MERCATOR TALENTS SIZZLE UP THE LOCAL SCENE

Make the best better. After a highly successful 2008, the home of the biggest names in the country’s modeling business- Mercator Model Management, Inc.- promises an even better finish this year. From ramps to billboards, from TV ads to TV shows, Mercator talents are set to conquer the local scene. The company’s President, Jonas Gaffud has this to say about the increased expectations: “We hope to be stronger this year by simply doing better. Our talents know that the market is highly competitive, so they know that they have to be more skilled and prepared for challenges.”

            The most recognizable names in the fashion industry are with Mercator. Local mannequins Jasmine Maierhiorfer, Ann Casas, Lotus Van Heddegem and Don Mendoza are expected to maintain their status as prime movers, and go the extra mile of showing and strutting what they’ve got in international runways. On the solely domestic front, eye-candies Lance Howard, Bjorn Aguilar, Ervic Vijandre, Laxie Villar, Eric Santos and beauty queen Jennifer Barientos to dominate the business this year. And after the storm called Akihiro Sato in 2008, Manila should brace for more Brazilian models to sweep us off our feet in 2009. Daniel Matsunaga already formidable in fashion capitals, would spice up this part of the world in the days to come.

            Mercator horizons are also expanding. It established an Artist Management Division for its stars and budding actors. Victor Basa, a Star Magic Talent is already part of the matinee idol group Coverboys. He has appeared in primetime soaps and indies. More TV shows to showcase his versatile acting style are already up. Jubail Andres, the dancer-actor is now with ABS-CBN and has landed cameos in Betty La Fea and Maalala Mo Kaya. Expect this guy to be more visible this year. The newest Mercator talent to conquer television is the first Survivor winner, JC Tiuseco. The fit and clean-living youth idol is already part of GMA’s Unang Hirit, and is being given good acting vehicles like Dear Friend last March and his first soap opera Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin, this talent could turn into a fine actor. Akihiro Sato’s indie movie Handumanan is going to be shown this year and other offers are coming his way. So, we can expect to see more of this Latin-Asian hunk. The best thing about these actors is that they possess not only handsome looks, but have also some precious things to share. All are educated, health buffs, sporty, opinionated and ready for self-improvement, characteristics which help build long-lasting careers.

Honing their artistic skills and flair thru regular workshops and acting sessions are striking models and crowd-favorites Rodel Felicidario, Barbara Salvador, Lemuel Pelayo and Gerard Sison.

            With this line up and pleasant surprises along the way, 2009 would be a much busier year for Mercator. And for watchers and observers, this is another reason to believe that 2009 is a great- and beautiful- year to look forward to indeed.