IWhen I was a little girl, changing my clothes for the seventh time in a day, my grandmother would say, “Jovie, life is not a fashion show.” Well, I’m afraid that, for me it is. “Fashion” is one of my greatest passions and I believe that “Life is a fashion show and the world is your runway”! I love to dress up, look fabulous, and wanted to walk the hallways, and go to class looking sleek and sophisticated, outside the conservative Catholic school uniform that ruled the school. I thought it was cool, most of my friends thought it was cool, and I knew I was. Now that those days are gone, I still want to leave my abode looking glamorous, and as best as I can, no matter who tells me to hurry up! It is not to impress anyone, not to follow any trends, but just for my own sanity...and it seems I’m not the only one.  

With this being said, I had the opportunity to meet the famous Project Runway Season 4 Winner, CHRISTIAN SIRIANO, the “fierce” contestant who created couture-quality clothing and coined a sassy catchphrase- “that’s fierce!” Christian was crowned as the dominant designer on Bravo’s most-watched Project Runway series ever, proving aptitude and attitude are formidable combination in fashion. Christian was here in Chicago to promote the Westfield Style Tour presented with Modelinia. He divulged his style insights on the latest trends and gave chic tips for specific style profile. The centerpiece of the Westfield Style Tour was the style sessions.  I leveraged the interactive and complimentary hands-on experience to identify my fashion sensibility and looks to suit my lifestyle. There were four categories- Classic Sophisticate, Modern Bohemian, Contemporary Chic and Rule Breaker. The latter fits me the most. Christian indeed told me during my CPRTV interview that I don’t really need a makeover. Coming from Christian himself, I can only say “Wow.”   

The darling of the judges and the audience for most of Season 4 (he was named as the show’s fan favorite), Christian won with dramatic, signature collection---lots of black and exaggerated ruffles--- out-sewing finalists Rami Kashou and Jillian Lewis. For the finale, Christian checked his trademark confidence at the catwalk. Having conquered the Project Runway, he went on to become a fierce fashion designer who is taking the fashion industry by storm. 

Christian was born in Columbia, Maryland and is of Italian and German descent. It was his interest in costume design, which inspired him to pursue a career in fashion. Christian began designing clothes at the age of thirteen, while working as a hair washer and styling assistant at Bubbles Salon in Annapolis, Maryland. He eventually began sewing clothes for the salon’s annual hair shows. Christian attended the Baltimore School for the Arts and the American Intercontinental University in London, where he interned with punk legend Vivienne Westwood, and with Alexander McQueen, whom Christian stated as his favorite designer. Upon returning to the United States and moving to New York City, Christian’s break came when he earned a spot on season four of Bravo’s hit program Project Runway. Prior to that, he worked as a freelance make-up artist for Stila cosmetics and made wedding gowns for private clients, as well as holding a brief intern position at Marc Jacobs. He won four challenges, the most of any contestant that season and he advanced to the show’s finals, and won a spot to show a twelve-piece final collection at New York Fashion Week. During the finale, celebrity guest judge Victoria Beckham praised Christian’s collection as being a “breath of fresh air” and stated that she would be “honored to wear” any piece of his clothing.  Despite fierce competition, he became the show’s youngest winner, winning a fashion spread in Elle Magazine, a 2008 Saturn Astra, and $100,000 to start his own label. In addition, he was awarded the season’s Fan Favorite award, based on votes from viewers. Runway mentor Tim Gunn stated of Siriano “as this generation’s Marc Jacobs and he would be the America’s next great fashion designer.” He is right indeed as Christian is tagged as the rising star in the fashion world.   

Christian shows a full collection every season as part of New York Fashion Week, with past shows being sponsored by LG, Sprint, Victoria's Secret, Cibu International, and Aveda. His entire Fall 2009 collection was picked up by New York City retailer Saks Fifth Avenue. He has designed for a growing list of celebrity clients, including Victoria Beckham, Lady GaGa, Heidi Klum, Vanessa Williams, Alexis Bledel, Pink, Estelle, Mena Suvari, Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger and the Pussycat Dolls, Becki Newton, Maggie Grace, Tori Spelling, Thalia, and Whoopi Goldberg in her role as host of the 2008 Tony Awards. He has signed on to design a full couture collection to appear in the upcoming film “Eloise in Paris”, starring Uma Thurman. Alexis Bledel, dressed in Christian's designs, was named to Vogue's "Ten Best Dressed" list in September 2009.  Christian's current additional projects include joining the likes of Abaete and Alice + Olivia in creating a recurring line of shoes and bags for Payless which first became available in September 2009. He also created a line of makeup for Victoria's Secret for stores in the fall of 2009, a limited edition design collaboration for Starbucks for the 2009 holiday season, and a collaboration last year with Puma. Between his design projects, Christian has also written a style guide titled “Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self”, available now, and he embarked on a book tour in the fall of 2009. Just recently, Christian traded in the runway for a project in red carpet dressing at 2010 Golden Globes. Christian had a big break when “Mad Men’s” Christina Hendricks stepped out in a peach organza strapless confection adapted from his Spring 2010 collection. In addition to his Golden Globes score, he is also doing bridal collections, Fierce Mamas Maternity and ready-to-wear. 

