Prestigious Bodyshots contest holds Cebu search

CEBU, Philippines - For the first time in its illustrious 30-year history, the prestigious Bodyshots modeling competition is holding a search for male and female aspiring models in Cebu who will then go on to represent the province in the national finals come November 30.  

Former Cebu representatives were previously just handpicked, as opposed to holding a pageant to determine the best delegates.

Derived from the modeling jargon “Bodyshots,” (which means photos or shots of a model’s body), this Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP)-affiliated contest has been duly acknowledged for producing or debuting numerous established names in the modeling, pageant, broadcast and showbiz industries.

The list of Bodyshots winners and finalists who later made names for themselves in the entertainment industry is nothing to sneeze at: there’s Eric Quizon, Marina Benipayo, Wilma Doesnt, Zanjoe Marudo, John Estrada, Hayden Kho, Joan Bitagcol, Francine Prieto, newscaster Rhea Santos, Leo Rabago, TV director Lawrence Dyogi, Patti Betita, Gem Padilla, Maricar Balagtas, just to name a few.

In 2000, the Bodyshots winners in both male and female categories hailed from the Queen City of the South – JP Abinuman who later won the Miss Global International crown in Istanbul, Turkey; and JR Valentin who became an actor under the screen name Juancho Valentin.

This year, eight hunks and eight gorgeous girls hope to reclaim the glory for Cebu as they compete in the 2016 Bodyshots Cebu Search in hopes of wearing the Cebu sash on the bigger national stage.

The female candidates are Alannie Padriga, 20; Christine Fuentes, 18; Christy Perolino, 21; Karina Dizon, 20; Katie Sanders, 18;  Misty Nelson, 18; Pia Gabuya, 18; and  Shanette Delalamon, 20.

The male candidates include Mahkail Unda,19; Elcid Camacho, 24; Jersell Cabatino, 20; Malek Abashabab, 18; Matthew Zaldarriaga, 23; Noeh Garcia, 21; Raymund De Veyra 19; and  Giovanni Ramos Viter, 21.

Prizes at stake are P20,000, P10,000 and P5,000 for the winners, first runner-ups and second runner-ups, respectively.

The organizers said in a press conference at Angelica’s Café in Gorordo Avenue that they are looking for aspiring models with the total package.

The Bodyshots Cebu Search will hold a pre-pageant this Wednesday, October 19, 6 p.m. at SM Seaside City Cebu. The grand coronation night will be on October 22, Saturday, 8 p.m. at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino’s PAGCOR Teatro Casino.

The Body Shots 2016-Cebu Search is co-presented by Crimson Resort and Spa, Ms. Mariam Acompañado, Casino Filipino, Cruzskin Medical and Aesthetic Center, The Freeman and Banat News, SM Seaside City Cebu, KEG Travel and Tours, Dr. Joel Salahudin, Limerick Productions Philippines, Ozar Events, Wellcom Hotel and AMBL Enterprises and Advertising.  (FREEMAN)