Preview Asks: What Do You Love Most About Being a Filipino Creative?
At the first-ever Preview Creatives’ Night, guests gathered to celebrate the joy of creating—and all the beautiful things that stem from it.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Apr 15, 2026
Filipino creatives deserve better, because they’re capable of being the best.
This belief has informed the stories that Preview has told over the past three decades. It is the same philosophy that fuels the passion of Filipino creatives—burning brightly, like a pulse that runs through our veins and flows straight from the heart.
As the publication approaches its 31st year, guests gathered under one roof for Preview Creatives’ Night to celebrate the joy of creating. The country may still have a long way to go in terms of collective support for the industry, but that does not take away from what is worth celebrating—Pinoy fiesta style!
Ahead, our guests share the best thing about being a Filipino creative.
What Do You Love Most About Being a Filipino Creative?
Pepe Diokno, Filmmaker
"What I love most about being a Filipino creative is the fact that our culture, history, and folklore are so rich with stories and different textures that we can always draw from. At the same time, as Filipinos, we are innately connected to the world. We are a people that always seeks connection. We're so hospitable, we welcome different perspectives.
"It's that combination of having a rich culture and history, and this drive to connect with the world, that makes us make really good art that transcends."
Janica Cleto, Makeup Artist
"I love that we get to represent and express ourselves through our art, and showcase the love and culture we have that's both rich and unique."
Dwight de Leon, Journalist
"I love our history because we came from a developing country—and I don't necessarily want to romanticize that, but our struggles made us different in a way. They shape our world view, and I don't think our perspective is the same as the perspective of other people who have had it easy."
Andrea Genota, Photographer
"It's the community. As a probinsyana, somehow, I always felt like I'm an outsider. Pero once I got to know my fellow creatives, I don't think I've ever felt out of place anymore. Everyone's there for each other, if you just ask."
Jason Delos Reyes, Makeup Artist
"We are a melting pot ng iba't ibang mga bansa na nakapaligid sa atin. Mula sa trends ng iba, nagce-create tayo ng mga sarili natin. Nakaka-adapt tayo. We are innovative."
Sam Lee, Filmmaker
"One of my favorite things about being a Filipino creative is how willing everyone is to help each other out. For example, I wanted to shoot my own movie poster, so I asked photographer JL Javier to teach me which camera to use, and he did. And then Aren Dale Santos of AdSet Prod lent me a background. There's just this sense of community coming together."
Quiccs, Toy Designer & Visual Artist
"I'm proud that I have been able to elevate my art and design since 2012, to the world stage. To be considered as one of the best from the Philippines is a big honor for me.
"Dala-dala ko yung pride. Every time I go to events in other countries, they know that I'm an artist from the Philippines, and that makes me proud. "
Myckee Arcano, Hair and Makeup Artist
"Being a Filipino creative is ever-evolving. We're not afraid to take more risks in terms of creating a look, and being visual engineers.
"I'm so happy na kaya nating makipagsabayan on a global scale. That's why we're all here."
The Preview Creatives' Night is co-presented by Cream Silk, with special thanks to Belo Medical Group, Citizen, and Rado, and held in partnership with the Grand Bar & Lounge at Newport World Resorts.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.