Dylan Menor: The Glow-Up of a New-Gen Leading Man
While some of us had our future and dreams already laid out, Dylan Menor’s journey, however, wasn’t planned. It just unfolded.
He was once a student-athlete, keeping his physique well-founded while balancing his studies as a Marketing Management student. Little did he know that he would be entering an industry he’d be passionate about. From playing instruments and singing inside his bedroom floor during the pandemic, his potential and talent eventually led him to be part of Stages Management, and now the lead character of Project Loki where he portrays as Loki Mendez.
His journey was truly unexpected and overwhelming at the same time. For Dylan, he was surprised with all the shifts happening all at once while also grateful with the opportunities being given to him.
But given the sudden shifts and pressure in the entertainment industry, Dylan is more than excited to explore and go with the flow of what this season has in store for him.
Life Before Acting
As a child, Dylan had a brief encounter with the camera. His introduction began not with grand ambitions but with simple early exposure, influenced by his mother, who once worked as a commercial model. He shared that one of his very first commercial projects was shared with her mother.
“Maybe a few years ago or a decade ago. We had a commercial together, ‘yun ‘yung first exposure ko sa industry na 'to, sa entertainment industry,” Dylan shared.
However, that early experience did not immediately lead to more projects. Instead, his true breakthrough started during the pandemic, a period that unexpectedly shaped the course of his journey.
Dylan shared, “So ang nangyayari, nung pandemic, since nasa bahay lang, I loved playing the guitar, I loved playing instruments. So si Daddy ‘yung kasama ko sa house, sa room, tapos lagi niya akong naririnig, almost every day na kumakanta, nag gu-guitar…so si Daddy din yung nag-push sa akin.”
He opened up that he didn’t believe in his own capabilities, but his dad was the one who saw the real potential in him and the one who pushed him to where he is today. And what began as a way to pass time during a silent season gradually became an instrument for him to reach a new height.
Shifts, Surprises, and Self-Discovery
Now leading his own mystery series, Project Loki, Dylan steps into a new level of his career with confidence. The show garnered strong buzz following its premiere on February 21, 2026 and earned positive feedback from viewers who eagerly follow each episode.
Since it was first announced, the series has already drawn steady support, building anticipation long before it reached the screen.
Still for Dylan, the success felt overwhelming. He shared, “I feel very overwhelmed. But at the same time, it feels good kasi lahat ng pinaghirapan ng mga prod, ng crew, ng mga co-actors, literal kasi na dugo't pawis ‘yung talagang binigay namin. We gave our all, we gave our best.”
Albeit overwhelming, he is surprised with roles he never expected to portray, and each opportunity pushed him beyond his limits and reminded him how far he has already come.
“I'm just very thankful to everyone who believed, who supported, who loved. And I just make sure to reciprocate the same feeling they gave to me,” he shared.
Loki and the spotlight aside, Dylan described himself simply as a young man who values family, friends, and will continue pursuing his passions, from acting to singing. He also emphasized that exploring his interests and enjoying the journey have shaped his personal growth.
“Ever since I was a kid until now, I feel like I’m still discovering myself and learning who I truly am.” he shared.
Staying Grounded
As he continues to make his mark in the industry, Dylan credited his parents as the strongest influence in his journey into showbiz.
“I rarely say this to them, but I'm very thankful to them. And ayun, mostly sila yung biggest factors talaga bakit po ako nandito ngayon sa industry,” he said.
As his popularity grows, he also looked back and realized that everything traces back to home. He credited his upbringing for shaping his character and helping him stay grounded and humble.
As he continues to make his mark in the industry, Dylan credited his parents as the strongest influence in his journey into showbiz.
He shared, “Honestly, siguro it all comes from my childhood—yung roots ko. Parang, I felt like I was never spoiled.”
He also shared the lessons his parents instilled in him growing up, highlighting that they wanted him to learn and figure things out on his own.
And when they are done producing and making music, that is when they realize why they keep on creating in the first place– it’s the realization that they made it together and that the song they have written leaves a trace and carries pieces of them when sung by a brand new artist.
“I've always wanted to do things by myself, or maybe my parents raised me that way, na parang they didn't want me to really depend on them, they wanted me to learn by myself. Kung paano ako makisama sa tao. Kung paano ako makipag-usap. Paano dumiskarte. Paano magtipid,” Dylan shared.
These lessons stayed with him on every set and in every project. He treated everyone equally, without favorites, and never looked down on anyone.
“I stay humble because I respect each and every one. And I understand na life is difficult, I do not have to say or do anything negative to kung kanino man,” Dylan explained.
A Feel-Good Collaboration
As Dylan embraces this season of both challenge and blessing, new opportunities continue to unfold beyond the screen. Among them is his growing collaboration with Blackwater, a collaboration he describes as both flattering and meaningful.
He feels deeply honored to be recognized, trusted, and chosen as an ambassador for the brand. For Dylan, the opportunity is not simply a title. It is a meaningful affirmation of the faith others placed in him and the image he strives to uphold.
More than an endorsement, the partnership feels authentic because he genuinely uses and loves the products.
“It's just pure. And that makes me feel brand new.”
“It's just pure. And that makes me feel brand new.”
