In celebration of the month of love, weโre shining a spotlight on one of the Philippinesโ most charismatic heartthrobs โ James Reid. A force in music, film, and pop culture, Reid isnโt just a star; he embodies the power of reinvention. His evolution over the years has been a remarkable process of self-transformation, turning every challenge into an opportunity to reshape his identity, both on and off the stage.
Read More: Cover Story โ Lewis Tan On His Leap Into A New Era
Styling: John Lozano
MUA: Thazzia Falek
Breaking Free: How James Reid Overcame His Biggest Obstacle
When asked what reinvention means to him, Reid shares, โFor me, reinvention is synonymous with redefinition. People change, and when you embrace that change, you have the opportunity to redefine yourself through any medium โ be it music, art, career, relationships, or perspective. I think reinvention is a natural part of growth and exploration.โ His words reflect the idea that evolution is never accidental but a conscious process of letting go of old habits and embracing new possibilities.
Reflecting on the catalysts behind his transformation, Reid confides, โI faced many challenges last year and there were many things that were out of my control, but the biggest challenge was overcoming myself. In many ways, I was holding myself back by allowing certain people and situations in my life, and it kept me from creating from a place of confidence and truth. I like to think that maturity is making peace with your flaws and taking responsibility for them. So I guess this reinvention was overdue.โ This candid admission reveals how personal obstacles can pave the way for profound artistic growth.
Styling: John Lozano
MUA: Thazzia Falek
Finding An Authentic Voice
Reidโs evolving relationship with fame, art, and identity is just as fascinating. He explains,
Art is the aim. It gives what I do meaning. Fame is the game. To lose is to take it seriously. Identity is the name, who I choose to be today. Itโs more fun when things rhyme, haha.
With this playful yet thought-provoking insight, he reminds us that while the allure of fame may be the initial spark, it is the dedication to authentic artistry that truly fuels his passion.
Even his vocal style has evolved. โI sound more free,โ Reid simply states โ a reflection of his liberation from past constraints and his commitment to a more honest, unfiltered expression of self. His latest EP reflects this transformation, weaving together both broad, universal themes and intimate, specific moments. He recalls, โIโd say itโs a collection of more recent memories and things Iโve learned in the last two years. Some songs have a very broad sense of time, like โPauwi Na,โ which is about the feeling of being lost and how love is the compass that guides me home, while others are deeply personal, like โYour Boy,โ which I wrote right after a heated argument with a loved one.โ
Styling: John Lozano
The Beauty Of Becoming
Summing up the emotional arc of his evolution, Reid reflects, โItโs been a long road, but Iโm finally home, and Iโve got some stories to tell.โ In these few powerful words lies the essence of his reinvention โ a path shaped by strength, self-discovery, and the willingness to welcome change.
James’ growth reminds us that reinvention is not just a fleeting shift but an ongoing process of becoming โ one that, when fully accepted, leads to a richer, more meaningful life. For the month of love, let his story inspire you to shape your own narrative and celebrate the beauty of personal growth.
Catherine Pun
A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether sheโs belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.
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