iStyled: Alden Richards, Benjamin Alves, and Tippy Dos Santos for Manila Bulletin

This was a late post from last year's feature on Manila Bulletin SCU.

A photo shoot homage to the Best Selling Novel turned Box Office hit, Twilight Saga.

Models are: Alden Richards, Benjamin Alves, and Tippy Dos Santos

Photos by Andrew Apuya
Styled by Jp Diche and Dice Silverio
Art Direction by Jaser Marasigan
Grooming/ Hair and Makeup by Aaron Cunanan and Jem Calungcaguin
Clothes and Accessories from
Folded and Hung (For Alden)
Bench (for Benjamin)
SM Department (For Tippy Dos Santos)

Special thanks to Folded and Hung, Bench, and SM Department Store,

Andrew Apuya for the Photos, 

Manila Bulletin Students and Campuses Section

Like their Facebook Page HERE

Follow them on Twitter HERE

Follow me on Twitter @JPdHOTMESS

--------------

XoXo

iStyled Stef Prescott and Mara Lopez for Manila Bulletin 03282012

Too Hot Too Handle

Article By ALDO J. AVIÑANTE

Photos by JERICO MONTEMAYOR

Styled by JP Diche and PIERRE PERALTA

Makeup By RHINA MONTEMAYOR

Grooming by ANPY TORIO

Hair by KLICK VIKTORIA

Clothes and Accessories from SM DEPARTMENT STORE

 and FOLDED AND HUNG

Shoes from SUELAS

Male Models: Migo Ybanez, Miguel Gonzaga, and Troy Cuizon



unpublished photo



Steff Prescott, Swim Fan

A passionate swimmer and licensed scuba diver, Stef Prescott comes out from a successful stint in Survivor Philippines with renewed confidence, all ready to meet new challenges.

At first glance, this mestiza stunner looks intimidating with her strong features. But really, she is quite the opposite.

“I just look maldita. But after Survivor, mas nakilala na ako. People approach me more,” Stef says.
The Seattle-born showbiz newbie came to the Philippines originally to pursue swimming as a sport. But she was quite disappointed to learn there are not much opportunity for her to continue her passion.

“Since I was a kid, swimming was all I did. We didn’t have beaches in Seattle, but there were indoor pools. Parati akong laman ng indoor pools. I really love the water. I would have wanted to be a member of the swimming team, but it seemed basketball is the top priority here,” she adds.

The Survivor Mentality

Steff showed strength of character and poise throughout her Survivor stint. After all, she went into the competition armed with a clear strategy and wits to outlast her competitors.

“Survivor for me is a mental game. It doesn’t matter if you win the challenges, what’s important is who is going last in the voting system. I planned out strategies in my head, picturing different circumstances to ready myself. I learned some tricks from watching Survivor,” recalls Stef, who has been a fan of the show since it premiered in the US.

But still, there were things she chose to keep to herself even if Survivor was a reality show. “I didn’t want to bring the real Stef. Ang dinala ko lang dun ‘yung pagiging maldita ko.”

Survivor has given Stef a different outlook in life. She has learned to value and appreciate the things that are constantly overlooked and unnoticed.

“Life after Survivor has a lot more meaning. There, I experienced what it’s like to live with nothing. It makes you work hard for the things you want in life,” she looks back. “Before, I underestimated myself. After Survivor, I’ve become more flexible and open. To succeed, you don’t need someone telling you what to do. Trust yourself and keep your eye on the goal,” she ends.



unpublished photo

Mara Lopez Yokohama, Surf Girl

Survivor Philippines is the coming-out party of 20 year-old professional surfer Mara Lopez Yokohama.
After her successful stint in the reality game show, where she was partnered with her mom, beauty queen/actress Maria Isabel Lopez, the young De La Salle University graduate is ready to move on to the next level – to be a serious actress.

“I miss everything about Survivor because that is my lifestyle. It was a dream come true for me to be stuck on that island. The only thing I needed was my surfboard and I was all set to stay forever,” Mara says. “My mom and I are best friends. I was the one who insisted that we join Survivor. She motivates me to achieve more than what she has achieved.”

