Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelo Mendez.
Hi Angelo , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My Journey with Hot Tropiks: From Hustling in the Philippines to Changing the Game
I’m Angelo Mendez, and for 15 years, I hustled in the Philippines, wearing every hat imaginable—running hotels, bars, restaurants, and even dabbling in 3D printing buildings. I co-founded Kumu, one of the country’s fastest-growing startups, but my real obsession hit during the pandemic when I stumbled upon Trese, a graphic novel that ripped open a portal to a darker, more magical version of Manila. I was hooked.
I went down the rabbit hole of Pinoy komiks, discovering underground creators and meeting legends in the scene. But when I came back to the U.S., it hit me—these killer stories were nearly impossible to find. That’s when I knew I had to do something about it.
I launched Hot Tropiks to smash through those barriers, bringing Filipino and Southeast Asian creativity to a global stage. We’re not just selling books and merch; we’re pushing culture, connecting creators to a diaspora hungry for representation. This is about more than business—it’s about making sure these voices get heard, loud and clear.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. One of the biggest struggles has been figuring out shipping—especially when you’re dealing with products coming from halfway around the world. Getting Filipino-made books and merch into the hands of people in the U.S. isn’t as simple as it sounds. From navigating import regulations to dealing with logistics hiccups, shipping has been a real headache. But we’ve learned to adapt and find better solutions over time.
The other challenge has been truly understanding and connecting with our audience. At first, I thought it was just about getting cool products in front of people, but it’s much deeper than that. It’s about building a community and finding ways to resonate with those who are passionate about Filipino culture. I’ve had to learn how to better serve my audience, engage with them more authentically, and tailor what we offer to meet their expectations. It’s been a constant process of trial and error, but each struggle has been a lesson that’s pushed us to improve.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work revolves around building platforms that elevate Filipino culture on a global scale. With Kumu, we created a live streaming app that connects millions of Filipinos worldwide. With Hot Tropiks, I’m bringing the best media and stories from the Philippines to new audiences, especially for those who’ve struggled to find these narratives outside the country.
What sets me apart is that I’ve built this while living life on my own terms and staying laser-focused on the big picture. I’m most proud of creating platforms that give a voice to Filipino creatives and helping bridge the gap between Southeast Asian talent and the global stage. I’m not just building businesses but building communities, and that’s what makes the grind worth it.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as having the time and freedom to spend with my family and pursue what makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hottropiks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hot.tropiks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hot.tropiks/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hot-tropiks/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hot.tropiks?si=IHy2T_YxNT4QhgJ5
