Chua in collaboration with photographer You Bin for a coffee table book that sought to raise awareness regarding AIDS

MANILA, Philippines — New York-based Filipino-Chinese model Brent Chua is probably one of those who consider the arts an ideal platform to continuously stimulate the consciousness of a vast audience. Apart from modeling, he has dabbled into photography and has pursued different creative outlets during his spare time. He recently collaborated with photographer You Bin for a coffee table book that seeks to raise awareness regarding AIDS.

"I think it's important to encourage a sort of continued awareness on acquired diseases such as AIDS, even now in our time of medical advancement in treatment," he says.  "It's always interesting to utilize the outlet of creativity for something you believe in. I appreciate seeing artists and other individuals I look up to working on projects to benefit worthwhile causes."

However, Chua clarifies that pursuing other endeavors is not something he does for the sake of reinvention and publicity. "I believe in doing what feels right and that [is what the book was about.] No matter what you do, and especially something as up and down as modeling, it is always important to pursue other endeavors. You have to keep your perspective fresh and feed your brain, as underrated as it is in our media-driven society."

It has been more than five years since Chua moved to the Big Apple. Here, he discusses life in New York, the global fashion industry, and more.

Manila Bulletin: How is the international modeling scene these days?

Brent Chua: With regards to being an Asian modeling internationally, I feel it has progressed recently for us. There has been more of a demand for Asian models now, so in turn more of a supply. And I appreciate all of the progression for Asian models to receive similar opportunities as Caucasians.

MB: What developments have you observed in the global fashion industry?

I see fashion as a constantly developing industry so I think it will always produce the new and fresh takes on the old. I think it's also natural for one to observe that the fashion industry thrives when an economy does. So, a thriving economy seems like a necessary factor for fashion brands to have the resources to continue their production of trends.

MB: What are the things that you learned that every model should at least abide by to survive in the modeling industry for a long time? Is modeling fast-paced as we assume it to be?

It's important to be emotionally ready in any field or profession you are preparing to involve yourself with. Modeling is a bit different because it usually doesn't leave much time for an individual to prepare. So I feel it's necessary to have a solid foundation with a family or close friends to support you emotionally. But if you have a good head on your shoulders and are prepared to make the right decisions then everything will be fine. And it is a really fast-paced industry because things are expected to happen so fast. For example, look at the production of a designer's collection. There is a lot that must be done in a short period of time. And modeling is a byproduct of fashion in some sense. It's a whole industry based on selling clothes so it's only natural that the timing of everything else should suit the pace of the production.

MB: What do you think are your qualities that helped you survive and thrive in the modeling industry?

I appreciate the way I was raised by my parents. They’re very dear to me and they gave me a very solid emotional foundation. So even if everything falls down, you’ll always have your foundation, the very steady base from which you started.

MB: How’s life in New York so far?

Life in New York is like nothing else I can describe. You have the magnificent feeling that everything is at your fingertips. There are so many people who come here to live and fulfill their dreams, some of whom who really do, thanks to willpower, which creates a certain magical atmosphere. You change so much and you can really find yourself here. But then again there is so much distraction that can lead you away from what you came here for in the first place. Yet that threat is so slight and if anything, makes it an even more interesting city. It is the ultimate melting pot. I mean, where else in the world can you find such an ethnically-varied city?

MB: Can you describe to us a typical day for you there. What makes New York an ideal place to grow as an individual?

There is so much room to grow as an individual here in New York. There is so much culture for everyone. It feels like the center of the world. You acquire certain tastes and morals and specifics about yourself. A day in New York can be equal to an entire year in other cities, considering the amount and weight of experiences here.

MB: How has living abroad helped you grow as a person?

In general, the experience to have traveled to many different cities had made me a more cultured person. It has made me realize what I like and what I do not. If I was to not have had these experiences, I might not be so aware of my tastes and preferences in life. I've been more exposed to cultures such as music and art so my appreciation has grown for such things.

MB: On a lighter note, do you think that fashion is a medium that can help save the world?

I think it has the potential to be a very powerful medium in aiding further awareness for worldly causes. I mean, it has been for some time so I don't see why it wouldn't continue to be. As time passes, it seems to grow as a trustworthy medium for an ever-increasing global audience. However, there are parts of the world that do not have the same outlets that we do. Not everything is so accessible but one step at a time is a good start.

MB: Are you going to do more creative or special projects in the nearest future?

Absolutely.