Photography: Valeur Imagery by Muke Gonzaga and John Kirby Do Model: Alfio Schmidt Styling by Ryan Hinayhinay Swimwear undies by Cyrix Muyco Location: Boracay Philippines

Words by: Mariel Abanes “I said yes right away.” It was a no-brainer for Jake Cuenca, TV and movie actor, to return to the theater stage for the second time around, following his debut success in the 2018 project “Lungs”. More so for such an unconventional play bringing life to a provocative, non-typical character that represents a “stereotypical male”, as he describes it. “I attract these kinds of projects because I want to do and be part of these things. Parang not the typical, not your cup of tea—the alternative choice,” he shares on accepting the role of Pete, a pornstar, for V-Roll Media Ventures’ upcoming theatrical production “DickTalk”. After portraying a closeted gay in his most recent film “My Father, Myself”, the actor will momentarily step out of the screen to make a mark again on the theater stage. The play, inspired by the 1996 piece “Vagina Monologues”, flips the coin for this local all-male version that promises to roll out a narrative normalizing how people look and accept the concept of the male genitalia. Dubbed as a “dickstravaganza”, it celebrates the significance of males’ manhood in everyday life. Jake, along with fellow cast members Mikoy Morales, Gold Aceron, Archie Adamos, and Nil Nodalo, are in for a ride as they present five Filipino characters and their hitch that comes with having a “manhood” to front. Jake As Pete, Pete As Jake We are used to seeing this heartthrob on our big and small screens, but it was only in 2018 when he first stepped foot on the theater stage that we saw his acting flair in plays. Fast forward to five years later, he makes his comeback for another challenging concept—where he dares himself to bare it all. While his character is a pornstar, he believes that it isn’t very far from what he does as a star who’s always in the spotlight. Somehow, he spills, this role is a relatable one as they share a common expression. “As an artist, I can equate what he goes through-- about certain insecurities and certain things—and what's going through in his career with a facet or phase of mine,” Jake reveals. Pete, proud of his sexuality and the lifestyle that comes with it, wears toxic masculinity on his sleeve. And while he may think of it as an advantage in such a male-dominated society, this exactly is where he will fall short. Jake muses, “It’s a stereotypical thing if you look at it from the outside. But as his story unravels, you see na maaawa ka sa kanya, because he doesn't know any better.” After reading through the script, the actor is stirred with excitement as rehearsals come into play. Of course, the story will tackle the righteousness and faults of men as humans with the male genitalia, but it aims to peel more of the layers beyond the decisions caused by the struck ego of a dick-tating (pun intended) part of a man’s anatomy. He remembers the era when male toxicity is at its height and applies that kind of mindset to play Pete. Thus, personifying a role founded on “what they are accustomed to or they're conditioned with,” the thespian says. “It's what I'm trying to inject in my character.” After all, he sees the theater stage as a platform for voicing out people’s truths. “We live in a time na people are so very careful with what they say and being judged. But here, we don't have to be censored. We can actually speak things out. A lot of people will relate to the material,” Jake notes. Throughout its two-hour run, the audience will see how Pete is a lovable character in his own right, just like he did. “I’m sure it’s gonna be very memorable,” Jake adds. A Stage Actor If you ask Jake why he gravitates towards the theater stage, it’s the unique challenge it offers that gets him on his toes. Maintaining his “newbie” status in this field, the artist insists that he still has a lot to show. “It's something that I need to prove not only to the audience, but also to myself as an actor.” It’s also a different kind of high when he acts in the play, putting it as “having that full control as an actor”. Being on the driver’s seat, having that command on the character everytime the spotlight is on, offers that fulfillment that movies or teleseryes fail to suffice. “Once you experience it, you realize that it's an actor's medium. For me, I get to go outside of my comfort zone and conquer my fears,” he asserts. He continues. “That’s why I keep going back to it, kasi it's always very humbling; it’s always the best teacher. Every time I go back to theater, I feel like I've unlocked something with myself. Parang wala na akong reluctancy.” It’s this affection towards this new craft that rejuvenates him, something he knows he should get more of. Starting 2023 with a bang through this production, it seems like he won’t leave even after the “DickTalk” curtains close. Following this project, Jake had already said yes to another stage play—so we’ll all see him put his act together this coming July. Indeed, it’s a new era for the actor, and we’re all ready to embrace “Jake, The Thespian” in all his impressive glory. Producer: Matt Pingkian and Stephen Capuchino Photo: Stephen Capuchino @stephencapuchino using TTArtisan 35mm f1.4 for Sony E-Mount Systems @ttartisanofficial Art Direction: Jobo Nacpil @jobonacpil Grooming: Jia Enciso Catu @jiagorgeous

