MERCATOR TALENTS SIZZLE IN THE FASHION AND ENTERTAINMENT SCENE

Celebrating its 6th anniversary last May, Mercator Model and Artist Management promises to make the best even better. After a highly successful 2009, Mercator is pushing towards a better finish this year. From ramps to billboards, TV ads to TV shows, its talents are set to conquer the local fashion and entertainment scene. President Jonas Gaffud responds to increased expectations, “We hope to be stronger this year by simply doing better. Our talents know that the market is highly competitive, they know they have to be more skilled and prepared for challenges.”

Mercator represents the most recognizable faces in the fashion industry. Local mannequins Jasmine Maierhoffer, Lotus Van Heddegen, Ann Casas and Kim Ross delos Santos are expected to stay as prime movers, and even go the extra mile by strutting their stuff abroad. Seasoned male models Geron Lontoc, Lance Howard, Don Mendoza, Jayson Fulgencio, Laxie Villar and Gerard Sison are expected to dominate the local runways. Mikael Daez and Henrique Soriano are set to light up the international scene, with Henrique already currently enjoying a successful stint in Singapore.

Mercator also develops a growing roster of celebrity models making waves on film and television. Actor Victor Basa (co-managed by Star Magic, ABS-CBN), the first Mercator artist to venture into TV in 2005, starred with Alessandra da Rossi in Romeo and Juliet, under the direction of award-winner Adolfo Alix. The film shows a very different side of Victor, who has played a priest in the top rating and long running soap opera, May Bukas Pa. He also guests in ASAP.

Lemuel Pelayo, a top commercial model who has appeared in ads for brands like Coke, Globe, Voice, Tropicana, Doublemint, STI, SMART, McDonald's, and Lewis & Pearl, finally agreed to try his luck in showbiz. He was one of the leads in the new season of Daisy Siyete's Bebe & Me. He made his film debut with Victor in Romeo and Juliet. This was followed by other film projects such as D' Survivors (also by Adolfo Alix, starring other Mercator Artists) and Chasis, a drama with Jodie Sta. Maria and Jubail Andres (also of Mercator and co-managed by Star Magic). Lemuel is being groomed as a protagonist with his good looks and charm.

Jubail Andres heads the opposite direction with his rugged looks and aggressive character by taking on kontrabida roles. He also starred in D' Survivors.

The first Pinoy Sole Survivor, JC Tiuseco, remains steady in his flourishing TV career. After winning the coveted title, he hosted in Unang Hirit, and appeared in two soap operas: Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat sa Akin and GMA Christmaserye Sana Ngayong Pasko with veteran actors Susan Roces, Dante Rivero, Christopher de Leon and Gina Alajar. He also appeared in Dear Friend, celebrated his birthday with a concert and fans day and had a brief stint in Survivor Season 2. JC also graces sorties and mall tours all over the country. He plays one of Heart Evangelista’s leading men in Langit sa Piling Mo and hosts a new sports-adventure show, X-Life.

Mercator also co-manages (with GMA Talent Center) another reality-TV star, Ian Batherson, who broke through the entertainment industry in Starstruck V. He is a singer-song writer who also plays the guitar. Before joining showbiz, he was a top commercial model.