Mia Durano, Brand Manager of Qube Gallery, spends her daily grind immersed in strategy, curation, and marketing, all in service of shaping the gallery’s identity. Her role centers on transforming the art gallery experience into something not only culturally resonant but also marketable, bridging the gap between artistic vision and audience connection. At its core, her work is about building the brand—creating meaningful links between the art, the artists, and the community that surrounds them.

What is it that you love about your work?
That everything about it is the core of my background and nature. My work demands multiple objectives, and it’s all geared towards exploring and presenting the artworks of the gallery with their quality of being in good demand.

Are there any visual artists in the current scene that you champion?
I’m definitely a big fan of Sio Montera because his artworks are like feelings frozen in time. There’s also a series of mixed media collages in the gallery by an artist from Cavite — Melbourne Aquino. I’m obsessed with his images that seem to form words. More interestingly, they are names of colors in Filipino, but the words and colors do not necessarily match. It amuses me to no end, like a mental exercise.

Sio Montera

Melbourne Aquino

What book are you reading now?
Making It in the Art World by Brainard Carey. (Yes, seriously.)

What bag do you carry these days?
I usually switch between two categories: a utilitarian one — which is a black bucket bag from The Row, wherein I basically throw my whole life in it — and a fun bag, which I’m also very fond of.

Are you glued to any television series or movie at the moment?
Your Friends and Neighbors on Apple TV. It’s rich in detail and close to being real — highly recommended.

Is there a line from a novel or film that’s playing in your mind?
It’s from the film Before Sunset (1993). Celine, the female protagonist, has a line that says:
“If there’s any kind of magic in this world, it must be in the attempt of understanding someone sharing something. I know it’s almost impossible to succeed but who cares really. The answer must be in the attempt.”

Do you wear a watch?
Yes — but embarrassingly, it’s a smartwatch. I’ll change if necessary or if my outfit demands it, but no sooner will I check the time on my phone instead.

What item of clothing feels most like you?
A black tailored halter-neck jumpsuit, wide-legged, made of suiting material and executed just for me. Not too casual, not quite formal — but somehow right.

What is your fave travel destination?

I used to live in Hanoi, so I’m really biased. It’s where I grew into myself. As for restaurant recommendations, the best locations are all found in the streets.

Any hip spot in Cebu that you can recommend?
Llula! Underrated food and great cocktails. Get the password from your close cool friend.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A life that is so inspired that I have no defaults — except for beauty and kindness.

Originally from Cebu City, graduated from Cebu International School, now living in New York City chasing the dream like most people there, but with a bit more sunscreen. Works regularly as an actor and commercial model. Recent work includes Xboom buds by Will I AM for LG Electronics and Mike and Ike’s candy. Also appeared in an LGBTQ+ web series called Freak and Donna.

What was the latest play you watched on Broadway or Off-Broadway?

Sunset Boulevard. I have never seen anything like it, and I’m so proud of Nicole Scherzinger for being Filipino and recently winning a Tony for her performance.

Nicole Scherzinger stuns in Sunset Boulevard — a Tony-winning performance that redefines Broadway brilliance.

Favorite pop star and what song particularly?

I’m really into an all-girl group from 88rising called NO NA from Indonesia, and their song Shoot is a bop. I love how they infuse old-school R&B with their sound.

NO NA is 88rising’s rising girl group from Indonesia — Christy, Esther, Baila, and Shaz bringing the heat.

Is there a movie or a series on television that you’re glued to?

Yes, I’m obsessed with the X trilogy (X, Pearl, and MaXXXine) from A24.

A24 cult-hit X trilogy — X, Pearl, and the newly released MaXXXine. Cinematic chaos, beauty, and blood all in one timeline.

What is your favorite restaurant in New York?

Emily in the West Village. Their burger and pizza are sooo good.

Emily in the West Village — home of the burger dreams are made of (and the pizza’s not playing either).

Travel destination that you can recommend?

Seoul, South Korea — been there three times and it never gets old. From K-pop to cafes and food, Korea’s always a vibe. Love it jud, lol.

What’s the watch you’re wearing now?

It’s the Xiaomi Smart Band 9.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9

Is there a quote from a writer or a line from a song that’s constantly playing in your mind?

“Getty Images won’t take a pic of me yet
They lost my invitation for the Met.
In another minute, I’ll be coming up next
They just- just- just don’t know about me yet.”
— Getty Images by CHI CHI (Cecilia Gault)

Which living person do you admire?

Ariana Grande, especially with her getting an Oscar nomination for Wicked last year.

Popstar and actress, Ariana Grande.

Do you wear a scent?

Cloud by Ariana Grande.

Ariana Grande’s iconic scent — Cloud, dreamy, soft, and instantly recognizable.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Feeling creatively fulfilled, surrounded by people who inspire me, and waking up every day in the city I love—knowing I’m doing what I was meant to do.