ART FASHION STYLE CULTURE PEOPLE LIFESTYLE
ZONE
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ZONE Magazine
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: ADRIAN GONZALES CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JERICK SANCHEZ MANAGING EDITOR: AIRIZ CASTA EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: MAXINE CADACIO, MIKAELA DAYAO LAY-OUT AND CONTENT UNIT HEAD : DEBBIE NUÑEZ
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: DARYL ANGELO BAYBADO, DON JAUCIAN, TOFU MARSHMALLOW, MORE THAN MY SHARE CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: DANIELA MAJIC, KOJI ARBOLEDA, ALEXANDRO VALERIO, YUKI SARTO, PAOLO CRODUA, BRENT CHUA, YOU BIN, RXANDY CAPINPIN, SYLWIA MAKRIS, ANTONIO AGUILA,ERIC ALESSI, ENZO MONDEJAR,
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CONTENTS Ronac Art Center 12
Michael Cinco 18 Eric Alessi 22 Hannes Oberbichler 30 F/W Trend Report 2011 34
18
17 88 100
70 11
148
140
86
48
130 76
60
18
40 PhlFW: Ready to go beyond borders
160
206 The Distance to Our Graves and the Lives that We Have Lived 208 Mutants in a Mobius Strip? 210 It wasnt pitch black anymore
CONTRIBUTORS Enzo Mondejar WHAT DID YOU DO FOR THIS ISSUE? Photographed international model Duane Stagoll featuring the ‘Pure’ collection of Paradigm Shift together with stylists Eric Poliquit and make up artist Katchie Mejias, the editorial is a play of Pure light. YOUR EXPERIENCE? Lately, I have been photographing a lot of commercial-themed shoots for my clients. I seldom get free time to shoot on editorial themes which are highly-conceptual and Hi-fashion. So every time I get to shoot visiting international models here locally (Philippines), I make sure I get the most and produce unique and one of a kind editorials, while building networks along the way.
Jacinto Onofre WHAT DID YOU DO FOR THIS ISSUE? The Charlene Almarvez feature. YOUR EXPERIENCE? That was my first photo shoot that I was the fashion director and fashion stylist. It was really good to work with an amazing photographer, model and makeup artist.
Brent Chua WHAT DID YOU DO FOR THIS ISSUE? I have worked both in front and behind the camera for the issue. It was exciting as I did two things that I love doing. YOUR EXPERIENCE? Working with the photographer You Bin was an amazing experience because it has been quite a while since we have shot together. We always produce amazing images because the connection between You Bin (the photographer) and me (the model) is very engaging. This encourages me to seek a similar connection with my models as a photographer. Ian Jones, the model that I used for my story “Mister Jones” was amazing because he is open to following my direction (I was also the art director). He is one of the new face in the industry to watch. I shot him in Wall Street one Sunday morning while the riots are going on. It turned out to be a marvelous weekend!
Paolo Crodua WHAT DID YOU DO FOR THIS ISSUE? I contributed photos for the editorial section. The photos were from my shoot called “Meteor Garden.” YOUR EXPERIENCE? The shoot was remarkable for me because I didn’t know what to expect from it. It was more of an experiment, trying new stuff and all. Despite that, it was a very spontaneous one. I’m glad how the photos turned out.
Eric Alessi WHAT DID YOU DO FOR THIS ISSUE? A photoshoot with Serj Rodenko. A photoshoot with me as a model as photographed by Adrian Gonzales. YOUR EXPERIENCE? The photoshoot with Adrian was super nice! It was done in a rush, but I had fun rediscovering my modeling self again as it was the first time in a long time since I have decided to be a model again. I’m currently focused on being a photographer.
Rxandy Capinpin WHAT DID YOU DO FOR THIS ISSUE? The rub-a-dub-dub two non-brunettes in a tub Shoot. YOUR EXPERIENCE? We have to bleach two models for the shoot. So we had to wait for it. The bleaching process took longer than the shoot itself.
