FTV, Bigfoot to open model school in Cebu

Cebu will once again take the spotlight in the world of fashion, as the world's Fashion TV (FTV) enters into partnership with Bigfoot Entertainment, through its affiliate the International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) to establish a Philippine Fashion TV Model School.

Cebu will soon be the center of attention in the world's fashion industry, particularly in Asia, as it is the first Fashion TV Model School established by FTV in Asia.

First to be opened in Cebu and in the entire country, the Philippine franchise of the model school of the world's leading TV authority on fashion and trends, Fashion TV will break the new grounds in the local fashion and modeling business, said Bigfoot general director of Schools Larry Mercado.

Fashion TV is the only 24/7 fashion, beauty and style TV station airing worldwide which provides glamorous entertainment with emphasis on the latest trends and styles. It is present in 130 countries in six continents.

"Cebu has a lot of talents. It is a beautiful island with great locations. We are here to stay," said Rebecca Picket FTV producer in the press conference yesterday.

This deal with Bigfoot and the FTV is certainly not a one-shoot-deal, Mercado said after the summer workshop offering, the school is planning to offer special classes in the whole year round.

Not only that, Picket said FTV will be holding several events to be aired in its worldwide coverage, coordinating and touching base with the local model agencies, designers, fashion industry players, among others.

Already, Cebu is trying to position as a "design capital in Asia," not only for furniture but also for fashion. This vision is boosted by the success of Cebuana Monique Lhuillier, among others who made it to the international fashion scene, particularly making her name in the Hollywood.

"We've got a lot of talents here like models, that have great potentials, but don't have a chance to properly be trained," Mercado added.

"And with FTV's vast network worldwide, we are confident that we are giving aspiring models in the Philippines countless opportunities and exposure that they need to penetrate the international arena," he stressed.

The FTV ModelSchool Philippines will be the benchmark for the rest of the FTV modeling schools in the network. However, the ModelSchool will be localized in such a way it caters to the needs of both aspiring and professional models who are interested in updating their modeling skills and learn new tips from the FTV experts, most especially on how to break through the global modeling market.

The FTV ModelSchool, which will start its classes middle of this month, will tap fashion and modeling experts Supermodel Tweetie De Leon-Gonzalez and fashion director Jackie Aquino to conduct classes on Fashion and Personality Enhancement, and Runway Modeling, respectively.

Workshops on hair and make up, and photographic and commercial modeling will be conducted by Rustan's and Daisy Ba-ad together with ace photographer Eisen Job Alquiza.