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and ZALORA Ambassadors Brent Manalo, Janeena Chan, and Kerwin King glimmer in COS as they reminisce on their relationship with ZALORA.

Beyond the glitz and glamor, the relentless pursuit of storytelling and the inward desire to implant seeds of hope ultimately kindle the beginning of a love story.
2024 is the year Heart Evangelista celebrates her fourth straight year as the face of ZALORA. From being one of the best dressed in the country to becoming an international fashion icon, the multi-hyphenate’s relationship with ZALORA stood the test of time even surpassing a global pandemic. “I remember my first ever shoot with ZALORA, we were all wearing face masks! It’s crazy to think that the world has managed to survive a global pandemic and I’m still happily here, with my ZALORA family.”
But as much as fashion is now second skin to Heart, her life in the spotlight began way back, shaping her into the icon she is today as well as arming her with wisdom to share. "I'm not who I am today without the people I've met along the way. For as long as you're alive, you have a story to tell, and nothing's more beautiful than that," Heart expresses. Being cloaked in international and local accolades, she also pays tribute to the young girl who won't think twice about breaking barriers, "There's no point in sticking to a mold or doing what's expected of you. Fill up your cup and bet on yourself. The same is true with fashion, there are no rules. It's your life, it's your style, and no one does it better than you. I stopped being a people pleaser a long time ago. I haven't looked back since, and it's the best thing I've ever done for myself."
Dreams are embedded in hearts for a reason. Janeena Chan knows this best — having advocated for her dreams and life purpose since day one, "I was always an active kid growing up with many interests especially related to the arts and creatives. From being a kiddie model, junior reporter, and eventually lifestyle creator and multi-platform host — I always felt like the world was my playground." She continues, "I just had a natural inclination for connecting with people and sharing stories. The world of hosting and content creation can be so diverse and varied. It’s always colorful, exciting, and never boring!"
Staying true to herself has always been a non-negotiable, which has created a magical ripple effect in her career. Janeena muses, "I believe I’m more sure of myself — more assertive with my voice, purpose, and impact both online and offline. Every step that led me to where I am is a 'big break' worth celebrating. Working with amazing international personalities like Chris Hemsworth and Park Hyung Sik, for instance, are noteworthy moments! I’m also very grateful to be growing with my GMA Sparkle Artist Center family."
Brent Manalo doing work behind the camera instead of in front of it, is an image unimaginable given his current success and status. This was where Brent saw himself a few years ago, but as we know by now, the world had different plans for the Advertising graduate. "I thought I’d be on the other side of the spectrum — behind production or doing PR work. During the pandemic, I was bored out of my mind so I would do content as an escape — and one thing led to another until it got to a point where content creation became one of my jobs." He looks back at the passage of time from when he first began his journey with ZALORA, "My very first post for ZALORA was for the Sundowners trip in 2019. I remember being a shy boy then, barely speaking to anyone because [content creation] was all new to me. Everyone was shooting content with several layouts while I was lounging by the pool area." He further reminisces, "I’ve grown so much personally and career-wise. I’m less shy now and I have better judgment when it comes to the content I put out. Before, I would always depend on the content guides and follow them through and through but now I learned that it should be collaborative since it also involves personal branding. I also know how to assert myself better and not say yes to everything."
Little did the once timid and reserved young boy know what was in store for him. The stars have aligned in his favor, "Looking at where I am now, I think I got lucky. I started attending red-carpet fashion events, doing interviews, and even landing on the best-dressed list sometimes. It all happened so fast since I only started creating content in 2019. I owe it to all the creatives who helped me navigate this world."
Kerwin King discovered his love for content creation while pursuing Medical Technology, "I got into content creation by accident. When I was starting, I was only posting artworks, photographs, and minimalistic videos. [My content] then transitioned to lifestyle. Then ZALORA came into my life — that’s how I learned how to style and present myself better." It’s been almost a decade since Kerwin’s first gig with ZALORA and to this day, he remains.
The life that unraveled for Kerwin is one that he would never take for granted, "Kindness and gratitude go a long way. The people who have been there for me since the start kept me going and growing. I even got signed by ABS-CBN Star Magic and RISE. I had a Netflix show, a few guestings, and a music video!" He continues, "It’s funny because I didn’t even know how to dress up nicely before compared to now. I’m more aware of the style I want. My goal is to inspire other people to be comfortable in their ways."
Love and light emanates from these partnerships-turned friendships. "The overwhelming love I've received makes my relationship with ZALORA special. I know I'm truly home when I'm celebrated and seen for who I am and what I can offer," Heart utters. Janeena resonates with this thought sharing, "because of ZALORA, I've been unapologetically me in all my style eras." Embracing inner voices alike, Kerwin notes the impeccable change since being affiliated with ZALORA, "I get acknowledged by esteemed companies, brands, and magazines because of how I present myself. It’s because I wear ZALORA."
No one does the art of content creation better than the ZALORA Ambassadors. Janeena imparts advice to aspiring creators, especially highlighting perfectionism as a trait to veer away from,"Work smart, do your research, but at the same time don’t overthink it! Done and real is better than perfect and never posted. It’s your world, your life, your POV. You’re simply letting us in through your lenses! Be the most 'you' as you can be, keep on reinventing yourself and never stop learning!"
In the midst of it all, showing up for yourself in all aspects is the greatest act of self-love. Brent underscores authenticity as a driving force in further excelling in the industry, "Stick to your core. Anyone can be a content creator for as long as you know who you are and how you want to present yourself. There’s creative space for everyone so there’s no need to follow a formula — stick to what you know best."
While talent and tenacity are magnified in the industry, kindness does wonders. Kerwin expresses, "Always be kind. Yes, there are lots of people who are talented in this industry, but not all are kind. Just keep pushing and trying and don’t ever stop evolving and learning. Kindness will always shine."
After more than a decade of solidifying fashion authority and credibility, ZALORA's humble beginnings and current feats have been attributed to not only the combined efforts that occur behind the scenes but also the cathartic and illuminating relationships made along the way. Brent Manalo highlights a pivotal role ZALORA has played from the onset of his career, "ZALORA is one of the few brands that trusted me early on. They have seen me grow, and they’ve been a huge part of my journey." Kerwin highlights the love brewed over time, "ZALORA is everything — they’re my family. I got to meet amazing people with whom I’m still connected with." Heart shares the same sentiment, capturing the essence of being at home — which isn't a place but a feeling, "More than anything, ZALORA has truly become my safe space, my home."
And just like that, the love stays.