Dear ZONE magazine readers, First and foremost, we would like to thank you all for the support and feedback we have received from our premier issue. According to Issuu.com’s view count holder, ZONE’s first garnered about 7,900 unique views. In those viewings, several of you have sent messages and emails showing appreciation to our work. We honestly did not expect all of it, and we truly couldn’t thank you guys enough. It was greatly encouraging and it inspires us, the staff and yours truly, to continue bringing quality material for the next and the succeeding issues to come. It is part of ZONE’s vision to provide its audience and readers a platform that showcases excellent works and it is duly noted on our part as the creators of the magazine to continue doing so, never compromising the standards that have been set since the first issue. And so we bring you our second issue aptly entitled “The BLACK issue.” The content of this month’s issue showcases artworks that best provoke emotion which is in the credit of our dear contributors who have sent their entries in relation to the theme. In line with this issue’s theme is our intention of showcasing talent that moves, inspires, and are of world class quality. The choice of going avant garde has then been key to coming up with an issue that best represents art and its discourse. It is the magazine’s goal to promote and support both local and foreign artists that do very well in their craft, so much so this issue’s theme was interpreted in diverse amount of ways. So for that alone, kudos to our contributors! The BLACK issue features several Filipino artists and photographers who have contributed works adhering to noir and avant garde themes. Manila’s Enzo Mondejar and Rxandy Capinpin to name a few, as well as promising photographers Koji Arboleda and Cebu’s Paolo Crodua have their editorial spreads featured in ZONE’s second, proving once again that locally made works are just as good and just as marketable as foreign counterparts. Our local scene has since then flourished, thus, due credit must be given to those worthy of recognition. ZONE gives justice to today’s excellent local artists by featuring their works with the intent of showcasing the growth and improvement today’s industry has come to. Likewise, ZONE hopes that our local audience (starting with our very own ZONE readers) would have an appreciation of it too and help in spreading the word to encourage not only the art-
ists mentioned above, but to inspire artists working for the industry as a whole. It is ZONE’s intent to revolutionize industries and create changes to give way to a younger blood of talents, advocating excellence. The magazine also gives a glimpse of the underground famous RONAC Art Center located in Ortigas. Filled with unconventional and art-house aesthetics, their gallery features works that are for any art enthusiast’s satisfaction. Do read about it in the succeeding pages to know more. The experience of visiting the place is nothing less of grand and the magazine staff highly recommends it. Not to be left behind with the foreign scene, ZONE has also expanded internationally by featuring works of non locals. Argentina born photographer and former model Eric Alessi does his share of editorial work which comes together with an interview that tackles a deeper discussion of him and his art. Likewise, noted Vogue.it contributor Sylwia Makris joins the ranks with her notable dark style of photography. Her photos are a frequent choice for feature in Vogue.it’s PhotoVogue front page as selected by Vogue Italia photo editor herself, Alessia Glaviano. In line with this expansion, ZONE spreads its reach by featuring not only visual artists but couturiers as well. The critically acclaimed Michael Cinco graces the pages of ZONE in a feature article that does an in-depth look into the life of the designer – both of his struggles and achievements. Indeed, nothing is impossible with hard work and passion as unveiled in the interview. ZONE’s second issue also brings to you a feature and an editorial of two Filipino models that have made it big in the fashion industry, both in the local and international scene. So big, in fact, that they are considered supermodels of today’s time. They are no other than Brent Chua and Charlene Almarvez of Ford NY, represented respectively by the two covers of this month’s issue. The staff simply couldn’t choose one, so we have decided to go with both. The covers somehow allude to the current progressive state of the industry, and that it is only bound to get better. All these and more in ZONE’S second issue! You guys just have to wait ‘til the third to see what else ZONE is cooking under its sleeves. So until the next issue, enjoy and savor art and fashion like ZONE knows how!
- Adrian Gonzales ZONE Editor in Chief
RONAC ART CENTER Words and Photos by Maxine Cadacio
Malls are usually one of the hang out spots I consider whenever my afternoon gets so boring at home. I’m sure that most people are the same, but wouldn’t it get a tad hohum too when we always go to the same establishment every time? If you’re considering a change of “tambay” venue, try Ronac Art Center and you won’t regret it. When we think of places that are a bulk of almost everything we’re interested in and won’t cost us that much, the usual answers that pop in our heads are The Collective and CubaoX. Ronac Art Center is pretty much the same. Located at one of the busiest streets in Metro Manila, the art center is a threestorey business and lifestyle hub that showcases a variety of products ranging from fashion to urban art, from music to toys and even sports! What’s interesting is that the fun part doesn’t start with the things you can buy. The structure of the building itself is a thing of unconventional beauty! Architects
Arnold Austria and Sonny Sunga of Jagnus Design Studios designed the center to look like a combo of Lego blocks and the Morse code. The flooring and even the elevator are made up of Indonesian teak! Very neat, eh? At the basement, you can check out Bunker x Obey and Jagnus Design Studios. The best stop for food lovers is the 2nd floor, where Charlies Grind and Grill, Jozu Kin, and Yoggle are located. Art buffs can also hang out in the same floor since that’s where you can find Secret Fresh, a shop that offers toys and features art exhibitions every month. There is a basketball court on the third floor, which can also be made into makeshift dance floors or venues for parties and other social functions. At the deck there is Clavel, Commune, We Are Legendary, Terminal, Secret Service, and Titan for clothing and local brands. There’s also a mini lounge called Shabby. Ronac Art Center is located at Ortigas Avenue (right before Ortigas and Santolan intersection), Greenhills San Juan, Metro Manila. You can also log on towww.ronacartcenter.com or like Ronac on facebook www.facebook.com/ronacartcenter. Shops are open until 10 pm while restaurants are open until 2 am.
