Abra

Abra is one of the Philippines' most successful rappers. Starting out as a member of LDP (Lyrically Deranged Poets) he then entered the Fliptop Battle League at its 2010 inception. He quickly proved his mettle by trouncing opponents with improvised insults in the African-American tradition of ‘the dozens.’ He rose to popularity through videos on YouTube, most notably his breakthrough Gayuma in which he is tricked into falling in love with a transgender woman via a love potion; it has been viewed 47 million times. His leading role in Respeto secured him Best Actor at the Philippines' Oscars in mid-June.

New York Asian Film Festival