Divine Inspiration

October is Breast Cancer awareness month, and aside from donning a (virtual) pink ribbon, I decided to dedicate a post to one of my pole buddies, another Jill-of-all trades and probably one of the bravest and strongest women I ever knew.

Divine Viola is a doctor. That alone got my jaw dropping because I know surviving med school is no joke, but Divine seemed to still view life through rose-colored glasses, with no trace of fatigue on her face.

Aside from surviving med school, Divine has won a bigger battle, that is, her battle against breast cancer, probably the biggest battle in her life. You read that right, Divine is a breast cancer survivor. I’ll never forget what she told me. The reason she got to pole was she needed exercise for her bones to make her stronger because of her cancer. In March 2007, she palpated a lump on her left breast. It was then excised and the biopsy results showed it was malignant. Divine was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer. She went through everything – total mastectomy (she showed me her scar where her whole breast was taken out), chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal treatment. “It was scary,” she said. “I felt like I had a death sentence.”

Halfway through her chemotherapy, depression hit her. By that time, her immune system had already weakened due to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Her activities were severely limited too. Watching women dance on TV made her envious. But instead of further sinking to depression, Divine made a promise to herself that she will start dancing and dancing when the time she gets well. She also had to deal with the anxiety over the possibility of recurrence. As time passed by, her anxiety lessened. She still undergoes yearly checkups to keep her health in check. As of the moment, Divine has been cancer-free for 4 years and 7 months. When people say that she is in remission, she tells them, “No, I am cured.”

At 47, Divine has the stamina, strength, and fierceness of a healthy woman half her age. and she rocks the sport of pole fitness. She has taken her love for dance and pole up a notch by being part-owner of Dance Station, a dance studio that offers classes in pole, hiphop, burlesque, and Latin aero. Her love for pole dancing is not just a hobby but a business as well.

Her positive outlook in life and success story in her career (she opened her clinic Skin Science Medical Aesthetic and Laser Center last summer) made me want to feature her in my blog, as she symbolizes the fierce, independent, beautiful, and strong woman that’s perfect to emulate. I've been wanting to feature her ever since she told me her story and I've been waiting until October for this post to be up. Read our Q&A and let’s all be inspired!

Divine at the opening of Skin Science Medical Aesthetic and Laser Center in a beautiful Ronaldo Arnaldo dress.

How long have you been pole dancing?

I started pole dancing in July 2010 but had to stop because some activities interfered. I finally took it seriously in November 2010. So, roughly 10 months.

What keeps you busy?

My work as a doctor takes up most of my time. But I try to live

a balanced life. I work, I exercise (pole, of course), I also man the the dance studio (i.e. Dance Station) whenever I have time. I also find time to cultivate my spirituality and have a social life.

with the girls of Dance Station

Is dermatology your first choice?

I initially wanted to become a neurologist. But when I was assigned at the Neurology Department, I realized I would not be able to handle the stress. I decided to pursue Dermatology. I am more on the aesthetic side although I also treat pathologic cases. I hate medical emergencies.

What gave you the strength to go through the obstacles?

I have always been a fighter. My family, friends, pastors and most especially my faith in God (that I will be healed) kept me going.

Divine loves pole dancing so much no one stopped her, not even a guy from doing what she loves.

Why did you choose dance as a hobby and now a business?

I have always loved dancing. And although I do not have a dancing background, I would always join dance performances when I was still a student. Since I love pole dancing, when the offer to become a partner in a dance studio was given to me, I did not have second thoughts. Now, it is not just a hobby but a business as well.

What makes you look younger than your age?

I avoid too much sun exposure ( I use sunblock daily), eat a nutritious diet ( no junk/fatty foods), get enough sleep, exercise 3x a week, and drink lots of water. I do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages.

It is also important that I love my work because I do not feel like working at all. I also find time to relax. I try to maintain a positive outlook in life. I see the glass as half-full.