HAUTE DREAMS
In-demand fashion designer MICHAEL CINCO shares his experiences with ZONE
WORDS BY JERICK SANCHEZ, ADRIAN GONZALES AND AIRIZ CASTA
Light bulbs of recognition will pop up from any Filipino fashion enthusiast’s head—or just anyone’s who knows all corners of the labyrinthine and glamorous world of fashion— when they hear the name Michael Cinco. The latest buzz about the Dubai-based designer creating couture dresses for the America’s Next Top Model finalists just added him to the roster of great Filipino prides that flaunt the talents of Filipinos on the foreign soil, drawing metaphorical and literal rounds of applause from his peers and supporters here and abroad. When does a great man like him start to dream? Who and what gets him inspired? What will he say to people who dream of catching their stars like he did? Instead of watching him garbing models with his splendid creations, let’s render his personality unclad with this little conversation. As a designer, what inspires you? How did it help you get started with your craft? I am inspired with classic Hollywood glamour. I was drawn into the world of fashion as a child, growing up by watching classic Hollywood films, adoring larger than life Hollywood icons like Grace Kelly, Joan Crawford, Audrey Hepburn, Bette Davis in exquisite couture outfits. I pictured those fabulous heroines and dreamed of dressing them up with my creations. I chased after that vision. What made you decide to go to Dubai? How was the experience there like? Moving to the Middle East was a big leap for me. I took the plunge because this region is known as the haven of haute couture. I was so scared from the beginning because it was my first time to adapt a new culture and tradition. At first, it was difficult for me because the aesthetics of creating clothes is very different from the techniques that I know in the Philippines. I have to learn and adapt the taste of the
Arab women and eventually became an expert with their style. From there, what steps did you take into getting known internationally? The first thing that I did was focus in satisfying my clients. My main goal is to create beautiful clothes and make my clients happy. I got prominent clients and some members from the royal families because of great recommendations from my clients. I joined fashion weeks abroad and got international celebrity clients from the US and Europe. I got noticed by some TV producers when I had my show in Philippine Fashion Week that led me to be in the hit US reality show America’s Next Top Model. After that exposure, I got many inquiries and calls from celebrity stylists in Hollywood. How are aesthetics different from place to place? How different was Dubai fashion from English fashion? How were both different from Philippine fashion? As a designer, how did you adapt to it? The fashion in Dubai is very haute couture—high-fashion. Arab women are well-travelled and they are always up-todate with the latest trends and styles every season. The only difference between the aesthetics from European and Western fashion are the creativity and uniqueness of every dress I create for my Arab clientele. They like unique designs in expensive fabrics and opulent ornamentations. They love exquisite and intricate beadworks. Sometimes I always make sure that the basic silhouettes are very western in design but I always have to put crystals and gemstones. It’s part of the Arab culture, to be always shiny. What is your view of Philippine fashion? How different has it grown since the 90’s? Philippine fashion has a great future in global market be-
“Believe that IMPALPABLE DREAMS do come true.”
cause we have a lot of great Filipino designers who can compete in international market. The only problem with us is the lack of support and funding from the government. Take for example the Philippine Fashion Week. It is run by private producers who don’t have any financial support from the government. If leaders of our country will help the fashion and textile industry, it will help to attract global buyers and media attention to the world. It will attract investors and foreign buyers to invest business in our country and will give job to many Filipino people. Who are you favorite local designers of today? How do you think their craft differ from other local designers? How do you think would they par against international designers of today? At the moment I like the young talented designers like Ronaldo Arnaldo, Cary Santiago, Jerome Lorico, Martin Bautista, Veejay Floresca, Joey Samson, Kermit Tesoro and Eric delos Santos. Their designs are very global and are at par in international standard. The quality of their works and designs could sell in the US and Europe. Their works are very original and unique. I believe that it won’t be long before I will see their names in shining lights. How was your experience in America’s Next Top Model like? How did you get involved in it? My stint in America’s Next Top Model was a fabulous experience. The producer and host Tyra Banks was so impressed with my creations that she asked me to do again collections for the motion editorials and the final runway show for the next cycle ANTM All-Star which was shot in Greece. One of the producers who is also a Filipino, Michael Carandang, saw my collection in Philippine Fashion Week 2010. He contacted me thru internet and asked me to be part of the show during the last Cycle16. They asked me to do an ecothemed creations using recycled materials which was shot
by Nigel Barker in a landfill. Being the Breakthrough Designer of the year 2011 for WGSN’s Global Fashion Award, how does it feel? ECSTATIC. I am still reeling in ecstasy. It was a funny episode for me. I didn’t expect to win. I was shortlisted with other big names in fashion so I lost the interest of awaiting my name to be called. I was shocked when supermodel Coco Rocha announced my name to be the winner. I was shaking when my only companion at that night, Filip Ranebo, ushered me to go onstage to accept the award. It was my Oscar moment witnessed by the fabulous crowds who are big names in fashion and music. What else do you wish to accomplish in the coming years? What are your expectations on the future of Philippine fashion? I wish my clothes to be worn by my favorite A-list Hollywood stars at the red carpet like Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts, and Scarlett Johansson. I want to show my collection in Paris Fashion Week. I wish Filipino designers to be united in supporting and helping fellow designers to be known internationally. I wish Filipino people to be happy and proud of other Filipino’s achievements whether in fashion, music or sports. How I wish there is no crab mentality among the Filipino designers. Instead of all the negativities and criticizing the works and achievements of other Filipino designers, I wish others to focus on their works and improve their craft so they could also penetrate the global market. What would be your advice to anyone who wants to get involved in the field, especially in becoming a designer? Dream great dreams, believe that anything in this world is possible, believe in yourself, believe that IMPALPABLE DREAMS do come true.
