The Daily Dish | June 17, 2026

[00:00:00]This [applause] is the baby.

[00:00:04]This is the baby. This is the baby.

[00:00:10][cheering] [applause] >> Gia. I'm Bernie Salvador.

[00:00:16]>> And hello. Hello. I'm Onasi. We're here to bring good vibes, big smiles, and a whole lot of fun. And I'm Cha Lon. So sit back, relax, and let the good times roll because welcome to the Daily Dish >> Wednesday, right?

[00:00:32]>> Yes.

[00:00:33]>> Wednesday. We'll give you an hour or so discussions with our guests and tackle interesting stories [music] that matter to you. It is hump day indeed.

[00:00:41]>> Yes. So this one matters to me. Google Earth just launched flight mode simulate.

[00:00:45]>> She went straight to it.

[00:00:46]>> I went [laughter] straight to it because I'm that excited. It's that fresh. I saw it. It's so cool. Of course, when you go online and you use Google Earth, you get to see houses. You get to see all these [music] building, streets, whatsoever.

[00:00:56]But now, when you use Google Earth, you get to fly a plane, which means you get to go around for free, fly the plane.

[00:01:03]You can even crash the plane to [laughter] funny. There's been no there's people have been doing that online.

[00:01:08]>> There's a meme like people are posting.

[00:01:10]They're like, I haven't crashed the plane this many times in my life cuz they're getting hilo with the way it simulates.

[00:01:16]>> It's a real flat or is it like concave?

[00:01:19]No, it's not flat at all. You actually get to feel. It's very similar to a flight simulator. It is a flight simulator.

[00:01:26]>> I think you should do a story on that.

[00:01:28]>> Yeah, we should actually give it a try cuz you It's It's using a flight simulator but on Google Earth. So, it's like real time. Real. Well, Google Earth is delayed for like a few moments. Yeah.

[00:01:41]But still, it feels very real.

[00:01:44]>> It's brilliant, right? Let's come up with something. Let's put a flight simulator on Google Earth. Well, you know what? They should simulate though.

[00:01:50]It'd be cool the next item you're going to be talking about.

[00:01:53]>> Yeah.

[00:01:54]>> Thank you for leading me. I got you.

[00:01:55]>> Okay. This one is [music] close to my heart. Um I hope you guys got to see it online. And I woke up this morning with hundreds of likes and [music] shares because I shared this one to indigenous Taiwanese uh the Tao tribe from Taiwan [music] actually paddled to the Philippines and they just arrived yesterday >> in Batanes already to meet up with Iatans because we actually share the same culture and this hasn't been done for 300 years.

[00:02:21]>> It's amazing that they revived it.

[00:02:23]>> Exactly. So they're reviving this old maritime route. Of course, it it was planned three years ago, but the difficulty was that [music] nowadays we have passports, we need border controls, all of these things. So, finally, it has happened and the Tao tribe is now with the Evatans and they could understand each other. Will this be a yearly thing?

[00:02:38]Yes. They have the same language, same food, same clothes >> and I know it's close to your heart.

[00:02:43]Aside from being Taiwanese, you were actually there. [music] >> Yes. So, I was there in Lanu when they were finishing the boat up, their uh traditional boat, and they were supposed to sail the time that I was there or row the time that I was there, but what happened was that there was a storm, so it got delayed a few days. It's amazing.

[00:03:02]I got to meet the rowers.

[00:03:04]>> Well, this year you're leaving though or >> hopefully we will see. Uh I think that the the beautiful thing about this is that if [music] we keep it up, the tradition will not die. I I love I love this. It's celebrating two cultures m [music] you know put into one because >> and not only that it's important not to forget. [music] >> Perfect. True.

[00:03:25]>> I didn't know about this until you told me how we're so close in relation with Taiwan. [music] >> It has a lot of uh humanity in it because actually if you talk to the Tao tribe in Taiwan in [music] Lanu Orchid Island, they would say we're more Filipino than we are Taiwanese.

[00:03:38]>> You should really do a story on that.

[00:03:40]>> Let's pitch [laughter] it.

[00:03:41]>> Yes, I will. I will.

[00:03:43]>> I love it. that's making a big difference in our culture.

[00:03:45]>> Speaking about big difference, [music] you're going to be sharing about a pinoy making a huge difference.

[00:03:49]>> So, I just came across uh the Obama uh foundations, of course, spokesperson, which is former President Obama, and he featured Dr. Dex Galban, Dr. Dexter Galban, which is a Filipino educator and a medical professional. And what he's championing is to feed 25 million Filipino [music] children who are undernourished or malnourished. And this is, can you imagine having former President Obama actually talk about you, >> recognize you, your efforts?