What is your favorite pole trick?

i like doing the inverted crucifix, eye opener and aerial superman.

If you were to choose between your passion and a man, which would you choose?

That already happened. I had to choose my passion over someone who did not like me doing pole dancing. I do not like to be put in a cage.

What is the best beauty advice that you got and from whom?

It was from my beautiful aunt who I admire a lot because she has aged gracefully. She told me to stay out of the sun as much as possible.

What can we find in your make-up kit?

Sunblock, mascara, red lipstick and mild-scented perfume.

10 years from now, do you still see yourself dancing?

Absolutely!

Divine is a breast cancer survivor, and she rocks her life like anything - success, beauty, passion and she shows us that she can hurdle any trial and come out from it smiling, and you can too!

A Supergirl Named Kiara

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Q&A With Our Angel

On a personal theater fan note, Angel in Rent has always been one of my favorite theater characters. In Rent, he's a symbol of true love and passion. He wasn't afraid to be who he was. The role of Angel required a lot of skill and research with a wide vocal range and mad dance skills, so I'm always on the lookout who would be playing the role.

Joining the line of the talented actors who portrayed the role, music student Job Bautista has been portraying the role of Angel for the 3 consecutive runs that NineWorks Theatrical has staged the show, and in each performance, he gathers a big number of fans. He also became a close personal friend of mine as I got to work with him during the first run and secondly with a shoot with his dance group, Polecats.

It was Valentine's day of last year when I first worked with AJ, as he's fondly called. I was the makeup artist assigned to him that day. The first thing he told me was, "Just have fun with my looks, I don't have to look necessarily pretty and all-girly since my character does drag." By the time the first show came to an end and it was time for an evening show, AJ and I were having so much fun creating different looks.

I would kid that AJ was my 2010 Valentine's date. These were pictures I dug from my archives taken from the February 14, 2010 show. He had to go through a lot of tissue and concealer to pale the lip we used Ruby Woo in since we played with a Marilyn Monroe peg in the Happy New Year scene.

AJ did so much justice to the role of Angel even bringing me to tears during his dying scene, even if I've watched the play so many times around. He brought the role with so much convincing power it was hard to believe that the February 2010 run of Rent was actually his first theater experience ever. AJ didn't just potray Angel. He became Angel, and you could feel his love for Collins during their duet I'll Cover You I insisted that I only march to that song and no other on my wedding day. Despite the instant impact he gave to the audience, AJ remains down-to-earth and sweet, someone who's hard not to love.

I asked AJ if he could answer a few questions for me to feature in this blog and I'm glad that he agreed. For friends and fans of AJ, here he is on the hot seat:

Forever our Angel: Job portraying his role as Angel in Rent, photo by Sundee Guevara

Bambi: Tell us how you auditioned for RENT? Was Angel the first and only choice you had or were you auditioning for another role initially?

Job Bautista: I auditioned for Rent when I overheard a conversation of a friend in school about which song she was going to use for her Rent audition. Being the nosy little bugger that I was, I listened on in and found out that the audition was a day or two later. I scrambled on the Internet for details and tried to muster enough brain power to memorize 2 rock songs. I didn’t have any character in mind that I wanted to audition for. I was actually aiming for an ensemble role. I knew competition would be tough and this would be my first foray into professional theater so I figured my chances to get a lead role were bleak.

Bambi: Why Angel? Last February 2010 was your first pro theater experience ever, right?

JB: Yes, it was.

Bambi: You played your role with so much convincing power you moved the audiences with your role as the kindhearted Angel. What did you do to prep up for your role? Who were your pegs?

