We asked artists and creatives about people and things that helped shape and inspire their art. What are they watching or listening to, and who do they identify with?
Ivan Dorschner
Actor, “Meant to Be”
Singer or band: Jack Johnson will always remind me of my younger years. I was learning to drive at the time.
Film: “Ocean’s Eleven.” I like the rhythm of the writing, the subtle comedy, the performances… I will never tire of that movie.
Music format or service: Spotify! It’s the convenience/department store of modern-day music. Its algorithms help you find whatever type of music you’re into.
Superhero or comics: I love our real-life superheroes, not so much the fantasy ones. Astronauts! Back when the US and the USSR had a space race. They went to outer space and the moon. Only a few were able to accomplish that. It’s truly inspiring.
TV or online series: Right now, it’s “White Collar.” That’s my dream role, Matt Bomer’s character, Neal Caffrey. He’s like a more modern James Bond, atoning for the mistakes he’s made.
Book or author: I’d like to be conventional and say JK Rowling. I’ve read the “Harry Potter” series seven times! They always helped me fall asleep when I was a kid. And the franchise has influenced a lot of people in their creativity.
Pop culture era: I love this decade and our own [entertainment]. We need to appreciate them more.
Allen Dizon
Actor, “Iadya Mo Kami”
Singer or band: John Legend and Martin Nievera. I love their cool and haunting voices.
Film: Of course, “Magkakabaung (The CoffinMaker).” Aside from being a Kapampangan film, my real daughter, Felixia, played my daughter in the movie. Acting in it led to nine best actor awards, internationally and locally.
Music format or service: CDs. Love songs, reggae music, and songs by Bob Marley.
Superhero or comics: Batman, for being dark and suspenseful.
TV or online series: Love your own again—it’s “Doble Kara,” the ABS-CBN show where I played Julia Montes’ dad and Carmina Villaroel’s husband.
Book or author: “Harry Potter” and “The Lord of the Rings.”
Pop culture era: The ’80s, for being timeless. I also love new wave music.
Aia De Leon
Singer, former Imago vocalist
Singer or band: Ella Fitzgerald, if I should name only one. I am starstruck by her range and understanding of how music works. I recognize her humility to listen to a piece and comfortably find her place in it.
Film: “The Godfather.” I’ve been raised to fend for myself. The predominant theme of survival in this movie resounds so much with me.
Music format or service: Spotify and anything online. The time I have waited for finally came when making songs, rather than hits, is a priority. Songs will always make their way into those who find them true in their lives, and that’s what matters.
Superhero or comics: I like Iron Man, for his sense of humor.
TV or online series: “Death Note,” for its sense of justice.
Book or author: Ravi Zacharias is the reason why I still go to church.
Pop culture era: Now. I’m loving neo-soul R&B, yet the presence of blues and jazz stays strong.
Paolo Herras
Comic-book author; director, “Buhay Habangbuhay”
Singer or band: At the top of my list is Cynthia Alexander, for her album, “Insomnia & Other Lullabyes.” Her art and musicality have many contextures. She can be child-like, quirky, lovelorn and culturally specific, but still worldly. My playlist is stuck in the mid-’90s to early 2000s.
Film: Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s “Moral” is still my favorite film. The narrative is masterfully written, the characters are wonderfully portrayed by A-list actresses, and the film shines brilliantly all throughout. “Moral” proves that the cinematic journey of a story can be unpredictable, provocative, award-winning and enjoyable.
Superhero or comics: There are so many brilliant local comics out nowadays, and some on the top of my head are Macoy’s “School Run,” JP Palabon’s “Puso Negro,” Michael David’s “Kubori Kikiam,” Aaron Felizmenio’s “Gwapoman” and Emiliana Kampilan’s “Dead Balagtas.”
TV or online series: I watch TV shows to relax, so I’m partial to mainstream for comedies like “2 Broke Girls,” “Mom” and “Modern Family.” But I also like “Sherlock,” “Game of Thrones” and “Orange is the New Black.”
Book or author: Among my favorites are everything by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, especially “One Hundred Years of Solitude”; Ricky Lee, especially his new children’s book for adults, “Kung Alam N’yo Lang”; Neil Gaiman, especially “Sandman”; Rene Villanueva [head writer] of “Batibot”; Rosario Lucero’s “Feast and Famine.”
Pop culture era: Now is a great time because it’s the age of the creative entrepreneur. Since 2014, more art markets and art festivals have been popping up. More Filipino artists, [craftsmen] and creators are producing more innovative, world-class work.