Indeed, Mara and her mom played to win.

“Our huge advantage was we were the only blood-related partners in Survivor, so we were certain we wouldn’t betray each other,” explains Mara, who is slowly but surely stepping out of her mother’s shadow, as the vibrant professional surfer is now ready to face the waves of show business head on.
Dreams And Aspirations

More than the glitz and the glamour, Mara’s first passion really is surfing.

“I started surfing when I was around six years old. Surfing for me is very spiritual. It’s something that I share with my Dad, that I share with the ocean,” she says.
Mara may not follow in her mom’s footsteps as a beauty queen, but she dreams of walking the red carpet in international film festivals. Her first taste of acting was when she played the young Maria Isabel in a true-to-life drama anthology.

“I want to be really involved in terms of making advocacy films. I want to go to the Cannes Film Festival like mom,” says Mara, who has done mostly independent films including “HIV”, “Tulak”, and more recently, “Happy Land”, which is about underprivileged kids who aspire to become football players. Mara will next be seen in an entry for the upcoming Cinemalaya Film Festival.

Although Mara is still young, she has her priorities and goals in check.
“Aside from my dream of going to Cannes, I hope to travel the world before I’m 25. I also want to finish my master’s degree in Japan or maybe take up Marine Biology,” she quips.

unpublished photo



visit and like Students and Campuses Facebook Page HERE

Article from mb.com.ph

----------------------

Richard Gutierrez Feature On Manila Bulletin 03142012

Just Like Starting Over

Article By JASER A. MARASIGAN

Photo by JERICO MONTEMAYOR

Styled by DONALD ELIZAGA

Grooming by JC CANTOS

Clothes from BENCH

MANILA, Philippines — Richard Gutierrez would have been an athlete by now. In fact, he would find himself imagining donning the Philippine colors, or representing the country in sporting events like basketball, martial arts or swimming.

“Being an athlete was really the direction I was pursuing. I’m the type of person who is constantly looking for new challenges. And I like pushing myself,” the 28-year-old actor says.

Richard is no stranger to staying fit and healthy. He’s been into martial arts since he was a kid, even winning medals for it. He was also a member of the basketball varsity team back in high school in De La Salle-Zobel. But fate had different plans for Richard. When he got back in the country after years of having stayed in the United States, Richard gave acting a shot. Showbiz, after all, is his family’s business.

“At first, what lured me was the prospect of earning my own money. I could go out on the weekends and stuff. Until eventually, I learned to love and appreciate the art, the collaboration of people in terms of creating a movie or TV, and to produce entertainment for the people. Acting just grew on me,” he shares.

Richard has been in the public eye since he was three years old. He appeared in several commercials with twin brother Raymond. When they reached their teens, the two went on separate ways, and worked on their separate careers. Richard went on to acting, and has since then essayed the role of some of TV’s well-loved characters in “Mulawin”, “Sugo”, “Lupin”, “Zorro” and “Captain Barbell”, as well as a leading man in several films.

READY FOR BIGGER CHALLENGES

Today, Richard declares he is ready for bigger challenges. He says he just wants to get out of the box, far away from his comfort zone. While all these years he has maintained a wholesome image, he is now open to all kinds of roles – daring, offbeat, even villain roles.

“I really want to challenge myself this year – to choose the right projects for me, to be hands-on, and to look for new roles. Now is the time for me to explore what more I can deliver, what more I can do, be experimental. I’m at a turning point in my life now. I know I haven’t really reached my maximum potential yet. I feel like I’m just about to start again. And looking at it at that angle excites me,” says Richard, who is starting on a new primetime TV series on GMA soon.

ENTERTAINMENT IS PUBLIC SERVICE

But while Richard is eager to be reinvented as an actor, he intends to remain as host of Survivor Philippines. He also hopes to continue with his environmental programs for GMA News and Public Affairs, which have been winning awards here and abroad.

While everyone else deems the entertainment industry as merely showbiz, the young actor sees it differently. For him, working as an actor is public service.