[00:04:23]>> Absolutely. So, what he's trying to do, and he's been successful throughout the country, uh, and he actually works for the government. He's in NEA. Uh, and uh, what he's trying to do is he's coming up with an AI app that does not only >> [music] >> uh, helps feed Filipino children, but also educates them [music] on how to do it properly.

[00:04:44]>> We should try to get him on the show.

[00:04:45]>> We should. I mean, he's in the country.

[00:04:47]>> Yeah, that's cool.

[00:04:48]>> And not only that, like he's teaching them uh, how to eat whatever is available [music] in the town. Like for example, if they're famous for a certain vegetable and you know that's where they get their nourishment.

[00:04:58]>> That's what like Italy does, right? Like in Italy, every town their foods are [music] different just because of what they have around them.

[00:05:04]>> Exactly. But ladies, 25 million kids, that's not that's that's a tall.

[00:05:10]>> We have a superhero with a >> Yeah. Super. It's amazing. It's super super amazing. And he's going to reach a lot of very very uh uh needy children and of course pushing it to different heights. But talking about different heights, oh, [laughter] >> you like I know. I was waiting for.

[00:05:30]>> Yes, Rolex just opened a new boutique in the Swiss [music] Alps. So, arguably, I would say this is the the the highest uh boutique or or at least a watch boutique in the in the whole world. And it's super cool. I wonder who's going to buy there, but I'm just saying.

[00:05:50]>> Look at the view though.

[00:05:52]>> Yeah. Super. Wow. Like, if I had the chance to get there just just to see it, I would be more than happy. Speaking of Rolex, Priyanka Chopra Jodas was just announced as one of their ambassadors for Rolex yesterday as well.

[00:06:03]>> Priyanka.

[00:06:04]>> Yeah, cuz she's bridging Bollywood and Hollywood together.

[00:06:07]>> Well, this one is bridging the Swiss Alps >> and shopping for watches. Imagine saying that I'm going to Swiss Al.

[00:06:13]>> Not just saying where did you buy your watch? Swiss Alps. Like literally so cash >> hundreds of meters above, you know, above the above uh above the Swiss Alps.

[00:06:22]So super cool. I love that. 3,000 m to be exact. About above sea level.

[00:06:28]>> I wonder what the inspiration was to build a Rolex that high.

[00:06:32]>> I know. Maybe it's just marketing. Super cool. Why not on top with the news and stories that >> just like you BNC? We are everywhere.

[00:06:41]You are in Batanis. You're Taipei [laughter] everywhere. You're there.

[00:06:46]Well, you know what else is making waves in Hollywood? What?

[00:06:48]>> Shrek.

[00:06:50][laughter] That's why you sent Yaka. So, I had to do Priyanka cuz we had to bridge Hollywood and Shrek. So, anyway, the trailer just released I think a couple hours ago and everyone's favorite is back. We got Donkey, Eddie Meyers, we got Shrek, oh no, Mike Myers, Eddie, um Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, and Zena is going to be playing their daughter Felicia.

[00:07:13]>> So, this is going to be this is really fresh.

[00:07:14]>> This is fresh. It just came out and the trailer is hilarious cuz they have Gingerbread Man, who's my favorite.

[00:07:20]>> Where is Gingerbread Man? Have you seen the gumdrum buttons? He's my favorite.

[00:07:24]He has two gingerbread girlies beside him in the trailer. And see, look, look, look there. It's so [laughter] funny.

[00:07:29]>> And the gingerbread person is Is that was it twerking?

[00:07:34]>> Yeah, it was twerking.

[00:07:35]>> Twerking.

[00:07:35]>> I love Shrek.

[00:07:37]>> That's why people love Shrek is because it pushes the envelope without going too far >> with its humor, with the canned door of [music] everything.

[00:07:44]>> You guys think it's a cartoon for more more for adults rather than this one? I am sure to watch everyone still, >> but looking forward to Shrek 5.

[00:07:53]>> I love it. All right, folks. Later on the Daily Dish, we'll speak with visual artist Marcus Yentes.

[00:08:00]>> We'll also have with us designer Theen Rodriguez. We're serving you all that and more here on the Daily Dish. We'll be right back. [applause] [music] >> This is the daily show. [music] >> [applause] >> WELCOME BACK TO THE DAILY DISH. OUR NEXT guest [music] has come a long way from studying fine arts in California and working in advertising to digital media to becoming one of today's notable voices in Philippine abstract art.

