first Head of Hair and Makeup at The Public Theater (@publictheaterny).
move our culture forward
Did you know that Filipinos are the third-largest Asian population in the US; accounting for approximately 19% of the country's Asian population? Filipinos are everywhere. So that's where I need to be.
I'm currently raising funds to develop the series outside of New York City. From venturing all across the country to getting better equipment to film to hiring extra hands on location, any support that you can provide will go a very long way.
donate via any of apps below to avoid additional fees:
Venmo: @janvincentgonzales
CashApp: $janvincentgonzales
PayPal: jv@janvincentgonzales.com