MODEL, PHOTOGRAPHER, HUMANITARIAN
Eric Al Words and Photos by Adrian Gonzales
N and NGO VOLUNTEER
lessi
How did you get started with photography? I got interested in photography since my very first test shoot as a model at the age of 16. I would always fantasy about being the one behind the camera and project my own perspective of the shoot I was working for.
ceeded. I’m inspired by these, and that’s what always keeps me going. What’s your take on your photography? Is it a form of art for you, or something more commercial?
When I first started shooting, I did it just for the sake of creating art and as a way of expressing myself. I fell My first clicks were with the camera of a friend from in love with that. I believe that any form of expression Shanghai. We were just chilling with more people at is art. his house when one of them started playing guitar and My definition of commercial (photography) is that I thought that it would be cool to take serious fashion it’s everything that sells, but even art pieces are made pictures of him while playing since he was a fashion for selling… isn’t it funny? I had to learn some parammodel. eters and structures that come from the commercial I asked for the camera, a flash and a reflector back side to enhance the final product. then because I didn’t know how to do proper camWhen working with clients, we can’t go too artsy beera settings, so I told my friend what I wanted and he cause we tend to forget that we still have to sell, and would set the camera for me. we can’t go too commercial because it would look just What I did know was where I wanted the light and cheap. It’s all about balance. how to bounce it to the reflector towards the model to cause the effect I had in my mind. What came out of Who is your favorite photographer and why? that surprised everyone included myself. I bought my Well, that’s a tough question. I have many favorites own camera a week after that shoot. Everything sort of nowadays. I can’t really focus my attention to only one started from there – my experience with a male fashphotographer. When one has a mentor, I believe he or ion model friend. her would unconsciously be imitating a style preventHow different is it from modeling? How similar? Does ing themselves from creating their own. having modeling experience give you an edge in photography? It is a whole different experience, you know. When you’re model, you have no word. You cannot speak your mind and say what you think is right or wrong. They (the clients) simply pay you to be just an image. I don’t really think there are many similarities between modeling and photography. It’s like comparing an architect and a laborer. Modeling gave me the chance to experience fashion from the core. I feel very lucky for being able to watch how the ‘pros’ do it. Anyone that would pay enough attention to the photographers, stylist, art directors, and makeup artist and so on would learn tons as I believe I did. And what it’s best was the variety. I never shot more than a few times with each team, meaning that I will always experience another way of shooting which opens up my mind and always make me say “Oh, you can do it that way too huh!” What or who inspires you when making your photographs? For me, there are two sources of inspiration: the mind and the heart. My mind gets inspired with cinema and books, while my heart gets inspired with stories of people who made it to the top – in any field [and] not necessary in photography alone. There are some fascinating people out there who never took “no” for an answer, thus suc-
“I believe that good deeds come from the heart, not from a profession. We can always contribute to society if we care enough.�
I’m always inclined for sensual and sexiness. I could name Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, as each and all of their works are just BRILLIANT! I find Koray Birand, Laurie Bartley, Camilla Akrans and Alexei Lubomirski of an exquisite taste shooting sensual fashion and beauty. To add, I would say that Steven Klein just keeps twisting my mind with his pictures ever since! His dark/edgy cinematic way of telling stories it’s just marvelous. His works were the first I started looking at when I was younger. What is your greatest achievement as a photographer? Well, I’m very happy for having been chosen, together with other 9 top photographers in the Philippines, by Swarovski Jewelry in collaboration with Tatler Magazine to shoot each of us one muse with a respective piece of jewelry for an exhibit that will be shown in September in Makati. And the best thing is that the funds raised will go to charity. How do you think can a photographer contribute to society? I guess the only photographers that can really give something to the society from a professional side are the photojournalists. The rest of us are born to document things of our own personal taste. I believe that good deeds come from the heart, not from profession. We can always contribute to society if we care enough. My way of giving back to earth (rather than call it “society”) is running up an NGO for farmers lacking of recourses in Sagada for example. What kind of things do you like to photograph? Are you restricted by fashion? As for fashion photography, do you restrict yourself to industry standards, or are you always willing to experiment? I love to photograph people. Whether they are fashion models, or kids on the streets, or very old souls with wrinkled faces I meet on my backpacking trips. Whether alone or with a human subject, I keep always experimenting with lighting, angles, and composition. What do you consider to be your best work? Tell us something about it! As I said I have many favorites but I think the most unforgettable shoot was the one I took doing a freelance project last year with an Australian-Filipino model along the train rails in Manila. We literally set up ON the rails and waited for the train to come to start shooting. I was shooting from the top of a folding ladder we brought. The model was giving his back to the train and faces the camera. We wanted him screaming and hell, he did! So did I and the rest of the team and people watching along. The train kept coming forward and horning for us to move out of the way. We jump off just few seconds before it could reach us! Scary, unforgettable, unrepeatable moment. And the adrenaline shows in the photo, I just love it. What’s your advice to anyone who wants to enter the field? You just have to believe in yourself and in the work that you do. Don’t be afraid of failure or dislikes, in fairness or not, there will always be, [and] we need them in order to push ourselves a little more. NEVER STOP PUSHING FORWARD!
