Meet the ANTM winners

I am an America’s Next Top Model addict. There’s no doubt about that. Tell me something about the show and we will have a great conversation. At pwede pa tayo magkaroon ng ‘smizing’ (smiling with your eyes) at ‘H2T’ (heat to toe posing) showdown.

I discovered the show from my former boss of a school magazine way back in college. That was summer of 2006. I didn’t have any interests in reality shows before, even American Idol failed me to entice me. But when he told me about ANTM Cycle 4 which was being aired on ETC. After watching an episode (I think it was the episode with the Horoscope-inspired photoshoot), I instantly got hooked. Besides fashion and drama(?), I particularly pay attention on the photoshoots: on how the lighting works, wardrobes, locations, hair and makeup, posing, direction… everything about photo production. If it wasn’t for Tyra Bank’s syndicated modeling reality TV show, I won’t be interested in photography and fashion.

So basically the premise of the show is to find a set of girls across the US then every week they will undergo model training basics (ie. runway challenges and photoshoots). Every episode, a girl gets eliminated until one girl remains and eventually becomes America’s Next Top Model. 17 seasons or ‘cycles’ have passed since 2003 and it attracted a large audience market, created a huge fan base, produced 17 winners, and is being localized to more than 50 countries worldwide. On its 8 years span, ANTM continues to inspire and sometimes raise someone’s eyebrow. They are currently filming Cycle 18.

And now may I introduce you to the 17 winners of America’s Next Top Model…

Adrianne Curry, Cycle 1

The first winner of ANTM, Adrianne is best known for her daring and spunky personality *insert tongue-out expression here*. She was not the girl-next-door beauty unlike the classy and conservative runner-up Shannon Stewart. Adrianne has the unconventional beauty that makes her stand out. On the other hand, my fave was Elyse Sewell who is currently booking more modeling opportunities than those two. Too bad the feud between Adrianne and Tyra Banks is still unsettled.

Yoanna House, Cycle 2

I think Yoanna is one of the most beautiful girls in ANTM history.  She has an ethereal and breath-taking face. If Cover Girl was already a sponsor during that time, I think she’d be a great CoverGirl. She is quirky but high fashion, flawless, and stylish. My favorites are her, April Wilkner, and Shandi Sullivan (the first dorky girl of Top Model).

Eva Pigford, Cycle 3

Before Nicole Fox became the petite cycle 13′s winner, Eva is the shortest winner in the history of ANTM (standing at 5′ 6.5″, Nicole is 5′ 7″). Despite her height, Eva’s beauty radiates and she has the best runway walk in the bunch. She is fierce and sassy and her personality shines through. Eva is the diva. My favorites in this cycle are her, Nicole Borud, Tocarra Jones, and Amanda Swafford.

Naima Mora, Cycle 4

Her cycle was my first exposure to ANTM. She was the quiet, shy but fierce-looking girl who sports the mohawk. Naima did fair on photoshoots but during the finale, she owned the runway. My bet was Kahlen Rondot (runner-up) since she produced much stellar photos during the competition yet Naima redeemed herself on the final runway challenge. I think both girls deserves to win. My faves besides the final 2 girls are Rebecca Epley, Christina Murphy, and Brittany Brower.

Nicole Linkletter, Cycle 5

I never thought that girls who are sweet, romantic, and babyfaced can be high fashion. Nicole proved that during cycle 5. She fought till the end against Nik Pace (runner-up) who was also one of the strong contenders for the top model spot. Both of them produced stellar photos but Nicole’s gradual improvement, versatility and fierce final runway walk made her won the competition. Fave contestants: Nicole, Nik, Lisa D’ Amato, and Kim Stolz.

Danielle Evans, Cycle 6

Danielle and Joanie Dodds (runner-up) are the strongest girls in cycle 6 and arguably one of the best final 2 contestants in Top Model history.  It was really hard to choose who would be the winner since both of them were consistently delivering stellar photos and have unique personalities. Joanie is all-American girl while Danielle has the Black girl glamour. But in the end, Danielle won because of her presence and drive. Aside from the final two, I love Jade Cole (even if she’s a bitch, I still love her), Sara Albert, and Mollie Sue Gondi.