“Giving entertainment to your audience is public service. It feels great also being an actor, in front of the camera, knowing that you have an audience that appreciates you. It makes your job more fulfilling,” he enthuses.

GOING FOR GREEN AND MANY MORE

A Green Peace advocate since 2007, Richard says that doing documentaries is his modest contribution to the cause. The DVD boxed sets of the documentaries “Signos”, “Planet Philippines”, “Wildlife for Sale”, and “Oras Na” have been donated to various schools, barangays, and fishing villages. Environmental forums are also being hosted by GMA in several schools.

“In the house, medyo weird na nga ang tingin nila sa akin,” he laughs. “I’m quite OC (obsessive-compulsive) when it comes to things like waste segregation. Medyo nagiging hard core na nga ako ngayon. My brothers are starting to get into it and my family,” he adds.

Richard also sends several underprivileged children to school through World Vision. He wishes to have more time for worthy humanitarian causes.

“As celebrities, we also have that responsibility to our audience. If you’re a celebrity and you know that you have a base audience, and you know that people are watching you and that kids are aware of you, do your part and help a cause that you’re passionate about, to create awareness and reach out,” says Richard, who made quite a turnaround, from being that rebellious and mischievous teen as he himself admits, to a hard-core advocate of education and environment.

Richard’s dream now is to produce a big-screen documentary, a la Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The 11th Hour”.

“My long term goal is to make my own movies. Now I’m trying to gain more experience with the documentaries we make. I’m an observant, that’s why I love working with different directors because I get to observe how they work, how they take their shots, how they teach an actor. All these things are like learning for me. I want to go back to school and take up cinematography soon,” says the frustrated photographer/cinematographer.

COMPETING AGAINST SELF

As one of the most eligible bachelors in the country, it is almost impossible that someone like Richard would be single. “For this year, I will focus more on my work. And I’m married to triathlon right now,” he claims.

It is Richard’s newfound love for cycling that steered him to his next sporting destination – triathlon.

“I think the ultimate challenge for fitness is really triathlon. So I started with running. And then I got bored with running so I cross-trained it with swimming and biking. I’m still a rookie. I only started last year. But I plan to join the big races this year,” he says.

Last year, Richard participated in the Ironman Philippines, the country’s top triathlon event, held in Camarines Sur. He was part of a relay team in which he did the 90-kilometer bike ride. He set a target of finishing the 90-km trek in three hours and 15 minutes, and he crossed the line at three hours and five minutes. “I beat my target time by 10 minutes. But I felt like I could’ve performed a million times better,” he says.

Richard enjoyed his first Ironman experience so much that now he is organizing his own triathlon event slated around June in preparation for the next Ironman Philippines.

“Training and getting your mileage up is a lot of hard work. But I’m the type of person who challenges and pushes myself to the limit, and I think triathlon is the perfect sport for me. You’re competing against anyone else but yourself. The rewarding part really is when you see yourself improving coming from a hard training and hard workout,” he says.

He is quick to admit that he still has a long way to go, but with Noy Jopson as his training coach, the first Filipino Ironman winner no less, and cycling coach Patrick Joson, Richard just might finish first!

XoXo

visit Manila Bulletin Students and Campuses Facebook Page here

Article from mb.com.ph

iStyled: GMA Tweens- Alden, Derrick, Louise, Lexi for Manila Bulletin

Living The Tweenage Dream

By JASER A. MARASIGAN

Alden Richards, Derrick Monasterio, Louise Delos Reyes, Lexi Fernandez

Photo by CROMWELL TORIO

Styled by JP DICHE 

Hair and MakeUp by MARTIN ALONZO AND MAGIC JIMENEZ

Clothes by FOLDED and HUNG /

SM DEPARTMENT STORE

Alden Soars High

One by one, his dreams are coming true.

Young TV actor Alden Richards started out as a ‘tween star. But the path to stardom seems paved at the moment as he is being built up by GMA Network as his generation’s next important leading man.  He has appeared in GMA Films’ “The Road” directed by Yam Laranas, scheduled for screenings in the United States and Canada, and for competition at the 30th Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival.

