Hi-Lites mourns over the loss of Brian Tenorio, former Hi-Lites Editor-in-Chief (1995-1996) and a trailblazing visionary who exemplified Magis through all his works as a designer and an advocate for various sectors.

His days in the Ateneo High School were telltale signs of the famed artist and leader he would soon become. He was one of the most creative minds in the class as Mr. Gabriel Mallillin, Brian’s former Filipino teacher, remembers him. Just like every student out there, he was able to hone and prove his creativity through projects and he exemplified it through his direction of a short film.

In his time as Hi-Lites’ editor-in-chief, Brian was a transformative leader. Former Hi-Lites member Lou Gepuela witnessed Brian’s leadership skills and admired how welcoming he was and an open ear to all. With Brian’s mastery of his craft, he led the student publication and its members to excel, setting a standard that is closely followed up to this day.

Years later, from being a young visionary, Brian went on to trailblaze change in society armed with his passion for the arts and his many advocacies. 

By 2004, Brian had met his goal of showcasing Philippine shoe design through his shoe and accessories company, Tenorio Manila. For being able to promote the shoe industry of his hometown, Marikina City, the Pratt Institute graduate was honored with a marker given by the city government to recognize his efforts. 

By the time he established Tenorio Manila, Mr. Mallillin fondly remembers inviting Brian to talk about his advocacy, advancing Philippine design. Through this, not only was he able to give back to his alma mater but also cultivated his advocacies for Philippine art and culture on to younger generations.

Throughout Brian’s multi-faceted career as a trailblazer, advocacy and art was constantly infused, says Jeff Crisostomo, his former schoolmate in the Ateneo High School. This proves that the true mark of a work done by Brian Tenorio is that it is always laden with meaning and purpose.

As a proud, openly gay man, Brian intertwined his advocacy for gender equality and love for the arts. Jeff recalls how oftentimes their conversations would be about gender equality and SOGIE acceptance, one of which was about “opening more hearts and minds” of people by creating Filipinized versions of names for LGBTQ+.

Brian’s love for the LGBTQ+ community manifested in many ways, most notably when he founded the Philippine LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce back in 2016. In the organization’s Facebook post, they remember Brian as someone who “served as an inspiration to many of us, representing the community in a multitude of spaces when it was then rare to find visible LGBTQ+ leadership…”

LGBTQ+ leader, artist and designer, entrepreneur, and Philippine culture advocate– He made sure to utilize all his gifts and talents to advocate for these industries and make them feel as part of something greater and better, a true mark of an Atenean being “persons for others”.

His legacy is wide and far-reaching and his life will remain an inspiration to the people and organizations he has touched, including Hi-Lites as we continue to trailblaze in the community truthful journalism and uphold press freedom.