Grammy-nominated rapper and global fashion icon Saweetie headlined the FIBA World Cup Draw held in the Philippines a few days ago.
And before her electrifying performance, Saweetie talked to the press about how important it is for her to "flex" Filipino culture in everything she does including her music videos.
According to her, it all boils down to her being a proud Filipino.
"The Filipino culture is in my DNA. So I'm so proud of where I came from and who I am. My mom and her brothers and sisters, my lolo, my lola - we're all immigrants. I was raised in a real traditional, like, Filipino household and I'm proud of that because it made me the woman I am today," she said.
Saweetie added: "It's important for me to represent that, especially in an industry where you don't see that many Filipino. I love showing pride in my heritage."
Though she admitted that back when she was a little girl she was a bit "frustrated" coming from a mixed-race family.
Born Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, Saweetie's mother, Trinidad Valentin, is Filipino-Chinese, while her dad, Johnny Harper, is African-American.
"As I got older and I reflect, it taught me that, you know, no two roots are the same. You have to respect the morals, values in both," she related.
"It was a bit enormous for me. It didn't limit how I grew up," she maintained, reiterating how grateful she is to experience both worlds.
She cited these as lessons that taught her how to be the woman she is today.
This is what she advised up-and-coming Filipino artists: To champion their roots.
"I feel like, sometimes, when people travel to America, they feel like they have to embrace the American culture. I think we should be proud of where we came from."
If ever, she wants to meet and greet some local artists who are trying to pursue a career in the rapping world and maybe try to help give them opportunities.
"Because places like this, sometimes, they don't have the platform."
As for her message to Filipino fans, Saweetie said: "I just want to say thank you for loving and supporting me. I know that I wasn't born here but my mom is and she takes so much pride in being a Filipino. She always told me: 'You need to let the world where you're from.' So I really love that you guys are embracing me, loving me, and protecting me. It's such an honor."
Saweetie declared she will definitely come back soon.
Actually, she already asked her team to look for a condominium unit in Manila for her.
"I just want to make sure I have a home here," she said.
Note that as of writing, Saweetie is in Palawan, where her mom brought her 10 years ago.
"I'm really excited to see what changed - the food, the water. Can't wait to go back," she said.
Saweetie related that food is the thing she is looking forward to the most in her visit, particularly her favorites - sinigang, pancit, adobo, and the classic Pinoy breakfast with garlic rice.
She even noted that if she had to pick one food for the rest of her life it will be a Filipino dish.
Currently, Saweetie is busy working on her new album.
She is also very much involved in several businesses relating makeup and hair.
"I'd like to do things that are organic to me. So whatever I love, I do business with it," she said.
So how does she juggle things?
"Having a team," she answered, relating one can't do it alone.
"I think that Filipinos are really hard workers, and I got that from my mom. But I learn that the bigger the goal, the more I need more hands helping. So for anyone who wants to thrive in the business, getting the right team - who believe in your dream - is really important."
Saweetie is known for chart-topping hits like "My Type" and "Icy Girl," which she both performed at the FIBA World Cup Draw.
Since her breakthrough in 2017, she has released numerous successful singles and albums, garnering a loyal fan base and solidifying her status as a leading force in the music industry.