Shining stars

The world never loses its fascination with beauty. We appreciate beauty in any shape or form. Whether it is a sparkling diamond, a tropical paradise, or a lovely muse, anything or anyone beautiful attracts attention and never fails to captivate. Mercator Artist and Model Management (www.mercatormodels.com), the talent agency I belong to, is celebrating its seventh year this month.

Headed by its president/CEO Jonas Gaffud, Mercator is now one of the most successful talent agencies in the country, supplying beautiful faces for advertising campaigns, fashion shows, and recently, even show business.

One source of pride for Mercator Artist and Model Management is its elite group of beauty queens. This streak started with Zorayda Andam (Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2001), followed by Gionna Cabrera (Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2005), Lia Andrea Ramos (Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2006), Ana Teresa Licaros (Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2007), Jennifer Barrientos (Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2008), Danielle Castaño (Bb. Pilipinas World 2008) Melody Gersbach (Bb. Pilipinas-International 2009), Marie Ann Umali (Bb. Pilipinas-World 2009), yours truly (Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2010), Nicolette Henson (second runner up, Bb. Pilipinas 2010), Barbie Salvador (Mutya ng Pilipinas 2010) and continues this year with MJ Lastimosa (second runner up, Bb. Pilipinas 2010) and reigning Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Shamcey Supsup. Shamcey, MJ and yours truly are under the management of BPCI.

For this feat, Jonas Gaffud is quick to pay homage to Madame Stella Araneta, “Her dedication to BPCI is remarkable and unparalleled. She has ably built a rock steady organization that so elegantly showcases Filipina beauty without compromising grace and taste.

Through her untiring efforts, so many girls have been able to transform themselves and their lives. She is a true inspiration. I thank her for all the opportunities from the bottom of my heart.”Also gracing the Mercator lineup are fashion and catwalk queens Jasmine Maierhoffer, Lotus Van Heddegem, Gwen Ruais, Ann Casas, Luisa Beltran, Kimross delos Santos, Queenie Rehman, Tina Marasigan, Vanessa Matsunaga and Fatima Rios.

Mercator Artist and Model Management is also home to many recognizable faces in various commercials. These stunning women continue to redefine beauty with their looks, grace, and style.The agency’s interesting name was inspired by a cartographer who mapped the world. Gerardus Mercator’s efforts produced the map that explorers later on used.

Thus, naming the agency Mercator Artist and Model Management was not a coincidence. This organization takes talent development seriously. Mercator regularly invests in programs that improve their talents not only physically, but even more so in terms of skills that will advance their careers.

Workshops in confidence and personality development, hosting and acting are just a few of the activities that Mercator encourages its talents to participate in. Indeed, this nurturing atmosphere eventually helps in promoting discipline and dedication. The agency’s talents eventually excel in their chosen fields.

For instance, Ana Teresa Licaros and Zorayda Andam are now lawyers. Lia Andrea Ramos is a PR executive and TV host. Gionna Cabrera is a bag designer. Jennifer Barrientos is a model, while Barbie Salvador and Nicolette Henson are aspiring for careers on TV.

In a vast galaxy filled with stars, there are still countless faces of beauty that remain undiscovered. Mercator Artist and Model Management promises to find them in the many years to come.This agency is not just a home to beautiful women; it also keeps a stable of gorgeous men. But that, of course, deserves another article altogether.