Caridee English, Cycle 7

Cycle 7 is one of my favorite cycles of all time. Best set of girls. Best photoshoots. Best winner. The first-ever natural blonde winner, Caridee wowed us with her classic glamour look and fun/outgoing personality despite sometimes being too loud. She resembles Rebecca Romjin (remember Mystique from X-men? Skip the costume and you’ll get what I mean). She produced best photos throughout the competition. Another best final 2, both Caridee and Melrose Bickerstaff  fought till the end but Caridee has extra something than Melrose (and Melrose was kinda arrogant and bitchy). Caridee further inspires us with her unique story about her psoriasis that she thought it would hinder her dream to become a model.

Jaslene Gonzalez, Cycle 8

Who would have ever thought that the ChaCha Diva who was just a semi-finalist on Cycle 7 would eventually become next season’s winner? Jaslene brought flavor to the competition with her Latina vibe and beauty. She never placed in the bottom two throughout the competition. Jaslene and Natasha Galkina who was another contestant with another heritage (she is Russian) became the final two girls. For me it was really hard to choose from one of them since they did remarkable performances and they were so beautiful in their own unique ways. But the judges applauded Jaslene’s overall consistent performance.

Saleisha Stowers, Cycle 9

Personally, she’s my least fave winner. She may have the strongest walk from the bunch (her final runway performance proved it) and was able to take striking photos but I could relate to Chantal Jones (runner-up) more than her. Chantal oozes more high fashion appeal than Saleisha in my opinion. And her winning caused a huge uproar due to the surrounding issues concerning her eligibility to join ANTM. Nonetheless, I think Chantal booked more jobs than the actual winner. My other faves from this cycle were Lisa Jackson, Jenah Doucette, and Heather Kuzmich (the contestant who suffers from Asperger Syndrome and ADHD).

Whitney Thompson, Cycle 10

The first plus-sized winner of Top Model… or ‘full-figured’ just like what Tyra had said. Cycle 10 is one of the cycles that has best set of girls and has creative photoshoots. Anyone can be the winner until the competition got thicker. I was rooting for Katarzyna Dolinska and Anya Kop to be the final 2 but the show seemed to gear towards achieving the first plus-sized winner. Anya and Katarzyna have high fashion appeal. On the other hand, Whitney’s figure didn’t become a hindrance on achieving the title. Her winning became an inspiration to young girls. And it just proves that ham can be sexy.

McKey Sullivan, Cycle 11

Cycle 11 has the most diverse girls in terms of looks. It seemed that they come from different races (French, Russian, Black, Latin, Asian, etc). I didn’t notice McKey that much during the first few episodes of Cycle 11 until my initial bets, Elina Ivanova, Lauren Brie Harding, and Analeigh Tipton, started to dwindle in the competition. On the other, Samantha Potter’s runner-up finish was unexpected. McKey is the second winner that didn’t appear at the bottom 2 due to her stellar photos yet I think she needs to practice more on her walk.

Teyona Anderson, Cycle 12

Another ANTM vocabulary was born: ‘wind in the face’, thanks to cycle 12 winner Teyona’s long face structure or like a tunnel-vision look. She has an athletic+high fashion appeal that can book her jobs. Despite her stiff final runway walk, judges picked  her over Allison Harvard (runner-up) because of her versatile creative portfolio and deemed true personality. I like Teyona but I love Allison more. Allison is weird but awkward and had an outstanding transformation that made her win the hearts of the viewers.

Nicole Fox, Cycle 13

It is the first in Top Model history to cast contestants who are 5’7″ tall and below. But no matter how short they are, the rules of the game stay the same (Wow it rhymes!). And it was “Bloody Eyeball” Nicole Fox who topped the petite cycle. She has a weird and dorky exterior but with a haute couture edge. She reminds me of Alice Burdue (Australia’s Next Top Model Cycle 3 winner). Southern sweet girl Laura Kirkpatrick became the runner-up, another tough competitor. I must say that those two finalists are also one of the best finalists in Top Model.

