The Soft Power Of Vern Ong

Parcinq's Low-Key Heartthrob is Winning Us Over — One Vibe at a Time

There are boys who steal the spotlight the moment they walk into a room—and then there are boys like Vern Ong, who don’t need to. He’s the type who quietly slips in, stays calm in the corner, and somehow still leaves everyone wondering, “Who’s that?” And maybe that’s the charm.

For this PARCINQ Life in Sync feature, we spent an afternoon with Vern in a warm, relaxed setting—somewhere that felt less like a shoot and more like a slow, easy hang. No big lights or loud setups. Just natural light, soft fabrics, and that calm presence that Vern brings with him everywhere. Between photo setups, we sat down for a quiet conversation—candid, unhurried, and just like him: effortlessly grounded.

With a quiet intensity and that ever-so-intriguing “mysterious and chill” energy (his words), Vern is more than just a handsome face for the camera. Behind those soulful eyes and soft boy aesthetic is a thoughtful, observant Pisces—equal parts deep thinker and daydreamer—who’s building his own definition of what it means to be that guy.

“People say I’m quiet at first,” Vern admits. “But when we vibe, they realize I’m actually makulit too.”

Yes, the model and export management grad is the classic “silent type,” but don’t mistake his calm demeanor for lack of personality.

Vern's the guy who’s probably clocked your vibe before you even introduced yourself. He thrives on observing the world around him, reading the room like a seasoned empath, and showing up for people in a way that’s felt, not flashed.

Whether he’s zoning out at the gym, hooping on the court, or reaching for his nightly skincare must-haves (hello, retinol and vitamin C glow), Vern keeps it real, grounded, and refreshingly low-maintenance.

“I never sing in the shower,” he laughs. “I keep it chill in there.”

That’s Vern in a nutshell—lowkey, but never boring. Fashion-wise? He’s recently pivoted from streetwear to a more “Korean-inspired” simplicity (we love a clean fit king), though he’s not afraid to flex a little drama now and then. Think quiet luxury with a playful wink. A black-tee-and-jeans type of guy who also looks criminally good in summer tones. (Color theory? He’s into it.)

But the real flex? Vern’s emotional intelligence. When asked what he wants to be remembered for, he doesn’t mention fame or accolades. Instead, he says: “I want people to feel like I always had their back, even without saying it.”

Excuse us while we melt. With hidden talents in pakikiusap (he's the quiet guy who can talk his way out of anything), a love for steak, a dream of time-traveling, and zero tolerance for mayabang behavior—Vern is a lesson in soft power. He’s not loud. He doesn’t try too hard. And maybe that’s exactly why we can’t stop thinking about him.