Mercator's Socio-Civic Activity

Muscles for a cause, beauties with a purpose

There is an unfortunate stereotype that models are only beautiful people whose day is just about donning clothes and doing commercials. Today, we affirmed that we care about certain issues, and this passion keeps us going."

Models are also role models who fight and do something for what they believe in. To prove this, the so-called beautiful people, the kings and queens of the runway, let their hair down in the appropriately called "Model the Earth, Muscles for a Cause and Beauties with a Purpose" project last May at the La Mesa Dam as their way of giving back to a community that looks up to them. Top commercial model April Tanhueco said her fellow ramp models, fashion stylists, and make-up artists were there to weed, clean, and plant trees with Jonas Gaffud, president of Mercator Model Management, Inc.; a project manager from Bantay Kalikasan, ABS-CBN’s environmental arm; and ace lensman Wesley Villarica.

Gaffud clarifies that the environment is an area for advocacy that is close to his heart. "I graduated from UP Diliman with a degree in Geography. I learned that everything is interconnected, so damage to one part of the world brings...consequent damage to another. That is why I am passionate about issues regarding the environment. So this endeavor is a must for me."

The second project was the Muscles for Cause, conducted last May 10. This time, hunks flexed their muscles to build homes. This was carried out in partnership with the non-profit group Gawad Kalinga. Top names in the modeling world like international models Rocky Salumbides and AJ Winkler, as well as Brazilian imports Akihiro Sato and Fabio Ide had a great time mixing cement and concrete and painting the newly constructed houses. Leading designers JC Buendia, Tonichi Nocom, and Puey Quiñones also volunteered. A number of fashion practitioners like Patrick Ty, Mela de Luna, Rey Ilagan, Mickey Sy, Katrina Dy, and Bianca Santiago were there to participate. Well-known fashion photographer Frank Hoefsmit took snaps of the models in action.

Through this project, Gaffud explains that the models proved that "their muscles are not only for pictorials and commercials, but they can also be flexed for charity." And it seems the models also realized the importance of doing something for a cause. Sato, 24, has been in the country less than a month, and he says, "I loved what I did. It’s great to do something significant for those who are in need."

Last May 11, beauty queens and models trooped to Kythe’s Foundation Summer Camp in Antipolo to spend time with kids who have grave medical conditions. Gionna Cabrera and Lia Andrea Ramos, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2005 and 2006, respectively, as well as three Brazilian beauties, Analu Pereira, Fernanda Cordeiro, and Mariana De Lucas, commercial model Kimi Lu, designer Freddie Abuel, caster Edda Galoy, and hair and makeup artist-couple Ricky and Claire Diokno participated in fun games with the children and in toy-giving. Photos were taken by Kai Huang. While Cabrera and Ramos both served as ambassadors of goodwill during their respective Bb. Pilipinas reigns, they still could not help but be affected by the kids’ situations. Cabrera relates, "We are privileged to take part in outreach activities; [we] have [a] passion for causes, as in our experience with cancer patients as young as eight. They have so much to give to the world but are limited in their opportunities, so it is very difficult to comprehend such [a] plight in life." She adds that she is "blessed to meet angels."

Gaffud believes that these projects bring out the best in models. "Through these outreach programs, we showed another facet [of] the modeling industry. A model is also a role model who fights and does something for what he or she believes in." Model Misty Francisco agrees and asserts that, "It’s great to [take] a stand [and show] that we have concerns and values far greater than good looks and poise."

photos by: Frank Hoefsmit

from: Manila Bulletin

http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/06/13/20080613127124.html