Meet Kiss My Mike

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiss My Mike and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiss My Mike, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up in the Philippines, I was always drawn to creative activities. I loved watching iconic American TV shows like “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Baywatch,” and “Melrose Place,” and I was captivated by the Miss Universe pageant, which felt as significant as the Super Bowl in my culture. My childhood was filled with drawing and designing my own Miss Universe contestants, complete with unique hairstyles and gowns.

Despite my creative inclinations, societal expectations nudged me towards a more conventional career path. I pursued a degree in business and embarked on a corporate career that eventually brought me to the United States. For over twenty years, I thrived in the corporate world, yet my passion for the arts never waned.

In 2004, I briefly explored my creative side by starting a Pop Culture-oriented blog called “Kiss My Mike,” but I paused this endeavor to attend business school. My true return to creativity came in 2019 when I wrote a memoir titled Kiss My Mike, which chronicles my experiences as a gay Filipino immigrant in the US. This project reignited my creative spark, leading me to the world of filmmaking. After connecting with Filipino creatives on the Clubhouse app, I ventured into writing and producing short films, eventually taking on the role of a writer, producer, and director.

Alongside filmmaking, I create content on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, focusing on comedy through skits and parodies of popular cultural events like Bridgerton, the Met Gala, and various award shows. Each project brings me immense joy and fulfillment, affirming my long-term commitment to a creative career. Although I hope it becomes financially viable, for now, I’m simply reveling in the passion that drives me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am on various social media platforms under “Kiss My Mike” or on Instagram/YouTube as kissmymike_official, where I share my journey as a writer, filmmaker, and content creator.

As a filmmaker, I wrote, produced, and directed the short film To Ken With Love, featuring the flamboyant gay Filipino character, Ken Jones, who humorously considers himself the “whitest gaysian ever.” The film debuted in 2023 at New Filmmakers LA and has been showcased at several festivals, including the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival where it won Best Narrative Short.

In the realm of theater, my stage play #DONT—a modern retelling of the classic Filipino novel Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal—addresses the war on drugs in the Philippines. After premiering at the Hollywood Fringe Festival last year, I am currently adapting it into a TV series.

On social media, including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, I engage my audience with comedic content, crafting skits and parodies of cultural phenomena such as Bridgerton, the Met Gala, and various award shows. Each project not only brings me immense joy and fulfillment but also strengthens my dedication to a creative career that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. Thus, I am proud of my accomplishments as a creative.

One crucial lesson I’ve learned is that rejection can be disheartening, but it’s important not to let it derail your ambitions. It’s inevitable that not everyone will support or appreciate your work, and that’s perfectly okay. My belief in the value of my own work is unwavering, and that’s what sustains me. My advice to anyone facing similar challenges is simple: Keep pushing forward. Stay true to your vision and continue to pursue your creative passions relentlessly.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in North Carolina, I’d first treat my best friend to some authentic Filipino cuisine at a top local restaurant. It’s important for me to share a taste of my heritage. But the culinary journey wouldn’t stop there. We’d also dive into the rich Southern food tradition—savoring everything from classic barbecue to grits and biscuits at some of the best spots around.

As a true foodie, I’d make it a week-long epicurean adventure, exploring a variety of other cuisines too. We’d indulge in some of the finest sushi, dim sum, and Korean BBQ the area has to offer. And because I appreciate a balanced pace, we’d also spend some relaxing days visiting museums and the local zoo. I’m passionate about animals and even raise our own backyard chickens. I look forward to showing my friend my setup at home and sharing insights into the joys and challenges of caring for them.

This trip would be a perfect blend of gastronomic delights and laid-back cultural exploration—reflecting both my love for great food and my chill lifestyle.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A heartfelt shoutout to the incredible Filipino American filmmaking community in LA—your collaboration and camaraderie have been the backbone of all my creative projects. To every visionary and artist I’ve met through Clubhouse, your insights and partnerships are invaluable. A huge thank you to all my followers and supporters on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Your encouragement fuels my creativity and helps the “Kiss My Mike” brand thrive. I’m deeply grateful for each of you!

Website: https://kissmymike.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmymike_official/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KissMyMike_Official

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kissmymike?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
Credits: Kiss My Mike