Gratitude flows naturally and deeply from him as he expresses sincere thanks for being chosen as an ambassador and holds on to the hope of building a lasting partnership with the brand.
Self-Care Beyond the Surface
And as Dylan continues to climb onto his acting career, the sharper the pressure becomes. In acting, being seen is constant, and with it comes the expectation to look sharp, stay fit, and remain mentally steady through it all.
He acknowledged that the constant demand to look flawless can be exhausting. Yet, for Dylan, taking things one step at a time in a fast-paced industry works wonders. By focusing on each moment instead of trying to do everything at once, he finds balance.
“To look good, to be mentally okay, to be physically fit. You know, very challenging siya kasi sometimes, I mean, there comes a time na you'll feel fed up, napapagod ka rin, you get drained sometimes. But it's all about balance, I guess. I mean you don't have to do everything in one day,” Dylan shared.
Today, as an ambassador of Blackwater, he carries a message. For him, self-care is not vanity. It is a responsibility. It is protection.
As a former athlete, discipline already runs through him. He values movement. He values routine. He works out regularly because it strengthens both body and mind. Yet, he no longer pressures himself to be perfect.
“As someone who was an athlete before, gusto ko five times ako nag wo-workout pero syempre ngayon na there's different priorities. ‘Di ba ang dami mong kailangan i-juggle. Work, family, friends, social life, events. So you just have to keep the balance,” Dylan shared.
However, Dylan’s advocacy goes deeper than fitness. He speaks openly about mental and emotional well-being. He protects his peace intentionally while surrounding himself with people who truly understand how important it is to stay grounded.
Because for him, energy is contagious. Rather than absorbing negativity, he makes a conscious choice to bring light into every room.
Dylan shared, “I’m sure sa kahit anong work naman sa kahit anong industry sometimes work, it gets tiring, it gets toxic in a way. But siguro it’s just to keep your mindset to stay positive, to always give, to always bring good energy to people para mahawa mo sila tapos they would reciprocate the same energy back to you.”
Leading Your Own Journey
Dylan already seems to have mastered the art of self-care, shaping himself into the confident, grounded man he is today. And now, he shares the lesson he learned with the younger generation.
In the whirlwind of life, it’s easy to forget yourself while caring for everyone else. Dylan gently reminds the younger generation: start with yourself.
“Unahin din muna nila sarili nila. There are people din kasi na minsan masyado nilang iniisip ‘yung ibang tao and nakakalimutan na nila yung sarili nila.” he said.
He also encouraged the younger generation to pursue what they love, because passion fuels purpose. When you love what you do, the journey feels lighter. The flow becomes smoother.
Dylan shared, “Do the things they actually love doing kasi if they do what they love, talaga mas magiging magaan or mas magiging maganda ‘yung flow ng journery nila sa buhay.”
Beyond his roles as an actor and brand ambassador, Dylan dreams of giving a lasting impact on people his age. He wants young people to believe in themselves, to chase what they love with relentless determination, and to never give up.
“[I want to] inspire not just the youth, but to inspire everyone who’s pursuing a dream they’ve always wanted to do,” he shared.
Dylan wishes his journey to be more than an inspiration for the youth. He wants it to awaken a quiet fire in anyone holding a dream close to their heart, encouraging them to chase it relentlessly, with passion.
After all, the real glow-up isn’t just in the spotlight. It’s in how you pursue your dreams, staying grounded and grateful every step of the way.
DYLAN’S TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter Almario
SET DESIGN: Rocket Set Design
DESIGN DIRECTOR: Miguel Alomajan
Glam team:
MAKE-UP ARTIST: Aimee Marie Grey
HAIR STYLIST: Chino Maniquiz
ASSISTANT: Wendy Broncano
WARDROBE/STYLIST: Mark Anthony Combe
ASSISTANTS: Jerome Canaria and Fidelina Cuyos
DYLAN’S MANAGER:
Cris Ojeda of Stages Production Specialists Inc.
BLACKWATER TEAM
BRAND MANAGER: Luisita Kimberly Barrozo
BRAND SPECIALIST: John Paul San Diego
BRAND ADMIN/ASSOCIATE: Julius Cesar Erasmo Jr
DIGITAL CONTENT ASSOCIATE: Micole Charlotte Carriedo
GRAPHIC ARTISTS: Brenna Chani Alabastro and John Carlo Buenaventura
INTERN: James Clifford Deontoy
THE PIPOL TEAM
COVER STORY BY: Hailie Jade Cruz
Publisher: Richard de Quina & John Luke Chica
Managing Director: Inyi Yruma
Editor-in-Chief: John Luke Chica
Creative Director: Devon May Seron
Communications & Partnership Manager: Kyra Custodio- Alberto
Sales and Marketing Manager: Regino Rubi
Senior Writer: Beatrice Ulibarri
Multimedia & Digital Head: Sachii Del Mundo
Executive Assistant: Dreamboy Dubria, JC Bolante
Finance Head: Mylene Dela Reyna
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Ms. Denice Sy of Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc.
AUTHOR
Hailie Jade Cruz
Hailie is a writer who enjoys all things pop culture and entertainment, bringing this passion into writing heartfelt stories that resonate with people and today’s generation. Her work centers on heartfelt storytelling that celebrates the moments, people, and passions that inspire her.
