It was 2020 when PARCINQ Magazine came into the scene. It was one of the “pandemic babies” to come out of a bleak time when it felt like art and creativity was on the back burner.
With no backing nor sponsors or any big media corp behind it all, the indie magazine was born from fellow creatives, Philip Vargas, Joe Andy, and Rxandy Capinpin. “It all started from a place of boredom, with the initial idea being an ALL-ABOUT-BOYS magazine, shining a spotlight on BL boys during the peak of its popularity. Music was just a section among many others at the time. However, fate had different plans for us, and we stumbled upon our niche in the world of P-Pop,” shares Joe, who serves as the Managing Editor and Art Director.
What started as a digital magazine of humble beginnings from three creatives has now evolved into a leading P-Pop magazine in the Philippines and a premier destination for all things Asian pop culture with quarterly print editions, branded content, and most importantly, a growing community of collaborators turned family.
The Journey of an Indie Magazine
Fashion Photographer Rxandy Capinpin, who serves as the magazine’s Creative Director, says PARCINQ went beyond their initial expectations — even sharing that they didn’t expect the overflowing positive reception of the P-Pop fandom.
(From L-R: Joe Andy, Rxandy Capinpin, Chardy Baldoza)
From shooting in Rxandy’s own studio to on-location shoots, from digital covers to print editions, from visuals-first to adding substance to each release, and from P-Pop groups to K-Pop groups, the magazine has grown more than one can imagine in the last three years. And, most recently, it’s even created its biggest issue to date through a collaboration with the P-Pop Convention to bring together 10 leaders of the leading P-Pop acts in the country for #TheLeadersIssue.
Rxandy shares, “Throughout this journey, we've learned, unlearned, and grown tremendously throughout the process, forming real connections with other brands and creatives while also parting ways with some along the road. There have been moments of hardship, including a sour experience that led to financial losses. But, amidst it all, what has truly lifted us up is the overwhelming love and support we receive from our readers, particularly the passionate P-Pop community.”
No matter the hardship in keeping an indie magazine afloat, PARCINQ never forgets to put the creatives at the forefront. More than just pushing content, it’s ‘passion first’ to let creatives express themselves and be taken care of in the process.
Chardy Baldoza, the Marketing Head, talks about growing to advocate undiscovered talent herself. And in her own way, she’s all about letting the creatives feel seen. “Before, the magazine had zero sponsors and brands, but now that I’m working together with them, I make sure that all shoots are sponsored so there’s enough money to fund ideas and all creatives are well compensated and taken care of.”
A Community for Creatives
More than just a publication, PARCINQ has become a platform for ‘pushing creative minds and new faces at the forefront.’ As told by Glam Team Head and Grooming Consultant, Mycke Arcano, it’s become a place that has opened so many doors for people, including his. “I became a men's hair artist and grooming artist because of PARCINQ, and I will always be grateful for that.”
(From L-R: Janica Cleto, Mycke Arcano, Lars Cabanacan)
(From L-R: Anghel Millar, Ian Francisco, Pogs Francisco)
It’s become a chance for creatives to ‘explore and express themselves further.’ Video Team Head Ian Francisco, who’s been a freelance video creator for 5 years now, realized through PARCINQ that he still has more to offer and achieve. He shares a memorable moment of pulling off a 10-minute shoot with the K-Pop group, TFN, and not letting the time constraints become a hindrance but rather a true challenge to let his creative juices flow in the situation.
And it’s become a ‘stepping stone for opportunities.’ Head Writer Marielle Filoteo, who’s only written one-off pieces for publications, got the opportunity to write cover stories and profiles for the first time through PARCINQ. Having mostly done op-eds and think pieces in the past, the magazine helped her grow as a writer and think beyond her bubble. “I don’t know where I’d be without the trust given to me by the people behind the magazine.”
PARCINQ has grown together with the creative minds behind it. And despite mostly being a team of collaborators, the PARCINQ family is tight-knit as ever — making each other’s creative visions a reality and serving as a home to one another. Joe shares, “The journey of growth is far from over, and we can't wait to see what amazing adventures lie ahead!”
----
Why PARCINQ?
“It is a gate that has opened doors for me as I was a struggling artist before PARCINQ. It helped me develop my craft as an artist, do things I’ve never tried before, and have my works published at that.” — Janica Cleto, Makeup Artist
“It’s been almost 2 years of me writing and assisting for this publication and PARCINQ is where I feel I’m home, heard, and most importantly, learn. They value your creativity, voice, and how you manage to tell stories. And of course, the fun things that the team behind bring to this magnificent publication.” — L.A Bendaña, Fashion Writer
“PARCINQ is our baby. PARCINQ is my P-Pop bias. The best thing about being a creative here is I have the freedom to shoot anything that I want.” — Rxandy Capinpin, Creative Director
“PARCINQ, for me, is a group of creatives who treat each other as a family. The best thing about being a creative here is that they allow you to explore and express your creativity.” — Ian Francisco, Fashion Filmmaker
“PARCINQ, for me, is our little hub of awesomeness where we let loose and create art that's all about Asian pop and P-Pop! It's like a playground for our wild creativity and shared passion, connecting you with people who appreciate and resonate with your creations.” — Joe Andy, Managing Editor and Art Director
“It’s the first and only P-Pop magazine in the Philippines. And I am lucky to be exposed to a lot of fresh, unique, and outstanding talent here.” — Chardy Baldoza, Marketing Head
“PARCINQ, for me, is not just a field of work but a family that helps hone my abilities in this industry. I get to come up with something great with fellow creatives who’ve been the nicest and most genuine people that I’ve met.” — Dave Arden, Fashion Stylist
“PARCINQ is a captivating window into the world of art, culture, and lifestyle, providing an enriching experience for those who appreciate sophisticated content and seek inspiration from a diverse array of creative expressions.” — Arkeen Perez, Media Associate, and Writer
“It’s my stepping stone for a great creative team. I explore, express, and learn a lot from the team.” — Lars Cabanacan, Make Up Artist
“PARCINQ, to me, is family. I’m loud and outgoing but it's hard for me to make friends so when I got the chance to be part of PARCINQ, it felt like I belong. Here, I get to work with wonderful people and express my creative side.” — Pogs Francisco, Videographer
“PARCINQ is a platform celebrating all things P-Pop and pushing creative minds and new faces to the forefront. We get to live and express our art with the platform.” — Mycke Arcano, Beauty, and Grooming Consultant
“Simply put, the magazine understands the assignment. PARCINQ believes in its creatives and puts so much trust in them, and you don’t always see that anywhere else. There’s so much good vibes, passion, and faith in one another that you can’t help but be swept along.” — Marielle Filoteo, Writer
“PARCINQ is a platform that seeks to facilitate P-Pop as a vessel for pivotal intercultural dialogue. I’m lucky to be surrounded by fellow creatives as we feed off each other’s unbridled creativity!” — Ryebread, Fashion Styling Associate
“The best thing about being a creative in PARCINQ is that everyone you work with is so good that there is no room to be mediocre. You are driven to bring your best to the table. It’s a healthy environment where we push each other creatively and every outcome made is something we’re always excited to release.” — Nadynne Marie, Makeup Artist