[00:08:36]>> His newest collection, Quiet Collisions: Geometrics of a Fractured Comm, explores themes of duality, transformation, and finding balance through life's challenges. We're joined by contemporary abstract artist and my childhood friend Marcos Yentes. Welcome to the Daily D.

[00:08:54]>> Thank you very much. Thanks for having me.

[00:08:56]>> Okay. So, you guys were classmates.

[00:08:57]>> Yes. I grew up with this guy.

[00:08:59]>> Okay. Grade school, high school, middle, whatever you call.

[00:09:03]Pretty much. Yeah. But you know what, Mark? Uh, I didn't even know that until, of course, a few years back that you became an artist. [music] I didn't even know that you were an artist. Well, actually, let's talk about that transition.

[00:09:16]>> Yeah. Okay. Sure. Yeah. Well, it started when we were in school. Obviously, that was a big passion of mine, but I didn't know I was going to take it to these heights much much later in life. So, I mean, having started as an artist, you know, as a kid going into high school, I went into art school, uh, had a degree in Pepperdine, which was also, >> which I thought you went to business school for.

[00:09:37]>> Yeah, it was it was actually art. So, that was me taking it seriously already.

[00:09:42]But my dad said, you know, maybe you might not find a career in it yet. So, you need to venture into [music] something that's in the creative field, but don't leave that behind. So, it ended up being advertising and design, multimedia. But I never I never shied away from fine art. It was only later in life that it became my bread and butter when I said, "Okay, advertising I'm done with." Started to retire from advertising after maybe 17, 18 years.

[00:10:08]And then took fine arts seriously uh [music] starting in 2019. Mhm.

[00:10:12]>> So, let's talk about your artistic [music] style. I'm seeing a lot of lines, straight lines, triangles. Talk about this.

[00:10:21]>> Okay. Uh, I've always had a real affinity to geometry.

[00:10:26]>> Uh, and I liked things that were organized, you know, and linear and progressive, [music] you know, and then that sort of reflected a lot of my early pieces in art. [music] Um, specifically the Miami show that was done in the Picasso. Mhm.

[00:10:41]>> Uh, boutique service residences in 2019.

[00:10:44]That really blew a lot of people away cuz they said, "I've never seen this kind of art before." But, you know, that's that's what what I came out with.

[00:10:52][music] And, uh, throughout time, you know, I explored geometry and how that could mix with more fluidity. So, it didn't stay [music] there. It it it ventured in other places, you know, and other styles, but it it kept recurring.

[00:11:06][music] It was a theme that just kept coming back. So today you see it in my work. It might look [music] a bit different from what it started back then, but there are traces that were were rooted deeply in in my work [music] in 2019.

[00:11:19]>> Yes. Because I saw you I saw your first exhibit obviously >> and now there's such a big difference.

[00:11:26]What inspires your art? I know that's such a generic question, [music] but I I genuinely want to know because I'm finding out more about my childhood friends pursuits today rather than a few years back. [music] >> Okay. So with my journey in art um you know I think as an artist I don't want to be stuck doing one style or one thing at any given time I I have to explore life I have to explore techniques styles >> and a lot of it is is deeply influenced by either how you feel or what you go through maybe family life problems I don't know what it is right but that when I found out that is what moves somebody then you know I let the expression take its own shape instead of me being so rigid like I did before and so planned, you know, typically German, right?

[00:12:14]>> He [laughter] is half German, by the way.

[00:12:16]>> Oh, all right.

[00:12:17]>> So, it was it was how do I let the art become its own? How do I let my my expression become its own without me over planning, overthinking, over over how do I say analyzing how things should occur and how should it >> turn out? So, this is what happened. And so I let it go and let the art start doing the [music] speaking for itself.

[00:12:36]And so over time I was able to create styles with geometry and fluidity together and let it all happen without me planning everything. So this is where I feel I'm I'm most comfortable as an artist today.

[00:12:50]>> But but you know what child other people know Mark [music] as aside from being an artist but as being a DJ. [laughter] How how does does does [music] music influence uh your your your your pieces as well?

[00:13:06]>> Yeah, that's a very good question. Um [music] yes. Uh the short answer is yes.

[00:13:10]I think you know coming back [music] to what I was saying about life experience is moving you to do something to express yourself. [music] >> Music is definitely part of that. You know there there are times you are happy and there's a there's an associated song or tunes or melodies that go along with that in life. And the same goes for when you're sad or or or happy or aggravated.