Thanks too to Alden’s billboard for a clothing company, he has even become a trending topic on Twitter the past week.

“I used to dream of having my own billboard along EDSA. My lola and I talked about it a lot before. Until now,  I still can’t believe I already have one. I’m grateful for all the blessings but at the same time I know I still have a long way to go,” relates Alden, who stars alongside Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes in the primetime TV series “My Beloved” on GMA.

Alden is an alumnus of many pageants in his hometown in Laguna, and several reality searches before he was finally noticed. “Iniyakan ko ‘yun kasi ‘yung effort pa lang namin ng father ko na lumuluwas kami everyday from Sta. Rosa, Laguna for VTRs and auditions. My plan B was either to work for a fastfood chain or a call center,” recalls Alden.

He became the breadwinner after his mother died three years ago. “I miss her a lot. Siguro kung meron isang tao na gusto akong makapasok sa showbiz,  it’s my mom. What I am now, I owe everything to her,” Alden confesses. “I matured a lot because someone has to do this. Kahit hindi ko man aminin, alam kong I have to take on the responsibility to bring my family to a better situation. My main motivation and drive is my family.”

Alden was taking up Business Administration at De La Salle University-Canlubang before he decided that school has to take a backseat for now. “I have to work and we didn’t have enough money to sustain my studies. I know I have to go back to finish it but this time I plan to take up Aeronautics,” says the aspiring pilot.

Alden has already bought himself a car from his earnings and now he is saving up for that dream house for the family.

Derrick’s Long-Term Plan

Derrick Monasterio never expected to be in showbiz even if his mom Tina Monasterio was.

“I wanted to become a doctor or a basketball player. But I discovered I can cry!” Derrick exclaims.

Besides, his mother never really wanted him to get into show business, preferring that Derrick finished school first. “I did a few commercials when I was younger. I really tried my best to attend classes even if I have tapings so I could graduate on time,” says the 16-year-old Filipino-Jamaican young actor.

But Derrick got fascinated with showbiz as his mom would share stories of her showbiz life.

“She had a lot of stories especially about the people she used to work with like Fernando Poe, Jr., Rudy Fernandez and Dolphy. Very professional daw ang lahat ng artista noon. And she wants me to learn from her experiences. She didn’t expect that I would eventually pursue acting that is why she is so excited for me. But she also warned me about things like chismis, etc. The most important advice that she gave is always to stay humble,” he relates.

It has only been a year since Derrick started in showbiz, but he says he has already matured a lot. “I used to be carefree and independent. Until I realized I have to be more responsible because I’m the breadwinner in the family. Tumigil na sa sustento ‘yung dad ko kasi sa US daw legal age na ang 16. My mom handles my money for now,” he explains.

Derrick hopes to last in this business that he has already come to love. “Gusto kong tumanda na nasa showbiz pa rin, like Eddie Garcia. I wanna improve on my craft, do workshops in acting, dancing and singing.  Gusto kong sumikat at gumawa ng sarili kong pangalan sa sarili kong sikap,” he states.

Louise Follows Her Heart

It is admirable how young actress Louise delos Reyes is able to juggle college life and showbiz at the same time. Despite her busy schedule, taping for the primetime soap “My Beloved”, she is still able to maintain her scholarship at the Lyceum University of the Philippines-Cavite, where she is already in her third year taking up Foreign Service.

“Showbiz is my life now but it is not really on top of my priorities. Masaya na ako na marami akong blessings. But even if I’m already working, my ultimate goal is to get that college diploma. It’s an accomplishment I know I can be really proud of,” says Louise, who enumerates Humanities, Math and Philosophy as her favorite subjects.

Louise was only 15 years old when she was discovered by film director Peque Gallaga and cast her in the indie film “Agaton and Mindy”. She snagged a Best New Movie Actress nomination from Star Awards for her role as the bubbly and impulsive teenager Mindy who falls for her quiet and reserved dance partner Agaton.

