
In the heart of Los Angeles, where dreams are woven into the tapestry of a vibrant city, a remarkable community thrives. Filipino-Americans, a testament to the steadfast spirit of their ancestors, have carved their names into the annals of history. From trailblazing artists to compassionate community leaders and resilient entrepreneurs, they have enriched the cultural landscape and made significant contributions to society. Their stories, often untold, are a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the power of perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.
This Filipino-American History Month, I want to highlight three extraordinary individuals who inspire me with their creativity, hard work, and unwavering joy. These vibrant Filipinos, who also happen to be my friends, are making their mark in their chosen fields. Meet Yancy, the event director who transforms blank canvases into magical wonderlands; Nikko, the fashion stylist with an eye for the extraordinary; and Puey, the renowned fashion designer whose creations adorn celebrities and grace the pages of fashion magazines. Their stories showcase the power of passion, perseverance, and Filipino flair. Together, let’s explore their remarkable journeys and be inspired by the life they have lived, are living, and will be living.
In this issue, we will start with Yancy Trinidad. We will learn what drives him each day, and how his heritage empowers him to reach for his dreams and beyond.
THE DIRECTOR: Yancy Trinidad
Having a career as an event producer and director is no easy feat, but continuing to sustain and excel in it in the present environment is a further testament to Yancy’s skills and expertise in his craft. He has been in his chosen field for fourteen years, starting in the Philippines and now in the United States for six years and counting.
Yancy reminisces, “My path to event production and directing began when I was young while performing on stage. That early experience helped me understand what it takes to put on a great show. But it wasn’t until I moved to Manila (Philippines) that I discovered just how many opportunities existed in the world of events. After attending some high-energy, beautifully executed productions, I knew I wanted to be part of creating those moments. I started as a PA and worked my way up to Event Director, moving from smaller projects to bigger, high-profile ones. Eventually, I decided to move to the US, but I’ve always made sure to bring my Filipino roots into everything I do. Growing up in the Philippines gave me a deep appreciation for creativity and community. In our culture, we celebrate important moments with heart and flair, which taught me how meaningful gatherings can be. That’s why I love creating events that not only look amazing but also bring people together in memorable ways.”
Moving here has not been an easy decision, seeing that staying in the Philippines would mean the security of what is safe and familiar. But Yancy took the risk, packed his bags, and flew across the miles to take a gamble here. Though the path has not been all roses and champagne, he has carved for himself quite a career worth popping quite a few bottles of bubbly (this friend can’t be prouder!).
When Yancy first moved here in 2018, his biggest challenge was how to get known in the industry. “No one really knew who I was or what I could do, so it was tough to get hired. Some saw my experience as ‘regional,’ but I knew I had something unique to offer.” As we all know, it is always about who you know. Having someone to vouch for you and your skills is key. Yancy further recalls, “Since I was new, I had to be patient in building relationships. I started volunteering and taking on small production jobs, but I treated each one as a chance to show what I was capable of. Annnd slowly, things started to change! After my first big project, and people started seeing my work, more opportunities started to come my way. That was the turning point.” Finally, Yancy was showered with projects that anyone in this industry would be lucky to have. Traveling across the country, he went on to produce events for big brands such as Facebook, handling their West Coast events, and from there, his outstanding work began to speak for itself.
“No matter what challenges you face along the way, I believe it’s important to always show up, do the job, and enjoy every step of the journey. When you’re truly passionate about what you do, that passion shines through in your work, and people start to notice. It may take time, but the key is to keep pushing forward. By staying consistent, working hard, and loving what you do, you’ll find that the opportunities will come your way. Passion and dedication are what set you apart.”
Always proud of where he came from, Yancy has always carried his heritage with him wherever he goes. As a Filipino-American creative, his roots and experiences growing up in the Philippines play a major role in shaping his work.
“My Filipino heritage is a deep source of inspiration, but I also aim to blend those cultural elements with ideas that resonate with a wider audience. It’s all about finding that balance—introducing Filipino influences in subtle yet meaningful ways that everyone can appreciate. Even if it’s not immediately obvious, my creativity is a fusion of my Filipino background and my experiences traveling the world. By staying true to my heritage while being mindful of what will connect with my audience, I’m able to create events that celebrate culture in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable for all.”
