On the Ramp

Summer is time to show off – at the beach, the mountains or waterfalls – the comfortable and practical clothes you can wear for the season. Or even the elegant ones. And when the month of June approaches, the gowns and suits that one dreams of when he or she walks down the wedding aisle.

This is what we, members of the Bacolod Association of Models, this summer time. Of course, as your wardrobe changes through the seasons, we also showcase different outfits for the proper time and occasion, lingerie included.

BAM provides  print and runway models for companies, groups and individuals who want to showcase their creations. It was organized by two dreamers – Carlos Durana Jr. and Cleofe Tan, who believe Bacolod City and Negros Occidental are ripe to assume the spotlight in fashion events and help search for fashion modeling talents.

It is the first print runway talent agency in the city started in 2007. The founders ventured into the business after attending a training in Cebu where they developed contacts with the Models Association of Cebu, which, they said, have been helpful in launching the Bacolod agency.

Through BAM, we hope to put Bacolod City in the fashion map of the country, promote trends in the industry and provide a venue for those who aspire to work in it, Tan said as she emphasized that its pool of talents have become “competent and disciplined through proper training, right education and proper values needed for them to excel in their craft.”

Durana said agency has now a pool of talents. “and we’re growing,” he further pointed out as “we are scouting for people with great looks, poise, attitude and potentials to excel not only locally but also globally , those who will become our new breed of professional models”.

They must have passion, discipline and respect not just for self but also for others, Tan added.

Indeed, modeling for BAM is rigorous, something that requires one’s commitment and energies as well as responsibility. Contrary to what others thing that models are mostly “dumb-dumb”, our group is made aware that we must give our studies high priority. Since most of  the BAM models are students, our producers always remind us to pay attention to our academics and even disallows those with study problems from participating in a BAM production or project.

Modeling has made us better-rounded and adjusted individuals as we are exposed to different situations and kinds and levels of people. In the process, we develop bonds of friendship among ourselves at BAM.

I am confident this is how most, if not all, of my fellow BAM models feel. My colleagues are Jacqueline Acebuche Noreen Macy Dongon, Mary Irmin Cherniguin, Alexis Danica Drilon, Jan Marie Vega, Karlu Dawn Tan, Krishel Irelle Katague, Lovely Canuto, Marie Unson, Reggie Villanueva, Bella Jaeger, Katherine Rigby and Lianne Fernandez as well as Adrian Abello, Kevin John Zaldarriaga, Jay Ralph Antiporda, Jeric Villanueva, Nathaniel Ang, Adam Nerpiol Angelo Araneta, John Steven Ochoa and Nathaniel Sison.

As Zaldarriaga said, it’s fun to be part of the production that introduces new lines of creations by designers for it serves as a mixture of pleasure, business and fun and a nice way of socialization. It also gives me an opportunity to meet new friends while releasing the stress from school. I just make sure that there’s no conflict between work and school,  that there’s balance in my activities, he said, adding he makes sure he can find time to work out in the gym.

BAM has produced at least 15 projects, including runway series and photo shoots, since  January last year, with one show staged in Boracay. Today, the models will showcase the wedding wardrobe creations of Bacolod designers and in-house stylist.

Assisting the agency in its special projects is Claytech Production  led by Tan, who is assisted by Sony Cabahug as creative director, Rolen Espera as scriptwriter and associate director, Durana and Yulo who are the in-house stylists, account executive Christine Panes and Lino Pascua, production assistant.

Modeling may have it rigors but it is a fun and  feel-good job  experience, especially when you realize that people like up to you, even copy the way you dress. It’s more than just projecting yourself before the camera or gliding on the stage. A fashion  model, based on our experience with BAM, is also a role model.