For many, passion is a rare button to switch on when opting for a college degree or vying for a decent job position–for as much as we could vie for anything we think we’re good at–the reality is that not all passions are viable enough to follow.
But certainly, not for the 23-year-old Cavite-based-handler-turned-streamer, John Robert Anastacio, whose passion, married with an efficient platform and hefty dedication, had him jostled upfront of what could have been a long haul trip out of the field of programming towards the macrocosm of live streaming.
Anastacio’s three-year-old journey as a streamer in proudly-Filipino social media platform kumu sat in when he decided to forego his supposed career straight off college to pursue being a handler, before eventually leading him into the realm of online streaming.
Overcoat, Nina Amoncio. Wide-leg denim pants, Proudrace. Turtleneck (worn underneath), Uniqlo.
“Nung pag-graduate ko ng college sabi ko, parang napaka-boring sa bahay, and ayun talaga ‘yong passion ko before pa, so hindi ko na pin-ursue ‘yung career ko [as a] programmer. Pag-graduate ko nag-stream na agad ako”.
Albeit, self-confessed, the Caviteño streamer was once a shy, soft-spoken boy–such atypical traits for people who are greatly exposed to a substantial number of viewers–his stride in the world of streaming afforded him a wide, endless platform to build his confidence and rediscover himself while staying in front of the camera for his subscribers to see and connect with. In no time, no small thanks to his daily streaming and the healthful clime of kumu, he then managed to get around these insecurities in time.
“Super laking impact sa akin ang pagi-stream sa kumu, kasi sa kumu sobrang healthy ng environment dun. Yung bashers sobrang konti lang. Kung meron man pero sobrang limited lang,” he shared.
Being a full-time streamer on the platform for Anastacio also became beneficial to him and his family as it afforded him a means of their living, and, ultimately empowering him to be the breadwinner for his family.
Blazer, Edwin Tan. Shirt, Nina Amoncio. Trousers, Edwin Tan. (right) Overcoat, Uniqlo.
“Yung kumu naka-help sa akin [financially]. Yung streaming nakatulong sa akin sa pag-aaral ko, sa pagpundar ng kung ano-ano, sa pagbili ng car, and anything pa that I need. Ngayon, nakakakuha pa ‘ko ng mga brands, nakakapag-endorse pa ‘ko ng kung ano-ano. Dahil ‘yon lahat sa kumu.”
When asked about his most unforgettable moment with kumu, Anastacio shares his first branded engagement with the platform with a chuckle, “Nakakuha ako ng first brand sa kumu. In-endorse ko nang in-endorse yung brand which is sobrang hirap kung paano ko i-stream yung brand na ‘yon which is sobrang rated SPG talaga siya, so kailangan maging wholesome talaga ‘ko.”
As for his future with the streaming platform, Anastacio rendered his commitment with the social media platform, as he recognized how it has made his life in so many ways. “For me, as long as may kumu mag-stay talaga ‘ko kasi kumu changed my life, as a breadwinner in our family, for now ayun ‘yong nagiging source of income ko and ayun din ‘yung tumutulong sakin sa pagpapatakbo ng business namin.”
Made in Partnership with kumu
Styling, Creative Direction and Interview by Leo Balante
Photography by Jerick Sanchez
Grooming by Nadynne Esguerra
Videography by Emil Santiago
Shoot assistant and cover layout: Bhernn Saenz
Fashion by Nina Amoncio, Proudrace, and Edwin Tan
Shot on location at The Penthouse Studio