Yancy believes that one of the most vital aspects of Filipino culture is the spirit of Bayanihan, which embodies communal unity and cooperation. This cultural value is more than just a concept; it’s a way of life that emphasizes the importance of working together to achieve common goals. In a world where competition often overshadows collaboration, fostering Bayanihan can remind us that our strength lies in our ability to support and uplift one another.
For instance, in his career in event production, he realized that this spirit is invaluable. Every successful event hinges on a team working in harmony, where each person’s strengths contribute to a seamless execution. The lessons learned from Bayanihan—like empathy, respect, and shared responsibility—help create an environment where creativity thrives and challenges are met with resilience. By preserving Bayanihan, we not only honor our heritage but also equip ourselves with the tools needed to collaborate effectively, ensuring that we rise together rather than fall apart.
He further encourages the Filipino-American youth to embrace their heritage. Yancy believes that understanding one’s roots can foster a sense of identity and belonging, which is especially crucial in a multicultural society like the United States. When young people connect with their Filipino heritage, they gain a deeper appreciation for their culture’s rich traditions, values, and history. Celebrating their heritage helps cultivate pride in one’s background, and it creates a bridge between generations. Events that showcase Filipino customs, fashion, art, and food can empower young people to embrace their culture, giving them the confidence to express who they are.
Carrying this sense of pride in his heritage equips Yancy with much more than the creative gift he was blessed with. It gives him the gift of his childhood, the land he grew up in, and the community that raised him.
“My friends back in Manila often describe my approach to life as doing it the ‘Koronadal way.’ This phrase highlights how I hustle and achieve things in a way that reflects my unique background and experiences. For them, I represent my hometown of Koronadal, which gives me a sense of pride. Carrying this identity with me is essential because it reminds me of where I come from and the values instilled in me by my community. The warmth, resilience, and creativity that define my hometown shape how I navigate the world. This connection to my roots makes me not just special but distinctly Filipino. It reminds me that my journey is influenced by the rich culture and traditions of my heritage, and I embrace that in everything I do. Each achievement I make carries a piece of Koronadal with it, and I hope to inspire others from my hometown to follow their paths with the same pride and determination.”
It is truly a testament to the saying that “dreams do come true,” and America is indeed the place where dreams can become a reality. “I am a dreamer. I dream big, and I work hard to make those dreams come true. I am very ambitious; if I want something, I won’t stop until I achieve it and become better at it. Growing up in a small town in the southernmost part of the Philippines, I came from a poor family, but that never stopped me from going after my dreams. Those dreams may have seemed impossible when I was younger, yet I went for them anyway. Now, I’m living the life I once only imagined, and I know this is just the beginning. I have even more dreams to chase, and I’m still putting in the effort. I remain patient, believing that when my dreams come to fruition, it will all be worth it. Each step I take is a step closer to a future filled with endless possibilities.”
The grind never stops, and for Yancy, this is only the beginning of what will surely be an illustrious and eventful life. What he has managed to do is show the industry that Filipinos belong anywhere they want to be. That they can establish a career where only certain people customarily dominate. In Yancy’s own words, “I’m truly excited about what the future holds for me in my career and personal life. After six years in the U.S. working on amazing projects for well-known brands, from the Emmys to New York Fashion Week, I feel like I’m just beginning my journey. Each opportunity feels like a new chapter, and I’m eager to see what’s next. I believe there are even greater experiences ahead, and that possibility inspires me every day.”
Cheers, Direk ( a Filipino colloquial term for director)! More power to you and the future you will make it to be.
Stay tuned for the next spotlight feature in this series as we delve into the craft of fashion styling.
THIS PHOTO CONTAINS PAWSOME CONTENT.
SORRY FOR THE WAIT, BUT WE PROMISE IT’LL BE WORTH IT. SIGN UP SO YOU DON’T MISS IT!