JB: Well to begin with I never saw the show onstage so my resources left me with YouTube videos and the actual Rent movie. After knowing what I was in for (i.e. jumping on a table, a vivid sexual death scene, AIDS afflicted characterization), I delved in to the more intricate process of my characterization. I had to know how it truly felt living in the eyes of someone who is immuno-compromised. I visited the Philippine General Hospital and RITM in Alabang to talk to doctors and those afflicted with HIV to truly get a grasp of the disease and the implications of having it. This urged me to join the movement for AIDS awareness and helped me become an active advocate of social groups like Positivism and Yoga for Life. After getting familiar with the technicalities of the disease I moved on to the more fun part of my characterization, DRAG (which we both had fun after my first turn, I actually waited and prayed I'll be assigned to do AJ's makeup again)!!!! I watched drag shows and went to local gay bars to get into the funk of it all. Thank God I have a lot of gay friends… I can’t say I have a particular peg… of course I’ve seen Wilson Jermaine Heredia and Justin Johnson but I’ve taken a lot of my nuances from everyday fabulous gay guys I know.

Bambi: You mentioned Positivism and Yoga for Life. Tell us more about it.

JB: Positivism and Yoga For Life are local organizations whose aims are quite similar in fashion, they are both concerned with the well-beings of those who are immuno-compromised and those affected by it whether it be a family member or a friend. Positivism uses a web-based magazine to reach to its audience. They produce articles featuring citizens living the life with the disease and uplifting stories of triumph and hope. Their main cause is to be a spokesmeduim to offer comfort and guidance as well as increase awareness and breed open-mindedness, so they can shed all negativity and embrace positivism.

Yoga for Life on the other hand is a community-based yoga series created by Charmaine Cu-Unjieng, a Yale-educated HIV specialist, and Paulo Leonido, a fitness expert and personal trainer. YFL is a group which focuses on creating a safe and open environment for HIV-afflicted individuals and advocates of HIV awareness through their yoga program. Their practice opens an environment where individuals are free to practice living a healthy lifestyle free of judgement and negativity. With positive and negative members practicing side by side they induce conversation and denounce possible negative myths and stereotypes of people living with the virus.

(for more information on these social groups, you could visit their websites at: www.positivism.ph and http://rainbowbloggersphils.blogspot.com/2011/01/yoga-for-life-on-philippine-star.html)

Bambi: And the quick costume changes, boy to drag, drag to boy, boy to sick boy. Remember backstage? How was it this time with a smaller stage and a smaller backstage even (while doing the run at Rockwell Cinema)?

JB: Well it’s more of the same madness… Though the stage became smaller the chaos of putting on my makeup and removing it was just as chaotic as it was the first run.

Bambi: Has Angel always been your dream role?

JB: Well … one of… I’m really not the type to go for lead roles. It seriously, scares me to be in the limelight.

Bambi: How was playing Angel at the Rockwell run and the 2011 run different from playing it the first time?

JB: Playing Angel this time around was a lot more fun. I guess this time instead of me trying to nail the character I’m now just having more fun and playing around trying to find new things to add.

Bambi: Contact, i.e. Angel's death scene, in contrast with the funeral was a high energy and high adrenalin number, which involved Angel submitting himself to death with steamy sexy scenes from the cast couples like Maureen and Joanne and Mimi and Roger. What's your interpretation of this number?

JB: The orgasmic blob that is the death scene represents to me Angel’s struggle with the disease and the battle to stay alive for the people he loves. He goes through a fury of emotions, pain, anger, erotic bliss, pleasure, joy, and the feeling of surrender just in that one moment. I guess, we decided to use the explicit sexual imagery to heighten that state of struggle. Because sex is also a means of ultimate Contact not only physically but emotionally. As we know, it is also one of the means of infection of HIV. In the end as I say Take me, take me, today for YOU tomorrow for me, today ME tomorrow you tomorrow. It’s as if I was saying that make it me instead of them… let them know that in my death that they live on. This sets the emotional rollercoaster in the second act which ends with Angel's legacy continued on by Mimi living.

Bambi: Aside from Rent being restaged again at RCBC this February 2011, what could we again expect with you, with your blossoming career in theater?