Interviewed by Jerick Paul Sanchez
Hannes Oberbichler
THE 18 YEAR OLD AUSTRALIAN MODEL SHARES HIS TAKE ON MODELING
How were you discovered? I discovered myself. I just found out, that I look really well on photos 3 years ago, and so I went to several photographers and applied for shootings
Is it hard at first to book a modeling job? Yeah, but it depends on if you really want to reach this goal or not. To be selfconfident is one of my most important habits. If you hide yourself, you won’t be a succesfull model.
What was your first modeling job? My first modeling job was in Berlin, where I shot with an Italian fashion and beauty photographer. It was really nice to see a new city, meeting new people and just be in front of the camera.
What are the brands you’ve worked with? I have worked with Lanvin,Joop!,Zara,Etro,Dsquared,Unconditional and Andy Wolf Eyewear.
What is the most memorable work you did as a model? I would say it was definitely my job at the London Fashion Week this year. Such a big show, and a really huge audience. Of course it was very stressfull and a lot of work to do, but it was worth it.
What is your dream job aside from modeling? I’m really interested in business. So I try to study Economy or International Management . You might will see me on the cover of the Financial Times, who knows!
Being a model, what are the advantages? Of course the girls. You meet beautiful girls everywhere, and they are even more lucky, if they recognize you’re not gay. And also the money.. As a model, you get really well payed.
Lastly, what can you advice to those dreaming to be a model? You don’t get anything for free in the model business. You have to work for it. Try to work as much as you can, but also be realistic with your prospections. And never ever lose your goals. If you work hard,you will make it!
Philippine Fashion
Ready to go bey Words by Daryl Angelo Baybado Photos by Antonio Aguila
Week
yond borders
Eight days were allotted to celebrate Philippine Fashion Week (PhlFW) Spring Summer 2012 collections. It was a much-awaited season that made thefashionphiles of Manila bustling with excitement. Devotees of the Philippine fashion industry have gathered at the SMX Convention center and SM Mall of Asia to revel with the brimming flair of Filipino designers. PhlFW become dazzlingly diverse and evolving. Overflowing with luminaries gracing the event, PhlFWindeed has become a vehicle in promoting Filipino talents all over the world. Hence, ready to extend its arms and transcend beyond limitations. This season has become replete with new trends, whimsical dreams, and portals of countless opportunities. The runways were filled with intense benchmarks ready to the fledging of the unpredictable collections. It has become an arena played by designers on set with determination and greed to execute their collections perfectly in its solid grounds. The week started with brands Human, Kashieca, Bench and Bench body. These global brands have paraded myriad of celebrities decked in the runway which kept the vibrant spirit of the crowd alive. There were blends of carnival fetes with constant combinations of leathers and a journey to the erudition of the 1930’s. SM Department Store and other global brands, such as LEE, Ipanema, Freego, Vans, Triumph, The Ramp Crossings, Guess, and Penshoppe also took part this season. Penshoppeseized commercialism to the next level as they made possible of Mario Maurer, a famous Thai actor in our country, grace the runways of PhlFW.
Michael Cinco, winner of the “Breakthrough Designer of the Year” award, has shown and opened the L’Oreal shows with a splendid amalgamation of perfect poetry and interpretations of an ethereal journey. What made this season even more special than any others is that this season marks another momentousachievement as they pay homage to Salvacion Lim, one of the most outstanding Filipino designers of all time with the show “SLIM’S at 50”. Designers Cesar Gaupo, ChitoVihandre, Erika Adona, Ezra Santos, James Reyes, and Joe Salazar, took pride in their collections to this historical feat. The CYBERSHOT presents Luxewear, Ready to Wear, and Grand Allure collections added an impeccable drama to end the blistering energy of Fashion Week. The lights shone directly to the intricate embellishments and appliques, unusual patterns, and ostentatious fabrics. PhlFW Spring Summer 2012 ended with visual blunder of a spectacular L’Oreal presents Menswear Collection. The stage was well conceptualized with architectural lights and a circular runway. 10 of the most promising menswear designers overawed the crowd with the inundated men in the runway. PhlFWindeed presented a different kind of energy and dynamism this season. Everything necessary to prepare the Filipino designers in bracing themselves to the bigger world where almost there; the opulence, austerity and grandeur of works, along with quality designers from the local fashion industry will surely be well applauded in the international scene, optimistically, soon. With the creative and strategic minds behind PhlFW, this local industry will surely go far on its way and ready to extend its arms and transcend and explore the bigger world of fashion.
