MY SHOWBIZ SOSYAL Column

FASHION PLUS!
By: Rowel Canlas

“American Idol” finalist Ramiele Malubay visits RP

This piece may not be related to fashion (at all) but allow me to write something about someone who has touched my life in more ways than one.

I had been following her via the net in her quest for international stardom. To be blunt about it, I rarely idolize anyone but for some reason, this girl simply caught my attention. Maybe because we have some commonalities like I used to sing during my pubescent years.

Let me first divulge a little trivia about how I got hooked on this petite songstress. At the height of American Idol - Season 7, RAMIELE MALUBAY caught the attention of the entire Philippines (including me) when she landed in the Top 24.

When I was checking out Youtube, I came across this beautiful contestant who looked very Pinay. True enough, she’s a true-blooded Filipino who speaks fluent Tagalog and very proud of her roots.

Standing at 4’11, Ramiele was on her 3rd year in college taking up Nursing when she auditioned for American Idol Season Seven. It was her powerful rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman” that impressed the judges composed of Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and the haughty Simon Cowell.

I immediately liked Ramiele and followed her quest on AI. When she was voted out, I felt bad because she had a big chance of making it in Hollywood. We have not heard of her since then.

Last week, I got a call from Tonton (our editor) surprising me about the whole thing. “Guess what? We will be covering Ramiele Malubay’s presscon on Sunday at Danny’s Grill.” I said yes right away and cancelled all my prior appointments.

When we arrived at the venue, it was teeming with press people from radio, print and TV all eagerly awaiting her grand entrance. First to be called was “Pinoy Idol” grand winner Gretchen Espina and two other finalists, Ram Chavez and Jayann Bautista. When Ramiele’s name was called, photographers had a field day clicking their cameras hoping to get good shots of the phenomenal singer.


To say that she’s adorable is an understatement. I’m telling you, she’s prettier in person than on TV. As expected, Ramiele got a barrage of questions from prying media and answered them candidly.

Ramiele will be singing a couple of songs in Ogie Alcasid’s concert entitled "The Idol Experience: Ogie Sings with the Idols” which also features nine other finalists of Pinoy Idol search.

“Ogie Sings with the idols” is produced by TheUnderGround Studios, Inc (TUGS) under the supervision of Brian Sombero, the vocalist/guitarist of Indie band Menaya. The idea of bringing together the Pinoy and American Idols was hatched when Brian noticed that so many Filipino-Americans all over the globe hurdle through tough auditions and making it to the top slots.

“You can only imagine the rigorous process until you undergo it yourself which I actually did when the first edition of Philippine Idol was launched by the defunct ABC 5,” explains Brian. “Since there was no audition in Manila anymore, I went all the way from Quezon City where I live to Cebu City to try out for the first audition.” Indeed, the ordeal that one has to go through in joining such contests is simply strenuous.

For those who want to buy tickets, you can call Ticketworld at 891-9999, Ticketnet 911-5555 or The UnderGround Studios at 376-2732. Tickets are priced at P10,000 (sold out) 3,000, 2400, 1,400 and 650 pesos

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.