Krista White, Cycle 14

At the release of promo for Cycle 14, it was too hard to predict who was going to win. All girls were unique and had potential. And ow, Angelea Preston (a semifinalist from Cycle 12) returned as a finalist. At the end, then 25 years old Krista won America’s Next Top Model. She was praised for her edgy but sophisticated high fashion appeal that is marketable. Though her chocolate-skinned ugly-pretty beauty and angular Vogue-ish look, I dislike her dead eyes as well as her attitude. That’s why I prefer Raina Hein (runner-up) who is nicer and has smizing eyes.

Ann Ward, Cycle 15

Cycle 15 was revamped to look more high fashion with the changes of some prize sponsors: representation with IMG models and Vogue Italia spreads and a cover/spread in Beauty in Vogue. 6′ 2″ tall Ann is the 15th winner of ANTM, making her the tallest and thinnest winner so far (the latter description made a huge uproar because of Tyra’s misunderstood soundbite from one of the promos). Not only that, Ann earned the highest number of first call outs in Top Model history (a total of 6, 5 of them were consecutive). However she was deemed shy and insecure despite her awkwardly waif beauty. She had troubles with CoverGirl commercials and runway walk but managed to improve till the end. My initial bets were Kayla Ferrel (the lesbian chic) and Jane Randall (the Ivy League model) since I was expecting Ann will break down soon. I finally liked Ann during the finale.

Brittani Kline, Cycle 16

This is the only cycle that didn’t have casting call episode. Another cycle full of beautiful girls with lots of potential. But it was Brittani who beated the other 13 girls. Though my heart was on Molly O’ Connell (runner-up to Brittani), ANTM cycle 16′s winner is a serious strong contender even if she was caught in a fight with Alexandria Everett, another contestant and also a finalist. Both have strong bodies of work but Brittani won due to her strong walk and romantic charm. In the end, I find both of them great and can have a successful career. And yes, this cycle also featured Michael Cinco, our kababayan/famous designer base din Dubai, who provided gowns made from recycled stuff on one episode.

and now, presenting the recent winner…

Lisa D’Amato, Cycle 17: All-Stars

The 17th edition of America’s Next Top Model brought back some of the girls from some past cycles who made a huge impact and drama(?). Huge disappointment when Jade Cole (cycle 6 finalist) wasn’t included in the cast. As usual, what can you expect from bringing back some Top Model divas and girls with big personalities (and egos?) in the house? Total drama! Lisa D’Amato of Cycle 5 became the All-Stars winner, beating Allison Harvard who is deemed the fan favorite. There are speculations that Angelea Preston was the original winner and she allegedly spilled some info that’s why she got disqualified. I was rooting for Dominique Reighard (from cycle 10) because I felt she evolved into a mature model, unlike what she used to be during her cycle. After Dominique got booted out, my top 3 became Allison-Lisa-Laura. I can like Angelea  if only she can tame her abrasive and diva attitude.

So there you have it. Brace up for Cycle 18 this coming Spring of 2012!

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!

America’s Next Top Musician?

Sabi nga ni Tyra Banks, after Cycle 16, next seasons will never be the same. And it did manifest on All Stars cycle.

Episode 8 was about contestants asked to write a song about their own lives and then make music videos. Music video for a modeling competition? I have mixed feelings about this. I had doubts about the outcome and even the relevance of the challenge to the main premise of the competition. Pero for the sake of entertainment (since it’s a reality show in the first place), pinagbigyan ko na ang sarili ko.

Lisa D’Amato’s “I Like Be Whoa!”

Advantage ni Lisa ang challenge since she is already known for her music during post-ANTM career before she was included in All Stars cast. As expected, from writing the song to shooting the music video, Lisa nailed it. Napa ‘whoa’ ako. I’m picky on rap songs dahil hindi naman ako hip-hop person pero I like her song and performance. Bilib ako sa creativity niya on writing songs. Mahirap magsulat ng rap content ah.  Her voice reminds me of Pink. If ever hindi manalo si Lisa (pero malaking chance na manalo siya), I’m sure she still has music industry to fulfill her dreams.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa may mga loud personality, sa mahihilig sa rap music, at sa mga wild.

