On Cover: WAIIAN

Manila, Philippines — Waiian, a rapper hailing from Makati City, embodies a unique blend of artistry that transcends traditional boundaries. With roots as a filmmaker and skater, his journey into the world of rap has been anything but conventional. As he reflects on his evolution, Waiian’s narrative is filled with vibrant experiences and artistic freedom that shape his identity today.

Sharing his Roots

From a young age, Waiian was drawn to the underground scene, sneaking into local events and absorbing the raw energy of DIY gigs. "Bata pa lang ako, sumisingit na ako sa B-side," he recalls, describing those formative years as a "melting pot" of characters. In the absence of pretension, he found genuine connections that instilled in him a sense of authenticity, a quality that continues to resonate in his music.

"Walang aircon," he describes it, as he highlighted the unpretentious environment that fostered genuine connections among the masses. This background instilled in him a sense of authenticity that resonates in his music today.

Beginnings and Growth

His early forays into songwriting began as personal explorations—creating tracks about government issues and even his crushes, which through how he realized his ability to evoke emotions through his lyrics. This initial spark ignited a passion that led him to form his rap group, Kartell'em, where they tirelessly built their reputation in the industry over three years.

Waiian acknowledges the challenges of transitioning from the raw, grassroots performances to the polished, ‘air-conditioned’ stages of the more affluent scene. “Iba yung energy noon,” he notes, contrasting the intimate vibe of small crowds with the upscale atmosphere of festivals like Wanderland. Yet, he embraces this shift, emphasizing the importance of intention in his artistry. "Bawat stroke of the brush, bawat linya, bawat show, lalagyan mo dapat ng intention."

Connections and Improvements

His latest album, Backshots, exemplifies this evolution. It's a journal of his life experiences, blending humor with introspection. "Backshots, tinira. I tried saying more by saying less," he describes it, reflecting themes of betrayal and personal growth, delivered with his signature wit. The title serves as both playful banter and a deeper commentary on the struggles he’s faced, akin to his own "revenge" against past setbacks. "Jose Rizal ay gumawa ng mga sulat... at ang ginawa sa kanya, binaril siya sa likod."

Waiian remains dedicated to connecting with his audience, emphasizing the need for sincerity in his music. "Mahalaga na may mga tao na kilala ka for who you are," he advises, underscoring the importance of genuine relationships. His fans appreciate this relatability as they grow alongside him through clever wordplay and narratives. “Not as a famous person, not as a commodity.”

As an artist, Waiian remains committed to his roots, understanding the importance of connecting with both his old and new audiences. "Be nice to people and do the right thing," he advises, emphasizing the need for sincerity in his music. This authenticity is what keeps his fans engaged, as they grow alongside him through relatable narratives and clever wordplay.

There’s something unmistakably grounding about WAIIAN’s presence—an energy that doesn’t demand the spotlight but reshapes it. In this issue, we explore the quiet power of the natural world as a mirror to his raw talent. No embellishments, no forced narratives. Just truth.

Looking forward, Waiian is eager to embrace collaboration, planning numerous partnerships that blend various genres beyond hip-hop. His enthusiasm for exploring new sounds reflects his all-around approach to music, proving that he is more than just a rapper—he is a storyteller, a friend, and an artist committed to his craft.

With every beat and lyric, Waiian invites us into his world—raw, real, and undeniably vibrant. His story of growth and challenge makes him a compelling force in the Pinoy hip-hop scene.

His voice cuts through like water over stone—unpolished, essential, and shaped by pressure rather than performance. The nature aesthetic isn’t a backdrop here; it’s a language. It speaks in textures that echo WAIIAN’s honesty, rhythms that match his flow, and light that doesn’t hide imperfections but makes space for them.

This isn’t about romanticizing struggle or turning reality into metaphor. It’s about alignment. WAIIAN and nature move the same way—genuine, grounded, and growing, whether or not we’re watching.

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Artist WAIIAN Creative Director H Cover story JAS RICO Photographer NINOY DAYRIT DWIGHT LUNA Videographer NINOY DAYRIT Hair and Makeup SOFIA SY Produced by THE NEW HUE Special thanks to LOVELY QUINTO ASTBURY

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