Every so often, we live through moments that become arresting tales to tell. Whether it’s bumping into an ex-flame after years of a distasteful breakup or tripping into a muddy puddle in the presence of a bustling mob, some instances become large enough to turn into social media posts or a live re-enactment of events in front of friends. Still, sometimes, some of our personal stories are so huge, they demand a lot more than just captions and an intimate crowd. 

Such was the case for creative entrepreneur, Mong Feliciano, who wrote and directed ‘From Within,’ a documentary dedicated to understanding local streetwear and street culture.

“We’re starting to see a growing number of local streetwear patrons, so I wanted to share how this all began here — at least starting from the Makati district. We all know many of these kinds of things originate from Western backgrounds, but we know very little of how local streetwear [and Street Culture] brands came to be.”

True enough, Mong is one of the few people capable to discuss the matter. Aside from directing music videos, he is partly responsible for the conception of KLTRD — a successful Makati street fashion line that supports local creatives and artists alike. If anything, both his personal and business brands are so intricately tied to each other that they’re almost singular in identity, folkloric even; a testament to how the pursuit of a vision, not just ideas, reaps great rewards.

For all intents and purposes, the writer-director makes his message clear: 

“So many creatives are challenged because of the lack of resources. There are things that seem to stop us from achieving what we set ourselves to be, but many of these are just excuses. To nurture the creative industry, everyone has to do their part.”

Fairly well, the idea of powering through despite a strong sense of not having enough isn’t strange to Mong. If you’ve watched the trailer of his revolutionary of an offering, you can bet it took at least dozens of people and a whole lot of digits to get the job done. But Mong is quick to point out that he had only a small group of people to work behind the scenes with him. With less than ten people among the documentary’s immediate credits, he proves that once and for all, quality storytelling need not rely on a massive budget.

On any given day, magic birthed out of collaborations is always a treat to behold. So if you’re one who easily marvels at how modern, homegrown fashion and music are formed, this project should entice you.

Co-produced by Lynyrd Arwyn Paras, with a lot of help from Surfbirds Productions and TRUTH, this aesthetic force of a film tackles the motivations, processes, and politics artists and entrepreneurs go through to build an expressive, all-definitive local street culture. With many of the creative industry’s brightest minds, the film talks about why forming a voice out of a commune is important and how the best ideas anchored on amplifying a stirring community always, always starts from within. 

For instance, Team Manila fans will be thrilled to hear Mon Punzalan and Jowee Alviar share how their brand came about. For their part, Auggie Fontanilla and Mara Reyes also share what inspired them to join and work on THE Clothing. But it isn’t just wardrobe that contributes to culture. Christian Bendana of Slick Barbers and Co. also discusses the art their end brings to the table. And, of course, what’s a community without soulful publications? Lex Celera, who worked previously for Scout Mag and PURVEYR’s very own Marvin Conanan also extend their many thoughts and aspirations about what’s to come for Manila creatives — all that and a lot more opinion leaders and entrepreneurs share their stories in this riveting documentary.

Originally screened at KLTRD’s 4th year anniversary at Ronac Art Center, we are happy to announce that “From Within” is now made available for viewing online through our channel. Watch the full documentary at our Youtube.