Rock, Bretman

Bretman Rock (b. 1998). A Filipino American content creator. A beauty influencer, social media personality, and LGBTQ+ advocate. Known for his bold personality and humor, he has become one of the most prominent Filipino American figures in the digital space, with over 50 million followers across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.

Bretman gained initial fame through viral makeup tutorials and comedic skits and has since expanded his influence into reality television, brand collaborations, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

Early Life and Background

Bretman Rock was born in Sanchez-Mira, Cagayan, Philippines, and moved to Hawaii at the age of seven. His multicultural upbringing—rooted in Filipino traditions and Hawaiian culture—has been a cornerstone of his identity and creative expression. He often credits his Filipino heritage for shaping his personality and creativity.

Rise to Fame

Bretman first gained attention on Vine in 2015 with comedic videos before transitioning to YouTube and Instagram. His viral contouring video that same year marked the beginning of his journey as a beauty influencer.

Inspired by creators like Patrick Starrr and Talia Joy, Bretman combined humor with makeup expertise to stand out in the crowded beauty space. By 2017, Time recognized him as one of the “30 Most Influential Teens,” solidifying his status as a rising star.

Career Highlights

• Reality TV: Bretman starred in MTV Following: Bretman Rock (2021), offering fans an intimate look at his life in Hawaii.
• Collaborations: He launched a makeup line with Wet n Wild in 2020 and partnered with brands like Dime Optics for an eyewear collection.
• Media Appearances: Bretman became the first openly gay man to appear on the cover of Playboy in October 2021.
• Awards: He has won several accolades, including the People’s Choice Award for “Beauty Influencer” and MTV‘s “Breakthrough Social Star” award.

Advocacy and Impact

As an openly gay influencer, Bretman uses his platform to promote inclusivity and self-expression. He frequently shares personal stories about navigating life as an LGBTQ+ individual of color, creating a space for acceptance among his diverse fanbase. His content often features family members, emphasizing themes of love and authenticity.

Personal Life

Bretman’s family plays a significant role in his content. His sister Princess Mae and her daughter Cleo are recurring figures in his videos. Despite his fame, Bretman remains deeply connected to his roots, celebrating Filipino traditions while embracing modern American culture.

Legacy

Bretman Rock represents a new generation of influencers who blend entertainment with activism. By staying true to himself, he has redefined beauty standards while advocating for marginalized communities. His journey from a small-town boy in the Philippines to a global icon exemplifies the power of authenticity in achieving success.

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INTERVIEW

How does your Filipino-American heritage play a role in pursuing your career and shaping your identity? 

My job is personality based and as a Filipino, we have a lot of that. Our culture is so rich in creativity that I try to carry it with me through any project I’m working on. And even though I’m not a singer, I was blessed with this Filipino personality.

My heritage continues to shape my lifestyle and how I carry myself as a person. Bagyo (typhoon) season in the Philippines is a perfect example of how our community will always look for the silver lining. Our whole country could be flooded, and we would still be on our roofs singing and dancing. That’s how I carry myself in a lot of ways. I try not to stress too much and remind myself to look for light when going through hardships.

How do you celebrate your Filipino-American roots? 

There are ways to celebrate both cultures while embracing my roots, but the word Filipino comes first in Filipino American. Especially growing up in Hawaii, I acknowledge that my Filipino-American story doesn’t start or end with me. There will be future generations that celebrate their identity because of me, the same way I get to celebrate my identity from those who came before me. 

Rock, Bretman