The Thrilla in Manila: NEVS Reppin’ the Philippines and Meeting of Styles

From Metro Manila to the walls of Meeting of Styles Indonesia, NEVS (aka NEVR) is going all city. Hailing from the capital of the Philippines a nation of over 7,000 islands in the Pacific he reps more than just Manila’s streets.

Since picking up the can in 2010 during his college days, he’s gone on to link with crews like LGS, PSP, NBF, and ZNC, building his style and voice with influence from the west. Whether he’s collecting stickers like time capsules, building connections in Jakarta, or shining light on artists back home, Nevs stays committed to the culture. We caught up with the writer after MOS Indonesia 2025 to talk, inspiration, and why the Philippines’ scene needs more recognition.

NEVS, after a few years, you touched back down in Indonesia for MOS 2025. How does one get chosen for that event?

As soon as they opened the call for artists, I applied for the event through the Meeting of Styles website, updated my profile, and submitted my most recent walls. Then the local MOS Indonesia crew (Indonesia team) reviews all applicants and confirms all qualified artists. Once qualified, you get an official email from the local MOS Indonesia team with all the details you need for the said event. They hook you up with wall assignments, meals, spray, hotel accommodations for the weekend, transportation going to the spot (at the Paint Factory). But Travel like flights, and other accommodations outside you handle yourself.

Has the vibe at MOS changed since you last rocked it?

Yes, MOS might’ve evolved with time more structure, more social media, more exposure but that raw spirit, mix of global talent and love for the wall? Still strong as ever.

NEVS painting a mural at Meeting of Styles Indonesia 2025 below
The completed mural by NEVS at Meeting of Styles Indonesia 2025 ..

Name one thing about Manila most folks don’t know?

It’s ghetto out here.

Name some underground hip hop spots around the Manila area?

Apotheka, SOS!

Do you think the provinces need more culture or vice versa who would you say in all PH… who rep the culture the fullest?

Nah. Some provinces already have culture deep, old, and raw. What they need isn’t more culture, they need more visibility, platform, and respect from the urban mainstream. Yes. 100%. Manila’s got exposure but sometimes the scene gets too self-referential. Too looped into what’s hot in QC or Poblacion or what getting likes on IG. The culture’s already alive across the map but Manila got the mic. So the job now is to amplify. The more we connect walls, mics, beats, and platforms across the islands the louder we all get.

A mural by Filipino writer artist NEVS lights up a wall in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Your style mixes geometric shapes, bevels, and strong letter structure, how has it evolved since your college day tags back in 2010?

If you look at my work from college up to now, there’s been a big change especially in letter structure, color, and balance. Works from the West had a huge influence, when it comes to letters structure, color and style.

Meeting of Styles Indonesia looked wild what went down behind the scenes, who inspired you?

I can honestly say their scene in Indonesia is a huge inspiration it’s the biggest graffiti scene in Asia. Once you see it, you’ll understand why their event is on that level. From the lineup of Heavy hitters to the main graffiti jam, a lot of other things went down like a tour of Belazo’s factory and showroom, trying out new products, sharing lunch, and hanging out with fellow participants. There was also sticker and sketch trading, local merch booths, artist talks, DJ sets, and performances from local rap groups.

You mentioned being inspired by heavy hitters like Revok, Askew, Pemex, and Rune. Has that changed?

No, but it evolved even more because of new inspirations from both up-and-coming graffiti writers and the internet.
Various murals by NEVS from around the globe..

Tell us about your vinyl and sticker collecting habits. How do those passions bleed into your visual style or give you fresh energy as a writer?

I only started collecting vinyl records during the pandemic, but my sticker collection has been growing ever since I started doing graffiti. I don’t stick them anywhere, I just keep them. For me, it’s like a time capsule that brings me back to those moments.

You’ve been featured in how many publications? What does it mean for a writer from the Philippines to be on the global shelf?

I’ve been featured in a few magazines and two books. I never really knew how to take that in, but it’s an honor to represent the Philippines on an international scale.

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Crews like LGS, NBF, and PSP roll deep with you, how does one get down with those affiliations?

LGS and PSP are local crews/collectives I became part of, probably because I was often painting with them. NBF are homies too, same vibe, but they’re based in the U.S. I got into that crew too through a connection back then another Filipino I used to paint with a lot.

Any last words or shout outs??

Shout out To My girlfriend and our Cats! to my crews, LGS, NBF, ZNC, 8PM, WLE, TFK, PSP. Basic Lee, Thee, Gysek, Kuya Retro, Exld, Trip63, UCOne, Stoke, Nebster, Rune, Minas, Nick, Oaker, Faso, Josh, Swek, E04 dudes, Mess-Age! Portl, Chisl, Shock, Boss Slac, 9Rush Leak, Porks, Wuzer, ARAL Cru, Deeman, Esray, Ferbs.