Dominique Reighard’s “Tooch Ya Booty”

Eto hindi ko ineexpect. I agree with what Game (the guest judge and director of the music videos) had said to Dominique. She has J. Lo. + Beyonce’s vibe, hence, binansagan siyang Jeyonce. I love the lyrics of her song. It might be too vain pero it works on her. Plus, she looks good on her music video. She reminds me of Shakira based on her looks. Naaalala ko pa when I was so upset to her during her cycle (cycle 10) dahil she was the resident bitch. Pero now it changed in fact she might be the dark horse of the competition.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa mga attention seekers, matatambok ang pwet, at sa mga Cover Girl consumers.

Allison Harvard’s “Underwater”

And here comes Creepy Chan. Prior to the music video shoot, she struggled during the song writing challenge because she admits it’s not her cup of tea. But after some words of encouragement and support, it turned out not as I was expecting. Akala ko magiging downfall ni Allison itong episode. Judging on the song, it sounds like a ethereal but mysterious nursery rhyme. Brother… Sister… Mother… Father… Underwater… But the story behind the lyrics was about the tragic death of her father a year ago. Creepy pero it worked on her. And when the music video shoot came, it was a piece of cake. AND HER EYES WERE HAUNTING! Parang siyang Russian doll. Game even commended her weirdness as beautiful and unique at tila nagkakacrush siya sa kanya. Allison’s song reminds me of Enya + Bjork + Lenka + with a touch of krung krung Sandara Park.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa mga weird, creepy, at may lahi ng manika at kuwago.

Shannon Stewart’s “World Go Round”

I admit gusto ko rin yung kanta niya. Pure, sweet, at romantic. Her song was about her husband. Maganda yung pagkakasulat ng lyrics. She has a Faith Hill vibe. Simple lang yung music video setup sa kanya (tela tela lang) pero it worked pretty good. What’s weird is that she looks like a Victoria’s Secret Angel pero due to her Christian belief, she doesn’t like posing while wearing underwear. Gaga rin to. Nakakapagsuot ng bikini pero underwear hindi.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa mga in love sa boyfriend/asawa at mahilig sa ‘fairy tale romance’. Romance pocket books ala Precious Heart also count.

Laura Kirkpatrick’s “Southern Sweet Girl”

Gusto ko si Laura since her cycle (cycle 13) pero I found her cheesy on her music video. Ewan ko pero I feel weird (not in a good way). May pagka Taylor Swift yung dating niya. Pero parang ngongo yung boses niya or parang lasing. Kidding aside, the lyrics of the song is good naman. The concept of the music video about being a Southern sweet girl is kinda cheesy (parang 90s lang) and very limiting. Plus, have you noticed her feet? Parang madumi. Sorry, Laura. Bawi na lang next time.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa mga pa-gurl, sa mga mahilig kay Taylor Swift/Selena Gomez/Myley Cyrus, at sa mahihilig sa stuffed toys at diary.

Angelea Preston’s “I’m Here”

After listening to this song, sasang-ayon kayo sa akin na may pagka-Mary J. Blige ang boses ni Angelea. Gusto ko yung song niya. It really speaks about her story of struggle and how she deals with it. Song of confidence and fight. Ramdam mo yung galit ni Angelea. But unlike her song, medyo di ko type yung music video niya. Though she looked great (diva kung diva), ang kulit niya gumalaw na parang kiti-kiti. And like Laura’s, very limited yung music video niya. San naging kasing astig ng song yung performance niya sa shoot.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa mga nagdidiva-divahan, sa mga nanghahamon ng away, at sa mga nakabangon sa mga problema. Game bitch on *snap snap fingers*.

Alexandria Everett’s “Go, Go, Go…”

Actually, gusto ko yung timbre ng boses ni Alexandria. Parang si Sophie Elis Bextor. And hindi ko inaasahang magaling din siyang kumanta. Ewan ko pero I like her voice. Gusto ko rin yung kanta niya. Maganda yung lyrics. Pwede siya sa mga clubs. Chill kung chill. What I don’t like is her music video. It’s too painful to watch. I agree with the remarks: ang stiff niya gumalaw. Or dahil wrong direction? Siguro kung iba ang binigay sa kanya na direction, pwede pa bumawi si Alexandria. Oo nga naman… Go, go, go pero I didn’t feel the movement. Kung sana nakasakay siya sa kotse habang umaandar (I know it’ll be too impossible since they only shot it inside a studio/warehouse) or setup ay inside a club. And di ko trip yung styling sa kanya. Nagmukha siyang matanda. Poor Alexandria.

