PATRICK STARR
Beauty & LGBT Advocacy
It doesn’t surprise us that at that point, bogged down by the obvious jetlag, coupled with the understandable wearing down by a jam-packed schedule that included a master class, press interviews and a shoot with Kris Aquino herself, Patrick Starrr was fighting through exhaustion—after all, the YouTube phenomenon with covetable global collaborations to his name (such as his collections with MAC) has been fighting for where he is for a good part of his professional life, at least. But despite this, he was still as, if not more warm, generous and incredibly gracious to the guests that have gathered for the intimate soiree hosted for him by MAC Cosmetics Philippines.
That singular moment meant the world to Patrick Starrr, the Filipino boy who found success in the world of vlogging and beauty. Right then and there, the struggle and fighting through stereotypes and barriers no longer mattered, because he was home—finally.
“It means so much that Filipinos are so proud [of me] because I’m very much rooted in my Filipino culture,” shares Patrick. “And it’s so awesome to inspire those who have parents who don’t really you know, pursue something like this. It’s cool to show these parents that following your dreams can come true.” The scope of being called a source of pride to a nation he holds near and dear, despite not being reared in it, is so special to him, especially because he and his brothers were raised traditionally Filipino by his parents. “I don’t think a lot of people know that I was a choreographer for a Filipino dance troupe in Orlando. Naturuan ako sumayaw ng tinikling, manlalatik, at sayaw sa bangko para sa Filipino Independence Day. It was very important. And you know, my brother and I, marunong kaming kumanta ng Lupang Hinirang. We would perform it a capella. I’m planning in the future to do maybe a Filipino beauty tutorial and dance the tinikling, too.”
At this point, every makeup-obsessed woman (and man) knows who Patrick Starrr is, and that is something that still knocks the wind out of him each and every time. Eternally grateful and constantly striving to be the best at whatever pursuits he sees fit, the YouTube beauty sensation swears that for all his success, it is rooted in the things that truly matter—his family, his fans and most importantly, to himself. —ARDC