Thomas Orlina
Thomas Orlina is a Filipino-American Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, host, producer, and mental health advocate. He first garnered media attention from his YouTube series, “Your Time With Thomas” and has released several pop songs available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all streaming platforms. Orlina has been working in the entertainment industry for over a decade, having worked at various studios, red-carpet events, and in production. Known for his impactful social media presence, Thomas continues to evolve as a content creator and advocates for change with a focus on mental health, diversity, and inclusion with features on CNN, Forbes, GLAAD, and other prominent publications worldwide.
What is your favorite thing about working in the entertainment industry? What would you say has been your favorite experience so far?
I have worked in the entertainment industry for a decade. I think my favorite part has been my time working on camera as a news and interview correspondent. Being able to produce parts of the shows I was on or created, and engage with the fans and fandom was one of the most fun experiences in my career.
Who was your ultimate inspiration growing up? What guided you toward becoming an influencer?
My ultimate inspiration growing up was Ryan Seacrest. I still idolize him to this day. It's quite remarkable how he's been able to accomplish so much from his endeavors on radio and television, hosting American Idol alongside his production company which produces the Kardashians/Jenners. I believe staying true to who I am has helped guide me to where I am today. I always felt like a trailblazer in whatever I was working on. From my YouTube show, "Your Time With Thomas" to my recent music venture releasing my fourth single, "I Want It Right Now" on June 8th in honor of Pride month, I wanted to be someone who embraced social causes, and highlighted awareness for diversity and change. That's what I think makes a great influencer, and that kind of energy is what I like putting into my work and out to the universe.
I saw that you have your own YouTube docu-series called “Your Time With Thomas”, what are some of your favorite topics to discuss or content to make on your series?
My series, "Your Time With Thomas" opened so many doors for me in this industry. It was a risk to put my whole life out there, but I truly felt like it paid off in the end. Being vulnerable and sharing some of my most personal life stories has allowed me to reach many of my followers today on social media. Some of my favorite topics to discuss on camera were my coming out story and sharing my Filipino-American heritage. I received hundreds of messages from fans around the world saying how my coming out story gave them the strength to come out to their loved ones, and I heard a lot from the Filipino community who appreciated being represented on a platform like YouTube.
What have been some of the challenges you've faced on your journey to success? Have these challenges led to any highlights in your career?
There's always a bit of pressure to deliver the best content and find people in the world who are willing to take a deeper look into your craft. Rejection is always a tough part of this business. Some people will find what you do admirable, and others might not. What I have learned is to continue striving for what you want to achieve in life and to keep going regardless of anything standing in your way. If it was easy, everyone would do it, so we as artists need to keep remembering that things take time to come to fruition. After a few ups and downs, I can say that the rejections I've received have helped my mental strength a lot. Since starting my career on camera, my work has been recognized in Forbes, CNN, GLAAD, and other notable worldwide platforms that have opened even more doors for my career path.
What are some other passions or hobbies that you are currently pursuing? Do you have any upcoming or future projects?
Right now my focus is the release of my fourth pop edm song, "I Want It Right Now" which debuts in June. The song was written by me from start to finish, and I think it's going to be the perfect summer anthem to get everyone in the mood to party and have a great time. The song embodies celebrating confidence and feeling comfortable in your own skin, and I think that's exactly where I am at now at this stage in my career. We worked so hard on the music video which includes some of the most elaborate choreography I've ever done. We're also working on a few more top-secret projects that I can't wait to share with my followers and fans very soon!
For more, visit thomasorlina.com and follow @thomasorlina on Instagram and everywhere on social media.