Medwin Marfil

Before migrating here to San Bruno, California, I was known as one of a few musicians/artists in the Philippines who is a "celebrity vegan." People in the music industry recognize me as an animal advocate singing at vegan events like the annual Vegfest Pilipinas.

Apart from the campaigns for my band Truefaith's endeavors, my posts on vegan food have garnered online traction raising awareness on the health benefits of a plant-based diet devoid of animal exploitation. The Filipino diet is unfortunately very meat-heavy, that is why bringing the concept of a vegan diet and lifestyle is an uphill struggle, but very much worthwhile.

I often post about issues on animal rights and animal cruelty. For many years I posted on the lone elephant at Manila Zoo named Mali, dubbed as the "world's saddest elephant." She lived in solitary confinement for decades in her concrete enclosure. My friends in PETA in the Philippines pushed for her transfer to a sanctuary. In conjunction with that I too posted online for her release from the zoo. It was a small effort using my platform as a notable musician in our country.

Unfortunately, Mali died in 2023 not realizing the wishes of those who truly cared for her to live here twilight years in the vast expanse of an elephant sanctuary with her own kind.

The Philippines is not very known for its fair treatment of animals. Culture dictates that certain activities are protected by the "cloak of tradition": Cockfights, horse fights, dogfights etc. Animals are generally viewed as objects to be used for food, slavery and entertainment. It's a dismaying situation but such reality only emboldens people like me to continually fight for animal rights.

Now, as owner, operator, singer, leader of one of the Philippines' most enduring bands I was/is in charge to oversee all activities including the creative, the managerial, the technical, financial aspects of the brand.

For a long time we were signed up with global music giant EMI. We have been accorded several awards including an MTV Philippines award. We have some of Philippine music history's biggest hits. Generally considered as music icons, Truefaith remains to be a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

I firmly believe that my acuity in interpersonal dynamics, creative vision as a songwriter/musician, my being a graduate in Human Resources Management have greatly contributed to our band's continued success.

I now live in San Bruno since 2024. I wanna continue being an advocate of animals rights. In fact, I wanna level up to make it my primary zeal in life.