More on Project Runway, young Filipino designer- Jay Nicolas Sario is one of the 16 designers chosen to compete in the show’s Season 7, which premiered last Jan. 14 on the Lifetime Network. Most of the designers are from the United States, one from Mexico, China, Dominican Republic and Ivory Coast. Jay is the one and only Filipino designer in the show. A native of Laoag City, Jay now resides in San Francisco. Prior to joining the competition, he was a visual merchandiser and lead stylist for Gap Inc., kid’s division. In his curriculum vitae, he mentioned that his favorite fashion designers are Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and Rodarte; his style icon, Sarah Jessica Parker, and his celebrity dream client is Angelina Jolie.    

Jay is very excited to be part of the competition and proud to be representing the Philippines against the best young designers from around the world in Season 7 of Project Runway. His fashion portfolio is featured in the Project Runway’s website, where he is quoted as saying “ I have the advantage of being both a stylist and a designer.”  The hit reality show produced and hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum has been a launching vehicle for the careers of budding fashion designers in the U.S. The show’s judges are top designer Michael Kors and “Marie Claire” fashion director Nina Garcia. Liz Claiborne Chief Creative Officer Tim Gunn mentors the contestants throughout the competition. Let’s support Jay in his quest to put our home country on the map of the fashion world.     As fashion lord Coco Chanel said, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with the ideas, the way we live, what is happening”. I have been greatly inspired by this. Fashion- I love it! It defines who we are. It’s expressive. I love being inspired and creative. This is what I strive for in life. I have to be constantly challenged and on the move otherwise things just seem to get boring. In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different- unique. One must be daring as well, as success is often achieved by those who don’t 

There is a Juan in every Filipino but there is only one Comedy King! Yes… nobody, nobody but the Philippines’ Comedy King DOLPHY has the ability to assemble the most outstanding comedians in the land to co-star with him in a film.     “Nobody, nobody but… Juan!” is the most much-awaited official entry to the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) which opens nationwide on Christmas Day, December 25th. Directed by Dolphy’s son, Eric Quizon, from a screenplay by Bibeth Orteza and produced by Kaizz Ventures in partnership with RVQ Productions. The cast list of the movie reads like a “Who’s Who of Philippines Comedy.” 

Wacky movie queen, Gloria Romero, award-wining actor-director Eddie Garcia, colorful funny girl Pokwang, and the inimitable Eugene Domingo, who is hailed as “2009’s Accidental Superstar” for the immense success of his film “Kimmy Dora,” Eric Quizon, Jeffrey “Epy Quizon, Giselle Toengi, Vandolph, Heart Evangelista, Mar Lopez and Chicago’s pride, Joe Aldeguer. Rounding up the list is the “Wowowee” host Willie Revillame. Dolphy makes only one film a year and the possibility of working with the esteemed “Pidol” is an opportunity that comes in a blue moon. Any sensible actor of Philippine entertainment is aware that when the opportunity to take part in a Dolphy film happens, one should grab it. It was relatively easy for the production team of “Juan” director Eric Quizon to get the service of these sought-after comedians.   

 “Nobody, nobody but… Juan” is Dolphy’s biggest project to date after the release of his best-selling bio-movie “Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa,” and the phenomenal worldwide concert tour held in connection with the said bio. This heartwarming love story and family-centered comedy movie is also Dolphy’s first after more than a year. Previously, he was in 2008’s “Dobol Tribol” with ace comedian Vic Sotto.  The MMFF has been “home” to many Dolphy’s hits, some of which are the acclaimed comedy-drama “Markova Comfort Gay,” for which he and his sons won the Best Actor Award at the 2001 Brussels International Film Festival; the environmental comedy “Home Along da Riber,” the family picture “Wanted Perfect Father,” the magical fantasy  

“Espadang Patpat,” for which Dolphy received an MMFF Best Actor trophy;  the epic “Once Upon A Time” and other wonderful films.