JB: Well… I don’t know really… as of now I have to concentrate on getting my Bachelor of Music in Voice and getting even more fit being the only Tomcat (male poledancer) with the premiere pole dance company in the Philippines, Polecats. (More on Polecats on a future post)

Job on the pole: Job Bautista is the sole male dancer of the pole dancing group Polecats, and here he is in our photoshoot where I did his makeup. Photo by James Oliver

Bambi: What roles would you like to do next time? Are you willing to do more out-of-the-box roles like Angel?

JB: I would love to do something totally different from Angel the next time around. Really discover my personal acting sprectrum. Of course roles like that of Angel are a big welcome…

Bambi: Name your best memories in theater.

JB: There are so many that I can’t decide on one… the ones I do remember though are the ones when I’m all frazzled out and things in the theater are going haywire…my dance is off…or I break on a note… At those moments I realize that I’m truly living when I run on adrenaline trying to make this the best show ever every night. =)

You could catch Job Bautista reprise his role in Rent this weekend. Show schedules are: 4Mar 8pm, 5Mar 330pm & 8pm, 6Mar 430pm all at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza Makati. For Tickets, call 5575860, 5867105, and 0917-5545560. You could also call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit www.9workstheatrical.com for more details.

Industry Spotlight: Christine Day Lorico

Another feature on a photographer I love and whose work takes up majority of my book.


I met Christine Day Lorico (known as curlytops in Deviantart and Tin to her loved ones) two years ago from a model who invited me to collaborate with her. When she gave me the address, I found out that Christine lives near me. Wow! Another photographer from the South. Normally, I expect photographers with that much of a fan base (she's got fans abroad too) to bring a whole entourage complete with lights and gear but when I got to the location, I saw a curly-haired girl wearing shorts, a tank top, flats, and carrying a camera bag. "Hi! I'm Christine!" she smiled her bedimpled smile and gave a firm handshake. I remembered her ModelMayhem profile and it read, "Don't expect a whole entourage when you meet me. It's just me and my camera!"

Simple and low-profile would definitely be the first impression when you look at her. She's also very charming and I have a private joke to her that she could charm her way out of a parking ticket or driving offense. At first, you wouldn't think that this petite girl could produce pictures that could wow. But she sure could! As Christine narrates:

"Photography started for me when i joined Deviantart to learn some digital art tutorials there and browse the galleries. I've always been drawn to art. I guess I ended up uploading some vacation photos and strangers gave encouraging comments. That's really how it started. A kind word from strangers," she told me.

Extraordinary talent never goes unnoticed. Christine used to keep a low profile just posting her works of art in her Deviant Art page featuring self-portraits or shots taken by her then semi-pro cam. Looks like the kind words from strangers did get her far. Christine started out shooting with a semi-pro camera first, because she thought photography would just be a hobby that would just pass by. But it was one talent and hobby that got her heart pumping and she started leveling up now to fashion photography.

Venturing to fashion photography was a result of Christine's own drive to pursue her career to better heights. "I got restless. lol. I always want to learn and absorb everything I can get when I get obsessed with something. the next step I guess was fashion. I've been collecting Vogue magazines since I was fourteen anyway so it's no wonder that I wanted to learn fashion photography." Her fashion photoblog, Wear Your Lipstick Right features her work on fashion portraiture, which separates her from the point-and-click machine guns. Christine truly imbibes art in her work. With her portraits and photographs, you think Christine has studied abroad through scholarships subjecting herself to intense photography bootcamp. However, Christine's talent is just as raw as the salad on my plate. She never went to photography school. Everything she learned was through experience. Her works remind most people of lomo and fisheye, but she didn't knew the terms until they told her.

Christine works best with natural light, as most of her photos show. She has graduated from a semipro to a Canon d10 and Canon 450d, and a reflector, "na ginagawa kong pamaypay sa shoots!" she would say with a laugh. Oh did I mention she's already playing with lights now? It looks like Christine is now finally serious about going through photography, learning the technical aspect of photography from established photographers who are also, fans of her work. She's open to new knowledge and techniques and even sees and looks forward to the day she would be finally stepping to photography school.