EDITORIALS
Brent Chua’s been described many things from being the Asian Supermodel to bringing Filipino Pride in international catwalks, but if there’s one thing I can attribute to the critically acclaimed supermodel is that he is as humble and grounded as a role model should be. He shines with his talent, and is a great person to look up to, so it’s no wonder he’s a superstar destined to be embraced by the fashion industry to inspire others. Lovely! I was privileged enough to have been given the time to do an interview with him, and he was even kind enough to provide the article with unpublished photos exclusively for it. He really is the best! How did you get started with modeling? What was the experience like? The experience to be scouted to do something like modeling is always a strange one. It was something I never really thought about so when I was approached in a nightclub by this amazing show producer named Rizal, you can bet I was pretty surprised yet at the same time, amused.
Absolutely. I’ve recently gotten into taking photographs. It’s something I really enjoy because you have a certain creative freedom, an outlet for your visions. Check out my website: www.brentchua.com What do models such as you do to keep fit? Do you work out often, go on a diet? Well, to keep my health intact, I usually visit the gym from time to time and go cycling. I have a few friends with bicycles so it’s nice when we can all ride together in solidarity. I definitely do not diet or anything like that. In a field surrounded by fellow models, have you ever drawn any comparisons with them? I don’t really see any reason to make comparisons especially when comparisons are what tear most people down, not only in fashion. Now, let’s say I meet some Filipino models at a show or something; I might compare how we’re from the Philippines. But funny comparisons that tear you down are just bad news.
As a model, what do you think so far is your greatest You’ve been known as the Asian male supermodel, achievement and likewise, what else do you aspire to what is your response to that? achieve in the next coming years? It’s really a lovely thing when you have people who believe in you because there is some sort of a trust involved. So I appreciate the people who believe in me. I couldn’t be any more grateful.
I suppose that the biggest achievement that I can think of, for any model, is to be able to support yourself financially. It’s tough to make money in this business but when you can reach a point where the money is consistent, that’s a worthy achievement to me! From all the people that you’ve worked with, which do And also, the respect from everyone that I get from the you consider to be the most memorable? industry. I don’t measure the most memorable moments by the prestige of the team I work with. I more so measure it by the enthusiasm and talent of the team I work with. I can’t really say I have a most memorable. Though, I do recall this one time in Paris. The photographer and his team were all very professional with good energy. I appreciate that kind of thing. Midway through the shoot we were to have lunch and so the stylist had, right down the street, a table reserved for us at her favorite cafe. It turned out to be an amazing lunch and they were all so interesting. I remember I stopped for a moment and thought about just how special these people were, how each individual is so unique. I treat the experience of shooting with each photographer with the same enthusiasm regardless of name or no name. Of course some are very experienced and you should be ready to follow that but as long as you are talented, with some sort of a vision, I respect that. Speaking of photography, would you ever be interested in doing work behind the camera someday? Or perhaps be a designer if that’s where you are most inclined?
Modeling is a field a lot of people aspire to work and get into, but we know it’s not easy. What are the dark sides of the industry and what does one who plans to work in the field have to be careful of? Like any other field, you should be thick-skinned but even more so because you’re always facing the possibilities of rejection and never knowing what you are doing tomorrow, next week, next month. It’s good to have other hobbies/interests to keep your mind busy if you work in this industry. Finally, what would be your message to anyone out there who would want to follow the same path as you? You should always believe in yourself. But if you want to do this, I think it takes a lot of sacrifice. You should never really invest all your eggs in one basket so it’s always good to keep your options open. Stay open-minded about what comes along to you. Sometimes life has a way of unfolding on its own if you let it.
