A DABAWENYO seafarer who went viral online recently had a concept shoot with Davao event talents. The 26-year-old Cyril Kris Salubo was handpicked by a Davao-based fashion designer, Yovers Tagalog, to model her Barong creation under the Vestiré brand.
The shoot, initiated by photographer Aldo Gutierrez, aims to highlight modern Dabawenyo wearing modern Barong ensemble.
Born in General Santos City and raised in Peñaplata, Island Garden City of Samal, this online sensation known as “Samal Barge Boy” made waves online after netizens uploaded his videos while working at Sasa Ferry Wharf in Davao City.
“I was really overwhelmed at the same time confused because I didn’t expect the kind of attention I’m getting now, especially on social media,” he said. However, he is grateful for this unexpected opportunity.
“I'm very much thankful for all those people who appreciate me as Cyril Kris, an ordinary person who just wanted to do his job well,” he shared.
Salubo is currently pursuing his career as a seafarer to earn and save for his future. He added that if there’s an opportunity for him to build his future without going far from his family, he’ll take it.
At present, Samal Barge Boy has 45,100 followers on TikTok (@cyril.kris) and 17,000 on Facebook.
Concept Shoot Team:
Model: Cyril Kris “Samal Barge Boy” Salubo
Designer: Yovers Tagalog of Vestire
Hair and Make-up: Charles Almirante of Charles Almirante - Makeup artist
Photo: Aldo Gutierrez of Portraits by Aldo