Bagay’ tong kanta sa mga mahihilig sa club, sa car lovers, at sa mga on-the-go lagi.

Ang masasabi ko lang about this episode ay:

• I hate to say this pero epal si Tyra Banks. Give the contestants their own time and space. Moment nila yun, huwag na sumingit. Hindi ba sapat na show mo na yan? I found that unnecessary.
• Pot Ledom? I find it corny.
• Some of the music videos are limiting. Example: Angelea, Laura, and Alexandria. Kasalanan ‘to ng production team.
• As expected, paabor kay Lisa ang episode.
• Kung hindi palarin sa modeling industry, I think Alexandria and Dominique can make it to the music industry.
• Sana magrelease ng extended version ng single ni Allison! Hindi matanggal sa utak ko ang lyrics!

Excited to see them at Greece on next episode! Oppa!

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!

Lemondrops, Vintage with a Twist

At bago abutin ng isang buwan, ipopost ko na to.

Naimbitahan ako ng Asia Pacific College Explorers’ Club para maging host sa Vintage with a Twist: Fashion Show and Bazaar noong August 17 sa aking school.

Ang main sponsor ng event ay ang Lemondrops na pagmamay-ari ng student entrepreneurs na sina Bea Nacor and Pappu Geronimo. And they’re in fact, magboyfriend-girlfriend sila. Sweet diba? Anim na buwan pa lang ang kanilang business pero marami na silang napasayang mga customers, primarily mga teenager girls hanggang sa mga kolehiyalas. It came out from Bea’s passion for fashion. Syempre, may full support mula kay Pappu: siya ang gumagawa ng business/marketing collaterals para mamarket ang kanilang business. Nice entrepreneurship .

Kinontak ako ni forever diyosang si Ms. Mynne Dacoco, APC Explorers’ Club adviser, few weeks before the event at ako ay kanyang tinanong kung maaarin ba akong maging host. Pumayag naman ako dahil kasing luwag ng garter ng brip ko ang aking schedule. At para din naman sa aking pinakamamahal na organization.

I enjoyed hosting the event since I was given the freedom to be myself. Kaya naging fashion show + comedy bar. San ka pa! Hehe. Aside from that,  hindi ka ba matutuwa kung makakita ka ng mga nagagandahang dilag? Kulang na lang magpa-autograph ako sa pisngi .

Ang mga litrato ng mga modelo ay kuha ni Binibining Belle Dinglasa. Tarpaulins by Inkpression.

Vintage clothes at Php 199. For girls only. Pero balak ng Lemondrops to open a line for men in the future. Ehem ehem… free stuff… ehem ehem .

Nagcutting classes pa sila para lang tumingin at makapamili ng damit mula sa Lemondrops.

Backstage photo ng mga models with Bea, one of Lemondrops’ owner.

Vintage with a twist. Namilipit ako sa ganda nila. Naks.

I think this is good for summer.

First portion was the cute and colorful clothes.

Next half was the FIERCE collection.

Medyo nakakachallenge maghost pag attracted ka sa mga models. Instead sa script ako nakatingin, sa kanila nakatuon ang mga mata ko. Charot.

Some of students who served as photographers. Sosyal, parang Fashion Week lang, VIP mode.

Some of Ian’s classmates (yung nakashades; he’s one of Explo’s officers, and I salute him for being one of officers who assisted the event).

I’m with one of my favorite students of SoMA. Mukha lang akong professor nila.

Finally, with Jennifer (the president), Bea, and Pappu.

At nirequest ko ito. Since tradition ng Explo ang magpose ng WOW pose (making 2 ‘w’ and O-shaped mouth), I asked them to pose it. They didn’t hesitate. Game na game.

And… by the way… sumampol ako ng ramp modeling. Mukha akong modelling clay. Katuwaan lang. (Photo by Belle Dinglasa).

