SOM1: UPLIFT SOCIETY AND THE CULTURE

Kumusta Kaibigan! I’m Sophiya Misha Salud or Somi for short. I capture engaging experiences, tag my name everywhere, and pull spro shots.   



How was life growing up?


“My bittersweet journey was packed with both exciting and unfortunate experiences that helped  me grow as a creative, friend, sister, daughter, and a person in general. I was very much stuck at  home but I knew that if I wanted to learn, I had to put myself out there and experience  everything but always making sure to have people I trust throughout my journey.”  

When did you first begin to witness you had creative talents?  

“My parents would always say that I’d started having a serious eye for photography way back  when I was four years old when we were on a trip in Hong Kong. Personally, I knew I was  inclined in the arts around that age as well when I’d always draw or make some artwork for my  parents as a gift before they’d come home.”    

How did the name SOM1 (Someone Saw Me) come about?  

“SOM1 is heavily rooted on the works of street artists such as CVTY Collective, Pilipinas Street Plan, Dirty Kid South Crew (DKS), Christian Cresencio (Moks), Rai Cruz, Geloy Concepcion, Quatro  Los Baños (Hapimeel), Jules Tan Cardoso (Pedro), and many more. Back in 2015, everything  started out on my frustration of wanting to become a street artist just like those whom I’ve  mentioned. Being connected on Facebook (and in real life for some), I’d ask their advice and  learn from them on how to improve my handstyle and such. Moks, in particular, helped me come  up with a name. I started out as MS which stands for Misha Salud. Then my friends said that I  should change it since it was a name of a gang - MS-13. So we went back to conceptualizing  until “PISO” came up which evolved from Sophiya to SOPI to PISO. Unfortunately, it was too  confusing and quite generic until we came up with “SOMI”. While practicing different handstyles  for SOMI, I experimented heavily on the “I” to make it look like a “1” so whenever people would  ask, I’d say, “It depends how you want to read it - whether it’s SOMI or SOM1”. It was only this  2018 when I’d realize I should make a wordplay out of it since it fits my philosophy behind it.  Whenever you’d see my slap or brand somewhere, it means that Someone (You) Saw Me.”

With starting a brand, there’s always adversity you face in the beginning. What  difficulties have you faced so far?

“Conceptualizing, brainstorming, and organizing everything together is tedious but always  worth it especially if you know that your work speaks for your philosophy or movement. Also, it’s  challenging to have ideas and concepts in mind but not having the talent, skills, money, or  resources to have it done.     

There are a lot of brands out right now. How do you look to set yourself apart from  them?  

More than just being a brand, I see Someone Saw Me as a movement to recognize and empower  creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone who is passionate on their craft may it be traditional,  digital, musical art, or even something totally different such as brewing coffee. Whenever I’d  feature people, they’re not necessarily from the street culture or the creative industry. They could come from different walks of life and various industries. The movement is also aimed to uplift the culture 

by empowering them to make their mark by contributing something positive to  their growth as an artist and to the society as well.” 

Your latest sticker release, what inspired this concept?  

“Xin Nian Kuai Le: Chinese New Year was coming and I wanted to release something related to it  in celebration to the event. I initially thought of doing fortune cookies and chinese take out  boxes but a friend told me it didn’t fit our Filipino culture. I then thought of tikoy but it seemed to  simple for me. Later on, I said why not Hen Lin since it’s still very rooted to the local culture and  because my mama always craved for their siomai back when she was pregnant with me. Of  course, I had to make it more personal so I decided to make it look like me since people knew me  for wearing the polo from the F***ING PROBLEMS Collection by Quatro/Hapimeel and Pr()blem  Studios as well as the fuchsia beret I normally wear in shoots or events. I also chose Hen Lin  since my friends from Korner would always tease me by calling me Hen Lin!     

SOGO: For Valentine’s Day, I wanted to try something I don’t normally do or design so I thought  that having something inspired from Sogo would be pretty fun. Since Sogo and Somi already  shared the first 2 letters, it was a lot easier to recreate. I still added my flavor by making the lady  look like me by adding the glasses and changing her skin tone plus adding my other slaps. I was  actually really close to not finishing it since I only thought of it during the wee hours of the 14th  but I told myself to still go for it!”

What could we be expecting from SOM1 (Someone Saw Me) as the rest of the year rolls  out?  

“I honestly have no idea since I could simply change my mind in a snap. However, I’d definitely  want to be collaborating with various artists, brands, and creatives to create different forms of  artwork may it be through slaps, clothing, bags, etc.    As a company, where do you see SOM1 (Someone Saw Me) going?  I honestly am just riding the wave of life and seeing where this movement goes. Hopefully it’s  something big and positive that can impact people’s lives for the better.    What you’ve learned over the years with SOM1 (Someone Saw Me)?  Enjoy the process of learning new things while connecting with people. Appreciate, recognize,  and support those who deserve it. Open yourself to experiences and opportunities that will help  you grow and hone your skills. The movement is a lifelong process and journey of exploring my  own purpose and helping others understand themselves more too. Not everything will be  instant and so we have to trust the process and keep working for the better.”