Partially inspired by the Oscar-winning picture “Slumdog Millionaire” wherein a TV show is a major catalyst, Juan features the top-rating “Wowowee,” a favorite of Juan and his co-residents in the nursing home run by his marriage-troubled son (Eric Quizon) and daughter-in-law (G Toengi). Juan, however, does not watch the show just for entertainment’s sake. Aside from wanting to connect with the Philippines that he dearly misses, he is lonesome for his first love Aida, with whom he lost touch during the Japanese Occupation of Manila. “Wowowee” is Juan’s way of coping with homesickness and reliving the beloved past. This grand love story encompasses the 1940s to the present, taking place between the United States and the Philippines.

Juan is undoubtedly Dolphy’s biggest and most star-studded Metro Filmfest offering. With a story inspired by the top-rating noontime show “Wowowee,” how can host-funnyman Willie Revillame not be part of it? And he is! Willie is said to be so honored to be in this Dolphy movie that he adjusted his schedule so he could shoot. When principal photography started, the film was simply called “Juan.”  But when the Wondergils’ hit “Nobody, Nobody” became the “Kanta Ng Bayan,” the quick-witted Dolphy, suggested adding “Nobody, nobody…” to the title. And that’s how the movie became “Nobody, nobody but… Juan”.  

The film was shot for 13 days and 6 days in Chicago. Yes, our kind of town. When VIA TIMES/CPRTV asked why did they decide to shoot in Chicago, Eric Quizon mentioned that most of the Philippine movies are being filmed in San Francisco or New York.  For a change, he opted to shoot in Chicago plus he loves Chicago since it’s a beautiful city. He’s amazed of the city’s fabulous architecture, tall skyscrapers and the Lake Michigan. It also happens that Joe Aldeguer, a co-producer of the film and one of casts, resides in Barrington, IL (a suburb of Chicago). Both Eric and Joe are cast as sons of Dolphy in this movie. They shot the scenes of Eric’s character in Chicago with his wife (played by Giselle Toengi).  Epy Quizon mentioned during my “Showbiz Pinoy” interview with him that Dolphy’s upcoming film, the Juan character is patterned, in a way, after the life of his Dad. Dolphy started his career by performing as a vaudeville dancer named “Golay” during the Japanese occupation. This episode in his life is depicted in the movie with the younger version of Dolphy being portrayed by Epy.  

We are fortunate to be a part on the brewing of this film. Gina Go of “iShow Entertainment” invited VIA TIMES/CPRTV to cover the child audition for the movie. There were 23 participants all over Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and as far as Florida who auditioned for the role last September 13 held at The Hyatt Lodge. There were 3 kids picked out of the audition to appear on the film as children of Joe Aldeguer--Audrey Esquivel, Tara Ramos-Cronin and Mathieu Enrico Plumlee. The children who were not picked are now part of the new circle of talented kids in Chicagoland “Chicago’s Little Stars” (my nephew Andre’ Gabriel Zamora is part of it). They were featured in the “Evening with the Stars”- a dinner show and press conference held last November 7 at the Avalon Banquets along with the new comedian from Chicago, Lady Godiva. It was a fun-filled night with the casts of the movie-- Eric Quizon, Giselle Toengi, Joe Aldeguer, Epy Quizon, Lady Godiva, and the 3 kids from Chicago. Febulous Fe Delos Reyes, Dream Academy’s Van Pojas, singer/model/actor Matteo Guidicelli were also present that night to entertain Chicagoans. I was invited to be the Emcee/Host of the evening and was able to perform in one of the production numbers along with the other multi-talented and amazing talents from Chicago-- Kester Go and Laura Aldeguer. Dolphy was not able to fly to Chicago for health reasons but he showed some love to his fans via Skype. He also expressed his good intention of helping our kababayans who were affected by the wrath of the typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng thru his “Dolphy Aid Para Sa Pinoy Foundation”- a philanthrophic organization that aims to pay tribute to the Filipino OFW by providing scholarships to qualified children of Philippines’ modern heroes.   

With a catchy title, a heartwarming story, and the number one comedian, “Nobody, nobody but… Juan!” is a must movie and a must “first pick” for the MMFF. There will be a screening of this movie here in Chicago, stay tuned and we will keep you posted! 

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SILK SKATE FOR THE HEART: A HUGE SUCCESS!

It has been two years when I had the opportunity to meet the awesome Olympic Ice Skaters at Smucker’s Stars On Ice, where I have them featured in my “Showbiz Pinoy” segment at CPRTV. I was also able to share my cents on the show through my review in the Wassup column in February 2007. Just recently, I was thrilled to have a “face-to-face” encounter with contenders for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. It was during the Disson Skating’s “SKATE FOR THE HEART,” a high-energy show that brought the top music and figure skating talents together to raise awareness of heart disease. The show was held last September 19 at the Sears Centre Arena, which was a big hit! 

