“MIGOY” – INIGO: From the Court to the Spotlight

Lifestyle & Sports Feature Interview – 10 Questions

1. You started as a basketball player before stepping into modeling—can you take us back to the moment you realized your dreams were evolving beyond the court? 

Opportunities have always driven me. I’ve always been bold to step into something unfamiliar, and modeling is just the beginning of that mindset. Honestly there wasn’t just one single moment that I knew would change my perspective-it was more of a realization over the course of my journey that I could be more than just a basketball player. The thought of breaking my normality excites me and makes me realize how narrow sighted my vision has been- but now I have the opportunity to be much more than what I’ve always known.

2. Basketball requires intense discipline—how do you think that mindset will help you as you prepare to transition into the fast-paced world of modeling? 

Being on the hardwood most of my life taught me more than being just an athlete. It built me a mindset that taught me the tenacity to keep striving towards a goal or a rep, even when I had little to give. It taught me the genuine work ethic it takes to actually succeed in the ways you want it to. Moving forward in this career the mentality of treating every rep like it matters and showing up consistently will translate directly into modeling. No matter the challenge, I know how to stay focused and keep improving.

3. As a young athlete planning to step into modeling, what does your daily routine look like right now, and how are you staying grounded while navigating this upcoming change?

My days usually start early—around 5 a.m.—when I get in a workout before school. That helps me start my day feeling accomplished and focused. After that, I head home, make breakfast—usually eggs, a banana, and hash browns—then get ready for school. After school, I stay on top of my homework, go to work, and still find time to get shots up at night. Recently, I’ve started adjusting my routine by moving some early workouts to after school so I can prioritize recovery and take better care of my body. Staying grounded for me comes from sticking to structure, working hard, and remembering why I started.

4. Many people admire your look and presence—but what’s something about your journey that fans don’t see behind the scenes?

Reflection is a big part of who I am, and it’s something people don’t always see. I spend a lot of time thinking about my character, the situations I go through, and how I could handle things better. That ability to look inward and be truly transparent with myself has really shaped how I carry myself. It’s helped me grow, stay grounded, and see the world with more perspective.

5. Being half Filipino gives you a unique identity. How has your heritage shaped your values, confidence, and sense of self?

I take a lot of pride in being Filipino-it’s a huge part of who I am as a person. My heritage shaped my values from a young age, especially when it comes to respect and family. Traditions like “mano po” taught me humility, and even something as simple as cooking meals like sinigang or bangus keeps me rooted to my heritage. Being Filipino has given me a strong foundation of my character  and a real sense of identity that I carry with me everyday. 

6. Do you ever feel pressure to represent both sides of your background? How do you embrace that responsibility?

I wouldn’t say I feel pressured-it’s more something I naturally carry with me. Both sides of my background are a part of how I live my life every day, so representing them feels authentic rather than forced. I just focus on being myself and staying true to where I come from, I don’t ever feel the need to act-I just got to be me. 

7. What lessons from basketball—like teamwork, resilience, or handling losses—still guide you in your modeling career today?

The biggest lessons I took from basketball is a quality work ethic and resilience. You can’t be upset with an outcome if you didn’t put in the work to succeed. That mindset stays with me-whether it’s in the gym or in modeling, I know that results come from consistency and effort from the work you put in. 

8. You’re now inspiring young Filipinos who look up to you. What advice would you give to those chasing multiple dreams at once?

Adopt the mentality of getting it done. Think about it like this, not everything is going to be easy in your life. While you strive towards your dreams and aspirations, there will be conflicts, obstacles, and moments where you feel like dropping everything for a little moment of satisfaction and comfortability. It’s important that you don’t listen to these quick tempted desires and get it done. Stay disciplined, stay focused, and keep going, because at the end of the day, no one else is going to do it for you.

9. When you think about your future, do you see yourself returning to sports, fully committing to modeling, or building something even bigger?

Right now, I’m at a point where I have to make big decisions about my future. I’ve been fortunate to earn opportunities- offers to play collegiate basketball in the U.S. and academic scholarships- but I’m also drawn to stepping into something completely new, like studying in the Philippines. I still love the game, but I’m also someone who wants to go where growth and opportunity take me.

10. At the end of the day, what drives you the most: fame, passion, purpose—or something deeper?

Honestly, it’s about being comfortable and at peace with my life. I don’t have a desire to be famous-I’d rather stay lowkey. What drives me is the ability to live freely, explore new places, and experience life without constant worry. That kind of freedom means more to me than anything else.

Get-to-know questions:

1. Be honest—are you the “first move” type, or do you wait for your crush to notice you first?

I’m not gonna lie-I get shy. I wouldn’t say I’m the “first move” type right away, but if the shots there, I’ll shoot. I just take my time reading the situation.

2. What’s your ultimate type—is it more about looks, personality, or that one random trait that instantly gets your attention?

Looks might catch my attention, but personality is what makes me stay. I really value someone who’s comfortable genuinely being themselves without worrying about others’ perception of them.  If you’re a weirdo, stay true to that, you won’t weird me out rather you’d weird me in.  

I’m also drawn to someone with endless swag and who gets fly on the regular, someone who’s tall, slim, and tea, but really someone who can talk with me for hours-like those late-night conversations that go until 2 a.m. And honestly, effort means everything. Having someone who matches your energy and chooses you through the good, bad, and ugly-that’s what really matters to me.

3. If your love life were a basketball play, would it be a fast break, a slow build, or a buzzer-beater kind of romance?

Definitely a slow build up. I’m taking my time with the play because I got 24 seconds-no rush. I like something that grows naturally into something genuine, secure, and stable. So I’ll take my 24 seconds, because good things take time. 

4. What’s the cutest or most unexpected thing a crush has ever done that made you smile?

I don’t show it much, but I appreciate the little things-like when someone goes out of their way to check in on me or remembers something small I said. That kind of effort doesn’t go unnoticed.

5. Between a chill coffee date, a sunset beach walk, or a spontaneous road trip—which one would win your heart every time?

Honestly, I’m a homebody. Give me a night in- homecooking a meal together and cuddle up watching a rom-com (preferably Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s old movies together.) This is my kind of night.