Editorial
Carl Jan Cruz
Written by Carl Jan Cruz
Written by Carl Jan Cruz
Meet Carl Jan Cruz
Name: Cj Cruz
Age you feel (and actually are!: 48 =P , 28! haha
Cultural Background: Philippines (Bicol/Manila) / UK (London/Barking)
Your Off-Resume Title (blend personal with professional): All arounder!
Tell us about your upbringing. Where did you grow up? Who raised you? What was your home life like? How would you describe yourself as a kid?:
In my early years I grew up in Bicol, a Philippine province, until I was in London for a while as an infant/kid then spent my primary/learning years in Manila. After that, I spent my whole late teens and early 20’s in London for further education. My home life was always quite different due to the environment/places I was in but it was definitely very rooted in my heritage with the way we spoke/ate/ carried out traditions no matter where we were. I was a very energetic and on the go kind of kid who literally lived for food!
Is there a story or moment from your youth that you go back to as an adult? How does who you were as a kid translate to who you are now?
Yes, when my parents and I were getting dressed for the weekday or weekend. Growing up in Manila in a single bedroom home left not much space for personal effects however it definitely reminded me about the beauty that the chaos brought when everyone needed to get dressed. It was something that felt overwhelming but comforting. Conversations and decisions happened right there and then and unexpected decisions too. To this day in my career as a designer and brand owner, there is that sense of chaos unpacking, creating, and putting things together with a team in a room that brings back that comfort and hopefully with a more discerning eye.
We're endlessly inspired by the process of personal evolution – are there significant moments that have defined who you are and what you do? If so, how many times have you recognized a significant shift in your identity? What has been the hardest part of these personal shifts? What has been the most gratifying?
I think the feeling of losing and needing to grow and being afraid about it has always been a defining point. As mentioned, moving countries/ places constantly when I was growing up always became a key point. It was never instant as it felt like inertia. Some of “me” is left behind from then as I build on to who I was/ am becoming at the present/future time. Nothing quite specific but definitely all intertwined and equally good and bad.
At what age (or ages) have you felt closest to yourself or true to your identity? Why? How did that make you feel? Perhaps the present time?:
I think everyday even if there is much doubt in existing, especially in these times, there is an undeniable feeling of getting to know myself more and more. There’s been more time to think, reflect, and really focus on the idea of me without the external pressures of society.
On what the holidays is looking like for him this year
How has your style evolved with you? Are there pieces you have kept forever? Have there been trends you loved, and then forgotten?:
Definitely, I’d say my style may have shifted -- not too much but definitely my practicality and sensibilities with clothes have. I had to always deal with a limit/suitcase and make do with what I had, and that’s where “style” revolved around. When I see something new that catches my eye, I consider if it will still fit my bag/wardrobe, that it’s not something I break up with in a donation bin or sentimentally gifting it to a friend. Trend-wise, I always love elephant pants, I still reference it personally. Something about the looseness and fit lends power and comfort.
How would you describe your holiday style - from the meal and decor to your clothing and gift-giving? Are you more of a maximalist or a minimalist? Give an example or two.
When it comes to gift-giving, I LOVE putting myself in their shoes. I’d like to assume what they may want/like/desire that I really kind of go all the way with being in the spirit of holidays. Planning surprises to meals and presents. Oddly with my constant struggle to manage time, this slow down allowed me to magnify that. We’ll see...
This year, the holidays will look a bit different. With limitations on travel and large gatherings, how is your family (chosen family too!) adapting? Are there any major differences? What will you miss about your usual routine and what are you excited to introduce?:
Surely, it’s a lot different especially in the Philippines. My friends, my family, and my team are not getting together. However, we communicate more and more through different avenues and express each other's concerns from personal to work that has cultivated a broader perspective for each other. I will miss having big meals at one table and being able to hug and share drinks with friends. However, I am excited that we are able to take this time to step back a little bit more and reflect on what’s to come. Gather strength and be ready to reunite hopefully soon in the future.
Kasama means togetherness in Tagalog. In the spirit of the holidays, who in your life has had the most significant impact on your holiday traditions or rituals? Please share any meaningful memories of that person that come to mind.
Family and friends for sure. To people who know me best, I’m very easy to please . A hello, a chat, a cake, a hot rice bowl can complete my day and bond with them. As much as presents, they’re definitely a plus, there’s something with the gift of time and being present that I value so much now.
Rapid fire questions!
Go-to holiday recipe: ROAST CHICKEN!!
The best gift you ever received: A precious hand crocheted cloth, unique paintings by good friends, and this Limnia necklace that’s indeed a “Moving Feast”!
Favorite holiday entertainment: Boardgames!
What you’re most grateful for this year: Seeing compassion like no other from different situations and places <3
Your 2020 give-back highlight - charities you're supporting, volunteer work, etc. We are currently running a partnership with HAYAG.phl to raise funds for the affected areas of the typhoons in the Philippines and also help fund preventive efforts for the calamities and pandemic. We are raffling our entire December edit/stocks for the people joining in with all proceeds directed towards HAYAG.phl.