I had an amazing time to be “up close and personal” with the amazing Olympic, World and National Champions in the likes of Johnny Weir, three-Time U.S. National Champion, 2008 World Bronze Medalist, 2008 Grand Prix Final Bronze Medalist & 2001 World Junior Champion and Jeremy Abbott, 2009 U.S. National Champion and 2008 Grand Prix Final Champion, who were able to spare some of their time during their rehearsal for an interview with CPRTV. I would say we were fortunate enough too as we were able to catch other Ice Skaters rehearsed for the show and chat with them at the post-party.  

Figure skating is power, strength and agility, but it’s also artistry, imagination and drama. And, with the addition of the live performance of 6th Season American Idol Jordin Sparks, our very own singing sensation and pride of the Philippines, Charice Pempengco, Honor Society and KSM- both sides of the coin were shown in the always captivating  “Skaters On Ice” live show. The show was indeed something of an artistic endeavor. It was nice to see the skaters let loose and do some truly fun, crowd-pleasing stuff. 

The show was performed by an all-star cast of some of the world’s best figure skaters, topbilled by the reigning World Champion and two-time U.S. National Champion-Evan Lysacek who’s originally from Chicago, Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto (2006 Olympic Silver Medalists and four-time World Medalists, and five-time U.S. National Champions), Sasha Cohen (2006 Olympic Silver Medalist, two- time World Silver Medalist), Alissa Czisny (2009 U.S. National Champion), Caroline Zhang (2007 World Junior Champion, 2006 Junior Grand Prix Final Champion & 2009 U.S. Bronze Medalist), Mirai Nagasu (2008 U.S. National Champion, 2007 World Junior Silver Medalist, 2008 World Junior Bronze Medalist), Johnny Weir (Three-time U.S. National Champion,  2008 World Bronze Medalist, 2008 Grand Prix Final Bronze Medalist & 2001 World Junior Champion), Jeremy Abbott (2009 U.S. National Champion & 2008 Grand Prix Final Champion), Rockney Brubaker & Keauna McLaughlin (Two-time U.S. National Champions & 2007 World Junior Champion). 

All of the performers possessed impressive resumes, but at the show, they projected a definitive vibe of simply wanting to have a good time and entertain the crowd. And indeed, there was no shortage of crowd-pleasing moves like jumps and flips; the performers even occasionally performed some sketches, much to the delight of the audience (most cast members showed a surprisingly deft touch with comic timing). 

The show opened with the Entertainment/Jive Records artist and Sixth Season American Idol- Jordin Sparks belting out on her “One Step At A Time” where all cast members showed up on the ring. World Champion Evan Lysacek and Olympic Silver medalist Sasha Cohen were headliners thrilling the audience with their awesome routines; fanatics were treated to phenomenal, sometimes competitive level, jumps, speed and nimbleness. Sasha’s dizzying spirals took the crowd’s breath away, as did her signature move, the “i-spin” or “Sasha Spin” in which she grabs the toe of her skate with one hand and lifts her leg over her head spinning like a whirligig. Evan’s moves to Jordin Sparks’ “SOS” was a superb superfly that would put any of the “Dancing with the Stars” cast to shame. He wowed knowledgeable audience with his triple axels, speed and powerful arm movements. Sasha’s displayed of her amazing beauty and stunning ability in “Espagne Cani” was phenomenal. 

Jeremy Abbott’s performance with “Gotta Get Through This Day” was a hit. He had so much energy and landed several triples. Alissa Czisny’s routine for Linda Eder’s “Man-a-la-mancha” was superb. She gets to show off the grace and her lines. Caroline Zhang skated to Charice’s performance of her new song- “In This Song”, which debuted during the show. I love Caroline’s pirouette in this number which was so amazing. Crowd’s favorite- Johnny Weir performed an exhibition number to Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face”. Johnny is never dull and a terrific athlete. He was in complete command and his creativity is brilliant. He told me during my CPRTV interview that he designed his outfit for his performances, which rocks. The crowd just loved his performance- and every second of it. I heart Johnny! 

