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)

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)

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.

(Photos by http://www.caliroots.com/)

John Robert Powers Manila - Summer Workshop 2011

Summer is just around the corner and I must say I miss my college days. I get to enjoy my summer vacation, basking in the sun, chugging ice cold Coke, and enjoying everything that comes with it –  the fresh ocean breeze, the sound of the pounding waves, and the sight of beautiful girls on bikinis. It certainly is the best way to spend a hard earned summer vacation... or so I thought. Looking back, I wish I would have done something more productive with it – a summer workshop. I’ve always wanted to attend acting workshops to further hone my skills in acting but I never got to it. Now that I’m working, I find it more difficult to find the time since sembreak is a thing of the past.

Now for those of you, who are looking to spend their summer vacation on something more productive than sunkissed hides, John Robert Powers International is offering summer workshops for modeling, acting, dancing and other essential programs to help you enhance your communication skills, boost your confidence, and improve your social interactions. Just like any other summer workshops being offered, slots are very limited and making an early reservation is the smartest thing to do. So make your reservations now.

John Robert Powers International is offering an early bird summer enrolment promo until the end of February. Get in touch with your nearest branch now and ask how to avail of the discounted rates. For more details, visit http://www.johnrobertpowers.com/ or call 927-0465 (QC), 892-9511 (Makati), 659-0052 (Alabang).

(Print Ad material by John Robert Powers International)

Real Fame Unleashed - The JRP Winter Showcase



Real Fame Unleashed Print Material 

 It has been six short months since I shared the cramped stage of RCBC Theater with a big pool of uber talented John Robert Powers International students from QC, Makati, and Alabang. In such a short span of time, I had TV and magazine exposures and is now a non-exclusive talent of AMCG Events Management. You wouldn't believe it if I told you that I didn't even had any single call back right after the Pop Pop Fame Summer Showcase. It was kind of a downer at first but my invaluable learnings and experiences from my participation in such momentous event motivated me more to pursue my passion and the caring people of the industry reached out and gave me a helping hand.

I enjoyed the theatrical acting segment the most

January 15, 2011 - The door of opportunities opened up to more than fifty John Robert Powers International students, once more. JRP presented its annual winter showcase "Real Fame Unleashed". More than just a showcase of talents and limitless potentials, it was simply a celebration of the day to day JRP life as students and instructors worked together to put up a great show for each and everyone in attendance. Each and every participants underwent a month long dancing, acting, hosting, and modeling workshops, culminating with the winter showcase.

The kid got his swagger on

The showcase was sponsored by Martha Tilaar Professional Artist Cosmetics (PAC) and popular clothing brands like OshKosh B'gosh, Meg, Cinderella, Naf Naf, and Athena Clothing. I absolutely enjoyed the showcase... this time from the VIP seats as a guest events blogger. It was a real treat to see new faces and of those that I'm familiar with - Sandra Unno, Aurore Avancena, Derrick Sugiyama, Riz Pearl Diamante, Harold Diamante, and Myles de Villa. I can see some degree of performance anxiety on some of the participants but it was easily overshadowed by their sheer joy and excitement to see their friends and family in attendance. I'm sure they had a great time performing on the stage.



Runway Segment


Kudos to the respective segment directors including Ingrid Nieto, Ding Dong Eduque, Issa Litton, Marybeth Nave, Dave Fabros, Yvette Manale, Raymond Recto, Ning Corteza and the overall Production Manager, Gabby Reinoso.

Real Fame Unleashed Casts

John Robert Powers International has been in the forefront of Image Enhacement  & Personal Development since 1923. Unleash that potential within you and achieve new heights of success. You owe it to yourself. Make it happen. For more details, visit http://www.johnrobertpowers.com/ or call 927-0465 (QC), 892-9511 (Makati), 659-0052 (Alabang).

Project Vanity - 100 Vainest of the Metro Unveiling

Blaise Pascal once said "Vanity is so secure in the heart of man that everyone wants to be admired." ...and who doesn't? We exist in a society where vainglory is as natural as breathing.

Wesly Villarica in a Bespoke Suit by Levenson Rodriguez

December 03, 2010 - Limbo Bar & Art Gallery, Fort Bonifacio, Global City, Taguig. Bespoke Suit Maker, Clothier, Levenson Rodriguez unveiled Project Vanity - 100 Vainest of the Metro campaign. By Invitation Only event, presented by Bespoke Suit by Levenson Rodriguez, co-presented by Wesley Villarica with Creative support from Rxandy Capinpin and Matthew Valeriano of Versa-Vise Productionss, the unveiling was witnessed by fashion designers, fashion models of the local and international scenes, talent agents, and people of the fashion industry. The video material presented is basically a collection of fashionable photos of a hundred individuals from the metro, confident of their own skins. The printed campaign material was set to be made available to popular cafes for public viewing.

Pick your poison

The guests were treated to an open bar while a white board circulated within the guests to write down their vainest feelings during the event. I had a good time seeing and conversing with fashionable individuals from the industry and it was a privilege to attend such event. I first met Levenson Rodriguez during the Philippine Fashion Week 2011 but I've been a fan of his stylish Bespoke creations since The First Look Fashion Show at Shagri-La Mall, Ortigas.


Quick snaps with Lev

We are all vain and we are all sinners. Vanity outlives us.

For more of Lev's artistic creations, visit the following websites:

http://rodriguezdealba.multiply.com/
http://bespoke.multiply.com/
http://livejournal.com/levrodriguez

Breakups & Breakdowns Premiere Party

Last October 28, 2010, Upstart Productions - a fresh theater company in the country, threw out an exclusive party for friends, sponsors and show buyers at The Establishment, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It was a season premiere party for the original contemporary musical play, Breakups and Breakdowns, written by veteran theater actor Joel Trinidad and Hong Kong Disneyland's Music Director and composer, Rony Fortich.

Quick snaps with Joel Trinidad & Emerita Alcid-Trinidad
along with Ms. Monet Ibañez and Ms. Mabel Guerrero

The Establishment is a posh restaurant with a mystique ambience of exclusivity. Admittance require guests to conform to the dress code as specified in the notice posted outside the establishment. The guests were treated to an open bar, served with four different kinds of conctions (named after the four characters of the musical play) and variety of delectable finger foods.

The Establishment

The event officially started with creative people behind Upstart Productions introduction to the guests and a short video presentation of how the material was conceptualized. Shortly thereafter, the guests were treated to an entertaining excerpts from the play as a sneak preview.

Presentation of excerpts from the musical play

In Upstart Productions own words, Breakups & Breakdowns is a charming and hilarious break-through romantic musical comedy for teens, young adults, and lovers of all ages. With its catchy tunes, stellar cast, and a story that will tug your heart, this musical is a sure-fire hit for the Valentine season.

The Cast from left to right: Reuben Uy, Joel Trinidad,
Emerita Alcid-Trinidad, and Carla Guevara-La Forteza

Catch Breakups and Breakdowns on February 18, 19, 25 & 26,  March 4, 5, 11 & 12 at 8pm, February 19 & 26, March 5 & 12 at 3pm at Teatrino, The Promenade, Greenhills. For more inquiries contact upstarttickets@gmail.com.

Go see it with a partner.

For sponsorship packages, get in touch with the Marketing Manager, Bea Garcia at 09179128930.