[00:13:30]So yeah, music is definitely a part of that. And of course, being a DJ, there's there's a plethora of music I I could just associate [music] with, you know, at any given time. And, you know, that also helps me discover new music [music] as well, right? I'm not just stuck to listening to the same old routine and playlists. But yeah, I mean, yes, it's definitely a big part of of of where my art goes, you [music] know, music and and my my life as a >> Do you play music while actually doing your paintings? Yes.

[00:13:56]>> Yes. And then you DJ on the side with it.

[00:13:58]>> How's [laughter] that?

[00:14:00]>> Several mediums. Well, your upcoming exhibition is titled Quiet Collisions.

[00:14:06]It's geometries of fractured [music] calm. What inspired that title?

[00:14:10]>> Okay. I I think it's [music] more of a reflection rather than an inspiration this time because this is this is me reflecting on on on the last 2 three years which a very difficult period of my life. uh you know having lost my father was a big inspiration [music] to me and especially in the arts. Uh and of course you know internal family things you know everybody has family issues [music] but but that is really where I think um it it had allowed me to think deeper, feel deeper and be given me a a canvas to just let it out because you know pre prior to this the art I was doing was very inspiring you know to [music] for me to do it to just be happy do it. This one was the complete opposite. Go far [music] deep inside. Go look and feel or maybe even get away for a bit and just see what you come up with and what what whatever you find there. Let that do the speaking for itself and that's what come comes out, >> right? You know, I've I' I've always wanted to know about uh I've always wanted to ask artists, you know, of course, you export your feelings and your life experiences onto your medium, [music] in your case, your canvas.

[00:15:20]>> Yes. Do you ever import those feelings after you finish a uh finish a piece and [music] then you look at it, you're like, "Oh, is this the same feeling I was exporting? Now, what am I importing?" Yeah. Sometimes yes and sometimes no. I mean, because I'm I'm expressing and letting [music] it out.

[00:15:39]Uh if I feel that part of my life is not finished yet and I still need to express more, it'll keep on coming out. Other times I look at things or even some series that I've done before [music] and say, "Yeah, yeah, okay. I I think I'm over this period and I think I've I've happy that I explored it and now where can I bring this next >> or or what can I take away from having explored this now and move on to [music] something else?" So yeah, it it answers both questions. Yes and no. I I do import a little bit [music] coming back from it cuz sometimes these themes recur so you see a little bit of before into the latest work. Maybe they come in different shapes and forms now, but that underlying hard geometry sometimes find itself [music] still today mixed in with the work I do now.

[00:16:25]>> I love F's question, so I'm going to play with that right now. This is actually almost a no no to ask [music] an artist. But I hope you could indulge us as an audience. We always have question marks when we see a [music] certain art.

[00:16:37]>> Where is this drawing from? Maybe you could run through, let's say, the painting that we have behind us. What was going on with this? cuz I don't know if I'm seeing the Swiss Alps or I'm seeing prisms, triangles.

[00:16:48]>> Maybe you could just give us a sneak peek >> or subc. Yeah. Was it so bad?

[00:16:54]>> Okay. So, the piece behind me uh is is from a series that nobody knows it, but but it's called dystopia.

[00:17:01]So, [music] I was juggling with a lot of life issues, you know, also what's happening in the world. Things are so unbalanced, you [music] know, and so I tried to create a sense of chaos or at least show a sense of chaos, but also at the same time a sense of order, a sense of, you know, organization [music] and balance. So, you know, some of the works that I've done along with [music] this have been very very I don't know all over the place and then they also have some of this which is super super organized and relatable like to a landscape. So I tried to make it a little happier by creating things people can relate to like subject matter like of course landscapes or or maybe sailing or something that that that people can relate to cuz abstract work as you know it's really how you interpret this when [music] you look at it. So I can't say one thing and somebody says, "Well, I don't see it." You know, >> but with with a subject matter like that, like this one, it's called Silver Ridge Peaks. So there's there's a little more literal meaning to the abstract work, right? It is [music] a mixed medium piece with paint, paper, uh, and and other [music] materials like colored pencils, inks.

[00:18:09]>> You don't look it doesn't look like it there, but when you get up close, you see it. So yeah, I mean the inspiration is obviously landscapes, but how you mix that with abstract work to make it more relatable?

[00:18:21]>> Question. Um, when do you know when your art piece is done?

[00:18:26]>> Okay, that's tough. That's tough. Okay, sometimes you really feel it like I I think I shouldn't touch it anymore. And that could happen even in a short span.

