[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”26908″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Check our interview with two best friends Malia Baldovi and Thomas Orlina and they’re great Asian American digital talk project “Two Besties Together.”[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26909″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Hi guys, please tell us a little about you?
Thomas: My name is Thomas Orlina and I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. I’m Filipino-American and reside in Hollywood. I’ve worked in the Entertainment Industry for eight years and am a Creator, Host and Executive Producer for two YouTube shows called “Your Time With Thomas” and “Two Besties Together.” I currently am an on-camera host at a television network owned by Emmy winner, Maria Menounos called AfterBuzz TV.
Malia: My name is Malia Baldovi. I was born and raised on Maui, Hawaii. I’m Hawaiian and Asian American and live in Los Angeles, CA. I have years of experience working in the Entertainment Industry. I am a Host and Executive Producer for the YouTube show “Two Besties Together” and recently finished working production for the USA Network TV Show “Temptation Island.”
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Thomas: Energetic, motivated, goal oriented
Malia: Spontaneous, Chill, Outgoing
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
Thomas: I’d say personally my family. They are the nicest, most caring people I know. I’ve learned so much from them from how to tackle goals, to give back to the community and to stay grounded no matter what I’m doing in life. As far as my career, I l am inspired and look up to people like Ryan Seacrest, Ellen DeGeneres, Paris Hilton and the Kardashians with all of them having businesses that are successful and are mogals with their brands.
Malia: Definitely my parents and grandparents. They are very hardworking, caring and the most kindest people you’ll meet. They’ll give the shirt of their backs for someone else. I’ve learned so much from them. For my career, Debbie Reynolds was someone I looked up to and who has been one of my absolute favorites growing up. She was such a strong woman who had many talents and knew the hustle. Another influence on my life would also have to be Oprah Winfrey, Angela Basset and Vin Diesel.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26910″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]How and when did you guys decided to start the Two Besties Together project?
Late summer last year we really wanted to collab and do something together. We’ve known each other for 10 years and racked up so many amazing memories as our friendship has evolved so it started from there. We also have similar goals and passions like being on television, being in front of the camera and so we figured this was the right time to develop a show that would connect with our social media following and resonate well with an international audience. Two Besties Together celebrates friendship from all around the world. We know how important friendships are in everyday life and when our fans watch the show, they feel that closeness bond and relate to us.
Why helping others?
Both of us have families who have given back in one way or another so we want to continue that tradition. We’ve worked with non-profit organizations; LGBTQ organizations and we love the platform we’ve built to make a difference in people’s lives. The show talks about serious subjects and we want to be able to give people something they can gain from spending their time watching our show. Whether we’re promoting self-care products, providing hotlines to help people, it’s a fulfilling feeling that we celebrate as friends.
Name one your strengths?
Thomas: I’m an all around go-getter so if I want something, I go out and make things happen. I’m not the type of person to sit around and wait so I believe that’s a powerful tool instilled in me that has gotten me to this point in my career.
Malia: Definitely if I have a goal of mine whether it’s personal or career oriented, I stay focused on doing what I need to do to accomplish it. I’ll put in the work and time and never lose my focus. I don’t let anything get in the way.
Best advice you have followed?
Thomas: Definitely to stay true to myself, be authentic and not alter myself for people to like me. I live a very public life allowing others to criticize what I say and what I think so I always try and do the very best I can to own everything and make no excuses.
Malia: Putting in the work and never giving up. The more you push the closer you’ll be to where you want to be. There may be times where you want to give up on everything but you just need to find it in you to be strong and pull through. The greatness will come and pay off.
Why did you decide to be an entrepreneur?
Thomas: I’ve worked in many amazing jobs in the past and having this type of schedule allows me to fulfill goals that I felt weren’t being met. I enjoy having the ability to be my own boss and to make decisions that determine my future. Owning the rights to things I create has always been a dream of mine so it’s great to be able to do that now. I love working with brands and creating partnerships with companies and businesses as well so this is really an exciting time in my life.
Malia: I’ve done the whole 9-5 thing and it was just never for me. So with my passion and goals that I’ve always had as a kid which is acting on television and creating a bunch of content, being my own boss allows me to have the flexibility to try and accomplish all the things I need and want to. Having my own schedule makes everything easier. Yes, it may be a lot more work, but it’s work that I love doing because I know it will pay off in the end. And everyday is a different day so it makes it more exciting for me.
What has been the more challenging part about this project?
We both have worked extremely hard to deliver quality content so making sure we have the right messaging is always important. We always said if we were going to do this show, we wanted there to be a purpose and we wanted our audience to gain value from it. I would say our challenging part is sometimes having creative differences. We are two different people with different view points at times so it can get a bit tricky but we work through that and know each other so well that everything gets accomplished and we’re both happy in the end.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Thomas: I’m naturally into vegetables so I love eating cucumbers, broccoli and have really turned around my diet this year. It’s really rewarding to see how much your life can change by just adjusting your eating habits.
Malia: Tofu Salad is my favorite. Theres watercress, tofu, onion, tomato, and tuna. Then there’s a sauce that you make to pour over as a dressing. Delicious!
And your favorite cheat food?
Thomas: On days I’m being bad, I enjoy eating fast food! My top 3 places are Mc Donalds, Panda Express and In-N-Out Burger.
Malia: Definitely would have to be sushi. A lot of sushi!
Which project is still on your bucket list?