Christine narrates to me the sign that showed her that this is what she truly wants. Funny thing was it was the day her camera conked out.

"When my camera suddenly broke, [and] I felt antsy. I took it immediately to Canon that same day. I found out that that was the last day of my warranty. 'Somebody up there loves me' that's the only thing that went through my head because I had no clue about the warranty. Then out of the blue without pursuing it, I got signed by two agencies consecutively. It also helps that everyone that matters to me seems to believe in me and help me. "


And who doesn't love Christine right? Not only does she produce excellent photos, she's fun to be with. Shoots under intense heat or on the middle of nowhere are fun. Imagine just driving around BF and then seeing an empty lot. "Ayan!" No diva attitude as to the shoot location, Christine has shot in a posh condo unit, an abandoned old hotel, or the rooftop of her old office and the office itself and producing fantastic images each time. I remember our shoot in her old office in BF. I got there, did my makeup, changed to an outfit, and in an hour or so, we were done with five layouts. That with matching kwentuhan.

So what's next up for Christine? I've featured in my previous post Christine's next venture, which is prenuptials and wedddings, a niche that's very much in demand here in the Philippines and one niche that's close to Christine's heart. Being the girly-girl that she is, her love for chick flicks and cheesy romantics has reflected in her work behind the lens, writing love stories via digital imagery. Recently, she was the photographer for my Jhojho's prenup and for my own prenup, I booked Christine to do the shoot (more on that soon). Christine has recently created a new photoblog, Bubblegum and Kisses for her works with couples, children, and close friends and family as subjects.

She vies away from the usual pose-y poses and creates a story in each layout, making each picture truly romantic and unique

As of the moment, Christine enjoys what she currently does, and continues to work harder and leveling up being the best as what she could be. Does she see this as a forever thing? Christine smiles, "I learned to accept my unpredictable nature." Let's stay tuned as to what surprise this new talent has.

Industry Spotlight: Andrian Jutba

After packing his bags and boarding a plane to Manila, young photographer Andrian Jutba has beefed up his portfolio with his fantastic images. Many of his models have gone to Europe, New York, and other Asian countries and use his images. Known for his preference for natural light, fantastic and sensual storyboards, and eye for capturing the right emotion of the subject, Andy's works have this kind of sensuality that leaves the viewer wanting more.

I'm glad Andy has agreed to be featured here in my blog. This isn't his first time to be featured, though, as his works have graced many online magazines and international blogs as well.

1. How long have you been doing photography? What got you to start taking pictures?
I've been doing it for almost 2 years now. What got me started taking pictures is I have huge interest in fashion and somehow being able to inject it with stories that can be seen in daily life would be interesting. But as time goes by, I am more interested in just taking good photographs with beautiful individuals, the ones that inspires me in some ways as a photographer. This is my passion really and it feeds my soul. Photography is the main denominator in my life right now. Most of the important people in my life, I met because of photography.

Screenshots of Andy's work featured in online magazines.

2. Describe the Andrian Jutba photography style.
Natural, Spontaneous, Sensual. It's about their faces, about their bodies.

3. Natural light or studio lights? Which would you prefer?
Natural light surely is the way to go since I always aim for the natural/delicateness feel in my photo, nothing beats sunlight.



4. Who are the biggest influences and inspirations in your work?
There's a lot actually but one photographer really inspires me is Nicoline Patricia Malina, a photographer based in Jakarta, Indonesia. She really is amazing, her photos really speak from the heart, all the drama, emotion, tension it really shows, she's one of the reason why I want to be a photographer and because of her influence to me I just got a tattoo of her name near my left ribcage, and did I say she's amazing?


