Allan’s worldview was deeply influenced by street culture during his formative years. Growing up, he immersed himself in activities like playing soccer on the streets, skating, doing graffiti, and running around with his friends. These experiences fostered a sense of belonging and expression that resonated with his personal style. Additionally, frequent visits to his family in the Philippines every three to four years exposed him to an Americanized street style. He noticed elements like his uncle’s basketball jersey and the local kids wearing vintage streetwear pieces imported from the West, blending Western and Filipino street culture in his perception.
Without a religious upbringing, Allan’s understanding of the world was largely shaped by the media and television, promoting materialism and a “live fast, die young” mentality. However, as he matured, Allan embarked on a spiritual journey that introduced him to a new perspective. This path led him to embrace a worldview centered on universal love and a connection to something greater than himself, filling a void he felt in his earlier years. This spiritual awakening provided a more profound sense of purpose and understanding, contrasting sharply with the materialistic values he had previously absorbed.
Consequently, Allan is searching for harmony between street culture and spirituality, blending the vibrancy and authenticity of his early influences with the depth and compassion of his spiritual journey. These are important themes in Allan’s work because they embody the essence of being human: the drive for freedom, self-expression, and connection. He believes that blending these two worlds can lead to a deeper, more enriching experience of spirituality in contemporary pop culture and that this can have a positive impact on the overall well-being of the next generation.