There are some who follow the script and others who choose to write their own, like Singaporean-Filipino actor and content creator David Matthew Ubaña. He cycled through the usual list of childhood ambitions—astronaut, doctor—before landing on the one that stuck: Acting. That dream was sparked by a chance encounter at an IT fair in 2016, which led to an audition with TCP Artistes.
Since joining the artiste management agency, David has scored supporting and lead roles in Channel 5 series such as Sunny Side Up (2022) and Alienated (2023). On Channel 8, he went from a small part in Unforgivable (2024) to a lead role in upcoming drama Timeless Memories (2026), delivering most of his lines in Mandarin. He has just wrapped the vertical drama Romance by the Sea, a Singapore-Philippines co-production.
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ON CONTENT CREATION
Parallel to acting is the content creation career he built from scratch. Despite a slow and discouraging start, David persisted and it paid off: His Instagram grew from 5,000 followers in 2023 to more than 200,000 today, and his YouTube channel drew 10,000 subscribers in June 2024 to over 1.2 million in 2025.
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ON FASHION
David gravitates toward elevated classics and Japanese labels known for craft and subtlety. He cites Tim Dessaint, Daniel Simmons and Khaleel Aqrabawi as style inspirations. His favourite brands include Onitsuka Tiger, Dior, Dolce&Gabbana and Issey Miyake.
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ON WHAT’S NEXT
Looking ahead, David is focused on storytelling through roles that challenge him and YouTube content that feels like a conversation with a friend. “I want to inspire, and spread love and kindness. But I also create for myself—to remember my blessings and see how far I’ve come,” he says. For 2026, his goals are to keep growing, keep creating and keep moving forward. “My next level is always just a few steps away, as long as I don’t stop.”
STYLED NAVIN PILLAY
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JAYA KHIDIR
Make-up Artist: WEE MING using DIOR BEAUTY
Hairstylist: GREGO using REVLON PROFESSIONAL.
Stylist's Assistant: EVA NATASHA
Photographer's Assistant: NAYSA SUBBA