Visual artist Mica Abesamis is much like the ate figure in your social circle. As a friend, you’ll probably come to know her as your friendly neighborhood A24 junkie with a soft spot for “13 Going on 30,” the K-drama enthusiast obsessing over Park Seo Joon and the budding photographer who’s always ready to be travel bound.
Mica gravitated toward a visual career early on, even without realizing it just yet. “My interest in photography began in high school when I discovered the existence of Tumblr. I don’t think I ‘chose’ the medium consciously. At the time, I just knew that I liked taking photos,” shares Mica. “I got to travel around Aurora and visit different beaches for a shoot and it didn’t feel like work at all. I always feel grateful when I get to visit new places because of my work.”
Mica embodies the renaissance creative birthed by the Gen Z era: She’s a graphic designer, content creator, multi-hyphenate extraordinaire living the hustle—and in addition to her many facets, she became a new mom last December.
As a creative, Mica’s portfolio shows her versatility and distinct style. From orchestrating pastel-filled frames then dialing it back to monochrome, she’s a continuous work-in-progress filled with potential. Her lenses captured portraits of fellow content creator Janina Vela, actress Ysabel Ortega and the fresh faces for SM Youth.
Mica embodies the renaissance creative birthed by the Gen Z era: She’s a graphic designer, content creator, multi-hyphenate extraordinaire living the hustle—and in addition to her many facets, she became a new mom last December.
“On social media a lot of women talk about giving birth as this blissful, magical experience. It is, but it’s also incredibly difficult and exhausting,” describes Mica, who has no problem with sharing her experience to the world. That’s why she livetweeted the momentous occasion.
“My water didn’t even break. The actual process of giving birth is nothing like how they portray it in movies. In reality, it’s exhausting and it takes hours,” recounts Mica. On Dec. 26, she went into labor, taking her Twitter followers with her for the ride. Her tweet reads: “Story of how I gave birth last night.” In pictures, she managed to take us on a four-panel journey, from post-labor to her baby chilling in the nursery. Mica tells her story with a level of upfront (and humorous) honesty that only a 20-something Twitter native like her can possess.
https://twitter.com/marieabesamis/status/1210045183934398464
The era of Gen Z kids is all about challenging conservative norms and pushing for progression, all while going through our coming of age. It almost feels like every aspect of our lives are faced with growing up too soon. Whether it’s developing our skills to enter a dog-eat-dog industry or going through motherhood sans society’s Stepford Wife blueprint, complexity has become a given (which is a great thing for all of us). Mica encapsulates this spirit by growing more and more as a visual artist and taking baby steps on entering motherhood.
“On social media a lot of women talk about giving birth as this blissful, magical experience. It is, but it’s also incredibly difficult and exhausting.”
From her craft to entering young motherhood, we get real with Mica on living her life unfiltered—regardless of any surprises life throws at her.
How do you usually introduce yourself?
I don’t really like to talk about myself because I don’t think I’m interesting. Instead, what I do is talk about movies and shows. It immediately gets the conversation going, especially if it’s about a Korean drama.
What are the four gateway films a person should watch to get to know you?
I really want to sound cool and act like I only watch movies by A24, but the truth is I love mainstream films. My go-to films are “Back to the Future” (because it’s my favorite), “13 Going On 30” (because I love romcoms and Mark Ruffalo), “Ratatouille” (because I love to cook), and “Parasite” (obviously).
If you’re a Spotify playlist, which songs are your top picks?
Honeymoon Avenue by Ariana Grande, Stickwitu by The Pussycat Dolls, Sugar by Brockhampton, Easy by Mac Ayres and literally any song by Kehlani
In true Gen Z fashion, you livetweeted your surprise labor. What were your unfiltered thoughts while going through this huge journey?
When I gave birth, I had to feel comfortable showing my ass and my vagina to a group of nurses and doctors. My face was all red from screaming, crying and pushing. I felt so exposed. When I had finally given birth to my baby, I was so tired and relieved. It didn’t end there because the doctor still had to remove my placenta.
I was just lying there with my baby, not being able to relax and take a moment to breathe. That’s when I thought I might as well take a selfie to distract myself and remember the moment. There should be less pressure for women to immediately feel that maternal connection with their child because the entire process is draining.
With motherhood taking you by surprise, were you afraid to be a young mom?
Not really. Initially, I was anxious about no longer being able to pursue a creative career, but that fear quickly went away. I’m lucky because I have a great support system and my boyfriend reassures me all the time that we’ll be able to get through anything.
How do you go about finding a balance between your career, home life and personal time?
I’m a homebody that why I don’t really mind staying home. But when I do get booked for shoots, I try to squeeze in lunch with friends or a quick dinner after the shoot so I can maximize my day.
“Initially, I was anxious about no longer being able to pursue a creative career, but that fear quickly went away.”
We have to ask: are you pro-choice or pro-life?
Pro-choice. Being a parent is a lifetime responsibility. If a woman is not ready to take on that responsibility, options should be made available to her. The lack thereof just forces women to risk their lives for other alternatives. It’s unfair and endangers the lives of a lot of women.
Do you have any hopes for your child as they grow older?
I just hope he doesn’t turn out to be a misogynistic asshole. I want him to grow up to be kind, respectful and understanding (also hoping sana matangkad anak ko).
What has this surprising life event taught you so far?
Totoo pala matatae ka habang nanganganak.
Will you show your Twitter to your child in the future?
Baka di na uso Twitter pag-tanda niya!
In a society that tends to ostracize young mothers, how do you cope?
Being a mom is a full-time job, I don’t really have time to care about what other people think.
Read more:
4 homegrown films for people with mommy issues
On gift-giving and life lessons, as told by a new cat mom
Photos from Mica Abesamis
Art by Rogin Losa