Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Orlina.
Hi Thomas, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Since I was five years old, I’ve always wanted to be in front of the camera, work in entertainment and release music.
Fast forward to today, I am a Filipino-American creator, host, executive producer and recording artist.
I created a lifestyle YouTube show called “Your Time With Thomas” which has exceeded 50K views worldwide and released my debut pop dance song and music video, “Brush It Off.”
Brush It Off is available now on Apple Music, Spotify and all music platforms. You can watch the music video released exclusively through GLAAD.com and on my YouTube channel.
I was named one of the 75 most influential Filipino-Americans and a 2021 nominee at The Outstanding Filipinos in America Awards.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My road to where I’m at was not a smooth one but I believe the obstacles I faced truly helped drive me in the right direction.
As an Asian-American, it’s an extremely competitive market to do what I do so I’m thankful to have made it this far and surrounded by supportive, talented individuals that keep me grounded and motivate me to want to do more.
When I started to develop my YouTube show, “Your Time With Thomas,” I was met with a lot of people saying to not do it, that it was going to be too much and that it wasn’t going to be successful. Now, over 50,000 views later, more than 25 episodes produced, two seasons, a TV appearance on CNN and a feature in Forbes, I’m glad I did not listen to those people and followed my heart.
I think it’s important to keep striving for what you want to do and prove to yourself that you can do anything that you put your mind to.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a Filipino-American creator, host, executive producer and recording artist, I wear a lot of different hats. It’s cool to be able to navigate all of these passions I have and merge them together every so often. I’ve received support from celebrities like Paris Hilton and celebrity fashion designer Michael Costello, who’s dressed stars like Cardi B., Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey and more.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Cinema and Television Arts from Cal State University Northridge.
I’m an entrepreneur who continues to create my self-branded content under the internationally recognized name, “Your Time With Thomas” which also serves as the name of my interactive lifestyle YouTube show.
Additionally, I’m a recording artist and songwriter.
I’m best known for being the on-camera personality for “Your Time With Thomas.”
I’m most proud of my show, being able to discuss hard-hitting topics on-camera, profiling and highlight communities and groups of people who need more representation. I’m also proud of my music. The visual for my song, “Brush It Off” highlighted the Black Lives Matter movement, the Stop Asian Hate movement and other important subject matters.
I write music that I feel is relatable, impactful and I look forward to releasing new music in the very near future.
What sets me apart from others is my will to follow through with ideas and creative concepts I develop. When I have something I want to achieve, I pull everything inside me to complete it and find it rewarding when it’s time to share it with the world.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process and believe in yourself.
There will be people out there who think your ideas aren’t great or cast doubt, so it’s important to be aware of that and keep pushing forward.
For anyone trying to enter this business, being patient is important when you’re working towards where you want to be. Once you find your balance and focus, you will succeed in life and get where you want to be.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: thomasorlina.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomasorlina/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomas.orlina
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thomasorlina?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBZLkuMI-uEZL_khP-2fOWw
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/thomas-orlina/1548516881
Image Credits:
Alonzo De Leon – All images John Wolfsohn – Brush It Off Album Cover No photographer – CNN