“When I auditioned for the role I didn’t have any idea who direk Peque Gallaga was. It was my mom who told me about him, that he is one of the country’s acclaimed directors. During the audition, sabi sa akin ni direk Peque, gusto ko ‘yung mukha mo, mukhang mabait pero alam kong pilya ka,” she relates.

Louie considers Gallaga as her mentor. “I learned a lot of things from direk Peque in terms of acting. How to be vulnerable, na dapat wala kang restrictions sa katawan mo kapag umaarte ka. All of his advices, naa-aaply ko siya ngayon sa work,” says Louise.

Her biggest break was when she was launched as one of the teen royalties in the Sunday afternoon youth-oriented series “Tween Hearts”. Last year, she took on the lead role in the afternoon soap “Alakdana”.

Surprisingly, Louise used to be a shy child. “School at bahay lang. Hindi talaga ako mahilig mag-ayos. Kung saan lang ako kumportable. Tapos kinuha ako na muse sa school, na-expose na ako, so nawala nang konti ‘yung inhibitions,” shares Louise.

“‘Yung mga ginagawa ko sa buhay ko, hindi ko siya ginagawa dahil naisipan ko lang,” she explains. “Meron akong purpose. I consider them as the building blocks for my future. The opportunities that I get are all connected. Ganun kasi ako kapag meron talaga akong gusto, naka-focus ako,” she continues.

Louise advises young people in their ‘tweens to know their priorities and to obey their parents, first and foremost. “Although minsan masakit ‘yung mga desisyon ng parents natin, kailangan nating tanggapin kasi napagdaanan na nila ‘yun. And follow your heart. You’re only young once so go for whatever makes you happy,” she ends.

Lexi’s Love

Before she became part of “Tween Hearts”, Lexi Fernandez was a fan first.

And now, the 16-year-old Lexi still can’t believe she is already part of the cast.

The daughter of actress Maritoni Fernandez, Lexi decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps. After all, it came natural for her as she grew up tagging along her mom to movie and TV sets.

“In a way, sa set na ako lumaki. Two years old pa lang ako sumasama na ako sa mama ko sa tapings niya. When I was 12, that’s when I realized I wanted to be an actress like my mom. Pero sabi ni mama mag-aral muna ako. When I turned 15, seeing the ‘tween stars on TV made me want to pursue acting even more. We’re of the same age and they’re already doing what they love,” she says.

Lexi relates how she saw her mom worked hard, and experienced first-hand that showbiz is not all about glamour as most people might think. “My mom needed help so I was my mom’s personal assistant for some time. Taga make-up, nagbibitbit ng gamit niya. Doon ko na-realize na mahirap din pala siya.”

Knowing that showbiz is not one happy playground made Lexi love the biz even more. “This is the career that I really want to pursue. Love ko na talaga siya,” she says.

Although Lexi has the showbiz family name, she intends to make her own mark in the business all on her own. “Sina Tito Rudy Fernandez, Mark Anthony Fernandez, we belong to a showbiz family. Pinsan ko din ang mga Padilla but  all the more that I need to prove myself, and that I deserve the opportunity I was given in this business.”

In between tapings for the TV show “Alice Bungisngis” and shooting for her upcoming movie “Tween Academy Part 2”, Lexi is also busy with school work. She is a third year high school student under a home study program.

“My mom is my inspiration. She’s a journalism graduate. Magaling siyang magsulat. At the same time, she’s active in showbiz. She was able to do both. And I want do the same, to finish school and make a name for myself. Right now, I’m thinking of taking up Mass Communications in college. I haven’t thought of a school though,” she says. “I’m the studious type. Ayoko ng bumabagsak. I achieve for an A+ grade all the time.”

Special Thanks to Folded and Hung 

and SM Department Store

Article from mb.com.ph

Please like Students and Campuses Facebook Page HERE

XoXo

Alden Richards for Folded and Hung Summer 2012 Campaign

This cutie here will definitely make it big in showbiz!!

For those who dont know who Alden Richards is, he is one of the young talents of GMA artist center. He's been seen in some of GMA's teen drama shows. And now he is ready to take that mature hunk route showing of his sexy cuteness with this new campaign from Folded and Hung!