5. How do you get the models to feel comfortable when posing, especially if the shoot is sexy or if you're meeting them for the first time? How do you cope with those that have a hard time warming up at first?
I just make the models feel comfortable with themselves. I have conversations with them while the shoot is ongoing. I make them smile and make them feel comfortable with their sexuality and things will turn out the way that you planned it, which ends in beautiful photographs. When I work with people that I don't have a connection with, it's a disaster. There are other people who are super uptight and weird and you'll feel like it's going to be a disaster.


6. How do you deal with competition?
Competition is always there and some are really getting rough but it doesn't affect me. I have this hunger for excellence, perfection in everything that I do, but there's no person I'm going to push to the side to get where I'm going. I want to create my own road.


7. How would you want to be remembered in this industry?
I want to be remembered as the young kid who has an incredible drive with his passion in life.


8. Suppose you were to get in front of the camera and you could choose any photographer you want to take your photo. Who would it be?
Hedi Slimane.

For more of Andy's work, visit his online portfolio at http://www.andrianjutba.com.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: Yeoh Egwaras

I'll be starting to add sections like these in my blog called Industry Spotlight, featuring the brightest and best people that I've worked with, most of them my good friends. These are not necessarily bloggers or makeup artists but models, photographers, stylists, designers, both male and female. It's time that they finally get noticed and take the spotlight since they deserve it after working really hard to be on top without putting anyone down.

For my first feature, I'll be featuring Yeoh Egwaras. I met Yeoh during a party at Fiamma last year and since then, we got to be really close friends. Right now, he's based in Naga, he still makes it a point to keep in touch. Actually, Yeoh's forwarded text was the first text message I got for the day. Aside from being a model, he's also a blogger. Check out his blog dedicated to the best and beautiful women models with tips on how to get started. I like how he writes, which has an amusing, frank, and honest tone, with no frills and ruffles. Simple, straightforward, with a bit of humor.

When I asked him if he would like to be my first Industry Spotlight feature, he was like, "Are you serious?" Well, I couldn't think of a better person to start of with than one of my closest and smartest friends. More than working hard, he always makes it a point to keep in touch, to make his friends know that he still would be there for them despite being in the province.

Hello Yeoh how are you?

Am awesome.just got back from the gym

Yeoh's first photoshoot, taken by Sheng Du.

Anyway, thanks for letting me interview you. So Multiply knows you more as a model. When was it that you decided you wanted to model? Did you just wake up and say, "Hey! I want to be a model NOW NA!"

I modeled before because of my older sister. She took me to go sees when I was 17 but I never took it seriously. I started getting photoshoots when I turned 20, and found myself loving it. You get to work with awesome, really talented people. And it's great fun. You get dressed up and made up. I was never used to that.

And it sure is fun. What do you prefer doing, ramp or print/shoots?

I'm usually too short for ramp, but I love it when I get to do fashion shows. There's a rush when your backstage lined up and the music starts to play.

Aside from being in front of the camera, you've ventured also in photography, like taking pictures during fashion shows and events plus even helping us in styling the model or assisting in shoots. Being in front of the camera most of the time, why the enthusiasm of working behind the camera, even as an assistant?

It's fun. You become part of something creative, and everytime you get a really good photo who get a rush. And I usually just work with friends so it's the time we bond.

Behind the camera assisting at a photoshoot (above) and as a photographer (below).

So you don't get the feeling like, "Hey, I'm a model, why am I the one assisting the model being shot?"

No. Not at all. Hahaha. I model, but that's work it doesn't really define who you are and how you should think or act.

Okay, so that's model, photographer, assistant, stylist, PA, and now you're blogging. Tell us about your blog.

It's called "Yeoh Will Blog About Girls. Really Pretty Ones". I wanted a blog that featured the top and also aspiring models from our country and around the world. I felt like all the other model blogs in the Philippines are filled with photos of half-naked male models (heeey!!!!... :P)-some not models at all-, and I just wanted to showcase that girl Filipino models are awesome and we should be more appreciative and to an extent be proud of them.