Thanks to APC Explorers’ Club officers, APC Flickers, the photographers, as well as to Lemondrops and its models. Congratulations to all of us for making the event possible… and fashionable .

Photos courtesy of Lemondrops.
Hot like Mexico, rejoice!

The Missing Alice

For behind the scenes, go here.

“The Missing Alice”

Photography by Raecen Dimacali

Styled by April Japzon

Make up by Muriel Vega Perez & Gia Lalu

Hair by Boggy Diaz

Models
Marii Apelo
Rubie Ganzon
Jasmine Baker
Miel Nkanta
Toney Sevilla

Art Direction by April Japzon

Shoot Assistants
Alexis Ferrer
Ethan Zoreta
Lei Solas

Special thanks to Dancing Machine Philippines Studio & Cinerent

Salamat sa mga nakasama ko Sa uulitin

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!

The Missing Alice, behind the scenes

Sa wakas, pwede ko na i-post ito. Nabigyan na ako ng go-signal.

Last July 31, a month ago, naging bahagi ako ng napakasaya at napakaglamorosong fashion pictorial ng aking bagong friend na si April Japzon. Ito ay kanyang Finals project para sa kanyang Styling class under veteran supermodel Ms. Marina Benipayo (correct if I’m wrong, April) since nag-aaral siya sa School of Fashion and Arts.

Inimbitahan niya ako sa project niya ilang buwan na ang nakalipas. Willing ako tumulong since gusto ko rin makita at maging kabahagi ng pictorial (dahil isa akong training fashion photographer). Pero di ko inaasahang gagawin niya akong extra model. Nagulat ako pero hindi ako nagdalawang isip. Umoo kaagad ako. Binigyan niya ako ng ideas kung ano ang mangyayari at ano ang dapat dalhin. Mas lalo ako naexcite na magsusuot ang mga models ng designer clothes, at ako ay mapalad na makakasuot ng creation ni Mr. Gerry Katigbak. I was in cloud 9.

Pinaghandaan ko talaga ng husto ang pictorial. At dahil marami ang makakakita, ayoko rin mapahiya. Plus, pangarap ko maging model. Sa awa naman ng Maykapal, hindi ako masyado binisita ng mga pimples at naging malusog para sa pictorial. Nanghiram pa ako ng boots. At nanindigan ako sa turo ni Tyra Banks. Kaya nagpractice ako ng tinatawag na ‘smize’ habang nakaharap sa salamin.

Sa baba ay makikita niyo ang video ng behind the scenes ng pictorial namin.

At hindi ko pinalampas ang pagkakataong kumuha ng pictures. Alam kong hindi ko pa maaaring ilathala ang mga photos hangga’t wala pang pahintulot. Pwede kong ilabas after ng project presentation niya.

Pansamantalang binulabog ni Miss Hairstylist na si Boggy Diaz (left) ang malapugad na kinky hair ng aking apo na si Miel (right) para sa pictorial. No wonder na hanggang titig na lang si Tweety Bird.

Lights courtesy of Cinerent (kung nais niyo pong alamin ang contact details, hindi po ako ang tamang taong mapapagtanungan). Ansaya at sarap ng feeling pag nakakakita ka ng mga ilaw at ng mismong production set, lalo na pag kabilang ka sa models. Kung nasanay ako bilang isang photographer, this time isa ako sa kukuhanan. Don’t worry, hindi ako naging primo ballerina. Naging ballerina lang naman ako.

Ito ang makeup baggage ni Muriel Vega Perez (kaanu-ano niya si Vega ng Street Fighter?).  Kung tutuusin, hindi lang kit or baggage. Masasabi kong isang mobile makeup room ang dala niya. Pag bukas nito, animo’y may lumitaw na parlor sa harapan mo. Kumpletong-kumpleto. May ilaw pa. Sa susunod, may dressing room na kasama. Sayang wala akong litrato na kasama siya. Super kwela at nakakatawa si Muriel. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, isa siyang registered nurse pero sumasideline siya as makeup artist din. At hindi basta-bastang makeup artist si Muriel: nakapagtrabaho at nafeature na siya sa mga magazine and production pictorials. (Tama na ang bola haha.)

