Triple Threats: Meet Penjar, Aki, and Zia

They may come from different worlds, but Penjar, Aki, and Zia share something in common—standing out in the vibrant Kumu scene. Brought together by their campaign win, this trio shines in their PARCINQ x Kumu cover shoot, each bringing their own flavor, story, and voice to the table.

Penjar Ramento

To most on Kumu, he’s Penjar—but offline, he’s just PJ. A naturally curious soul, PJ started streaming in May 2022 and quickly found himself deep in the world of talk shows, bulsahan sessions, and late-night sing-alongs. “It started with just hanging out and watching friends,” he says. “Then I slowly started hosting and making my own content.”

But it wasn’t your typical setup. For almost a year, Penjar stayed off-cam—intentionally. “I wanted to keep a little mystery. I’d stream my road trips and show the scenery, but never my face. People would tune in just in case I’d ‘accidentally’ open my cam,” he laughs. “It became a fun little game.”

What sets Penjar apart is his ability to make every stream feel welcoming and real. “I treat my livestreams as a safe space. Whether I’m traveling or chatting with viewers, I try to create an environment where people can open up, share, and just be themselves.”

As a proud Filipino, he also brings cultural pride into his streams—especially when he’s traveling. “I love showing off local destinations. Even when I’m abroad, I share stories about Filipino traits, values, and what makes our culture so distinct.”

In three words? Welcoming, friendly, comfortable. Fun fact? He watches thrillers and mystery movies to help him fall asleep. “I know, medyo weird. But it works.”

His message to fellow streamers: “Don’t underestimate the power of creating a space that feels safe. That’s how connections are built.”

FINIX Aki

For Aki, streaming isn’t just content—it’s connection. As the leader of the new P-pop girl group FINIX, Aki uses Kumu to peel back the layers of the polished idol image and show what really goes into the grind.

“I’ve always wanted to be part of something that builds community and meaning,” she shares. “Streaming lets me do that up-close—and with the people I want to shake the world with.”

Aki’s streams are an honest reflection of what it means to be a modern Filipina in the entertainment world. “We don’t always fit the expectations—and we don’t have to. I’m proud to show that you can be different, and that doesn’t make you less Filipina. It actually makes you more.”

Fans—known as Embers—get a front-row seat to the FINIX journey, from rehearsal struggles to creative wins. “They see how involved we are in the process, and that gives them a sense of ownership, too. We’re building this dream together.”

Her stream vibe? Calm, meticulous, ambitious. And if you think she’s perfect: “I only learned how to swallow pills two months ago. True story.”

To aspiring creatives, Aki says: “You’re the author of your own story. Take control of your narrative, be loud about your dreams, and don’t be afraid to rewrite what you’ve been told to be.”

FINIX Zia

If you had asked Zia a year ago if she’d enjoy streaming, she probably would’ve said no. But after joining FINIX and exploring the Kumu space, she’s found herself more connected than ever—with fans and with herself.

“I used to keep to myself, but streaming really changed how I saw connection,” she says. “It’s not just about performing; it’s about presence.”

Zia’s streams are where Embers see her most authentic self. “It’s a space where I can be unfiltered. We let our supporters see our real thoughts, our messy rehearsals, the in-between moments—and they stay because of that honesty.”

She’s also proud to represent her culture on a global platform. “It’s always special when someone asks, ‘Filipino girl group?’ and I get to say yes. It feels like we’re helping carve out space for Filipinas in global pop.”

In her own words: Spontaneous, chill, intimate. Interesting fact? “I’m a huge nerd. Anime, games, all of it. I think my members exposed me already, so not really a secret now.”

Her advice to streamers and fans: “Don’t lose yourself in the noise. Stay grounded in who you are. The right people will always find your light.”

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Photography by Rxandy Capinpin

Art Direction by Joe Andy

Fashion film by Ian Francisco with Video Associate Anghel Millar

Styling by Dave Arden

Hair and Makeup by Lars Cabanacan and Jhai Castillo

Produced in partnership with Kumu