Leading the Charge: Brent Manalo
The actor and content creator isn’t trying to prove anything—he just knows what works, and that’s what makes him stand out.
PHOTOGRAPHY Karl King Aguña
STYLING Paolo Chua
Style isn’t about trying too hard—it’s about knowing when to lean in and when to pull back. Brent Manalo gets that. As an actor and content creator, he moves between fashion and media with the kind of instinct you can’t fake. There’s no overthinking, no need for validation—just an effortless confidence that makes everything he wears feel right. We sat down with Manalo to talk about fashion, identity, and why the best style never looks like it’s trying.
How would you describe your personal style right now?
Right now, I’m more experimental. I’ve been trying different styles on a day-to-day basis. I make it as comfortable as I can. But if I’m trying to feel and look good, I try to mix and match styles that I know work best for me. I think [I’m] more adventurous now compared to previous years.
What are your go-to brands at the moment?
Honestly, it doesn’t really depend on the brand, but more on whether it fits my proportions because there are brands that don’t fit me well. What matters more is the style or how it looks when worn.
When you’re going for dinner or an event, what do you wear to feel good?
A nice leather jacket, relaxed baggy trousers and classic loafers or boots.
How do you balance everything—fashion, acting and more? Does one influence the other?
Actually, I’m kind of struggling with trying to schedule everything, because each job requires a different part of me. With content creation, I really get to be creative as I’m in control of everything. But with acting, it’s all very sudden. You get a schedule the day before and really have no control over that. So it’s all very different, but at the same time, it works well together because with content creation, I get to be creative, and with acting, I get to play a different role.
What are your best memories in this space so far?
Of course, [my] favourite moments would be anytime I work with brands I never imagined I’d work with—like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., as well as more brands that have reached out that I can’t really disclose yet. I think one moment that I realised I was in it for the long haul was the time when I wore a Pharrell Williams-designed Louis Vuitton jacket. It was a white jacket with turquoise buttons that matched perfectly since I was going to a Tiffany & Co. event. Everything just worked well together, with the Tiffany blue and all.
Who are your biggest style inspirations?
I reference a lot of old G-Dragon looks. Jacob Elordi, a lot of Pharrell Williams as well and Tyler, the Creator.
What’s your current routine—whether it’s fitness, skincare or something that keeps you grounded?
It’s very simple. I try to work out at least three to four times a week, for an hour each time. Then, for my diet, I try to keep it clean, with less carbs and, of course, protein, high-protein meals. One way I keep myself grounded is by reminding myself that the younger Brent could have never imagined that this would all happen, that I would ever come close to having this life, and I did, so I think that grounds me the most, now that I've accomplished so much.
What’s your fragrance of choice?
Maison Margiela Paris Replica Jazz Club
What do you do in your downtime?
Lots of sleep, lots of binge-watching and grabbing a few drinks with friends.
PRODUCTION Paolo Chua
MAKE-UP Thazzia Falek
HAIR Jhed Deleon
VIDEO DIRECTION Jim Lazam
VIDEOGRAPHY Robert Narag
MAKE-UP ASSISTANTS Delvi Flores and Theresa Halog