Mirai Nagasu wowed the crowd with her performance in “Don’t Rain On My Parade” while KSM was singing live. She kicked some serious routine and to think that she’s only 16 years old. Keauna and Rockney dazzled on their routine while KSM delivered “Read Between The Lines”. Act 2 kicked off with thunder roars from groups of young girls who clamored for Honor Society. Jeremy Abbott performed the group’s “Over You”.  Evan Lysacek skated to the ring once again with his phenomenal routine of “See You In The Dark” by Honor Society. The couple’s Ice Dancing is always a favorite of mine and the show didn’t disappoint me. Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto were awesome on their “Bleeding Love” performance. The romantic drama they portrayed on ice was innovative with an edgy quality and amazing athletic ability. One of the highlights of the show was arguably a routine performed by Sasha Cohen to the “Note To God” hit song of Charice. She poured her enthusiasm into her routine and captured the audience in awe.   “Skate for the Heart” was an incredible time for the best of the best skaters to showcase their athletic skills on a steel blade no thicker than a pane of glass, performed to live music of Jordin Sparks, Charice, Honor Society & KSM, enhanced by intricate lighting, incredible costumes, cutting-edge choreography and state-of-the-art technology. 

The skaters’ stunts are jaw-dropping, especially the twirling jumps, the rapid spins, the back flips, and the couples’ movements where the man lifts the woman into the air, twirls her in midair, then catches her. These athletic feats are amazing! 

As for the music artists and performers, it was awesome to see great talents onstage. Jordin Sparks headlined the music artists. She rose to fame as the winner of the sixth season of American Idol. With the success of her platinum self-titled debut album by the end of 2008, Jordin won an American Music Award for Favorite Artist-Adult Contemporary Music, an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist and a Teen Choice Award for Choice Music "Hookup" song. She also received a Grammy nomination for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals” as well as two nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards for "Best Female Video" and "Best New Artist." Jordin joined other notable music artists in performances at the Commander-in-Chief's Inaugural Ball hosted by President Barack Obama. 

Philippines’ sixteen-year-old singing sensation Charice Pempengco, whose powerful voice reduced Oprah and Ellen DeGeneres to tears during appearances on their shows, has performed with legends Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion. Charice was recently praised by Josh Groban when she shared the stage with him, Michael Buble, Katharine McPhee and others during a concert in Las Vegas. This talented teen from the Philippines was discovered on YouTube and is working with legendary producer David Foster.

Young girls went wild with the four gentlemen of Honor Society. The group has been winning the hearts of young fans across the country with slick pop vocal harmonies, ripping guitar solos and big beats. The band has been part of one of the biggest tours of the summer when they shared the stage with Jordin Sparks as the opening artists on the North American leg of the Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009.

The spunky five-girl group KSM is moving up the ranks of teen stardom as they make appearances with pop stars the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Honor Society and many more. The energetic teens were special guests on the Demi Lovato Summer Tour. KSM will release their debut album this fall. Veteran Ice Skater Peggy Fleming and Michelle Kwan served as emcees for the night. 

Before I end my article this month, I would like to extend my BIG thanks to Lynn Plage Communications for giving us the opportunity to cover the event. Stay tuned for NBC’s Airdate of the show on January 31, 2010, 3:00- 5:00 pm CST. My elephant-size thanks to my BFF, Amie Hana for taking awesome photos at the show and allowing Via Times to publish them. Special birthday wishes to Kristin Javate (Oct. 1), Tito Danny Angeles (Oct. 9), Mommy Marie Zamora (Oct. 12), Lennie Pamintuan-Gomez (Oct. 14), Donna Santos (Oct. 15), Ninong Roy Pamintuan (Oct. 15), Rej Magbitang (Oct. 18), TP Poblete (Oct. 19), Francis Del Mundo (Oct. 23), Jan Nicole Alzol (Oct. 27), Riz J Zamora (Oct. 30), Tita Mila Alvarez (Oct. 31), Daddy Romy Santos (Nov. 7), Tita Neneth Miranda (Nov. 15), Ninang Nora Tsai (Nov. 18), Jaimie Judelle Alzol (Nov. 21), Dr. Manny Escalona (Nov. 24) and, of course, to my loving husband- RJ Santos (Oct. 17) and my Kiddo Al Ricmand (Nov. 5). Here’s to more loads of fruitful life, bottomless happiness and grand success! Cheers! Happy 10th Year Anniversary to Let Us Care Montessori School! Congratulations Mom Connie Calma and the entire staff, I wish you more successful years to come! To all our Via Times readers and CPRTV viewers, thank you for your continued support. Please continue to share your blessed Sunday with us at CPRTV, 12 noon-2:00 pm which can bee seen at Channel HDFBT 26.6, RCN 26.6 HD, Direct TV 26.6 HD, WOW cable 35, RCN Cable 175 and Digital Comcast 248. Have an awesome Thanksgiving and enjoy the Holidays! Stay tuned for the next Wassup?!