Words by Adrian Gonzales
The D the L
Distance to Our Graves and Lives that We Have Lived by Don Jaucian The beguiling beauty of myths has always been the core that Apichatpong Weerasethakul has built his films upon. His films sway like the trees that surround his characters. They rattle in the gentle hum of anxiety, scattering in tales of mythical beasts and forms of reincarnation. But instead of imposing these elements as restrictions, Weerasethakul places them as portals to the Wild Blue Yonder, portkeys to a more complex schema about life, the universe, and everything. Such grand scope places his Palme D’Or winner Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives in a delicate position. It is a slingshot that treads the line between personal histories and fiction, creating characters that question the boundaries of our daily lives, religious beliefs, and their link with the afterlife. Weerasethakul has always been fascinated with the afterlife and reincarnation. Uncle Boonmee is his treatise in transcending worldly desires, leaving a faint trace of the lives we have lived and, in this case, Weerasethakul depicts them in lingering presences of human spirits, monkey ghosts, catfish shamans, lonely princesses, and a water buffalo struggling to break free. The ghosts in Uncle Boonmee serve as a visible link to our pasts. Boonmee’s wife, Huay, who suddenly materializes one night at the dining table, is both a preservation of her past misgivings and regrets and a glimpse to what awaits Boonmee when he dies of his illness. The scene then becomes a family reunion when they are joined by Boonmee’s son, Boonsong, who has turned into a monkey ghost, covered in hair, with red eyes flaring like signals from the dead. This increases Boonmee’s curiosity about the afterlife. Boonmee’s afterlife is a temple. The family of the deceased comfort the dead with their offerings and prayers while the spirit roams restlessly, hearing imprints of the living and the memories that they have made. Spirits are transformed into bestial creatures, carrying the weight of their past lives and the futures that they have been given. These ghosts converse with the living, talking about the minutiae of their daily routines, interacting as though death doesn’t exist at all. Weerasethakul’s dream states are never as demented as David Lynch’s or David Cronenberg’s. They are unhurried, occuring at solemn paces that spread out like cards mapping out our most intimate desires. Junctures exist in folds, overlapping fabrics and parcels of different segments of our lives. Weerasethakul finds more beauty in the stillness and the humdrum, placing shots at their most breathtaking pace. He lets spaces breathe with little gestures of complacency and wonder, creating an alternate plane of existence where our imperfections are slowly carved out to the tune of a pop song while we wonder about what awaits us beyond the veil.
Mutants in a Mobius Strip? Words by Airiz Casta “The composition of the human species is infinitely more diverse than most humans suspect. The real taxonomy of Homo sapiens is a secret known only to a few, of whom you will now be one. At base, it is a simple dichotomy: there arecoerlfolc the teeming mass of common people who make up humanity’s great bulk, and then there is the hidden branch—the crypto-sapiens, if you will—who are called syndrigast, or ‘peculiar spirit’…” I have a strong hunch on what you’re thinking about right now, but no—it’s not X-Men: First Class’ Professor Charles Xavier blabbering about his thesis on mutant-kind. It’s a character in Ransom Riggs’ Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children speaking about, well, another “peculiar” race. Basically the story is this: Jacob Portman has always been fascinated by his grandfather Abe’s stories. As a kid, he loved hearing them—tales about an enchanted home and kids with supernatural powers—backed by a stack of vintage photographs that the old man kept. But as he grows up, he dismisses them as bedtime fairytales and decides that the photographs are fake. When Abe dies in the hands of a creature strikingly similar to those that haunt Jacob’s dreams, the boy must embark on an adventure to clear the mist of mystery surrounding his grandfather’s last words, to shed light on Abe’s past…and perhaps, to pave the way for a new future for him, too. Pre-reading, the whole package of this book just screams “horror” to me: on the cover you could see a grainy black and white snapshot of a girl with a tiara, and a little squint at her Mary Janes would reveal she was actually levitating. Below her was the creepy combo of the chalked and gravestone-type of the title. Most blurbs talk about a mysterious island and an old man’s riddle-like words before shifting off the mortal coil; the book trailer achieved its aim on sending chills down my spine. But when I finally sat with the book, I knew I’ve tagged it the wrong genre in my head. It has its share of spooky moments, of course, but the bigger chunk of it was more of an adventure story. Fantasy would be a misnomer too, but that’s the closest I could label it. Comingof-age would actually do, too. I loved Riggs’ prose. It was simple but has the prowess of a magical paintbrush, inflating a world populated with interesting characters and amazing mythology. I think Jacob was fleshed out in a good-portrait-of-an-alienated-teen kind of way, and Riggs made sure he didn’t leave out the hormones,