Last year, i had the privilege to style Alden for a feature shoot that is yet to be published. He arrived wearing Folded and Hung's Marvel collection. What reminded me of him is his cute and down to earth demeanor. I even told his handlers that he can be the next JLC (based on looks and that killer dimples).

Now that summer is fast approaching, i think, it is the perfect time for him to showoff that toned body! What better way to show them is by leading the latest summer collection of my favorite fashion retail brand, Folded and Hung!!!

Folded and Hung recently released their latest collections for Summer 2012. Some of the new pieces are already available in stores. Last time i visited their MOA branch, i bought pieces from their new collections. I should say the board shorts are festive as always!

Thanks Folded and Hung for bringing something new to look at 

( i understand this will be in Billboards in EDSA!). Correction... it is already in EDSA!!!

Will definitely look forward to seeing more of Alden in the coming months!

iStyled: Marian Rivera for Manila Bulletin (Nov 9, 2011)

There's Something About Marian

Article By JASER A. MARASIGAN

Photos by JERICO MONTEMAYOR

(Assistant Photographer CROMWELL TORIO)

Styled by JP DICHE

MakeUp by RHINA MONTEMAYOR

Hair by MARTIN ALONZO

Special Participation of MARLON STOCKINGER (for Cal Carries)
FOLDED AND HUNG (Marlon)Clothes from KARIMADON (Marian) 

Accessories from PJ VALENCIANO (PALAMUTI)

Shot on Location at THE ICE CREAM BAR by FIC 

(Joya Tower, Joya Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati)

MANILA, Philippines — When Marian Rivera arrived at the shoot location, she was glowing with positive vibe. She warmly greeted everyone, and said she couldn't wait to splurge on her favorite ice cream after. It just made her feel like a kid again, she mused.

But Marian insisted she has matured a whole lot since being almost constantly embroiled in some sort of controversy the past few months.

“Dati mahirap tanggapin para sa akin na bakit hindi ako naiintindihan ng mga tao. Maraming mga intriga na hindi ko kinaya.

Hindi ko naman alam na ganito pala ang showbiz. Pero kahit maraming bumabatikos, ipinagpapatuloy ko ito kasi mahal ko ang trabaho ko at marami rin akong mga nakilala na nagmamahal sa akin,” she said.

You can’t please everyone – Marian knows this better than most. More than her stunning mestiza looks, the Filipina-Spanish actress is known for her feisty personality. Her being transparent is what gets her into trouble, she admitted.

Yet no matter what hardships come her way, Marian always manages to come out on top, and a better person.

“Kung ang ordinaryong tao nga may mga ganyang isyu, kahit sa office or sa school pa ‘yan. Nagkataon lang na nasa showbiz ako, nai-interview, nakikita ng mga tao, napapalabas sa TV. I’m very transparent. Alam ng mga fans ko kung sino talaga ako.”

BLESSED AND GRATEFUL

Marian reveals that her family was against her getting into showbiz because they know her all too well.

“Ayaw nilang lahat. Kasi alam nila ‘yung personality ko na ganito ako. May mga pagkakataong nami-misinterpret ka. Pero dahil napagdaanan ko na ata lahat, ngayon kapag may naririnig akong hindi maganda, hindi na ako apektado kasi alam ko na kung paano i-handle,” she explained.

Her mother wanted her to become a nurse. “Gusto talaga ni mama na mag Nursing ako. Kasi may kakilala siya sa London kung saan pwede sana akong magtrabaho.

Sabi ko sa kanya hindi ko talaga kaya ang Nursing. Unang-una takot ako sa injection. Kapag may mga naaaksidente madali akong mag-panic. Kaya Psychology ang kinuha ko,” related Marian, who hopes to go back again to school one day and take up either a culinary or a baking course.

“Bago ako pumasok sa showbiz, hindi pwedeng hindi ako nakatapos ng pag-aaral. Lahat pwede ko raw gawin kapag nakatapos na ako. Siyempre bilang artista, mas maganda na meron kang ibang maipagmamalaki. Nag-artista ako pero graduate ako ng college,” she continued.