What is Art for you? Art - is the meaning of my life. It is a way to express my style, mood and ambitions. What makes a good artist in this generation? Making people feel something, when they look at their work. A nice piece of art can bring you good memories, inspire you to try new projects, and raise your spirit. Basic info (name, age, where are you based, school or photography training, awards and achievements or anything related to photography etc..) Nastya Polehyna. Based in Odessa, Ukraine I am self taught My achievements, well: twice I became the best photographer in competition in Odessa. And lots of random people in the Internet write me how they like my editorials and thank me for the inspiration (that's the most pleasant part) Tell us how you got into photography. When did your interest in photography start? I adored fashion from early childhood. I was blogging fashion editorials for a while and as I am very ambitious - I decided to make photographs by myself. How will you describe your style in photography? I`m trying to stand out, to be original. I don't show the beauty of people - that is boring, I express my creativity by my shoots. About your editorial – what’s the story behind this? I wanted to make some huge project to test my organization skills. As usual - I made a clear plan of posing and I felt like a conductor of a small orchestra during the shooting. That feeling is amazing. What was the creative process in coming up with these images? I looked through lots of editorials on Pinterest to realize - what exactly I want to get. I think that is the most important part - an original photo is a well - organized one :) Anything interesting or memorable about the shoot and did you experiment or had a new approach on this particular shoot? I learned how to find a replacement for a model at the last minute and to style the group shoot by the clothes in my wardrobe) And it was the first shot - when I was so impressed by the beauty of models - that I forgot how to breathe sometimes :) What's next for you? Any exciting plans in the future? I want to work on top model agencies and to open a Youtube channel dedicated to fashion. What is your motto in life? Nothing is original (from my favorite book by A.Kleon) Where can people contact you or see your works? My instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polehynastya/ My group: https://new.vk.com/polehynaphotography Social media page: https://new.vk.com/polehynastya

Photography by Diego Harmuch (@iamdiegocristiano) and Nina Eilisa (@itsninaeilisa) Hair and Makeup by Sara Yunis (@sara.ymakeup) and Karima Gilmanova @kareema_mua Models: Sabrina De Mello (@sabrina.demello) & Anita (@annienayyar) Styled by Faheem Ismail (@faheemfj) Creative direction by Sai Ferrera (@saiferrera) Clothes by: ( @cece.chic )

Jad Solito winning piece for WISDOM Eco-Warrior Competition held last December 8 at the Hilton Hotel Manila. INAUL: a representation of Dream weavers to the world Weaving plays a massive role in promoting the identity, culture, and arts of the Philippines. Inaul is an art of weaving of the Maguindanao people. Its luxurious texture is a blend of silk and gold threads infused into the pure cotton threads and woven in complicated techniques. This design was a fusion of cultural filipiniana and maguindanaoan architecture presented in a modern approach. The details signify the strength of the culture as it stands firm with pride, dignity and identity. It is a unifying factor that binds culture and communities. Together, it is the embodiment of not only the maguindanaoan people but of the Philippines as a whole. With the use of recyclable plastic bottles to add details, it sends a simple but significant message “trash to fashion” “throwing to upcyling” executed in sustainable way and pushing boundaries of fashion for the future. Together, let us celebrate our heritage and keep it alive for generations to come. I am Jad Solito, a proud filipino designer. And this is my Art. IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingdarrel/

Christos is a Greek international model and influencer who by the age of 17 had already built a large social media following. Last year when he turned 18 and was on holiday in Dubai, he was discovered by Luminary Models, a local and international scouting and modelling agency. Since then he had began his journey as an international model with his first International placement in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. When we ask Christos, what was the best part about his experience in Dubai? “It would be walking for Arab fashion week and being able to meet and collaborate with other artist!”. Currently Christos is looking forward for his next placement in London, United Kingdom and where are quite excited for where life will take this young man! INSTAGRAM: @christos_71 One would describe Christos as someone who is down to earth and driven to learn new things. Photogrpaher: @vatsalshah.photography Stylist: @g.io.graphics Agency: @luminary.models Model: @christos_71

Tales of Monegros by Seigar. This travel photo narrative tells the story of the Monegros desert and its haunting quality. Monegros is a county in Aragon, Spain located within the provinces of Zaragoza and Huesca. Like many photographers that have been before inspired by this rural landscape, I was attracted to this region to work on its landscapes, landmarks, and little villages we find on the road. The word Monegros comes from mon (countryside) and negros (black color), however, I could find many other warm colors and tones. The photos were taken in December 2021, and though not far from there we could find snow, this desertic area is famous for its blue sky and its semiarid climate, with barely any rainfall and high temperatures. Like any other Spanish destination, it offers traditions and a religious presence. Monegros in my pop view became some curious buildings, mysterious trees, and big open sceneries. It is one of the most intriguing and unearthly places I have ever been, and the fact it has few populations completed this vision. Webpage: seigar.wordpress.com Instagram: instagram.com/jseigar Galleries: flickr.com/photos/theblueheartbeat/albums Blog: popsonality.blogspot.com

Photography: Koji Arboleja Assistant: Bardo Wu and Jake Pereza Styling: Vince Crisostomo Hair and Makeup: Gino Alducente Model Liga Jankova

Photography by Jiraphong Bank Shyrajunyanont Designer: PAWEE NUMNAREE Models: RAMNUS BINGELS & KONSTANTIN VASILIEV of BASS MODELS Styling: KARN PUNBUA Makeup THUNYARUT BAROMMAWONGPAISAN

Photography by: Aileen Wang

Species distribution is the manner in which a biological taxon is spatially in area. Faced with aggressive habitat we feel heterogeneity and aloofness. Maybe it's just a destructive environment out, but it`s not something wrong with you. The story is about the inner feelings of beleave in ourselves even if everything around is against. Creative director, photographer: Mila Kowalski www.instagram.com/misskowalski/ Model: Nastasia Kvariani www.instagram.com/aqvari/

Photographer: Valeur Imagery ( Muke Gonzaga, Kirby Do ) Model: Diogo Zambon Hair and Makeup: House of No Makeup by Kael Obi Styling by: Ryan S Hinayhinay Designer: Cyrix Myuco and Moses Beramo Studio: Beyond Concepts Studio Ruffled Suit by: Cyrix Muyco Eyewear by Ryan S. Hinayhinay Pants and Corset by: Moses Beramo