Models&changes

"Hi Mac," beeped my phone at 2:00 in the morning, "how can I be a model?" As a model agent for more years than you can guess, I get that a lot. What's this predilection to models and beauty queens that prompted ex supermodel Tyra Banks to put up a reality-based (is it really?) tv show called America's Next Top Model? And pulling out ex supermodel from the 70s Janice Dickenson from her much ballyhoo-ed retirement as a panelist is quite an overstatement of how the mundane is preoccupied with fashiondom's "almost-perfect" denizens. Well, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that I'm talking about models. They are taller than us, skinnier than us and some even have laser-sharp wit that can put Jessica Zafra at bay (consider model-cum-beauty queens Maria Karla Bautista and Melanie Scarlett Ediza). Their bodies have more bones than an 18th century corset and when they grin, everybody's in fashion heaven. Not to mention that their images can launch a million products that range from cosmetics to scarves (actually the chic called it shatooz) to chandelier earrings that can put your typical Christmas parol to shame when weight and sparkle are concerned. I hate to disappoint you, though, since all of them are just like us mere mortals. They have physical faults just like us. Thanks to make up, photoshop and more make-up, these are minimized, if not totally eradicated. To quote the queen of the Borg collective (see Star Trek's First Contact), "Humans, they are flawed and imperfect!" But their quest for perfection, just like ours, is a never ending struggle. That brings me to the subject of change. A change for the better. It may sound like a cliché but I rounded up models from M.A.C., the Models' Association of Cebu in an ambushed tete-a-tete to extract their New Year's resolution. Fresh from their charitable trips to the orphanages: the Happy Horizons Children's Ranch in Lutopan, Toledo; the Sto. Nino Orphanage in Catarman, Liloan; and the Sisters of Mercy Home for the Aged in Talisay (yes, they are not just fashion models but they strive to be over-all models in different aspects of their lives. Many thanks to my partner Roger Alferez who is a staunch proponent of this spiritual growth) most are ecstatic over their experiences to extend compassion to the needy.

1.Marjay Ramirez (Supermodel of the World 2002/Singapore and Hong Kong based model) - "To work harder, to stay more focused in the things that I do and put a priority on my education abroad along with my modeling career."

2.Marc Arens (Homme Manhunt winner/Norkis Yamaha endorser) - "My temper almost always gets me into a tight spot. For that, I will try harder to overcome my hotter than Mt. Etna temper. I will also start being more sensitive to the feelings of others."

3.Elvira Stehr (dead-ringer for supermodel Daria Werbowy) - "I want to start the day right but waking up at 11 in the morning tends to shorten my day's efficiency. So I will wake up early, even if it's not schooldays and eat a hearty breakfast. I'll try to think maturely about small and big things alike. After all, I just turned eighteen."

4.Fern Mediquillo (Upcoming ramp diva) - "Before changing big things, it will start with small ones like learning to say 'thank you' and 'please' more often, taking time to listen more to other people's needs and getting my priorities straight like family matters and school." 5.Cassidy Shun (male model of the moment) - "After recently graduating from college, I want to take up my responsibilities as the eldest in our brood of 5. With my parents working full time, I can help a lot and ease their load. I also want to diet and exercise more to achieve a toned bod."

6.Guia Chua (Miss Cebu 2004 runner up) - "Temptations abound but I want to make sure that in everything I say, think, or do, I am glorifying GOD. Wish me luck!"

7.Karla Bautista (Miss World 2004 3rd runner up/ Asia and Oceania's Queen of Beauty/Bb. Pilipinas World 2004/Miss Cebu 2003/ Norkis Yamaha endorser) - "I would learn to acknowledge my limitations by giving time for myself. I think I had worked so hard in the past years to help my family and others, which is what is expected of me, of course. This year, I will really enjoy spending time with my loved ones and do things for myself also. But the charity work continues, it's a vital part of me."

8.Giebeth Alcoriza (Hawaiian Tropics Philippines finalist/ Runway favorite ) - "It is in service and giving more to those who need it the most - that is the road to pleasing God Who continually blesses us with more than we deserve. Thus, I intend to follow that road with more fervor."

9.Charity Lagahid (Elite Model Look Philippines/Runway queen) - "In my ten years as a model, I had my share of ups and downs. Complexity sets in when i am not true to myself. New year or not, I will strive to simplify my life and it starts by strenghtening my faith and everything else will follow."

10.Stephan Urtizberea (In-demand commercial/ramp fixture/ Norkis Yamaha endorser) - "As an architecture student, I vow to invent a radical new design of paper clip. And to make the best cup of tea ever! Hahaha!"

11.Anna Maris Igpit (Miss Mandaue 2005/ Miss Bohol 2005/Miss Talisay 2004) - "I want to live a healthy lifestyle and that would mean curbing my craving for fatty foods like deep fried French fries and onion rings. I want to hit the gym, also."

12.Stephanie Senires (Miss Mandaue 2003/ Miss Cebu 2006 contender) - "It's tightening of the belt season. For a fact, even with the strength of the peso in the Asian market, the Philippines still has a high inflation rate. I want to spend less and learn to save more for the rainy days."

13.Harold Dee (quintesential male model and Norkis Yamaha endorser) - "I want to concentrate on building my own gym. That would take extra lessons in business and accounting, but I'm more than willing to learn."

14.Carliz Selma (tv host/Miss Cebu 2002 runner up/Mutya ng Pilipinas Visayas) - " I had been very busy lately with quite a lot in my hands I feel like I'm spreading myself thin. I need to put emphasis on my education as a fall back since I wont be a model forever."

15.Gwen Trott (fashion demi-monde's ingénue/ Norkis Yamaha endorser) -"I am graduating high school the coming year so I vow to strive hard to meet up with the pressures of school and modeling at the same time. This can be achieved by believing in myself and getting the support and approval from my family and loved ones."

16.Melanie Ediza (Bb. Pilipinas 2nd runner up/Miss Cebu 2002) - "I have actually conceived two important changes to undertake. One is to give back the so many blessings the Lord has given me. The other would be to never settle for anything which I know is less than best for me." Acknowledgements: Arcy and Bill Gayatin, Marichu Tan, Mr. Adolito Flores, Engr. Ricardo and Dr. Rosalinda Bono and Drs. Rolex and Lalai Omega for their never ending support to our outreach programs.