Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Walking towards the "Road To Fame"

It would be a gross understatement to say that fashion plays an integral role in my life. I always have the knack for expressing myself through fashion clothing. For me, clothing is "more than meets the eye". Even though I’ve made a successful career in IT, the thought of pursuing a modeling career constantly played at the back of my mind. I enrolled at John Robert Powers to understand the technical aspect of modeling and it proved to be one of the best decisions I’ve made so far. Juggling IT work and modeling is a tough act but that doesn’t mean that I can’t try, eh?

The Road Map to Fame
February 05, 2011 – I woke up on the wrong side of the bed with a mild case of migraine. On a typical Saturday, I would have slept until noon but it was the casting day for Vans "Off The Wall" fashion show. In an hour, I was commuting down south to drop by at John Robert Powers Alabang for my free "Road To Fame" entry pass courtesy of My Fame And Fortune (John Robert Powers is one of the many global brands to sponsor the event). With a free pass on my clutches, I found myself in the unfamiliar grounds of Festival SuperMall in Filinvest Alabang. 

Vans "Off The Wall" got me going there
The venue was crawling with event volunteers, makeup artists, stylists, photographers, aspiring talents/models, and most importantly the talent/castings agencies. I didn’t realize the magnitude of the event until I saw the list of sponsors. I thought of it as a typical GO SEE event for Vans "Off The Wall" fashion show. Apparently, it was just a part of a bigger event which was the talent and fashion congress itself dubbed as "Road To Fame". I was glad to see some of my co-JRP students among the young and vibrant aspiring models in the queue. I caught up with them for awhile and then went to have a short chat with Marlon John Suarez, a volunteer in charge of the event. While waiting for the Vans casting agents, I decided to join the auditions with the talent/casting agencies around. Getting all the stamps got me smiling but the stamp of approval from Mukha Fashion is kind of special since it’s one of the leading online talent agencies around. After a short pictorial, I left my contact details and I went on with the Vans GO SEE. I did basic catwalk with some spotting and that was it (tough though to keep my equilibrium in check with a migraine). I was bound for the final leg on February 12, 2011 only to get burned by the stressful week at work. Needless to say, I missed it. Tough luck, eh? Well opportunities are abound if you have good networks and that’s what the event is all about - Getting each and everyone connected.

The Event Venue
Most Promising Model took home P20,000
Gift Certificate from John Robert Powers
Now on its third year, "Road To Fame" is the country’s largest job fair for aspiring models and talents, conducted every Saturdays from January 8 to March 12, 2011. The list of brands to sponsor the event includes John Robert Powers, MyPhone, The Philippine Star, Business Mirror, 99.5 RT, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Friendster, ClickTheCity, Netopia, Philippine Fashion Racks, 7 For All Mankind, Mango, Mossimo, Terranova, Calliope, American Rag, Salsa Jeans, Accessorize, Boboli Kids, Elite Cosmetics, Twilight Beauty, Skin Food, Lola Cosmetics, Gloria Jeans. My Fame And Fortune and Road To Fame event organizers did a great job on putting up such event. It was my first time to participate in a fashion congress and I’m looking forward on next year’s upcoming event. For more of Philippine fashion trends, checkout http://www.philippinefashionracks.com/. To know more about modeling, sign up at http://www.myfameandfortune.com/. For comprehensive modeling trainings, visit http://www.johnrobertpowers.com/.

(Photos from Road To Fame & My Fame And Fortune)

Saturday, March 26, 2011

John Robert Powers Manila - Alabang Branch 1st Year Anniversary

The Lobby
January 18, 2011 - After the successful "Real Fame Unleashed" winter showcase, John Robert Powers International has another milestone to celebrate. JRP Alabang branch celebrated their first year anniversary since it opened its door to the people of the south. I dropped by to celebrate this special event with JRP Alabang Director, Ms. Monet Ibañez, staffs, and students. Eventhough I'm from JRP Makati branch, I've always felt that we're one big family in JRP and I'm really happy about it. We basically celebrated the evening with interesting coversations, delectable foods, a bottle of sparkling Tosti, and some quick snaps.

JRP Alabang Director Monet Ibañez
celebrates with the students
JRP Alabang is the third branch in the country. It was established to cater to the crucial target market, south of the metro - according to Marivic Padilla, International Director for Philippines. JRP Alabang students enjoy the same comprehensive curriculum and excellent instructors as in Makati and Quezon City branches. Expert in adapting various programs to cater with the specific needs of a student, nine succesful years with JRP, and able to relate well to the people in the area, Ms. Monet Ibañez heads the school as Branch Director.

JRP Alabang branch is located at the 2nd Floor JJACCIS Bldg. 1208 Acacia Ave. Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City. To know more about Personality Development, Modeling, Acting, Hosting, Communication Skills, English Proficiency and Executive Programs, visit http://www.johnrobertpowers.com/ or call 927-0465 (QC), 892-9511 (Makati), 659-0052 (Alabang).

(Photos by from John Robert Powers & Marylin Pambid)

Monday, March 7, 2011

Adidas ObyO JS Flames - Kicks On Fire!


JS Flames - Hot Commodity
Jeremy Scott came up with a fly concept with JS Wings by giving it a pair of wings. Sneakerheads all over the world took notice and Adidas ObyO (Originals by Originals) Jeremy Scott Collection gained a cult following. As if JS Wings wasn’t fly enough, he came up with the JS Wings 2.0 and elevated its flight to another level. For Adidas ObyO Jeremy Scott – Spring/Summer 2011 Collection, Jeremy Scott set the JS Wings 2.0 on fire… literally! Dubbed as JS Flames, this fiery sneaker brings the heat to the Spring/Summer 2011 Collection as it hits the retailer shelves. Is the JS Flames hot enough? Read my full review and find out.

JS Wings 2.0 variant in flames
The first thing you’ll notice about JS Flames is its apparent similarities with JS Wings 2.0. No surprise about that since it is a derivative of its predecessor after all. Both share the same high top silhouette, leather base, and the winged panels at the heel. What gives JS Flames its fiery character is the winged panels, enmeshed in an outline of flowing flames. A smart gradient of orange red to light yellow hues gradually dust the leather upper from front to back, giving it a convincing glow… you can almost feel the heat!

Adidas Signature Three Stripes
The signature three stripes, classic trefoil logo at the back, the laser engraved Adidas signature, and the Jeremy Scott sockliner identify JS Flames’ pedigree to the Adidas ObyO brand. This limited edition sneaker is only available in limited boutiques, in very limited quantities, making it more appealing to hardcore sneakerheads worldwide. This kind of stuff makes the underground sneaker market the big bucks that it's worth today.

Adidas Classic Trefoil Logo
Overall, JS Flames lived up to the ‘burning’ hype since its unveiling on October 2010. What’s hotter than a sneaker on fire? Beats me! Jeremy Scott has outdone himself with this latest JS Wings variant and it makes me wonder how it will evolve in the next Adidas ObyO Jeremy Scott Collection.