[00:18:36]you could do work at least for me sometimes one week [music] two weeks I think okay I think I've had enough with this and I can't add anything more and there's some that where I struggle truly years even I I work on a piece >> I look at it I I I put some meat [music] into it and then suddenly I just don't feel it you know sometimes I go back and erase some things go over [music] it maybe three or four time hell even turn it over and see what that looks like and is it aligning with what I want to express here. So, it could take time.

[00:19:08]Um, >> is that torture?

[00:19:09]>> Yeah, it is. Sometimes it is.

[00:19:11]>> Do you have to be a masochist to actually go [laughter] to some sort of No, but seriously speaking, when it comes to using [music] geometry with your art, was this something Ferie as his seatmate during class, would you see him using the protractor, the ruler? Was it something that >> I I take the fifth because if I say something about that, we might have legal issues.

[00:19:35]>> [laughter] >> So what was as early as maybe when you were in school, was [music] it something already that you were playing with balance?

[00:19:42]>> Yeah. Okay. So, so Ted Kefir was one of our classmates and seatmates >> and uh he was heavy into like tech and computers, but he also liked art.

[00:19:53]>> And I I fed off his energy because we kind of did the same things. We would doodle on notebooks and our [music] assignment, you know, sheets. And the teachers would would always complain because they're like, "Why [music] can't you submit clean sheets of homework, >> but [laughter] there was always doodles on the corner and things would get dogeared cuz we were always doing something with them."

[00:20:11]>> So, yeah. I mean, we were him and I >> those lines already.

[00:20:15]>> Oh, yeah. Yeah. They were they were really >> there was symmetry. Was there balance?

[00:20:18]Oh, okay. So, ever since before [laughter] what? You guys have this inner laugh that I know it's so weird. [laughter] >> I know >> for me to be interviewing my friend, >> but it's so nice to see how things evolve.

[00:20:33]>> Well, speaking about [music] evolve, it seems as if that that uh show that you had in Picasso was one of those pivoting moments [music] where you evolved. Let's talk about that.

[00:20:41]>> Yeah. Um, well, Picasso has been a great set for me, you know, a stage for [music] me to to experiment. Uh, because the gallery space allows me to to kind of play around more than I can with their main gallery.

[00:20:55]>> So, that that pivoting part is is um, of course, me allowing to show people what can change in a small space [music] that I can curate myself, >> right, without the distraction of other galleries and other bless the other artists. I love them but without the distraction of their work and and so Picasso's little spot was my playground and [music] I've I've had few shows there now and it allows me to show the stuff that even people didn't even know I did, you know, >> and so that pivot in my work was that was a safe place for me to to experiment, you know, and and [music] that of course felt like that was a home place for me, you know, to for my art.

[00:21:35]But, you know, people need to relate to the artists [music] that they that they're supporting, right? And of course, with that, you've got other hobbies that that are unusual hobbies.

[00:21:46][laughter] >> Yeah. For an artist such as yourself, he is not this serious. Okay. This is why I'm finding what's happening. Why are >> we so stiff today? [laughter] >> Is it the coat?

[00:21:55]>> I think it's the jacket, but he likes offshore jet skiing.

[00:21:59]>> Oh, yeah. Yeah.

[00:22:00]>> Okay. Offshore jet skiing. What else?

[00:22:03]>> Yeah. So, I was a big tennis guy in high school. Played a lot of volleyball, too.

[00:22:07]Uh, you know, in in in high school and and uh Oh, was a big big snowboarder in Switzerland >> after I left Brent. So, yeah, these for sports. Yeah. Tennis, volleyball, [music] and and >> you ride motorcycles, too?

[00:22:20]>> Oh, I love bikes. I I love jet skiing.

[00:22:23]>> So, there's this there's a side of you that, you know, pushes things to the edge as well. Likes the excitement.

[00:22:28][music] >> Yeah.

[00:22:28]>> As opposed to the lines that I'm seeing, the pure balance. and I'm trying to talaga find the order to resonate [laughter] with this. Okay. No, but okay. You're going to be having a show as well. Let's talk about that quickly.

[00:22:41]>> Okay. So, the show is basically going to be uh reflecting a lot of abstract work obviously and and the best balance I could figure out in my art career of of fluidity and and and and geometry. And this one of course happens on the 3rd of July in the Picasso. Again, my favorite gallery. Thank you, Elramondo. And this this is of course probably the deepest I guess expression that I've ever [clears throat] shown to people in my art career. It started with the previous show last year, maybe two years ago. I [music] can't remember exactly what date that was. And that already was the beginning of me experimenting with how how to express something inside to let it out. Okay. And and this is [music] probably the the deepest I've ever got.

[00:23:26]>> This is the most vulnerable you've been.

