Ludy Vilma Demecillo has spent 21 years in the insurance industry as a manager for Manulife Insurance Company and also as a sales and marketing consultant. Recently, her interest has expanded into media and community development work. Currently, Ms. Demecillo is a talk show host and is an influencer running her own blog and vlog as a content creator in the online media space, Journeyscapes with Ludy.

Ludy Vilma Demecillo raises self-awareness in her vlogs in an online media space.

What do you love about your work?

It’s the opportunity to meet people. Every conversation is a chance to learn something new, and every experience can be shared with others. I enjoy connecting with people and passing along insight that might help in someone else’s life journey.

Are there any writers, spiritual thinkers, or creatives who have helped shape the way you think?

I have followed a number of life coaches who have influenced me, like Dr. Shefali Tsabary, David Ghyam, and Matthew Hussey. I deeply honor my personal life coach, Paraluman Patalinghug Datta, a Cebuana now based in India. That guidance truly changed my life.

David Ghiyam is a globally recognized Kaballah teacher

What’s your soundtrack like?

One artist I hope to see live someday is Adele, but at heart I’m an old soul. I love the timeless music of Frank Sinatra. Two years ago, when I travelled to Nashville, I made sure to visit a Sinatra bar and lounge that featured live performances of his repertoire. Sitting there and listening to those classics being sung by other artists was absolute heaven!

American singer and actor Frank Sinatra is regarded as one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century.

Is there a line from literature or a podcast that often plays in your mind?

When you change your internal beliefs and thoughts, your external reality begins to shift as well. This idea resonated while I was listening to LoveAgainJen, whose core message is, “learn to love yourself.”

Is there a piece of jewellery or accessory that you cannot leave the house with?

I love designer bags. I admit it proudly — I’m very much a Prada and Louis Vuitton kind of girl. A good bag completes the outfit and gives me the confidence to take on the day.

Prada Saffiano Black Handbag

Do you have a favourite restaurant in Cebu?

Recently, one of my favorite dining spots is Pukot Kitchen in Banilad. The ambiance is relaxed, almost family-style, and the food is really good.

Pukot is a Cebuano term meaning to catch fish through a netting.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness is about gratitude in the present moment. Happiness itself can be fleeting because it’s often tied to circumstances; however, if you cultivate contentment, meaning, and gratitude, these moments transform into genuine joy. I find joy in spending time with my children, in being able to find blessings through life coaching, mentoring, and sharing my personal journey.

Rod Malanao has spent the last three years with Luxclusif as a buyer specialising in second-hand designer luxury bags, the second life department of Farfetch. Luxclusif’s mission is to empower the growth and sustainability of the luxury fashion industry. The company is credited for its aid in reducing waste and encouraging mindful consumption.

On the other side of the scale, Rod is also a knitwear designer. This young visionary finds balance between the analytical and the intuitive, the structure and the emotion.

Rod Malanao’s knit study on expansion of form 2022-2023

Rod Malanao’s sketches for his eponymous knit wear line, 2021

How would you assess your work for Luxclusif?
In acquiring luxury brands, instinct and numbers go hand in hand. You need both to make the right call.

What do you love most about your work?
Seeing the sparkle in someone’s eyes when clients try on one of my pieces. That instant joy makes everything worth it.

Are you inspired by any visual artists lately?
Helen Frankenthaler is always on top of my mind, particularly Mountains and Sea, 1952. I’m also drawn to Hannah Wilke’s S.O.S.–Stratification Object series, 1974–82.

Mountains and Sea by Helen Frankenthaler

What’s your music playlist like?
A bit of a mess, honestly. It jumps across genres randomly. Spotify informed me that my listening age is that of a 65-year-old, if that says anything at all.

Is there a soundtrack you are listening to now?
Currently listening to Dian’s Moonbow Disco. We happened to catch the artist at SomSoc Gallery in Tokyo last December 2025, and we were lucky enough to have an autograph.