Now I see an event date. Okay I'm kidding. Next question is... tetetetenen...who are the models you look up to?

I look up to people I have worked with actually, models my age who started at almost the same time. We learn from each other. I always say that in this kind of work, you wouldn't last if you you don't have good friends who constantly urge you to go to go-sees no matter how many times you get rejected, and refer you to modelling jobs when they can.

We all are plagued with haters who spam hate comments in Facebook, Multiply, or even blogs. How do you suggest to deal with them?

They can hate all they want, but they never can or should affect you and how you see yourself.

You have so many friends, and just this Sunday, all our models at the shoot happen to be your friends. What's your secret with fantastic people skills?

I guess that's something i got from my Dad, he talks to everyone and has friends everywhere. LOL.

You blogged about having a strong headshot and you produce pretty strong headshots yourself. Any tips you'd like to share?

Practice in front of the mirror. That's all there is too it. You have to know your angles when you wanna model. It's your job to know you flaws and how you can hide them.

Modelling does have an expiration date, and even the most famous international models would soon stop strutting runways and do designer campaigns. If your time came to retire from modelling, what would your career be?

I think I'd be writing for a magazine or newspaper. It doesnt have to be fashion or anything related to that. I like giving my opinions and sharing to the world your ideas and your emotions.

Okay super bonus question: what would be your dream campaign shoot?

Haven't really thought of that before. haha. But anything shot by Mario Testino would be awesome.

Makeup Artist Chat: Tippy Destacamento

Just a year in the industry, makeup artist and stylist Tippy Destacamento (the surname is Portugese) has a lot of accomplishments tucked under his belt. After completing his Basic Makeup Artistry course at the Center for Aesthetic Studies last year under Mari Wild, he has had a rich portfolio and has graced newsprints, billboards, and even glosses. At present, he has just finished his photoexhibit, BARE, and he's currently under the tutelage of veteran makeup artist Steven Doloso.

Tippy's headshot by Ku Manahan

Aside from being a makeup artist/stylist/creative director (specialty being high fashion and avante garde), Tippy is known as one of the industry's most controversial bloggers. His blogs have awakened many artists with regards to their rights. He is not just a makeup artist and stylist. He is an advocate of artist's rights. If the makeup industry was a university, Tippy is one activist. Included in his numerous activities, is his current stint as a writer for 'Bout Pratique magazine, an upcoming magazine here in the Philippines dedicated to practical tips. :-)

Right now, the controversial blogger/makeup artist extraordinaire sits down with me and answers a few questions.

1. What was your job before being involved in makeup full time?
After graduating in college, I got persuaded by my then partner (laughs) who was working in a callcenter. I thought it was just a phase, like me staying there for only six months. But I enjoyed it. We were the pioneers then of then eTelecare International, which was still in Libis. Nobody knew what the callcenter industry was. It was not a hit with everyone just yet. Eventually it was hard to leave when promotion after promotion came in. It's funny i stayed for 6 solid years.

Fun times with Tippy (above) after the Model Project Shoot and (below) at the Ciao Italia Event.

2. How was it leaving the corporate world for the uncertainty of the life of a freelance artist? How do you cope with it?
It was life changing. I was earning a lot before i left. I can travel elsewhere and I can afford things. It was so hard. I say it was a humbling experience. I had to budget my money. It was hard because I went cold turkey. I was severely burned out from the corporate world. It was like the next day I said, "I'm gonna go and pursue my passion".

Tippy during his days in the corporate world

3. About your blog, you're known in the circle of multiply artists as a very controversial blogger with the two blogs that have stirred many reactions. Did you ever regret posting articles like that?
Yes and No. Yes, because I had this image where I am a bitch and a primadonna. Some people are stupid. You cannot take away stupidity from anyone. It's their gift. They cannot separate opinions from who the person is throwing the opinion. I was tagged negatively. Even models are afraid of me. I even heard gossips saying that i am difficult to work with. You know me, Bambi. I never am a diva. Well, yeah sometimes. Hahahaha. On the other hand, No, because it awakened some make-up artists that they have to stand up for their rights. I am happy to say that almost all make-up artists now are being fed during shoots.