Since shooting to superstardom not a long time ago (her breakout role came in 2007 when she played the title role in the Philippine remake of Mari-Mar), Marian continues to be blessed and she’s more than grateful.

“Hindi ako naniniwala na sinwerte lang ako. Hindi ako naniniwala sa pagkakataon. Naniniwala ako na kung sa’yo, sa’yo.

Kapag pinaghirapan mo ang isang bagay, hindi ito mawawala. Naniniwala din ako na kung ano man ang nakuha ko ngayon, sobrang pinaghirapan ko siya. Parang naging mabilis lahat sa akin, nakita ako sa commercial, pinasok ko ang pag-aartista, pero ang hindi nila alam, marami akong pinagdaanan bago ako naging Mari- Mar at bago ko na-achieve ang lahat ng ito,” she said.

 

DIFFERENT SIDES

Marian has gone on to play many roles that showed different sides of her, from a superhero in “Darna” to a mysterious woman in “Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang”, and a number of comedic roles on TV and movies. Now she can be seen playing the title role in “Amaya” on GMA, which continues to be a top-rater on primetime.

Since it is loosely based on early Philippine history, the show has been recommended by some teachers as a nightly viewing habit for the students.

“First time na nagkaroon ng soap about history. Parang naging educational show na siya kasi nirerequire din siya sa mga schools na panoorin. Masarap sa pakiramdam na nakatulong ka sa mga bata, lalo na sa education nila, may natutunan sila,” Marian said, adding that the cast and crew make sure to produce each episode as realistically as possible.

At the same time, Marian has learned a lot from doing the show.

“May mga natututunan akong mga ancient Tagalog words. May mga UP historians kami na kasama sa set para maki-sang-ayon o makapagbigay ng kaalaman tungkol sa mga nangyari noong araw.

May one-onone kami ng director ko at ipinapaliwanang niya ‘yung mga research nila. Kaya kahit ako marami rin akong natutunan,” said Marian, who, apart from “Amaya,” is also busy wrapping up work for the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Ang Panday 2.”

FOOD FOR HER SOUL

Before pursuing an acting career, Marian worked at the National Mental Hospital after earning a degree in B.S. Psychology at the De La Salle University- Dasmariñas. She was assigned to attend to kids with depression.

“May isa akong pasyente, na-depress siya kasi hindi siya kayang pag-aralin ng parents niya. Naapektuhan man ako ng problema niya, pero hindi ko pwedeng ipakita. Kinakain niya ang buhok niya. Kaya kung mapapansin mo lahat sa mental hospital maikli lahat ng buhok, babae at lalaki,” she recalled.

Amid the fame and popularity, Marian continues to involve herself in anything that feeds her soul. So aside from helping out long-time boyfriend Dingdong Dantes with his education advocacy through Yes Pinoy Foundation, Marian is now a volunteer for the Philippine Red Cross.

She is currently promoting its Million Volunteer Run program, which will be held simultaneously in Manila and other key cities and municipalities of the country on Dec. 4.

Aside from the fun run, Marian promises to actively support other Red Cross missions, including visiting disaster areas and penitentiaries.

AT HER HAPPIEST

Marian says she is at her happiest when she is surrounded by family and knowing that she is making people happy through the work that she does.

“Kahit maraming intriga at maraming bumabatikos, mahal ko ang trabaho ko. Ipinagpatuloy ko ito kasi marami rin akong mga nakilala na nagmamahal sa akin.

Kahit na maraming trabaho, kapag mahal mo talaga ang ginagawa mo, walang pagod. Marami pa akong pangarap sa buhay, ‘yun ang nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa akin. Dahil sa trabaho na meron ako, nae-enjoy ng pamilya ko kung ano ang meron ako ngayon,” she ended, flashing that signature smile that has endeared her to many people.

