There’s an overwhelming feeling that comes with the start of every year—it’s both a moment of letting go and, of course, a fresh start for many. The beginning of the year is the perfect reminder to dream bigger dreams, take risks, and embrace the possibility of something greater.
That’s the heart of Metroscene Mag's January cover featuring Mimiyuuuh. We wanted to remind everyone of the power of dreaming—not just dreaming, but acting on that dream. With Mimiyuuuh’s story as our inspiration, we aim to send out a strong message that resonates with anyone ready to take action.
In collaboration with young artists from Metroscene Mag, our January cover issue, entitled "Head-On," was born. Let’s get to know how the cover came to be and meet the talented artists behind the stunning, dreamy photos of this issue.
Mark Elwyn Baccay – Editor-in-Chief & Creative Director
“When I started planning this shoot, the first thing that came to mind was Mimiyuuuh’s hair. It’s such a big part of her look, and I wanted to play around with that idea—like giving it an upgrade while still keeping it her,” says Elwyn, Metroscene Mag’s Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director.
“At first, I leaned toward a retro-futuristic vibe, but something about it didn’t feel right at that moment, so I went back to the drawing board,” he adds.
That’s when inspiration struck. Elwyn found himself drawn to Fernando Amorsolo’s Modern Manila Girl, whose bob haircut perfectly aligned with the theme of transformation. Then, of course, there was Mimiyuuuh’s own Dalagang Filipina era, which added another layer to the vision. “I also took cues from 1600s Baroque paintings. I wanted this shoot to feel like a piece of art—aspirational, dreamy, and regal.”
The second layout wasn’t even planned. With extra time on set, the team decided to strip everything down. Dressed in all white, Mimiyuuuh became almost sculptural—like she was shifting from something still and structured to something fluid and expressive. It was a powerful visual metaphor for change, capturing the very essence of this shoot.
“Having Mimiyuuuh on this cover has been a dream of mine for the longest time. And having her as a cover which highlights the importance of dreaming and working hard? It’s a full circle moment for me.”
Xavier Lancelot Mallari – Photographer
From the moment the concept took shape, photographer Xavier Lancelot Mallari already had a clear picture in mind. Coming from a background in street photography, Xavier has always been drawn to finding beauty in the everyday—golden light filtering through the city, fleeting moments of warmth. He carried that same instinct into this shoot, ensuring the images felt authentic and deeply connected to Mimiyuuuh’s story.
“After having the discussion regarding the concept and who would be our muse for the shoot, I already had an initial vision of how I would want the photo to look and speak,” Xavier shared. “Glad that Elwyn and I are aligned with the vision. In the end, we wanted the cover to be warm and relatable, directly embodying Mimiyuuuh’s story. Facing the world “Head-on”, reaching dreams and spreading a joyful, warm energy.”
His approach isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about emotion, about making people feel something when they see an image. And for this cover, he brought exactly that—depth, warmth, and a sense of familiarity, like a dream that still feels real.
Gab Villegas – Hairstylist
Gab Villegas doesn’t come to play when it comes to hair. Known for blending creativity with a playful touch, he treats hair as an art form, bringing that artistic vision into every project he takes on. For Mimiyuuuh’s Metroscene Mag cover shoot, Gab’s approach was all about enhancing her iconic look while adding a modern twist.
“We went through different looks for this shoot, but when I saw the styling and how the photo was gonna be treated, I knew that it had to be a big fluffy '60s bob flip to pay homage to Mimi’s iconic bob but with a twist,” Gab says.
For the second look, Gab wanted something that combined both elegance and ease. “The second look, I for sure wanted something long and wavy. Mimi and I were throwing ideas around but settled on the low ponytail to make sure it was flattering to the overall look.”
Gab truly nailed the prompt, with his artistry shining through in every aspect of the shoot. His "hairrography" was on full display, turning the hair styling into a captivating performance. It was nothing short of amazing.
Thazzia Falek – Makeup Artist
Having worked with Mimiyuuuh for years, Thazzia Falek knew exactly how to enhance her natural beauty. For this cover, she kept the look fresh and luminous—dewy skin, soft contours, and a hint of gloss that added to the ethereal feel of the shoot. “Fresh lang, enhance lang natin features,” Thazzia said.
Her approach to makeup always complements the person in front of her, not overpowering but elevating. It’s that kind of intuitive artistry that makes her one of the best in the industry.