Ito ang mga damit na susuotin para sa project ni April. Take note: designer clothes. Di basta-basta na damit. Nagmula ang mga damit kina Alodia Cecilia Sales, Pablo Cabahug, Chris Diaz, at sa mga sikat na sina THE Mama Renee Salud, Veejay Floresca (of the finalists of Project Runway Philippines, season 1. Ang ganda ng creations niya, pramis.) and si Puey Quiñones. Ang sinuot kong damit ay gawa naman ni Gerry Katigbak, isa rin sa mga hinahangaang fashion designers dito sa Pilipinas. Kaya halong excitement at kaba ang naramdaman ko dahil magsusuot ako ng isang designer menswear. Masaya dahil first-time at kinakabahan kung mabibigyan ko ng hustisya ang damit. Mahirap makulong. Joke.

Si Miel habang kinukuhanan ng picture ni Master Raecen Dimacali (both of them are my schoolmates). Parehong bilib ako sa kanila. Magaling magmodel at magproject si Miel. Top Model material. Si Raecen naman magaling kumuha ng litrato. Top Photographer material. Ako?

Ako at si Miel habang nagpapahinga. In fairness ang ganda ng lip color niya. Anong name? Chicken Curry Yellow? Sino manufacturer? Si Aling Maybelline ba? Ako naman ay gumamit ng sebo mula sa LM… Lucky Me Supreme La Paz Batchoy. Di lang makintab, may lasa pa.

Accesories courtesy of Mickey See. Yes, see the accessories by Mickey See. Wow, it rhymes. Andaya, bakit wala akong accessories? Sana kahit pwet ng baso pinasuot sa akin. Joke.

Shoot was done at Dancing Machine Philippines Studio near Uniwide Parañaque. Isa siyang ballet and dance school na nagtatago sa isang subdivision sa Parañaque. Noong una, nahirapan akong hanapin yung lokasyon ng pictorial at muntik na akong lapain ng asong tumatahol (natural, alanganing tumitilaok) sa kapitbahay. Aside from ballet paintings sa studio, nakita ko tong ballerina figurine na mukhang santo. Kulang na lang suotan ng damit at kabitan ng halo at aras. Medyo nakakatakot yung itsura ng figurine. Baka mamaya gumalaw.

Blocking (positioning and testing kung maganda ang itsura sa picture) by Raecen with Jasmine (seating, left) and Rubie (standing, right). Or baka may nakita silang ipis.

It was Rubie’s time to shine. Galing ah. Suot ni Rubie ang kulay Ruby na damit. Gawin itong tongue twister. Repeat until fade. Teka, pwede rin siyang si Rubi, ang bidang kontrabida.

Oh ha, oh ha. May label pa talaga ang damit ko. At natuwa ako dahil tama ang spelling ng palayaw ko. Hindi ako kumitil ng buhay, sa wakas. Dapat ay kukuhanan kami ng picture sa pintuan (hence, ‘door scene’) ngunit nagbago ang plano. Buti na lang hindi natuloy. Mahirap kuhanan ang mukhang pinto sa pinto. (Nilait na naman ang sarili.)

Pakiramdam ko humawak ako ng pilak (hindi talaga ginto, no?) nung nasa kamay ko na yung damit na susuotin ko. Dahil proud ako, kinuhanan ko yung label ng damit. Sana balang araw, afford ko na bumili ng mga damit na katulad niyan. Mas maganda kung magdonate kayo sa akin. Yung totoo, evacuee?

Astig tong coat-of-arms/insignia/whatever-you-may-call-it. Reminds me of Bench. And gusto ko yung texture ng damit. Bagay sa mga mamalimig na klima tulad ng opisinang wagas na wagas ang airconditioning.

Sa wakas, may makeup na ako courtesy of Muriel. Medyo naiinsecure ako habang minemakeupan niya ako kasi baka iniisip niya, nagmamake-up ba siya ng mukha o ng mukha ng buwan. May craters eh. (Nilait ang sarili.) Pero ang galing. Nawala ang mga marka. Hindi na ako mukhang buwan. Mukha na akong Jupiter. Salamat Muriel, RN.