Our music is next to come out so we still have that on our bucket list and are really excited about it. We’ve been taking vocal lessons and been in and out of the studio. We hired a songwriter who’s been working on this fun single for iTunes and we’re also working with a choreographer and director for the music video which is set to release soon.
Any fitness tips you want to share with us?
We’re both super into working out! We each have a membership at our own gyms.
Thomas: I think incorporating different exercises is important to be in the best shape. Mixing the gym with outdoor cardio, a sport such as tennis, hiking, etc. It’s important to balance out what works for you and to be consistent. Make a schedule for yourself and make a realistic plan with goals.
Malia: Definitely try to keep an active lifestyle. Try getting in some workouts whether it’s cardio, weights or just a simple hike. And don’t forget the foods. Eating the proper foods always helps a lot and keeps the body maintained.
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
Thomas: I hope to still be on-screen as a host or personality on television. I’ve enjoyed being in front of the camera since I was 5 years old so I don’t see myself not wanting to do it anymore. Hopefully be married and have everything I’ve ever wanted both professionally and personally. I’m a big believer in manifesting what you want so I do see all of these things in my future.
Malia: I don’t know where I see myself in 5 years professionally or with myself. I’m not a 5 year planner type of person let alone even a planner. Everyday, every week, every month things change. I feel like if I focus all my energy on knowing where I’ll be, I feel I will lose sight of opportunities or more important things that I need to do now for myself and career. So in the end, I take it day to day but improving every day and see where life leads me to.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
Thomas: Kylie Jenner is someone I think is absolutely talented and amazing. At 21 years old she has accomplished something only people dream of and I think she is gorgeous. I’m curious to see what she does next and how she plans to expand her brand even further.
I’m also inspired by global beauty guru Patrick Starrr. He’s been a trailblazer in the beauty community and a Filipino I look up to in the entertainment business. He always reminds his following to be themselves and I believe that is what ultimately defines beauty.
Malia: My cousin Nicole Scherzinger from FOX’s The Masked Singer / Former lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls. She is a very talented artist and always looks amazing. I always look forward to new projects she comes out with.
What’s your favorite music?
Thomas: I appreciate all kinds of music. I can listen to anything once. If I’m being more specific I enjoy top 40 music. Staying current is important to me so I like knowing who’s popular on the radio or trending on social media. Artist I gravitate towards are people like Britney Spears, Drake, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber.
Malia: I love almost anything and everything. I’m very big on my 80’s and 90’s music such as Journey, Billy Joel, Rick Astley, etc. Those good ol’ classic hits! Country is also my favorite to listen to such as Shania Twain, Josh Turner, and Randy Houser to name a few. Top 40 music and Indie music. There’s so many artists that I like such as Zayne, Justin Timberlake, and Ella Mai to name a few.
Any future plans you want to share with us?
We’re both really excited for our first single and music video and distributing the song on a bigger scale platform. We have a lot of meetings coming up with businesses and brand endorsements so lookout for more partnerships. We’re both continuing to build our personal brands and auditioning for new roles so there’s so much going on. This year has been non-stop since the start and we don’t see thing slowing down at all.
Do you support any charity?
We’ve both supported non-profit organizations like Make A Wish, Project Angel Food and The Trevor Project. We have big hearts for charity so anything we can do to help people we always try and reach out and do the best we can.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
Thomas: Phone, Money, Sunglasses
Malia: Phone, Money, Headphones
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Thomas: A perfect Sunday is starting the day with a workout. Then getting ready to meet friends for brunch and cocktails. I enjoy the feeling of being productive so once the workout is done meeting up people after would top of a great Sunday.
Malia: For me, it would be having a small home brunch with close friends and just hanging out, laughing and watching movies all together!
What do you think of Social Media?
Thomas: It’s a powerful tool and has the ability for you to connect with millions of people globally around the world. I’ve gotten free trips, products, and clothes just via through social media so it’s a wonderful place to network and create relationships. Although it can be great, there are downfalls to it. By doing Two Besties Together, I’m subjecting myself to criticism and allowing the world into my life so the negative comments aren’t the best feeling but in this business you have to have thick skin and it’s allowed me to have that.
Malia: I think social media is such benefit to have these days. It’s a real great way to connect with people, grow your brand and just seeing what’s trending out in the world. I’ve met my very close friends through social media which sometimes I find it crazy but in a good way. I love them! You can also discover different products, brands and pretty much almost anything which is great! However, there are very negative and horrible sides to social media such as those cyber bullies and people who just leave all those negative comments for no reason. There’s always going to be pros and cons. Just need to stay positive and block out all the haters.
Where we can follow you?
You can find me @thomasorlina on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook and my personal website thomasorlina.com
Malia: You can find me @maliabaldovi on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat.
Song:
Thomas: Thank U, Next – Ariana Grande
Malia: Heaven Is A Place On Earth – Belinda Carlisle
Travel destination:
Thomas: I’d love to visit Europe then Australia
Malia: Japan
Actor/Actress:
Thomas: Leonardo DiCarpio / Jennifer Lopez
Malia: Debbie Reynolds / Tom Ellis
Sports Team:
Thomas: Lakers
Malia: LA Dodger
Quote:
Thomas: Count your blessings, not your problems
Malia: Being normal is vastly overrated
Movie:
Thomas: The Devil Wears Prada
Malia: The Sandlot
Drink:
Thomas: Patron
Malia: Heineken[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
