Candy and I Pose for PAWS

Animal welfare is a cause I truly believe in. It's what inspired me to go vegetarian in the first place. I've also been more aware of it after rescuing Candy, my fat tabby cat and meeting all the wonderful people of CARA who helped us in their rescue. Each time I look at how Candy was then, and how he turned out now, it still makes me cry, that amidst the cruelty the world has, there is still hope and love, even for innocent animals.

So imagine my joy when Candy was selected as one of the winners in the recently concluded Bow & Wow Next Pet Model contest. I didn't actually expect him to win, but I was so happy that the cat that almost got broken in half ends up modelling with 11 other beautiful pets in a calendar shot by a very talented photographer. I was also excited that he would be posing for February, which coincidentally is his birthday month, since that was the month of his rescue. As a generous donation for a cause dear to my heart, I volunteered my services to be the makeup artist of the pet parents who would be posing alongside their furbabies. (I love how they coined the term furbabies to the pets, it's like they're part of the family). The photographer of this shoot happened to be Daemon Becker, who I worked with previously at two photoshoots with the Polecats. His wife, Tanya, helped us so much with Candy too, during his rescue.

The shoot took two days and imagine my joy meeting the other pet parents, their furbabies, and the rescue doggies and kitties  of PAWS and talking with their volunteers. Candy did well too in his first-ever photoshoot and being the stage mom that I am, I couldn't be prouder.

I got giddy when I got our calendar a while ago at Bow & Wow Greenbelt.

Look who's in February!

I just love the slogan that said "Love knows no breed". It really touches the heart. Candy, as we all know is a mixed breed cat. Pusakal, puspin, street cat, jologs cat, name it.. But it just gives everyone that spark to not give up in adopting and rescuing a stray. Even a stray deserves a happy and loving home, not just those bought from breeders.

September gives a strong message to say no to animal abuse. I am totally against animal abuse and I can't fathom people who throw cats in the garbage, torture animals, sell dogs for dog meat, or just randomly torture animals.  I'd be meowing with these dogs too against animal abuse.

The calendar is available at all Bow & Wow stores. The stocks arrived at the store today so they will be available already by tomorrow. It retails for only Php150 and it's the perfect giveaway to friends and family for Christmas. Also, it's for a good cause since 100% of the net proceeds from the purchase of each calendar will be donated to The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). This will help keep animals off the streets and make the world a better place for animals.

Yes, that's him alright, telling everyone to purchase a calendar.

Candy and I would be raffling off one calendar to a very lucky reader. all you have to do is to comment below to answer this question:

How can you make the world in your own little way a better place for animals?

It may not be big. It can be using cruelty- free products or volunteering for an animal welfare group. Whether it be slowing down your car whenever there's an animal crossing the street or having one meatless meal a week, it's up to you. The best answer will win a Bow & Wow Calendar. Good luck!

Behind-The-Scenes: Polecats Manila 2012 Calendar Shoot

Last September, Polecats Manila and I had a photoshoot for a project which was a little secret until, well, last week. We shot for their 2012 calendar, which had a pretty theme which will make anyone smile: PINUP! But instead of the regular pinup photos we see, what separates this calendar from others is that the subjects also showcase their awesome pole skills and strength.

I will show you the contents in a bit.

10 dancers, one photographer, one makeup artist, and one hairstylist. It was time for a rocking photoshoot. The shoot started at 9 am and we started with hair and makeup at Kris's apartment.

I brought out the big guns here - literally. I used airbrush makeup on them. Instead of identical makeup, they each had different themes, depending on the month they represented, which was just so cute. I think my toys were just as excited too because everytime I do gigs/shoots like these, they cooperate so well. Anyway, Lorybelle Barretto, a hair and makeup artist I met online via common friends and network did hair for the shoot. It was our first time to meet personally actually. She worked fast and did all ten heads before 4 pm, even switching hairstyles.

After half had their makeup done, we proceeded to Pioneer Studios where we started doing the photoshoot. I told you about different themes right? Here's a preview of Amaya's summer theme - beach ball, shades, bandana, and all.

with matching balancing act and pointed toes. The Polecats always emphasize on pointed toes all the time, in heels or barefoot or boots and I agree it really makes everything look prettier. (Note: As I am typing this, my toes are actually pointed for practice because I have class later.)

Daemon showing the results to Amaya and AJ.

Caryn, Chot, and Myla by the couch, waiting for the group shot.

One of the prettiest shots is the Christmas themed shoot. I love the white outfits on them with the matching Santa hats. Usually, I use a yellowy red on them but for this shoot, I used a different wine red, to make everything deeper, but still keeping with the festive red theme. Subtle smoky eyes because I want it to be pretty and festive. During the entire shoot, it was drizzly or rainy outside, but we all didn't feel it. We were having fun working and picture-taking.