At eto na nga. At dahil may pagka “Alice in Wonderland” ang tema ng shoot, ibinigay sa akin ni April ang karakter na White Rabbit. Ewan ko ba kung dahil ipinanganak ako sa Year of the Rabbit o mukha akong kuneho. Gayupaman, hindi naman literal na Alice in Wonderland. Isang inspiration lamang at isang fashion interpretation ang pictorial. Kaya wala akong tenga ng isang kuneho at naniniwala ang stylist na kaya ko i-feel ang personality ni White Rabbit. Kengkoy. Makulit. Muntanga minsan. Pero lovable.

Syempre di mawawala ang paborito kong pose: ang papogi pose. Di ko na pala kelangan ng rabbit ears. May rabbit nose naman ako. Leche, ang ganda talaga ng coat.

At kung inyong mapapansin at mapupuna, white stocking lang ang suot ko sa pambaba. Nakabrief lang ako sa pang-ilalim. Kung nakatayo, mukha namang palda kaya walang bahala. Pag nakaupo na ako, yun lang. Felix Bakat na. Ika nga ni Muriel… “Santolan Station, Santolan Station”. Pero cool nga eh, mukha akong aabay sa Royal Wedding. Kulang na lang ng unan, singsing, at aras, ringbearer na ako. And by the way, nais ko pong pasalamatan si ginoong Mech Serva sa brown boots na aking sinuot. Sarap mag boots. Pakiramdam ko isa akong cowboy na macho dancer. Salamat, Mech. I love you pare. Haha.

Change attire si Marii. Siya ang pinakastar at pinakakawawa(?) dahil sa dami ng wardrobe layouts.

Parang graceful flamingo na sasayaw ng Swan Lake. Galing ni Marii. Napakagraceful at effortless ng poses niya. And may pagkahawig siya kay Ina Raymundo.

Habang nagpapahinga at hinahanda ang susunod ni eksena. Mga bandang hapon na yan.

Antagal daw mamili ng damit si Marii kaya naimbyerna si saleslady. Joke. Ito ang shot ng model with the stylist para sa layout ng project. Syempre, di magpapatalo si soon-to-be Liz Uy. (Uy April, kunin mo akong Vince Uy ah. Ginawa mo na kasing Marc Nicdao si Raecen eh.)

Sinisigurado nila April, Raecen, at Ethan kung nakakuha sila ng magandang shot. At teka. Ethan, pose ba yan o makati ba pwet mo?

My anak, Lei, and Miel. Hands down to Lei’s support. Siya ang tagadocument ng mga nangyayaring kababalaghan sa pictorial. Siya ang tumulong at kumontak sa akin nung ako ay naliligaw sa kalsada habang papunta sa location.

Si April at Raecen with his totem-face expression. Bow ako sa inyong dalawa.

At syempre… hindi mawawala ang asaran at harutan sa likod ng pictorial. Meet the EaPril loveteam. Parang binisayang April lang. Mukhang mag-asawa: yung tipong kailangang magtanim ng palay si Eathan para lang sa wedding gown ni April. Kasalukuyang nilalanggam ako habang tinatype ito. Bigyan niyo ak ng Baygon. Gagawin kong pabango.

Ang finale. Namangha ako sa ganda ni Marii at sa damit niya na mala-wedding gown (uy, walang malisya sa paghanga ko ah). Bongga yung gown na tipong pwedeng ipantapat sa wedding dress ni Kate Middleton. Mahaba ang train, tipong aabot ng EDSA at pwedeng sumakay ang mga abay. Di ko lang nakuhanan ng picture na nasa ilalim si April.

Too bad wala akong picture habang kinukuhanan ako. Pero imagine kung gaano ako kainspired at masaya habang naging bahagi ako ng photoshoot. Salamat talaga, April. Salamat din sa mga nakasalamuha ko. Sa uulitin.

Ilalagay ko sa ibang blog entry ang finished product dahil ayokong magreklamo kayo sa tagal ng pagload at haba ng blog entry na ito. Here’s the link of the photos! ^_^

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!