[00:23:28]>> Yeah. I that you could probably safely say and it's been the most liberating experience for me [music] as well because finally I can't walk around keeping it in. It comes out in art, you know. It's not just oh I'm inspired and and how it takes shape is what it is, you know.

[00:23:47]>> Well, it's also going to be Father's [music] Day this coming weekend and I'm sure you take inspiration from being a dad. So share with us how you use that for your art as well.

[00:23:59]>> Oh yeah, gladly. [music] Well, you know, with my daughter being in the picture in the last few years, uh she has definitely played a part uh in in uh my art career or just life in general really. Uh I think it also she also reminds me to take [music] things a little bit less serious, you know? I mean, instead of going off on a tangent and going deep, dark and creating [music] things, she allows me to come back and and to get back to level ground and say, "Look, you can you can come back here. This is home. There's a safe spot. You know, there's family here. You know, you don't have to venture out and disappear for 2 3 weeks and do your art." No, she has really been the balance quite quite honestly. [music] And uh I love her to death for it. And I think she will continue to play a role in my art for the rest of my life obviously. [music] Now the big question is how do I play that role for her >> in her life when she grows up? Does she want to be an artist? I don't know. But I'll support whatever it is she wants to do.

[00:24:57]>> Well, it's like what FY said, [music] import export.

[00:24:59]>> Import, export. That's right.

[00:25:00]>> Mixing it up. That's right.

[00:25:02]>> Okay. Why don't we invite the audience [music] to actually visit and check out your show?

[00:25:07]>> Sure. Yeah. So, I'm I'm inviting everybody uh to come to the Picasso Service Residence. July 3 is the reception and it starts technically on the 4th to the 7th of September. So, it's going to have a nice long run. It's free. It's open to the public. You can come visit anytime. Third floor Picasso [music] uh service residence is the Altramondo Gallery.

[00:25:27]>> And don't forget to bring your checkbooks. [laughter] >> I like that. I like that.

[00:25:32]>> Thank you so much, Mark, for being on the show. And this is surreal for me but fun. Uh, and super thank you for your time and we're sure to go check out your me. Thank you so much for having me.

[00:25:44]>> Up next, we'll have fashion designer The Rodriguez and his stunning designs.

[00:25:48]Don't go away. The Daily Dish will be right back. Stay with us.

[00:25:53][applause] [music] [applause] This is the daily.

[00:26:09]Welcome back to Daily Dish. Of course, fashion is [music] more than just clothing, as you can see. It's a story and a reflection of identity. And few designers understand this better than our guest today. And through his creative vision, he's transformed his artistic dreams into an international fashion label. Let's welcome to the show acclaimed fashion designer Theen Rodriguez. Hi, [applause and cheering] The >> Hi. Good afternoon.

[00:26:33]>> Fashion.

[00:26:35]Yes. So, this is [laughter] actually your creations as well >> that we're going to keep.

[00:26:39]>> We just we just grabbed it off and Mo and I decided this is the way to do it.

[00:26:43]>> I saw this and I said, "Wait, I love this."

[00:26:45]>> You have very unique [music] pieces.

[00:26:49]>> You could you could really tell that when we were scrolling through your social media and seeing all your pieces here right now.

[00:26:55]>> It's one of a kind.

[00:26:56]>> Yes, it's one of a kind. So, tell us about your journey as a fashion designer. What led you to this? Yeah. So I started uh designing way back 2012 pa per officially I started 2015 when I won the competition under DTI and sit the redbox design talents. [music] So I've been designing for a decade now but back then my practice talaga is creating big gowns wedding gowns debut gowns. [music] Yeah. So I work for Francis Liberan. I believe Sir Francis was able to guest here super short ano. Um >> it was a stint because I uh I have a contract under DTI that [music] I have to focus on the competition. Then from there luckily I won the competition.

[00:27:42]Then I was able to represent the Philippines at the international fashion showcase [music] in London during the London fashion week. Then one of um the creator challenge us designers something unusual material which is back then is bullets bala.

[00:28:01]>> Oh wow.

[00:28:02]>> Bullets from guns. You're talking about ammunition. Okay.

[00:28:05]>> Yes. So back then there's tanimala.

[00:28:08]>> Okay. So >> there was a recurring issue. Okay.

[00:28:11]>> Yeah. So from there then hone well actually it took me a lot of years then to really discover and hone my aesthetic as a designer cuz [music] my practice is gowns.