Serious at work: As a stylist (above photo) and as a makeup artist (below)

4. Correct! We get fed now! Hahahaha! As an artist fully immersed in this business, we had our share of negative experiences. We can't help that we will have our detractors. How do you deal with detractors and rivals in the industry?
I just laugh at them. You cannot move on if you wallow. There are really people who are born to destroy. That's what they're good at. The most difficult I would say would be the people who heard the gossips. It's too hard to collect them all and revert whatever has been said. They already have this fear. Unexplainable fear.

5. Describe your artwork when you were a featured artist in Manila Bulletin. (for his artwork, Tippy used old makeup and eye pencil shavings and made a dinner plate using these materials)
I am very good in conceptualization. I thought of it as make-up being food. A make-up artist always has to have something to fuel the passion. It's actually dual. Figuratively and practically. Food being something that fuels his continous talent and artistic abilities. You feed on it. You suck on it like it is your breastmilk. As well as being a make-up artist is now known as a profession that can feed a family. It was known before as a hobby or a low level job that can never raise a family. Now it's otherwise.

Feature in Manila Bulletin with his artwork.

6. What are your plans in the future?
Like what Ms. Mari Wild always says, "It is a continous learning experience. You have to seek knowledge because the possibilities are endless." I am planning to study again. I am also introducing airbrush make-up slowly to those who can afford.

Tippy's Masterpieces!

model: Lauren Dalao

photographer: Jaydproductions

model: Keit Quiozon

photographer: Paul Ang

Serenity in Fury, Tippy's first photoexhibit (Model: Iya Consengco / Photographer: Pen Mulingbayan)

7. What's great about you is that I can give you any makeup, brand-name or whatever and still do a great job. Do you advice beginner makeup artists not to snub on cheap brands?
Actually some local brands are great brands. As a beginner, never ever play with expensive make-up brands. It's just plain stupid. I am known in the industry for carrying economical brands when I do pro-bono or low budget projects. For me as long as you have the ability, you can actually achieve the same results.

8. Tell us about your latest photoexhibit, BARE? (BARE is Tippy's second photoexhibit, the first one being last April, entitled "Serenity in Fury")
Bare actually was my baby concept. I hooked up with my good friend JayD Ramos to help me out with the photography. A lot of headshots are actually going around now. But mostly they are just for themselves. I wanna make something that's unique, raw and unmanipulated by photoshop. The statements should say something that's truly you. Whatever you believe in. That's what we put beside your picture. It's actually a headshot that's coupled with a shoutout.

Some of Tippy's work for BARE:

(models: Erika Maguad and Ina Mendez. Photo by Jaydproductions)

9. How is it working with Steven Doloso?
Oh! He is such a sweetheart! We met around two months ago. We hit it off pretty well. I am now under his tutelage. He was the one told me to immediately focus on beauty and glamour since the money is there. When he found me, I was already known to be good in avante garde. Manila Bulletin gets me for their avante garde-themed shoots. He is teaching me a lot. How to deal with things. How to do this and that. What products to use or buy. I don't actually mind being his associate. Anyway he is Steven Doloso.

10. Any advice to young makeup artists starting out?
Before you even start, make sure that you are packed with enough cash to make you survive for at least six months. Buy economical yet quality brands. Practice. Work with hobbyist photographers. There you'll know where you are really going. Practice good brows. Watch make-up videos online. You have so many resources around. use it!

11. If you were a makeup product what would you be?
A concealer stick. In this industry, we cannot afford to be ugly. We need to conceal things that are not good. We represent beauty. It is just right for us to represent it well. Like a concealer stick, it is handy. Very easy to handle.

For more of Tippy's work, log on his website at http://tippyfield.multiply.com