When it’s all said and done how would you like to be remembered? 

“I would like to be remembered as someone who made her mark in the world by empowering  anyone to be better in their craft to help them uplift society and the culture.”    

Lastly, big advice to small brands  

“Know your passion. Find your purpose. Work consistently on your progress.”  

  

  INSTAGRAM: @SOMEONESAWME/@MISHALUD

FACEBOOK: @SOM1SAWME

WATAWAT: WAGAYWAY MO KAWAL

I’m Tuff, designer/owner of Watawat Clothing (Est. 2008)

How was life growing up?

“I have a simple life growing up. I love art and sports as a kid. I play basketball and football for my school when I was young. In highschool I was the quiet type and I don't drink and smoke. Late bloomer ako, kaya ngayon ko ginagawa yung mga bagay na dapat dati ko pa ginawa. Or tumatanda siguro ako ng paurong.” 


When did you first begin to witness you had creative talents?

“My first award in school was "Best in Art" kinder ako nun. Tapos hindi na nasundan yun, di ko maintindihan kung bakit. May mali siguro sa sistema haha!”


How did the name Watawat Clothing come about?

“Gusto ko pangalan pa lang distinct na Pinoy brand agad, kaya Watawat. The brand for the motherland.” 

Why did you decide to choose making clothes your medium of choice?

“I wanted to be a painter but I took the wrong course in college so I drifted away from that side of me. Then I decided to put up a business. Nagkataon lang na sobrang bilis ng utak ko when it comes to designs and creativity, mahilig din ako sa shirts na kakaiba kaya naisip ko gumawa ng sariling brand kaya napunta ako sa ganitong eksena.”


With starting a brand, there’s always adversity you face in the beginning. What difficulties have you faced?

“High quality fabric. Tela talaga ang pinaghirapan kong hanapin. Napaka daming factory ng tela napuntahan ko bago ko nahanap yung telang gusto ko. Libo libo naubos ko sa pamasahe pagpunta sa mga factory. Divisoria is the easy way but quality wise there are better options. For me the fabric is very important, most of the time the customers will decide if it's a cop or drop based on the fabric.”



How was the local support back then? Is there any difference now?

Myke Sambajon wearing Talangka Proof  (Left)
Apo Whang-od (Right)

“Nung nagsimula ako madali lang naman makabenta dahil sa facebook at nagkataon na napakalakas ng Hiphop scene that time. Tapos dating mga customer, naging kaibigan ko na yung iba. Yun din ang maganda kapag ikaw mismo yung nakikita nila at nakakausap, yung business nagiging daan para dumami ang tropa mo kung maayos ka sa tao. Pinagkaiba lang siguro ngayon mas madami na brands na pagpipilian tapos may kanya kanyang suki na which means matibay na yung suporta and mas tiwala na yung tao di gaya dati hesitant yung iba lalo sa online orders. Bago mapadala ng payment kelangan talaga mapapaniwala mo na dadating ang package sa kanila. Dumating pa ako sa punto na pinatawagan ko ang mismong branch ng LBC kung saan ako nagpapadala para maniwala yung customer na araw araw ako nagpapadala package doon. Kaya nasubok ng husto talaga ang pasensya ko haha!”



As a company, where do you see  going?

“I aim high for my brand, so I want it to be the best. It’s a process one step at a time. Hahakbang ka paunti unti kasi ang tagumpay hindi kusang lumalapit.”


What you’ve learned over the years with Watawat Clothing?

“Kapag pumasok ka sa negosyo ihanda mo ang sarili mo sa pagkawala ng mga kaibigan mo. Masasala mo yan hanggang matira ang mga tunay. Subukan mo magtinda ng Tocino yung mga pekeng tropa mo maghahanap ng Ham or Hotdog. O kaya sa iba bibili ng tocino hahaha!”


When it’s all said and done how would you like to be remembered?

“A brand that everybody is proud of. Because people may buy or atleast try your product and get disappointed. I want people to be proud of my brand and tell others how great Watawat Clothing is.”



Lastly, big advice to small brands.

“To the owners, your brand represents you. Your name is as important as your brand. Give your customers what they paid for or better. Kapag nag-benta ka ng goto special ‘wag mo hahainan ng lugaw, Kasi di na uulit yan. Without the customers the business doesn’t make sense.”

FACEBOOK: WATAWAT CLOTHING

CONTACT NUMBER: 0906 246 1698

CHEF ZOMBIE: UNIQUE AND COMPETITIVE PRODUCTS

I’m Nat Pangilinan. A Graphic Artist who’s really tired of 9 to 5 day job and wanted to make his own story. 

How was life growing up?

