We live in a country that is rich with talented and resilient people. Through wins and obstacles, Filipinos remain optimistic, as they continue to dream of a better future. To reach that, they stay energetic and continue to do the work needed. The traits of being optimistic, energetic and hardworking describes best what is called the New Pinoy Mover, who espouses a quality of life that inspires and empowers others.
For these Pinoy movers, nothing definitely stops them from realizing their dreams and pushing themselves to achieve more to inspire others.
Move to Make Things Happen
Filmmaker Erik Matti is able to achieve both critical and commercial success with his films, and although he admits that he doesn’t create blockbusters, he is glad that he is able to tell the kinds of stories that he wants to tell. One such film is On The Job, which was among 20 selected films premiered at the Director’s Fortnight in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France and won the Jury Prize and Best Actor for Joel Torre at Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea. Though Matti is proud of his international accomplishments, ultimately this New Pinoy Mover enjoys making films for his primary audience – Filipinos – and is glad to witness more Filipinos becoming engaged and interested in supporting the local film industry as well. Matti says that Filipinos are much like kangkong. When thrown into any situation, Filipinos find a way to make it work. “We’re in a third world country and when there’s no masking tape, we find a rope,” Matti says, to explain the Filipino’s resourcefulness. This is an especially useful trait when working on set, where one needs to be adaptable to change. “When you ask for the impossible on the set, everyone you’re working with would just say, ‘Gawan natin ng paraan, direk. Hanapan ng paraan.’”
Move to Inspire Others
He may be recognized for his famous last name, but his reputation in the music industry was one founded on his own talent. This New Pinoy Mover got his start by performing with his family, but eventually branched out as the lead vocalist for the band Salamin. Later on, his father began coming to Paolo for advice on his shows, which prompted the latter to take on a bigger role in concert production. Today he directs concerts for big names in the industry, like Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, and Bamboo. A musician himself, Paolo Valenciano felt that that gave him an edge, because he knows where the artists are coming from and what they want in a show. And so, his mission was not just to help these performers realize their full potential, but also to create a concert experience that would move the audience. “Being able to change their life somehow, making them realize something about themselves, getting the message across — that’s what makes me move.”
Move to Pursue Your Dreams
Rachelle Ann Go’s love for music started since she was young and carried through her adulthood. She has released several albums, starred in theatre productions and is currently focused on her Broadway career. In 2014, this New Pinoy Mover was cast to play Gigi Van Trahn on the West End revival of Miss Saigon. She was then chosen to play the role of Fantine in Les Miserables’ 30th anniversary. During the length of her career, Go has been recognized for her talent, both for music and acting on Broadway. She has won numerous best performer and album honors, including Best Featured Actress in a New Production of a Musical and Best Performance in a Long-Running West End Show (Female) for her roles in Miss Saigon and Les Miserables, respectively. She has brought much pride to the Philippines, and is excited to return home during the Philippine stint of Les Miserables. Go says that, even in London, the love from Filipinos moves her and inspires her to keep pursuing her dreams.
Move to Be the Best
There is a reason Sarah Geronimo is considered the Philippine Pop princess. Throughout her career, Geronimo has received ten Awit Awards, six Aliw Awards, 23 Myx Music Awards (the most in the awards history) and a FAMAS Golden Artist Award. Also globally renowned, she has received the Best Asian Artist Award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards in 2012, Best Southeast Asian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2014 and Best Selling Filipino Artist at the 22nd World Music Awards.
But, more than her various accolades, this New Pinoy Mover is also a Goodwill Ambassador for Music of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. She is also known for her acting abilities, and her blockbuster films. Even with all her accomplishments, Geronimo still finds the energy to push forward and keep moving.
