MY SHOWBIZ SOSYAL Column

FASHION PLUS
By: Rowel Canlas


Jean Garcia & Ryan Agoncillo’s passion
for fashion

Onscreen, their image may be poles apart but they definitely share one thing in common.

What is it? Find out as my story unfolds.

JEAN GARCIA’s ethereal beauty can be compared to Hollywood actress Demi Moore who, at 39, has maintained her youthful glow and svelte body. No wonder, a lot of younger (not to mention, good-looking) men are running after her.

On TV, she has an aura of mean villainess who effectively earns the ire of obsessive viewers. In fact, Jean is the only actress who can play those roles with aplomb. Thus, local drama series won’t be complete if she’s not part of it.

That’s how in-demand Jean Garcia is.

RYAN AGONCILLO, on the other hand, continues to carve a name as event host and actor as well. In fact, he never runs out of projects from his mother studio as well as modeling offers from various companies.

He became even more popular when he was linked with drama superstar Judy Ann Santos. The public’s interest suddenly bolstered when they finally announced their relationship on TV.

Moreover, it even paved the way for Ryan to bag more hosting jobs and product endorsements. One of which is the Boardwalk advertising campaign project. Jean and Ryan have been the faces of Boardwalk apparel for quite sometime now.

According to Glenda Pingol, business development head of Boardwalk (or BW for short), Ryan's wholesome image more than met the company's main requirement. "We wanted someone who can easily blend with Y-Gen crowd or the young professional market and Ryan Agoncillo fits the part perfectly. From among the male actors we've short-listed, Ryan topped the list hands down. He epitomizes youthful energy. A well-mannered guy plus the fact that he graduated from a reputable university makes him clinched the project."

Boardwalk's "Y-Generation Fashion" caters to men twenty-years old and above. College students and yuppies will surely appreciate the casual clothes that Y-Gen carries. Even party people and call center agents can choose from a wide array of styles designed exclusively by Avel Bacudio. For over four years now, Avel has been responsible for all the clothes that are found in Boardwalk glossy catalog.

Jean Garcia, on the other hand, endorses the Ladies line. Undoubtedly, the "JG Collection" remains to be Boardwalk’s fastest-selling items. It carries trendy blouses, skirts and soft jeans for career and goal-oriented set. Ladies who are constantly searching for something new can try the various designs that JG offers. Jean Garcia embodies the brand’s image which is sophisticated, stylish, empowered, and oozing with class.

Sixteen years ago, BW was just a fledgling company that manufactured ready-to-wear clothing apparel. But due to the influx of direct-selling companies, the Madera couple joined the fray and put up their own direct-selling firm which they called Boardwalk Business Ventures, Incorporated. The couple’s main objective then was to provide limited income and business opportunities for Filipinos.

Fast forward to 2008, BW is now one of the major players in direct-selling industry with more than fifty branches nationwide. Its first foreign outlet is located in Hongkong and plans to open more stores in the years to come.

After sixteen long years, BW continues to innovate by introducing unique marketing scheme and improving product quality. 'We don't want to sit on our laurels and just be complacent. Once you enter into direct-selling business, it needs proper nourishment to last this long. The company has many plans for 2009 and we just introduced our E-Wallet System wherein members can transact business using their mobile phones. We’re always after our customers' satisfaction and convenience because we value them so much," Pingol added.

This 2009, Boardwalk's thrust is to improve on product quality and design. Coming up with additional livelihood projects for its loyal members are likewise part of the company’s plan.

Indeed, after 16 long years, BW still remains on top of the heap in the direct-selling business.