[00:28:23]>> So from the exhibition in love metals and leather >> and so that's how it started cuz I was going to say from gowns to leather to like what you're doing now is completely different. Where did that switch start and how did it click for you now? Okay, I'm going to use leather from now on. Um even before talaga I love jewelries. So my mom used to collect loose gems. I I still remember gum ruby um [music] emeralds. So from a young age I was exposed jewelry. So, and since um the creator challenged us wait something different. Wait, I'm so curious. What did you do with the bullets? Cuz I I remember that issue timbala. Yeah. During that time it was uh it was happening throughout in in airports.

[00:29:21]>> Airports. Yes. So, how did you use it and put it in fashion?

[00:29:24]>> So, I have here a sample.

[00:29:26]>> Oh, we have it. The piece. Wow. Can we get it? Okay. Can we grab it? Yes.

[00:29:30]Please, please, please. Let's go for it.

[00:29:32][music] >> Here.

[00:29:34]>> So, this was the piece.

[00:29:36]>> Wo.

[00:29:37]>> This is the commercial version of >> what you made.

[00:29:40]>> Yes.

[00:29:40]>> And that's leather and bullets.

[00:29:42]>> This is genuine leather, cowhide leather, and this is bullet rings.

[00:29:46]>> So, we >> So, these are the how you use the bullets. Okay.

[00:29:49]>> Wow. Can we Yeah, let's zoom in on that cuz look how beautiful the details are.

[00:29:53]>> 45 caliber yata it. [laughter] >> No, but wow. Alen, can I here? Let's show >> the funny thing um sourcing the bullet rims >> context before bullets. [music] >> Then the creator um contacted a shooting range near shooting range. So I I went there. I asked the manager We're shooting [laughter] aa isa. So funny story is a plastic as in the regular plastic.

[00:30:46]>> So you were like doing a trickor treat with like the bal or like harvesting for your own meal.

[00:30:53]>> Yeah. So bigum 5 kilos. So I only have a plastic but probably like had a hole in it.

[00:31:03]>> So it was memorable for you.

[00:31:05]>> Yes. Super memorable [music] from a bullet. You know the story behind the bullet then ammunition. when we say ammunition, but what I did for the ammunition is ginamit eyelet or a grommet that connects the leather. So instead of destroying >> um destroying the skin connect the entire collection.

[00:31:34]>> Beautiful.

[00:31:35]>> So it's like a creation.

[00:31:36]>> It's an art piece.

[00:31:38]>> Yeah. Super. everything here. I'm like, it's like a museum of art. But you know what's so cool, child? He's dressed a lot of celebrities and a lot of international celebrities like DOA Cat >> Lizo.

[00:31:49]>> Oh, Lizo. Okay. So, like amazing. So, how was that visibility with all the celebrities influence how you're designing now?

[00:31:55]>> Well, I started with Nadin Lustre and KZ Tan [music] way back 2015 for the um MTV Asia concert.

[00:32:03]>> Yes.

[00:32:03]>> If I'm not mistaken. Yeah. So from there um back then cuz I wasn't really familiar with [music] leather and PVC vinyl. So back then so [music] from there um I was able to build my own um image artist. So as you can see screen um my staple look or my signature looks are the eyelets or the leather armorish.

[00:32:35]So that is Nadin Lustre wearing a 18 karat bra with semi-precious stone that is me vice ganda. So you know back then that is so accepted kind of fashion back then but now a lot of young folk folks they do. So yeah.

[00:33:02]>> What do you call your style? Is there a name for it?

[00:33:04]>> Um, >> I call them metal wear.

[00:33:10]>> Metal wear or leather wear. Yeah, >> I call them to die for, >> right? With all the bullets that you use and to die for. No, but seriously speaking, seeing your pieces, these are really showpieces. It's an art form in itself. And I could see why celebrities actually gravitate to using it, not just celebrities in uh music. I could see it in concerts as well like what we're flashing here performance as well. But even with a confident women who want to dress up, they could actually relate to this. But tell us about the journey of getting on the international stage because a lot of Filipinos out there are watching and they're also saying, "Wow, one day I also want to get there. Maybe you could help and share that inspiring story."

[00:33:53]>> Yeah, actually um I receive a lot of emails during pandemic. I can only disclose Lizo.

[00:34:00]>> So disclosed.

[00:34:02]>> You're talking about Hollywood. Okay.

[00:34:04]They would email you.

[00:34:05]>> They Yes.

[00:34:07]>> There's NDAs now. So, Lizo without the NDA release. So, langislo.

[00:34:13]But yeah, um during pandemic the challenge talaga is the logistics [music] and my restriction going to another country or another location. So siso the challenge with with Leiso is I don't have artisans back then. [music] >> It was all you.