“Masaya. Lumaki kami magkakapatid na lagi kami kumpleto with our parents, 
simple life.. walang highlights masyado pero contented.”


When did you first begin to witness you had creative talents?

“Nung bata pa lang ako mahilig na ko magdrawing ng Anime pero kinokopya ko lang sa text (Hindi ito yung sa Cellphone ah hehe) I also drew sorts of logos such as Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Vans, Adidas, Dickies, etc. yan yung mga makikita sa likod ng notebook ko sa school.”


How did the name CHEF ZOMBIE come about?

“Before I’d come up with the name CHEF ZOMBIE, I have plenty of ideas in my notes pero wala dun yung word na Zombies. One day it just came about to me the idea of zombies, ano ba yung purpose nila at ano ba sila so naisip ko they are just wanted to eat human flesh so ayun ang daming food related words na pumasok and we finally arrived to the word CHEF. Ideas are endless kapag pagkain diba, plus masarap mag-illustrate ng zombie.”


Why did you decide to choose making clothes your medium of choice?

“I’ve been always wanted to print on a shirt nung high school pa lang ako kaso walang chance para matutunan ko, wala pang youtube nun eh. hehe.. Pero siguro ito na gusto ko talaga gawin noon pa kaya dito din ako bumagsak. I really enjoyed the process, from sketch to digital design to shirt.. iba yung feeling plus I make some income out of it.”

With starting a brand, there’s always adversity you face in the beginning. What difficulties have you faced so far?

“I think on how the branding will stick into, and I've put a lot of adjustments na din along the way.
Actually naman until now I'm on reinvent process pa din which is masaya na mahirap.”


There are a lot of brands out right now. How do you look to set yourself apart from them?

“I don’t see anything in my perspective, honestly hindi ko alam. I hope na meron makita yung mga tao, siguro kahit konti mangandang edge na din yun kung meron. I am always focusing on all details, from design to packaging. I want it to be unique experience kapag nahawakan nila yung product/shirt, I guess yun siguro.”



What could we be expecting from CHEF ZOMBIE as the rest of the year rolls out?

“Exciting design releases. Maybe surprises. Products that are worth having. Yun naman ang gusto ko, yung satisfied sila sa item na makukuha nila. Yung feeling mo nung bata ka kapag nagbubukas ka ng bagong toy. priceless yun.”


As a company, where do you see CHEF ZOMBIE going?

“Me and my wife really wanted to stick as indie brand. We are still working on finding our target market. Ones who will understand the brand well and until they become a collector. Sayang yung design/shirt kung bibili lang sya dahil meron yung tropa nya.”


What you’ve learned over the years with CHEF ZOMBIE?

“Do more of what makes you happy.” —Johnny Cupcakes

“I learned to be patient and hustle things you wanted to do that will make you happy and a better person.”



When it’s all said and done how would you like to be remembered?

“A small brand that has a unique and competitive products.”


Lastly, big advice to small brands.

“Live with your passion and enjoy the risks.”

NOBODY: WE JUST DO US

Hello, We are Nobodies.

How was life growing up?

“As a collective, we came from very different backgrounds, but we are fortunate enough to be immersed in the streets and in a creative environment.”


When did you first begin to witness you had creative talents?

“Before Nobody we we’re already doing creative things individually.”


How did the name NOBODY come about?

“The name felt right at the time and until now. It’s something that best represents us as individuals and as a group.”


Why did you decide to choose making clothes your medium of choice?

“The thing with us is; we are makers, creating a t-shirt is the easiest way to get our stories out there. But we don’t limit ourselves to just that.”


With starting a brand, there’s always adversity you face in the beginning. What difficulties have you faced so far?
 
“Our pop-store glass door was broken two times in a span of three days. Ha ha! But seriously, we embrace the struggle. That’s part of what we do.” 



There are a lot of brands out right now. How do you look to set yourself apart from them?

“We just do us. The goal is not to be different, but to stay true. Always.”


Your collaboration with THE, what inspired this concept?

THE/TWPM WITH THE BUNCH OF NOBODIES 2018

“The concept is pretty much straight forward. This collaboration is very special to us since we are fans of the brand. Working with them is a dream come true. Parang panaginip. Thank you 2018!”



What could we be expecting from NOBODY as the rest of the year rolls out?

“Expect more collaborations and original collections. We have more stories to tell and crazy ideas to execute.”


As a company, where do you see NOBODY going?

“We don’t really think about those kinds of things. We just want to make more things and tell more stories.”


What you’ve learned over the years with NOBODY?

“There are a lot of things we’ve realized doing this. Talk is cheap. Put in the work, make good things! We are learning everyday. There’s so much more to learn.”


When it’s all said and done how would you like to be remembered?

Still as Nobodies.


Lastly, big advice to small brands.

“Borrowing the words of our favorite brand, roots before riches yo!”

INSTAGRAM: @nobodyclothing

FACEBOOK: @nobodyclothing