Before it became a multi-use creative flow studio, We Are Shapeshifters began as a personal art project for Mikhail Quijano. In 2013, he started producing hand-dyed and illustrated shirts, first launched at the First United Building's Saturday x Future Market.
During the pandemic, however, he discovered other creative pursuits like movement, calisthenics, and Animal Flow. That’s when he shifted gears and transformed his brand into a platform offering pop-up classes, partly inspired by his own fitness journey. But, like other personal endeavors, fitness can be intimate and unique to each person. For some, traditional gyms—with their bulky machines and crowded environments—don’t provide the comfort needed for true exploration. This realization led Mikhail to create a safe space where he could share his practice and invite others to move freely and explore creatively.
“I shifted We Are Shapeshifters to be the name of the pop-up classes I’d hold, dreaming about creating a space for all of these creative endeavors,” Mikhail says. “When the pandemic came, I found an opportunity to explore the First United Building again, and everything just fell into place.”
Vogue, dance, and find Zen
Located in Units 422-424 of the First United Building in Escolta, Manila, We Are Shapeshifters has become a nurturing environment for self-expression, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. Here, people can explore creative movement practices, learn about Ballroom culture through workshops led by Filipino trailblazers Mother Xyza Mizrahi and Neytiri Ninja, and practice mindfulness through activities like shamanic journeying, embodiment practices, flow writing, and energy work.
“Our safe spaces are often limited and mostly centered around nightlife or clubs. While these spaces are amazing and integral to our community, it’s also great to have other multi-use spaces to create, express, and spend time together,” Mikhail tells Style Weekend. “We Are Shapeshifters aims to create that alternative space—not just a dance or movement studio. It’s a place to gather, connect, and create together. Our main focus is really on building community through creative movement practices and gatherings.”
In addition to the above workshops, which are open to the public, We Are Shapeshifters hosts various open studio events for art and performances. One such event, Saliw, invites people to perform any artistic piece they wish to share. The studio has also recently introduced choreography classes and yoga sessions.
Conducive ambience
To support these diverse activities, Mikhail designed We Are Shapeshifters’ space to feel earthy and warm. “A touch of nature and magic mixed in with fitness and function,” he describes. “I designed the studio to reflect my personality and the kind of space that would make me feel comfortable enough to move and just feel free, especially for LGBTQIA+ people.”
The space is also available for private events, rehearsals, or photoshoots. Interested individuals can simply message the studio on Instagram, including details about the activity, date, and time (minimum of three hours).
#StyleWeekend experience
We Are Shapeshifters takes pride in being part of the vibrant community within the First United Building. Mikhail appreciates the supportive and creative environment fostered not only by its tenants but also by the many people who visit the historic site.
For a full #StyleWeekend experience at We Are Shapeshifters and the First United Building, Mikhail suggests trying the refreshing homemade Orange Roselle soda at The Den coffee shop. Visitors can also stop by Glorious Dias for unique fashion pieces and trinkets or browse other makers featured in The Hub.
“It’s a powerful creative hub that allows people to really get in tune with our roots,” Mikhail says. “Just being in the building gives you an immediate sense of its history and of all the creative minds that have stayed here…That's where creativity thrives––when it's supported, when it's in touch with its roots, and when it's part of a community.”
To learn more about We Are Shapeshifters and its upcoming classes, visit @weareshapeshifters on Instagram and weareshapeshifters.com.
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