Article from mb.com.ph

Special thanks to Students and Campuses - please like their Facebook Fan Page HERE

Special Thanks to Yolanda Celdran, Marden Encarguez, Raffy Viernes (KARIMADON), Alan Vianzon (Folded and Hung), and Allan Acosta (CalCarries)

iStyled: Martin Escudero and Kerbie Zamora aka Jigington for Manila Bulletin

Reel Bromance

Article By RONALD S. LIM

Photos by Elvie Caparas-Zamora

Styled by Jp Diche

Grooming by Eman De Leon

Hair by Aaron Cunanan

Clothes from Folded and Hung

Read full article here

MANILA, Philippines — The word bromance gets used a lot these days to describe “any sort of affectionate interaction between two straight males.’’

If the easy rapport between “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington” stars Martin Escudero and Kerbie Zamora were to be the gauge, a bromance is certainly brewing between them!

The two comfortably tease about sleeping over at each other’s houses, about the current state of Kerbie's seemingly perpetually-tousled hair, and the apparent ease with which Martin has slipped into the role of a straight man who turned into a very effeminate gay guy.

Of course, it's hard not to develop that kind of bond when the two of you have already gotten drunk on lambanog and made out for a scene that would eventually end up being watched by a nationwide audience and endlessly reblogged and reposted on sites like Tumblr and Twitter.

When fans already have a nickname for your onscreen pairing – “Jigington”, a mash-up of their characters' names, Remington and Jigs – the best thing to do is run with it.

“Ang ganda nung bonding namin kaya naging close kami lahat,” recalls the 21 year-old Martin Escudero. “'Yung eksena sa hagdanan ang pinakamahirap. Komplikado 'yung mga blocking niya.”

“Nag-lambanog lang kami before the scene. Pero masaya kami nang nairaos namin iyon,” adds 22 year-old Kerbie Zamora.

“Zombadings 1” is a critical and financial success, applauded during its premiere at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and raking in more than P19 million since being shown over two weeks ago, accordingto Box Office Mojo. Both Martin and Kerbie say that the film's success was a pleasant surprise to them.

Both Martin and Kerbie are products of reality TV shows. Martin was a finalist in GMA-7's “Starstruck: The Next Level” while Kerbie placed fourth in “Be Bench/ The Model Search,” a reality show on ABS-CBN

Kerbie was content with modelling and finishing his degree in Tourism at the Centro Escolar University (CEU).

He had intended to become a flight attendant rather than an actor.

But “Zombadings” couldn't have arrived at a better time for the two.

While constantly cast in dramatic supporting roles on television, Martin was looking for something different.

Kerbie, in his own words, was doing nothing and wanted to be involved with something new.

“Modeling, tambay, inom. Walang plano talaga na umarte sa TV o pelikula. Kinuha ko lang 'yung role para sa experience. Blessing na rin siguro na dumating ito,” says Kerbie.

“Wala siguro sa itsura ko ang comedic role. Hindi siguro nila akalain na kayo kong mag-comedy,” explains Martin of the dearth of comedic roles on his resume. “Nagulat din ako dahil hindi ko inaasahan na magugustuhan nila 'yung gimik namin. Napakahirap gawin ang comedy, mahirap magpatawa.”

Read full article here

Kerbie says that the chemistry between the two of them was instant. The two have only gotten closer since filming ended. They joke easily about each other (“Ang una kong nagustuhan kay Kerbie eh 'yung hair niya.”), and about

their roles (“Ang hirap kasi maging bading. Siya (Martin) lang ang may kaya nun.”). But more than just gaining a new friend, they say they have also gained a new understanding of the gay community from being part of “Zombadings”.

“Mas naiintindihan namin kasi nabuksan na 'yung topic about sa gays. Mas nalaman namin na palakaibigan ang mga gays, masarap kasama at magaling magpayo. Sila ang mas maliwanag mag-isip at mas open,” says Martin.

“Nirerespeto ko sila at mas nakikita ko na talented sila at creative. Hindi sila dapat i-judge dahil hindi mo naman sila kilala,” adds Kerbie.

Read full article here

----------------------------------

Thanks to Megaworld for Eastwood Mall 

Johnny Rockets 

Folded and Hung for the Clothes and Accessories

and Manila Bulletin

Visit the Students and Campuses Facebook Page