Stirring narratives. Shifting perspectives.

About Leo Balante

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So far Leo Balante has created 114 blog entries.

The Ballad of the Pink Door: Charting 16 Storied Years of Evolution of O Bar Philippines

In celebration of premier drag haven O BAR's 16th anniversary, Rank Magazine editor Leo Balante charts the storied evolution of one of the pioneering, and most well-loved establishments that opened doors to the LGBT community. From its beginnings as a resto-bar in Malate, to its illustrious history of honing some of the most celebrated drag personalities of today, O Bar has since made its resounding return, after two years of absence off the unprecedented pause brought about by the pandemic and a devastating blow caused by the loss of one of its pillars, Rupert Acuña, in time for its founding anniversary, still standing tall in shaping a community of queer people, by queer people, and for queer people.

By |2025-05-12T11:00:12+08:00December 17, 2021|Featured, Hive, Insider|Comments Off on The Ballad of the Pink Door: Charting 16 Storied Years of Evolution of O Bar Philippines
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New Chapters and New Dimensions: An Introduction to Zack Tabudlo

While history now sees him as the man behind the anthems in a time of isolation and distance, ultimately inducting him in the pantheon of Filipino music-making greats, young powerhouse Zack Tabudlo’s promise and purposeful commitment grows stronger and more significant than ever—telling stories of the people, one record-breaking hit at a time. Rank Magazine editor Leo Balante catches up with the nineteen-year-old Island Records Philippines hitmaker as he relishes on his newfound seat atop OPM’s most promising discoveries and, with all bets placed on him, beyond the numbers and social media frenzy, we chart his aural history, imprint, and impact so far.

By |2024-08-24T13:01:38+08:00November 19, 2021|Cover Story, Featured, Recent Stories|Comments Off on New Chapters and New Dimensions: An Introduction to Zack Tabudlo
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EXCLUSIVE: How 773 Collective Gives Local Brands a Space to Shine and Thrive

From flatware to bags, to candles, prints, and vintage clothing, 773 Collective returns with its reservation-only trunk show giving the stage to local brands with exclusive pieces that highlight quality and craftsmanship, while ensuring consumer safety.

By |2021-10-29T20:51:55+08:00October 29, 2021|Art & Creativity, Featured, Recent Stories, Source|Comments Off on EXCLUSIVE: How 773 Collective Gives Local Brands a Space to Shine and Thrive
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The Ballad of Erik Santos

From landing on his now-iconic winning finals piece to becoming the quintessential balladeer of his generation, Erik Santos' stake in the entertainment industry is every bit divinely-ordained. As he turns a year older, Rank Magazine editor Leo Balante sits down with the celebrated artist and OPM mainstay on the making and remaking of the artist facing the "new normal", boxes left unticked on his creative bucket list, and the poetic justice in continuing to perform on the very stage that gave him his first steps into an illustrious two-decade career given today's situation.

By |2025-01-28T13:30:11+08:00October 18, 2021|Featured, Hive, Mastermind|Comments Off on The Ballad of Erik Santos
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Heart and Conviction Elevate ‘Gameboys: The Movie’ to Transcendent Genius

For a game-changing and culture-shaping series as Gameboys, expectations run high on continuing its careful and meticulous handling of a subject matter that has not been given “proper” representation, particularly in mainstream media. With the record-breaking success of Gameboys: The Movie, we look at how the cast of talented young actors, the series and film writer Ash Malanum, director Ivan Payawal, and The IdeaFirst Company step up to the challenge.

By |2021-08-17T20:11:41+08:00August 3, 2021|Featured, Hive, Review|Comments Off on Heart and Conviction Elevate ‘Gameboys: The Movie’ to Transcendent Genius
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All Eyes on Abed Green

Much like the rest of us, the Filipino-American student athlete turned fashion model and now actor-in-the-making Abed Green, took an opportunity in the midst of the great pause that we are presently in, trying to find the most fruitful of ways to be sane and empowered amid the darkness of being stuck and cooped up at home. Now, on social media and on his slowly-blossoming career as an on-cam talent and actor, Green is showing no signs of slowing down.

By |2021-06-18T16:24:19+08:00June 18, 2021|Featured, Hive, Next, Recent Stories|Comments Off on All Eyes on Abed Green
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Nadine Lustre Bares ‘Absolute Madness’ in Upcoming First Solo Concert

Following the titanic success of her much talked about visual album, multimedia queen Nadine Lustre returns in all her glory, doing what she does best in a platform she has long mastered, through her first-ever solo concert entitled “Absolute Madness.”

By |2021-06-30T21:16:08+08:00June 14, 2021|Events & Festivals, Featured, Recent Stories, Source|Comments Off on Nadine Lustre Bares ‘Absolute Madness’ in Upcoming First Solo Concert
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