THOUGH HE IS NOW AN ESTABLISHED NAME, NICO SANTOS’ RISE WAS THE RESULT OF YEARS OF HARD WORK. From performing at open mic comedy shows before landing his roles playing Mateo in the NBC sitcom Superstore and as the snarkily fashionable Oliver Tsien in the blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians, his career defining moments were things that he had to make happen himself.
“I grew up in Manila before moving to the US with my brother at 16,” the comedian shares with Vogue Philippines in the middle of his Cap City Comedy Club US tour. “Like many immigrants in my shoes, I had to deal with the culture shock that comes from living comfortably in the Philippines to a middle class lifestyle elsewhere.”
He shares that he was actually in the closet up until he moved out. “But I was always one of those kids who couldn’t really hide being gay. I went through a phase of trying to fit in more. But I just reached a point where I was like, “This is who I am. And I can’t hide or deny that part of myself. Engaging in art was one of the ways I felt I could reinvent myself,” he says.
Pursuing your dreams as a queer person of color means frequently getting told that you wouldn’t succeed and he is no stranger to hearing that. “I studied theater in college, but, in my first year, I was told by my lecturers that they didn’t see me succeeding in the industry and to switch to costume and design,” Nico admits. “I didn’t have the self confidence to believe in myself at the time so I agreed.”
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 2024-Ausgabe von Vogue Philippines.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 2024-Ausgabe von Vogue Philippines.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
eternal poetry
In an exclusive interview with Vogue Philippines, BULGARI's FABRIZIO BUONAMASSA STIGLIANI and MAURO DI ROBERTO talk about how an appreciation for craftsmanship and technique makes it possible to realize poetry in precious stones.
evan ever evolving
Unpindownable and unputdownable, model, actor, and all-in-one wunderkind Evan Mock makes magic in perpetual motion.
SCENE STEALERS
In recent years, the landscape of local cinema has changed dramatically with an influx of new and talented actors. Meet three Filipino leads rewriting the script, ushering in a new era across all facets of filmmaking.
FORCE sensitive
Designer Kelvin Morales premieres his latest collection, translating resonance in barongs, structured pieces, and a neutral palette spliced with ultramarine.
twm FLAMES
SASSA JIMENEZ and VESTIDO are a match made in circular fashion heaven. By MARBBIE TAGABUCBA.
INSIDE OUT
It’s all overcast skies and solitary roads. Something in the air shifts when ANNE CURTIS explores Tokyo.
reel.and REAL
NICO SANTOS is intent on breaking boundaries and becoming a beacon of pride. By VICTORIA GOLDIEE
tracing LIGHT
Behind the firsts in the history of Philippine cinema is a family who draws with light.
shadow PLAY
ZELDA WILLIAMS wants to make friends with her monsters
CHANCE ENCOUNTERS
How a series of serendipities helped a women-led artistic team bring Gabriela Serrano’s sophomore short dream-time