When Mimiyuuuh was already glammed up, the vision truly came into focus. The makeup perfectly captured the feeling of the shoot, complementing the ethereal vibe while highlighting her natural beauty. The soft, glowing finish enhanced her features, ensuring that every detail aligned with the shoot's dreamy and regal aesthetic. Thazzia’s approach made sure that Mimiyuuuh's look felt both fresh and timeless, embodying the energy of the moment.
Lynus Martin – Stylist
As a fashion stylist, Lynus Martin loves playing with unconventional fashion. Over the past year, he has explored bold and expressive style concepts, blending elements of camp, fun, and beauty into his work—an approach that perfectly fit the brief for this shoot.
For Mimiyuuuh’s Metroscene Mag cover, Lynus and his team—Jasper Añonuevo and Cha Fronteras—wanted to create a look that felt both timeless and fresh, while nodding to her Dalagang Filipina era.
"With the mood board in, my team and I—Jasper Añonuevo, Cha Fronteras, and myself—developed a classic yet modern look that pays homage to Mimiyuuuh’s iconic Dalagang Filipina bit from 2019," Lynus shares.
Given the fashion direction by Elwyn, they worked on sourcing designers who could bring their vision to life. "Through this process, we connected with some incredible designers whose work perfectly aligned with our concept. Pieces from Vina Romero, Vania Romoff, and Zē Brand played a significant role in elevating the project, helping us achieve the high-fashion aesthetic we envisioned."
The garments truly captured the essence of the shoot with their dreamy yet regal vibe, perfectly embodying the essence of Mimiyuuuh. Lynus and his team seamlessly fused nostalgic elements with contemporary elegance, creating a wardrobe for Mimiyuuuh that symbolized both her evolution and the bold possibilities the new year holds.
Lanz Maramba – Videographer
Lanz Maramba was tasked with capturing the essence of the shoot through video, and he truly delivered. His ability to document the movement and energy of the moment made the entire experience come to life on screen. "Sayang naman if you won't be able to see how the artists move," Lanz's work immortalizes those fleeting moments, preserving the magic of the shoot forever. His keen eye for detail and smooth execution ensured that every movement, every emotion, was captured perfectly.
Cloyde Godoy – Video Editor
Cloy De Godoy is an artist to watch. Even at a young age, Cloy already has a remarkable ability to take raw footage and turn it into a cinematic experience. In a short amount of time, Cloy worked seamlessly with Lanz’s footage, stitching the clips together into a stunning narrative. The transformation of simple video into a masterpiece is a testament to Cloy’s talent and creativity.
Josh Castro – BTS Photographer
Josh Castro took the behind-the-scenes photography to another level. Not only did he document the process with precision, but he also assisted Xavier with the setup of the shoot, ensuring that the environment was as seamless as the final images. Josh’s ability to capture both candid moments and the energy of the crew added depth to the story, making every BTS shot feel as intentional as the final product. His attention to the little details turned every behind-the-scenes moment into a work of art.
Spotlight Creative Studio
But no cover would be possible without our playground for the day. For this shoot, we collaborated with Spotlight Creative Studio, and we're incredibly grateful for their cozy and welcoming space, which has truly become a home for some unforgettable Metroscene covers. From the July 2024 cover featuring Gia Bernardino of Cup of Joe, to the November 2024 cover with P-pop boy group ALAMAT, and now our January 2025 cover with Mimiyuuuh, we've been fortunate to create stunning visuals in their studio. A heartfelt thanks goes out to Kim Wee Ebol and Ate Mariel for assisting us during the setup and throughout the shoot. We always feel so welcomed and supported, and that positive energy truly makes all the difference.
More Than Just a Cover
Having Mimiyuuuh on the cover of Metroscene Mag has been a long-time dream, not just because of her influence, but because of the story she carries. She represents what’s possible when you chase your dreams without hesitation, when you show up as yourself, unapologetically.
This cover isn’t just about capturing a moment—it’s about telling a story. A story of growth, reinvention, and the power of taking on the world head-on. And in the end, that’s what this shoot became—an invitation to dream, to take risks, and to step into something greater.
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Metroscene Mag January 2025 COVER: Head-on Featuring Mimiyuuuh
Special Thanks to
To The Designers:
📍Shot at Spotlight Creatives studio (@spotlightcreativesstudio)