The Polecats Manila 2012 calendar is already available at Gen Studios Ortigas for Php350. Here are some more shots to convince you to get one:

Mara as a witch for October. She had crimped hair and green smoky eyes and hot pink lips here, I took inspiration from Bewitched and Barbie dolls. After crimping her hair, Lorybelle curled her hair into soft curls for the next photoshoots.

I asked Lorybelle to put Kayleen's hair in a high ponytail, just like the Cheerios in Glee. Sweet pinks were used on Kayleen here for makeup. I asked her if she could sign also my calendar. Heehee. Fan mode!

I won't post more pictures because that means you have to get a calendar to see all the photos yourself. And probably, this could also convince you to try out pole fitness. :) Currently, my calendar is in my workstation here at home, by the living room. When time comes that it's 2012 and I get to use the calendar, friends who come over might see it and ask me, "Who are those in the calendar?" I would reply, "They are the Polecats, they are my teachers in pole dancing and they are awesome!"

credits for the calendar shoot:

• Polecats Manila
• photographer: Daemon Becker
• makeup: Bambi de la Cruz Makeup Artistry
• hair: Lorybelle Barretto
• location: Pioneer Studios

Shooting with the Polecats

It was a whole day Saturday for me spending it with the lovely Polecats, since we would be doing a photoshoot featuring their awesome moves and awesome costumes. Days prior to the shoot, CD already briefed me on the look she wants for the girls. The first look was inspired by Stella McCartney, so she said natural, clean look. I joked "So we go bridal?" she laughed. I actually chose an athletic bridal peg when I got to doing their makeup and you'll see why.

I did makeup first in Kris's apartment on 5 of them as the rest were still teaching the classes. Pioneer Studios is quite near Kris's place, almost walking distance. But of course, with the costumes, equipment, and stuff, we couldn't get there on

foot.

When we got to the studio, I continued on with the makeup.

Of course I'll have my makeup and my magic toolbelt ready at will.

The first look was a very clean and fresh, since the girls would be wearing neutral colors of taupe, gray, and nude colors peppered by sorbet colors of mint green, peach, and pink.

Mara and her wonderful outfit. The photographer, Daemon, was measuring lights so I couldn't use flash.

AJ and Donna strike a pose as they rest from their very difficult poses. Donna had to do a Dove pose on one of her poses, which had her at the top of the pole, back arched, and her back towards the pole. It's a very beautiful pose that's quite advanced.

Here are they choreographing their poses. With the light and studio setups were setting up the X-stage and very long pole, which aren't your usual hardware pipes but sports poles of high quality. The girls did a video BTS shoot also on their own, with Kris touring us around the studio. It's on their Facebook page and also in Youtube at their channel, Polecats Manila.

Hahahaha Kris caught me on the spot I didn't get to rehearse my lines. :P Since there's a restriction if it's embedded, you could go to the YouTube Channel. :)

Here's the final outcome of the Stella McCartney look:

They look so strong and graceful in this look. I love the color scheme, so yes, the presence of ice cream colors made me do bridal looks on them, since pastelly bridal looks are so pretty this summer now. Okay, in this case, bridal with a tad of smokeyness for eyes to pop, and sorta separate this look for template bridals.

The second look was inspired by the movie Burlesque, with Christina Aguilera and Cher. While doing my homework, I saw a scene with Cher when she did the makeup of a young Christina Aguilera, where she put red lips, blush, and lined her eyes with black liquid liner. That look was my inspiration for their bright red lips (Ruby Woo or Russian Red, take your pick) and smokey eyes.

Ballet shoes and warmers plus neutral-colored leotards were replaced by fishnets, liquidy gold and black outfits, and high heels. The girls let their updos loose, boosted their curls, and vavavoom, totally new look! AJ, the sole male dancer, got a totally different smokey eye. Obviously since I can't put red lips on him, I strenghtened his contours and darkened his smokey eye and while at it, I added a touch of red matte shadow - Yes! Red shadow - for fiery eyes.

Group picture at the end of the shoot. Wearing black was a coincidence here, blending in with them ;) Had to wear red lipstick, of course! Credits for the shoot below. Of course, makeup is by yours truly so I'll leave it at that.

Photo Credits:

Models: Polecats

Photographer: Daemon Becker

Location: Pioneer Studios

Also, part of those who need to be credited are the Polecats' very supportive boyfriends, whom they call the Police, and here are they in a group picture with the Polecats.

These guys install the very, very heavy X-stages and poles, carry their equipment, take behind-the-scenes shots, and even were present all the time in the shoot for moral support.

Just like their classes, this shoot was very encouraging and fun. Till next time girls! I'll see you tonight in the community class!