Brandon Espiritu isn’t your typical public figure. Sure, you may know him as Mr. Philippines, an entrepreneur, or a fitness trainer, but there’s so much more beneath the surface. From his early days hustling for a Casio watch to launching businesses that reflect his passion for self-care and wellness, Brandon has built a life centered around grit, authenticity, and growth.
In this conversation, he opens up about his journey, what drives him, and how he’s using his platform to inspire others—all while juggling multiple ventures.
Brandon Espiritu is a man of action and resilience, a trait he discovered as early as age eight. “I remember wanting a Casio watch that cost about $30,” he recalls. When his father, who ran a photography studio called Photo Plus, refused to buy it, Brandon didn’t give up. “I went outside, grabbed a fallen coconut, put rocks in it, and set up a tip jar in front of the studio. I started singing Christmas jingles like ‘Jingle Bells’ for hours. Customers would stop and tip me before entering the shop. At the end of the day, I earned enough to buy the watch,” he shares. This early experience taught Brandon the value of determination and resourcefulness, qualities that define him to this day.
Being a model and public figure has added another layer to Brandon’s personal growth and business approach. “Modeling has taught me the importance of authenticity and grit,” he explains. “I’ve faced rejection more than a hundred times, but each ‘no’ has made me stronger and more determined.” He sees his platform as an opportunity to promote health and wellness in an authentic way, using setbacks as stepping stones toward growth. “I’ve learned to embrace rejection as an opportunity to evolve, both personally and professionally,” he says.
As a fitness trainer, Brandon’s philosophy on health and wellness centers around the idea of enjoying the process. “Wellness is a journey, not a destination or an ‘end goal,’” he emphasizes. “It should be sustainable and fun. Take small steps, build from there, and if you get off track, give yourself grace and get back on it.” This mindset is woven into his work with NFE Training, where he combines personalized programs with regular check-ins to keep clients engaged. “We’ve created a system that allows us to support 100 clients worldwide annually, helping them lose 10-20 pounds of fat in just 90 days,” he shares.
Brandon’s ventures reflect his passions and lifestyle. “I want to create products and services that resonate with everyday people,” he says. From fitness to skincare and lifestyle products, his businesses are rooted in self-care and community well-being. Camou for Men, for example, stands out because it focuses exclusively on the male market. “We wanted to create simple and effective products specifically for men. People appreciate that we cater to them with easy-to-use products that seamlessly fit into their routines while promoting self-care as essential,” he explains.
Another innovative venture is RESTDAY, a sleep performance company designed for high performers like athletes, creatives, and entrepreneurs. “It all started with the idea of creating the coolest bedsheets on earth. We wanted to help hot sleepers have a cooler sleep. We eventually decided to pivot and make the brand all encompassing. ” Brandon shares. Over time, the brand evolved to include products that prevent night sweats, are hypoallergenic for acne prevention, and are as soft as a cloud. “Our first collection, ‘CLOUD 01,’ launches on January 1, and we’re producing limited quantities to ensure premium quality,” he reveals.
RESTDAY is a collaborative effort with his business partner, Sharine Leah. “She’s one of the smartest people I know, and we built a strong friendship before going into business together,” he says. The idea for RESTDAY was born over dinner when Sharine mentioned the importance of men having quality bedsheets to impress women. “At the time, I was a bachelor who didn’t care about sheets, but that conversation changed my perspective. We decided to solve a real problem by creating rest and recovery products for top performers,” Brandon explains. Their partnership has been a key strength, allowing them to leverage their individual talents and create a more holistic approach.
The most rewarding aspect of Brandon’s entrepreneurial journey has been seeing his vision come to life and positively impacting people’s lives. “When customers tell me how our products or services have improved their routines or confidence, it’s incredibly fulfilling,” he says. However, the challenges are just as real. “From funding issues to logistics and the constant need to adapt, it’s been a rollercoaster. But each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow,” he reflects.
For Brandon, success goes beyond titles and accolades. “If you can look back at yourself 5-10 years ago and say, ‘That version of me would be proud of who I’ve become,’ that’s success,” he says. He measures success by the impact he has on others and his ability to navigate challenges with integrity and resilience. “I want to inspire young men to strive for personal growth, build meaningful relationships, and contribute positively to their communities,” he adds.
As Mr. Philippines, Brandon sees his platform as a tool for inspiration. “I want to promote health, wellness, and authenticity,” he says. By sharing his journey, he hopes to encourage young men to prioritize self-care and mental well-being. “If I can inspire even one person to take the first step toward bettering themselves, I’ve done my job,” he says.
Looking ahead, Brandon is excited about the future of RESTDAY and expanding its product line. “We want to help people maximize their sleep quality and explore more collaborations that align with our mission of promoting wellness and self-care,” he shares. Beyond RESTDAY, Brandon is constantly brewing new projects and can’t wait to unveil them.
For those juggling multiple ventures, Brandon offers practical advice: “Stay organized and prioritize your mental health. It can be overwhelming, so have a clear plan and set realistic goals. Don’t forget to carve out time for yourself—self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you, and don’t hesitate to delegate tasks. You can’t do it all alone!”.
At his core, Brandon Espiritu is about making things happen—whether it’s helping clients smash their fitness goals, building businesses that solve real problems, or inspiring young men to take charge of their lives. His journey proves that success isn’t about flashy titles or accolades; it’s about staying true to yourself, embracing challenges, and creating a positive impact. As he looks toward the future, with exciting projects like RESTDAY on the horizon, one thing’s clear: Brandon isn’t slowing down anytime soon. If there’s one takeaway from his story, it’s that resilience and passion can take you further than you ever imagined.
