This writer became acquainted with Paul Sumayao when he contributed an article to Dateline Ibalon about the collaboration of couturier Jaq Hernandez and social entrepreneur Bidibidi de los Santos. Their fashion show was a celebration of Bicol creativity and the essay which Paul wrote was a display of his literary prowess. Recently, his name came up when the Naga City government launched its new tourism brand, NAGA ‘YON, as the heart of its campaign to boost tourism and economic development. Paul’s creative agency, Studio Hibang, organized the collective ideas which culminated in the choice of the exceptional campaign tagline. This week in August 16, Paul is a panel speaker at the Queer Intersectionalities Forum: Navigating Identity, Culture and Social Change, an event at the Rigmat 2024 Art and Culture Fest of Naga City.

The featured header collage include edited images from Studio Hibang, Barbierro Barbershop, and Adobo Magazine.

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Paul Sumayao, who is originally from Pili, Camarines Sur, is a dynamic figure in the Philippines’ LGBTQIA+ community. He is known for his pioneering efforts in advocating for diversity, equity, and representation, and in creating inclusive spaces. As the co-founder of Studio Hibang, owner of Barbierro Barbershop, co-editor of the seminal BKL/Bikol Bakla: Anthology of Bikolnon Gay Trans Queer Writing, and Director for Membership and Regional Relations for the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Sumayao’s contributions are multifaceted and impactful.

Studio Hibang: A Creative DEI Haven

In 2021, Paul Sumayao, along with Jedi Directo, co-founded Studio Hibang, a queer-focused creative agency and brand studio — an epitome of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The agency was born out of a recognition that despite the presence of many queer creatives in the advertising, branding, and marketing industries, there was a lack of agencies with a strong queer focus led by queer voices. Studio Hibang aims to fill this gap by providing a platform for LGBTQIA+ creatives to lead and shape narratives in Philippine business. The agency’s mission is to create meaningful opportunities for creatives to professionalize their craft and for brands to connect with new audiences.

Barbierro Barbershop: A Safe Space for All

Barbierro Barbershop, co-founded by Sumayao, is the Philippines’ first openly queer barbershop in Biñan, Laguna. The barbershop was established to provide superior grooming services within a comfortable and safe space for all, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). Sumayao’s inspiration for Barbierro stemmed from his own experiences of discomfort and judgment in traditional barbershops. He envisioned a space where everyone could feel welcome and affirmed in their self-expression. Barbierro Barbershop has received widespread praise for its inclusive nature and commitment to providing a safe environment for the LGBTQIA+ community. There is a new branch established in Sampaloc, Manila, managed by a franchisee.

Advocacy and Leadership

In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Sumayao has recently taken on the role of Director for Membership and Regional Relations for the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce. This organization is dedicated to championing the contributions of the LGBT community in Philippine business and promoting SOGIE-centered values. In this role, Sumayao is responsible for expanding the chamber’s network and fostering relationships with regional and international partners. His leadership is instrumental in advancing the chamber’s mission of achieving better representation and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community in the business sector.

Contribution to “NAGA YON”

Sumayao, through Studio Hibang, played a pivotal role in the development of “NAGA YON,” the new tourism brand of Naga City. This initiative aims to highlight the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant community. His expertise in creative branding and his commitment to inclusivity were instrumental in shaping a brand that resonates with diverse audiences and promotes Naga City as a welcoming destination for all. Under his guidance, Studio Hibang organized the collective ideas which culminated in the choice of the exceptional campaign tagline “NAGA YON.”

A Vision for the Future

Sumayao, who holds a bachelor’s degree in literature at the Ateneo de Naga University and a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship at Jose Rizal University, has been invited to speak in forums where entrepreneurship and DEI aspirations intersect.

On June 16, 2023, he was a speaker at “Spilling the Tea in Entrep: Narratives of Queer Owned MSME’s, which was sponsored by UP Institute of Small-Scale Industries (ISSI), Gender and Development Committee. He said these speaking engagements give him much fulfillment, “I will share Barbierro and Hibang’s story, something I’ll never get tired of, truly, while encouraging more queer-owned businesses to rise to the surface.”

This week in August 16, Paul is a panel speaker at the “Queer Intersectionalities Forum: Navigating Identity, Culture and Social Change,” an event at the Rigmat 2024 Art and Culture Fest of Naga City, where he will speak about the intersection of queer with business, literature, storytelling, protest and brand. He will also be making an announcement about BKL/Bikol Bakla: Anthology of Bikolnon Gay Trans Queer Writing: Anthology of Bikolnon Gay Trans Queer Writing.

Sumayao’s work is driven by a vision of a more inclusive and equitable society. Through Studio Hibang, he is amplifying queer voices in creative industries, while Barbierro Barbershop provides a tangible example of how businesses can create safe and welcoming spaces for all. As a leader in the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, he is working to ensure that the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community are recognized and valued in the broader business landscape.

Sumayao’s journey is a testament to the power of representation and advocacy. By creating spaces where queer individuals can thrive and be themselves, he is helping to shape a future where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

This article was written by Jojo De Jesus for Dateline Ibalon based on the following references: Marco Sumayao, “Paul Sumayao of DEI-driven creative agency Studio Hibang on why the future is queer,” Adobo Magazine, June 27, 2024; Adobo Magazine Staff, “This Pride Month, TikTok spotlights Filipino queer creators and their stories,” , Adobo Magazine, June 19, 2024; Ched Rick Gatchailan, Here and Hair with Pride: Meet Paul Sumayao, co-founder of a queer barbershop,” ABS-CBN News, June 19, 2024; About Us, Studio Hibang website: News, Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce website; ”Naga City: The Songs of NAGA ‘YON: The new Naga City Tourism Brand,” Dateline Ibalon, June 22, 2024.