The artist Dian signing autographs at SomSoc Gallery in Tokyo

Is there a line from a book or a song that often plays in your mind?
“Wish that those who, like you, find the door a tad heavy won’t let it bother them, otherwise we’ll be left waiting around forever.”
— Syou Ishida, We’ll Prescribe You a Cat

Syou Ishida’s We’ll Prescribe You a Cat

Do you have a favourite restaurant from your recent travels?
A neighbourhood food joint on Wuding West Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai. Look for the brightly lit yellow signage.

Jing’an District in Shanghai

Are there any other fashion designers you admire?
I love Rei Kawakubo and have built a personal collection from the Comme des Garçons universe. I often say that I was raised on Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier, my childhood heroes.

The iconic Rei Kawakubo

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness is hard to quantify. Happiness is nuanced and layered. It could be a bowl of soup or a kiss on the cheek tomorrow.

Bee Urgello has long been part of the beauty and fashion industry as both a model and an influencer. “Fashion has always been a major influence in my life. It has molded me into who I am today,” Bee explains, reflecting on what anchors her in life. Currently, Bee is in a “transitional phase” and is planning to relocate to Australia, so her career is taking a brief sidestep. She is now spending time in Sydney, thinking about a new chapter in life with her partner.

Bee has also been an avid supporter of LGBTQ+ rights in the Philippines and has lobbied for equality in the past. She acknowledges that while there has been valid progress in the movement over the last decade, the process remains slow. This influencer mentioned that to help pass the SOGIE Equality Bill, the LGBTQIA+ community must unite, build alliances with lawmakers, civic sectors, and moderate religious voices, and counter misinformation with clear, culturally grounded Filipino messaging. She also stressed leading the movement with empathy, discipline, and strategic action to make the bill both politically viable and socially accepted.

Bee Urgello in a Cary Santiago silk chiffon gown

Are you inspired by any visual artists lately?

This may come as a surprise to some, but most of my close friends know me as a geek. I’ve been collecting comics and Japanese manga, not to mention anime like Sailor Moon. I also love watching cartoons like X-Men, Marvel, and DC.

On the other hand, I’m also inspired by fashion as an art form. Somehow, my geeky and fashionista sides have blended together and shaped my personal style.

The anime and manga industry forms an integral part of Japan’s prominent cultural exports.

What kind of bag do you use these days?

Lately, my necessities have been narrowed down, so I’ve started leaning toward smaller-scale bags. I prefer multi-purpose ones like the Chanel Classic Flap or the Chanel Wallet on Chain. Also, the Saint Laurent Envelope Chain Bag is at the top of my list.

St. Laurent envelope chain bag

Is there a piece of jewelry or timepiece that you cannot part with?

Years back, my parents made me choose between a men’s and women’s Rolex two-tone Datejust watch. I chose the men’s style because it felt more edgy and versatile. It’s very special to me because it’s a timeless brand, and the fact that my parents let me choose meant a lot to me as a trans person.

Rolex two-tone datejust watch

Which fashion designers do you wear?

My favorite is definitely Cary Santiago, along with two of my closest friends, Harvey Cenit and Rei Escario. For international brands, I’ve always loved the classic silhouettes of Chanel and Dior. There’s also an Australian brand called Zimmermann—the designs are elegant, feminine, and whimsical.

The Zimmerman brand has become Australia’s first billion-dollar label after an acquisition from Advent International.

How many hours of sleep do you require?

I usually sleep around 9–10 PM and wake up at 7 AM. Seven hours of sleep is good enough for me; otherwise, I feel groggy and lazy if I oversleep.

Is there a television series or film you’re currently glued to?

I’m a couch potato and don’t party much anymore, so I spend a lot of time at home watching television series and films. Lately, I’ve been following Palm Royale, House of the Dragon, Emily in Paris, and Stranger Things.

Emily in Paris 5 is now streaming on Netflix

What inspires you the most?

Beauty. Beautiful objects inspire me, as well as beautiful moments with family and friends.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Contentment—being at peace with where your life is at the moment.

What is your favorite travel destination?

I love New York. Nothing feels more “citified” than Manhattan. When I’m there, I feel like the world is my oyster. It’s an amazing melting pot of people and cultures.

Manhattan has been described as the cultural, financial, media and entertainment capital of the world.