The FOMO can get pretty real these days, but justin shows us how to slow down and appreciate where we are, and, more importantly, who we are.
Related: Justin de Dios’ Solo Debut Was a True Family Affair
The rise of social media in the past couple of decades has revolutionized the way we connect to one another. Originally, it was just a means of maintaining contact with friends and family no matter the distance. Now, with the complication of capitalist and political interests, algorithms, and more, it has become a unique tool that keeps us connected to both our past and future.
The various apps at our disposal, paired with increasingly sophisticated smartphones with vastly improved photo and video capabilities, enable us to document practically any moment, from the most memorable to the mundane, and share them with the world. And with the world sharing back, our eyes are opened to a lot of possibilities: ways of thinking, shared experiences, new hobbies, and goals and lifestyles to aspire to.
All of this can be very inspiring, but it can also lead us down a path of feeling inadequate and self-doubt. Why can’t I be as good as these people? Why am I not where this person is? What do I have to do to be this happy, too? The struggle to block out the noise is real as the idea of what it means to “Just Be” becomes unnecessarily complicated. Breaking out of this tunnel vision can be a challenge – one that justin, member and creative director of the wildly successful P-Pop group SB19, has taken head on.
FINDING YOU
The 25-year-old singer recently debuted his work as a solo artist. His entry into this new domain for his career is marked with a spirit of discovery and his creative stamp. Yet, as justin sees it, he isn’t there yet. “I’m actually not sure what my artistic voice is yet,” justin frankly admits. But, as a young creative still on that journey to his zenith, justin knows what he wants that shape and mold who he wants to become.
“I enjoy listening to mellow songs like folk, ballads, and other similar genres. I love concepts relating to nature like trees and forests. Also, I have a very calm personality and I always encourage people to look at the bright side. These are some elements tied to my creativity, personality, and interests, along with the stories I share, that make up who I am as an artist. But when it comes to what’s uniquely me as my artistic voice, I continue to explore and hopefully soon, I can better define and be more certain of my voice as an artist.”
Simply taking time to enjoy the things that bring us happiness and make us feel at home can be a wonderful way to feel connected to ourselves, while also giving us avenues to better understand who we are.
IDENTITY IN OTHERS
Self-discovery is difficult enough in a time when companies are constantly trying to sell you a new identity every trend cycle. And sometimes, the most difficult noise to deal with is that which comes from the people closest to us. But perhaps the answer lies not in simply blocking everything out, but in thoughtfully filtering it.
Polo Tee and High-Waist Trousers by Christine Sion (@csionfd), Earrings by Christopher Munar (@christophermunar) (@whatdapperswant)
“Pressures from other people to act in particular behaviors aren’t always negative,” justin muses. “At times, they serve as constructive feedback, guiding me towards growth and learning. But of course there are also limitations. It is when listening to them no longer aligns with my happiness. At that moment, it’s crucial to prioritize staying true to myself, even if it will not match with others’ expectations.”
In moments of confusion, our community is meant to keep us anchored. For justin, that comes from sources like his family, friends, members, and even fans. The people who care about us can keep us centered, and the love we share with them can be an important reminder of who we are amidst the chaos. And when paths diverge, we can look back gratefully for a moment before continuing on, knowing that that love is likely still there even if you’re no longer in the same place.
FEED YOURSELF, NOT YOUR FEED
Social media has become a major part of the everyday experience, and many believe it to be the cause of increasing mental health issues among the youth of today. But, like most things, it is user-sensitive – the intentions of those who engage in the platforms shape and define their power.
This is something that justin understands well as a public figure and someone who has gone through it firsthand. “Social media can be tough sometimes, making us feel bad about ourselves or envious of others. But it can also encourage us to be our best selves. We just have to remember that it’s important to think about whose happiness do our actions affect – just yourself or the people around you? We should be mindful of both.”
As members of a community that can occasionally encompass the entire globe, we have a responsibility to be truthful. But we also have a responsibility to ourselves to be authentic. “In our world where social media often brings insecurity and self-doubt, it’s important to understand that our worth isn’t defined by online standards,” justin reminds us. “During moments of struggle, it’s important to pause, reflect, and appreciate the progress we’ve made. We should remember to simply embrace who we truly are in the present moment.”
FLOATING ALONG
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be again.” Swimming in our past helps us take accountability for our mistakes and the mistakes of our predecessors, so we can avoid the darkest parts of our history from repeating themselves.
Sailing straight ahead with the future in our sights can help us make decisions that can improve things for ourselves and our successors for the long-term. But since time continues to flow through us, whether we like it or not, it’s important to stop and appreciate the way things are, for they will never be that way again.
In a time when we are bombarded with messages and signals that try to point and show us what it means to be you, the root of it all lies on what you feel is right. “Sometimes I place too much pressure on myself to do better, believing that my current efforts are not enough. But this thinking often leads me away from my true goals,” he expresses.
Biker Jacket and Baggy Trousers by Patrick Lazol (@patricklazol), Earrings by Alchemista (@alchemistaonline)
While filters and personas may come and go, what will always remain is who you are at the core. So, embrace it, and let you be you. As justin aptly puts it, “It’s important to embrace the concept of ‘JUST BE,’ acknowledging and accepting myself in the present moment, taking a moment for self-appreciation and to reflect on my achievements, and providing a much-needed pause in my journey of personal growth.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WESLEY VILLARICA
ASSISTED BY CHASE HUI, MICAH FERNANDEZ, AND PAOLO JAMINOLA (ROBOSHEEP STUDIO)
CREATIVE AND FASHION DIRECTION BY ANDRE CHANG
ART DIRECTION BY GELO QUIJENCIO
STYLING BY ANDRE CHANG
ASSISTED BY KURT ABONAL, MARIA PAZ GAMUS, EM MILLAN, & RAIN DAGALA
MULTIMEDIA ARTIST ANDRE CESAR, JAMES JACINTO
MAKEUP BY MAC IGARTA
ASSISTED BY ALFREDO MENDOZA
HAIR BY MARK FAMILARA
NAILS BY EXTRAORDINAIL
PRODUCTION DESIGN BY BOTIN STUDIOS
SHOOT COORDINATION BY JASMIN DASIGAN
SHOT AT PARALLAX STUDIO
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MAGGIE BATACAN
MANAGING EDITOR RAFAEL BAUTISTA
BRAND ASSOCIATE BIANCA LAO
MARKETING SUPERVISOR SOPHIA SAMALA
SPECIAL THANKS TO: 1Z ENTERTAINMENT, FASHION INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES – ORTIGAS, PATRICK LAZOL, TAL DE GUZMAN, AND WILBUR LANG
