Kanto Journal 3 Volume 2 2017

QUILL
Tell us about your experience as a Filipino creative in Europe.
Was it a difficult journey? What were some notable experiences
that made a mark on you throughout your stay?
It truly was a long and difficult journey, but you learn a lot about
yourself and other people, while still enjoying and living your dream
life. There are ups and downs, just like how it would be in any other
part of the world. But of course, you are different and out of your
comfort zone, and it’s precisely this that makes you stand out from the
rest and makes you interesting. I’ve learned to embrace this and use this
more as an asset, than an obstacle.
Oh, there are plenty of memorable experiences! In general, just
by being and living here, day-to-day life is pretty incredible already.
Being surrounded by beautiful nature, the canals and canal houses
from the 17th century and being able to bike everywhere. I often catch
myself thinking while biking along the canals; I can’t believe I live
here. It’s just so beautiful, and I know this isn’t the norm. I hope I never
lose that sense of awe, no matter how long I live here.
As a creative, I have met a lot of incredible people, and found
myself in unexpected and extraordinary situations and places. Living
in Stockholm as a student, I was able to get to know my music idols
personally – the Shout Out Louds, The Radio Dept. etc. That was
really amazing!
A couple of years ago,
I was able to stay at an island
in the Stockholm archipelago
for a whole week to develop
some ideas and new projects.
It’s called the Ideas Island,
an initiative by author and
professional speaker Fredrik
Haren; he rents it out for free
to creatives to help them in
developing their ideas. It was
the perfect summer.
Pedersen Residence by Halfdan Pedersen
in Flateyri, Iceland. A house built of
100% reclaimed materials, with each
corner telling a story of lives lived before.
Everything in the house–the walls, floors,
furniture, even the toilets and sinks–is
personally sourced and reclaimed by the
designer from all over Iceland. It took
him ten years to complete. Photographed
by Mikael Axelsson. Opposite page:
Klaus Haapaniemi textile, with styling by
Flora and Laura. Finnish designer Klaus
Haapaniemi’s work is inspired by Finnish
folklore, fairy tales and tradition. Image
courtesy of Flora and Laura.
124