the PSTD-ish stuff, and the innate smart aleck at the core of almost every adolescent nowadays. Topics executed wonderfully to fuel Jacob’s gradual growth as a protagonist were hard decision-making and identity-searching. The other characters were…well, peculiarly fascinating, though I guess they need more developing. I liked the ‘relationship issues’ in Jacob’s dysfunctional family, especially the tension-filled one between his grandfather and father. They added one dimension to Jacob’s fullness as a character, explaining a lot about his overall demeanor. The collection of eerie black and white photographs interspersed with the book enhanced the narration, and it added to the enjoyment factor of reading it. I got a bit creeped out upon finding out at the end that the shots were authentic, and with the exception of a few that underwent minimal post-processing, all of them were unaltered. If we were going to talk about originality, Miss Peregrine’s would not stand out. Theme-wise it has a good and familiar message: teens can confront monsters, whether they’re creatures lurking in the night or the ones gnawing at their hearts. Plot-wise, it was practically generic: there were a few twists and turns that I enjoyed, but at its core it was a regular bildungsroman with the “Chosen One” flavor. The young adult library was choked with that kind of formula ever since I began picking up a book in the genre. I think if it were not for the photographs, this book would perhaps not gather a lot of attention from the bookworms’ herd. Sans the awesome presentation, it would still be a decent read, but not as great as being juxtaposed with the photos. Anyway, the combination of photos and narration was sterling, and that was enough to stop me from bellyaching some more. For a novel that was woven from a collection of snapshots from 10 different people, I think it was fascinatingly solid. Halfway through the book I had decided that I would rate it based on what I would feel after I turned the last page, and guess what? I was actually mad. It ended with a freaking cliffhanger. Which meant there was going to be a sequel! My excitement at this epiphany was added to the ratio of my rating system for this book (60-40, based on photo-story). So all in all, I give this 3.9 stars. :p
It wasn’t pitch black an From tofumarshmallow.weebly.com They say you shall see light that the end of the tunnel, as promisingly magical as this is, I am reluctant to believe this. Don’t get me wrong, I would not prefer any other way for my crossing over to feel like but walking under a tunnel towards glories lights of heaven type of transitioning, but I am afraid that I never shall see that light. No, not that I have committed one or two of the deadly sins which I’m really careful not to, and I won’t go to heaven it’s just that I never got to see any light in my life, and probably never will. If I sound depressive, that is because I have all the reasons to be. I was born in a world where everything seems to exist beautifully in colors and fine things can only be “seen” but I had to be unfortunately blind. Someone once stupidly asked me when I was at a young age and innocent enough not to complain about my condition; “What do you see? Is it dark or something?” I had no idea how to respond, for I didn’t know what I see, and definitely I was oblivious of what I couldn’t see. I never seem to find the right word to answer. I can’t say it’s dark because I never knew what dark was.
gets to be overwhelmed by the saturation of its absence then I began to know its called black. Pitch black. Not even the brightest ray of sun can penetrate and can shed light on this curse. So, when the message relay of the near death experience finally reached me. I wondered, is heaven really that beautiful; more beautiful than the sound of raindrops, comfort of warm blanket and the aroma of coffee and the taste of muffins. Then probably, just probably, in heaven I don’t need eyes to see. I felt a rare type of excitement about death. I have hoped that finally I will see the rainbow which they say is a display of seven lights after a pour of the rain. By then probably I will get to understand what it is, without people trying to describe something that even my remaining senses can’t perceive and my mind will never comprehend. Though my hopes are high my fancy dream of heaven is still ambivalent. One thing that bothers me more than the vague idea of its existence: The possibility a pitch black heaven.
If it was a question of something I was able to experience, like if something is not hot then I could say it’s cold or what luke warm.
What if heaven will be as gloomy as my world? I, who have seen everything in this world in just different feel of black. When I get to be very happy when I had my first and only Braille book of beauty and the beast. It was a delightful black. When my best friend got hit by a car, and I was there to hear everything of him gets crushed, it was like sheets of black wrapping my heart and stopping it to beat. I, who have continuously living and positively living with the hopes that I shall not need this walking stick to avoiding hitting people or just walls that have been always there waiting for my lips to be busted again, nor the help of someone to cross the road of raging motorists impatiently honking for me to hurry. I hope that I will never get bruises just because I stumble on a half inch elevated pavement.
“I just can’t see, that’s all about it.” These eyes may not see but it still can cry, so I did.
I live to be the best that I can for I cannot die and be judged just to be dumped to the pits of hell.
Since then I understood that not all of the people would be sensitive enough to know that I can’t describe what I can and can’t see. It’s my responsibility to adjust with with their curiosity and ignorance to keep myself away from humiliation.
In my mortal life I had enough of darkness and to spend my eternal life in another is inexplicably unfortunate. I work hard for me to deserve salvation, and harder to change the next life that I will have.
nymore
I now have formulated a response that ends any follow up question; I have been wise enough to coy that I am an expert of my condition.
I would rather not reach the end of the tunnel and just stare at the only light that my eyes and soul will ever see.
Dark is when you don’t get to see the things that exist because of the absence of light. I know that there is light I am just not capable of seeing it.
If ever heaven was black and my eyes will be nothing but balls in my skull, then I have nothing to use them for but to wash this adversary with these cold droplets of tears. My only form of relief when laughing is not enough, these tears, if these are as black as what I can’t see, then people probably could sympathize how it feels to have a blinded present and a TENEBROUS future.
I am in space where things can only be felt, smelled, tasted and heard. If inside an aphotic space light appears but it
All I want is an afterlife that rewards me not just divine light, but also the ability to discern it.
“Pitch black.” I surprise them with my certainty.
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