Wednesday, May 28, 2014

A Shot at Modeling Fame: Bodyshots 2014 Launches 40 Finalists



Bodyshots 2014 contenders at the press launch at Solaire Resort
The Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP) presented the 40 contestants—20 men and 20 women—for its Bodyshots Model Search last May 21 at the Eclipse Bar of Solaire Resort.
Bodyshots has long been considered the country’s premiere model contest. Started in 1986, it is also the longest. The first contest was an all-male modeling contest with professional and amateur categories. It expanded to include women the following year. From thereon, Bodyshots was anticipated yearly although there some years the contest was not held such as 1990, 1991, 1994 and 1997.
Many models, actors, television celebrities and others started their careers by joining Bodyshots. Winners include Leo Rabago and Benedict Navarro (1986), Michael Alfers and Tet Velasquez (1987), Randy Salvino and Marina Benipayo (1988), Jerry Gonzalo and Apple Barretto (1989), Mon Piscasio and Ana Marie Craig (1992), James Pareja and Chinchin Estrada (1993), Alain Sia and Liza Bernardino (1995), Regie Curley and Lucia Santiago (1996), Rolf Angala and Kuku Trinidad (1998), Andex Cordova and Razelle Anderson (1999), JR Valentin and JP Abinuman (2000), Lauren Novero (2001), Dennis Dizon (2004), Jose Bernardo Roa and Hazelyn Santos (2008), and Cedrick Evan Vergonia and Ariane Garganian (2013).
Notable personalities who have been Bodyshots contestants include Eric Quizon, Marina Benipayo, Ricardo Cepeda, Joan Bitagcol, Hayden Kho, Lucia Santiago, Lou Bunyi, Wilma Doesnt, John Estrada, Francine Prieto, AJ Dee, Rhea Santos and Zanjoe Marudo.
Many aspiring models trooped to the screenings held on April 14, 15 and 21 at the SM North Skydome and Solaire Resort in the hopes of becoming finalists and getting career opportunities. Aspirants must be five-foot-seven tall or more for the women and five-foot-ten tall or taller for the men; 13 to 25 years old (written parental consent required if underage); have “good body proportion, pleasing personality and good moral character;” and of Filipino ancestry. They must have attained at least secondary level of education, and “be willing to undergo the training and disciplinary requirement of the contest.” The FDAP also requires contestants to be “naturally born female or male,” barring transgenders from the contests.
From numerous applicants, 40 were selected.




The 20 women finalists are Aira Inque (5’ 7” [height], 32 [bust], 24 [waist] and 35 [hip]); Angelica Bernardo (5’ 9”, 32, 24, 37); Annalita Vizacarra (5’ 8”, 32, 25, 37); Arianne Espero (5’ 10”, 32, 25, 36); Catherine Legaspi (5’ 7”, 32, 26, 37); Chantal Serafica (5’ 9”, 34, 26, 37); Charisma Tejerero (5’ 9”, 33, 25, 37); Christienne Garcia (5’ 8.5”, 30, 23, 34); Ciara Mendoza (5’ 8”, 33, 26, 37); Claire Cubar (5’ 9”, 32, 24, 35); Ednornance Agustin (5’ 7.5”, 32, 25, 36); Elle Hollman (5’ 8.5”, 31.5, 24, 35); Hannah Iglesia (5’ 9”, 33, 26, 37); Hilda Ronato (5’ 6”, 32, 24, 36); Jessica Ann Bino (5’ 7”, 34, 25, 37); Jinlyn Talocod (5’ 7”, 32, 24, 37); Leonalyn dela Cruz (5’ 7”, 34, 24, 37); Racquel Kabigting (5’ 11”, 34, 25, 37); Ricalyn Ponce (5’ 11”, 32, 25, 37); and Vina Openiano.
The tall Kabigting, Ponce and Vina Openiano prove to be top choices.
On the other hand, the 20 men finalists include Arcel Yambing (5’ 8”, 37, 30, 38); Archie Severino (5’ 11.5”, 37, 29, 37); Art Natividad (5’ 11”, 40, 29, 39); Christian Arbasto (6’ 1.5”, 39, 32, 40); Christopher Matecki (6’, 39, 32, 40); Clint Peralta (6’ 1”, 39, 29, 39); Jerome de Castro (6’ 1”, 37, 31, 39); Jhon Mark Marcia (5’ 11”, 37.5, 30, 38); Jolo Dayrit (6’, 38, 29, 38); Joshua Dimaculangan (5’ 11”, 39, 31, 39); Juan Carlos Schubert (5’ 11”, 37, 29, 39); Justin Bonifacio (6’, 39, 30, 39); Karan Singhdole (6’ 1”, 40, 30, 41); Nathan Wilson (6’, 41, 30, 38); Neil Wilson (6’ 1”, 40, 30, 39); Nicko dela Cruz (5’ 10”, 38, 30, 40); Patrick Magtanong (5’ 11”, 37, 28, 39); Prince de Guzman (5’ 11”, 40, 32, 39); Ricardo de Jesus (5’ 10.5”, 39, 29, 40); and Rommel Cardiente (5’ 11”, 38, 29, 38).



















Promising contestants are Marcia and Matecki. From Olongapo City, Zambales, Marcia has been joining bikini open contests for many years and is notable for being the Mr. Universe Model 2012 Philippine representative though he didn’t get to compete internationally. He also appears in a few indie films such as Barako. On the other hand, Matecki is a Filipino-Australian who is into running.
            The finals night will be on June 28, 7 p.m. at Solaire Resort with Yanna Verbo Acosta as executive producer; Cata Figueroa as fashion director; and Otto Hernandez as production director.
The current FDAP 2014 officers are Edgar San Diego, chairman of the board; Lito Perez, president; Richard Papa, vice-president and event co-chair; Joceli Martinez, secretary; Fanny Serrano, treasurer; Edgar Madamba, public relations officer; and Johnny Abad, event chair.

For more information and updates, visit their Web site at Boyshots2014ph.webs.com and their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/bodyshots2014ph.