20-year-old Miel Pangilinan is a visual artist, an internet personality, and a poster child of her generation. Brimming with creativity, vibrance, and a passion for social inclusivity, Miel visited the Rappler HQ to share her learnings as a young queer creative on this episode of BrandRap Talks with host Saab Lariosa.
To show off her artistic spirit, Miel took on a special game called Sample Naman Diyan! to give us a taste of her many talents. As a queer advocate, the episode introduces Miel and her journey of coming out, learning from different cultures in her travels, and empowering others to express their true selves.
Miel shared about her experience of coming out to the public in 2022. “I’m very thankful that I have a supportive family, and when I came out, it didn’t take them very long to fully be by my side,” she said. “That’s not necessarily a privilege all queer Filipinos have. … We’re in a very conservative society, and so being gay and not being heteronormative and cisgendered can cause a lot of trouble for a lot of people.”
As advice for fellow young people who want to express their authentic selves, Miel said, “Be who you want to be, express yourself however you want to express yourself, but it’s also really important to remember your safety and your wellness as a person.”
As insurance company InLife’s brand ambassador, she also shared tips on how to begin making smart financial decisions at a young age. When asked what her mother Sharon Cuneta’s best financial advice is for her, she said, “Budgeting is really important, especially [since] I’m going to be living on my own soon.”
She says that smart saving is the most important habit she picked up from her parents. “I always think first before I buy something. Do I really need this? Or do I just want to have it?,” said Miel.
Aside from being a smart spender, she also continues to champion social inclusivity and diversity in both her life and art, aligning with InLife’s message that in life and love, everybody matters.
Watch the full episode below:
– Rappler.com
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