[00:34:33]>> Yesumi during pandemic.

[00:34:37]>> Well look how beautiful his pieces are we have here today.

[00:34:40]>> So heavy.

[00:34:41]>> Yeah that is hands.

[00:34:44]>> Handsewn. Do people misunderstand your design aesthetic sometimes? before >> before but now >> yeah I I remember a stylist called me my sorry for the term yeah excuse me before yeah it's widely widely accepted by you know people >> okay now this one for me speaks very theon this is a very theon piece because you've got the leather the rivets let's talk about this one.

[00:35:19]>> Yeah. So, this this pieces are my latest collection.

[00:35:23]>> Okay.

[00:35:24]>> Um recently I just had a fashion show in Hong Kong fashion week.

[00:35:27]>> Congrats in style. So, these are the the new pieces. So, >> um it's it's more of an homage to my couture side cuz I started um bead works. I started with you know gowns. So it's going back to where you started with I wanted to incorporate the couture side of me as a designer >> to you know to men's wear. So yeah >> also before we talk more about your designs I just want to say congratulations you made it to previews >> cover for this June pride month. I saw Ryuji posted it so he styled me before but yeah congrats. Let's talk about that actually how they reached out to you >> actually >> and what that means to you as a designer.

[00:36:09]>> Uh was a good friend of mine even before pa we met 2017 or 2016. [music] So actually last two weeks ago um um he DM'd me to pull out. So I I said yes cuz for me as a designer especially for this month pride month it's a privilege for us to you know to be part of um a movement. If you if you check an cover now, they all shouting. [music] >> Yes.

[00:36:42]>> So the reason why they're shouting, so I'm really excited.

[00:36:51]In fact, I'm also a lover of art. So part of the deck is uh painting >> uh montage different [music] characters of so and then part of a the deck artist the influencers sabika. Okay I want to be part of this cover.

[00:37:13]>> Well congratulations for that. Lastly I just want to you know hope that you could share this with our audience. A lot of people want to get recognized.

[00:37:21]There's a lot of talk online also right now about paid uh paid awards ba but you on the other hand people recognize your work even internationally what does it take for people to take notice and was it always a dream and did it surprise you that I'm receiving all of this email or was there an effort for you to reach out to them as well >> of course effort cuz back I still remember when I was starting [music] effort every every to message the stylist Hi, I I remember stylist of Megan >> um back when she won the Miss World message stylist. Hi, if ever you have time, you might want to check my Instagram. I'm willing to do clothes for Megan Young. So [music] there's an effort plus um cap in terms of or and also accepting that sometimes you won't make it and but at the end of the day you don't um you don't give up [music] as a designer if your goal is to become or your goal is to make C cut I I think you're on a wrong route Cuz fashion is not all about glitz and glam. Cliche, it's all about glitz and glam. But 5% of fashion is glam, but 95%.

[00:38:51]You go to different places, [laughter] right? Yeah. Yeah. So, yeah.

[00:38:56]>> Well, wonderful words. Thank you for the reminder, ladies and gentlemen. We're so proud to have him here with us. no other than fashion designer Theon Rodriguez.

[00:39:05]Thank you so much.

[00:39:06]>> Thank you so much for having me.

[00:39:07]>> Of course, they can check your socials if they want to see your designs and actually purchase them as well. Yes.

[00:39:12]>> And you have a showroom, correct?

[00:39:13]>> Yes, my showroom is along Puasan.

[00:39:16]So, please um check out my Instagram at Theen Rodriguez Manila. That's my Facebook, my Nesta label. And also, I have a um upcoming website and also having a popup soon next month. So, looking forward to that. Well, now we'll take a we'll take first a quick break. Don't go away. The Daily Dish. We'll be right back.

[00:39:38][applause] [music] [applause] [music] >> Tomorrow on the Daily Dish, we'll have visual artists, actress, host, and fashionista Senusf Boziko. And we'll also have makeup artist Isabelle Lopez.

[00:40:05]>> That's it for us today, Wednesday. Join us again tomorrow for more real talk. A lot of spilled tea >> with zero filter. I'm Monique Kuzan Bosi. Anytime is a good time cuz it's always more fun with us.

[00:40:16]>> I'm Freddy Salad, always on top of the news and stories that matter most.

[00:40:20]Midday report with Mario is up next.

[00:40:22]Stay tuned. The billionaire news channel. I'm Chalato and as always, Chalamat for making us your lunchtime companion. Ladies and gentlemen, that's the Daily Dish serves.

[00:40:37][applause] [cheering] [music] >> [applause]