THE TROVE
In this letter to Hinhin girls (and to herself), The Trove's editor Pierra Calasanz-Labrador talks about regaining balance and reclaiming serenity in 2020.
We love how short stories give us a brief escape from the world’s chatter. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, resist the urge to check IG, and enjoy this dose of contemplative fiction by screenwriter and Hinhin muse Charlene Sawit-Esguerra.
She walks into the shoot clad in head-to-toe black, reserved and unassuming, belying the fact that she's practically a celebrity in the cosplay universe. This is Jin Joson, self-described cosplay geek, artist and blogger, who is probably best known for transforming into Naruto and Kenshin Himura, and beloved by fans for her helpful and low-key hilarious blog entries (from cosplay to skincare adventures). Today, she steps out of costume and into a floral dress, and tells us all about her own hinhin world.
“Next to my name in my college yearbook, the description reads 'Maria Clara personified,'” shares Cynthia Bauzon-Arre, the quietly cool artist who speaks so softly, you have to lean in to hear her. And yet this low-key creative is no wallflower: she's the artist the Eraserheads would trust to design their album covers, leads a thriving freelance career and stationery business, and is currently busy as an eco warrior collaborating with the Forest Foundation to protect our local blooms.
Hinhin muses Anthea, Valerie, Veronica, Reese, and Charlene share their all-time favorite books.
Looking like a Miyazaki muse herself in a Hinhin dress, we shoot Charlene in her wonderland apartment brimming with books, records, and vintage knick-knacks. "“If I had to choose one word to describe the things I like, it’s 'sentimental.' Usually if I’m wearing or listening to something, or if it’s in the apartment, it’s because there’s a story behind it, a good memory and some emotion attached to it. So I feel surrounded by all that goodness."
“In high school, I hid my singing talent, I don't know why; I guess I was afraid of failing,” reveals indie singer/songwriter Reese Lansangan, one of the most gifted artists in the music scene today. She's practically the local poster girl for self-made YouTube stars, performed countless gigs, and even opened for Paramore in front of thousands at the Mall of Asia arena—who would've guessed she was once too bashful to be heard?
Whether it's losing a job, the end of a friendship, or the death of a loved one, dealing with loss is a different journey for everyone. Macy Alcaraz opens up about how grief taught her not so much about moving on, but moving forward.