In the middle of 2009, Filipino-Italian race-car-driver-turned-actor Matteo Guidicelli was seen performing onstage alongside Kapuso talents in GMA7’s Sunday variety show, SOP. At first, I was taken aback since Matteo is very much identified with ABS-CBN, the network which gave him big acting breaks. The Kapamilya network apparently failed to give the Cebuano hottie acting offers which made him consider changing networking affiliation. GMA7 has even placed his profile in its website which features its current roster of talents.

However, in a recent turn of events, Matteo has found his way back to the Kapamilya network. He has accepted the role of Ronnie in the soap opera “Agua Bendita”.

“Agua Bendita” is a story originally serialized by Rod Santiago in a Filipino comicbook. The story primarily focuses on the rivalry betwen twin sisters Agua and Bendita, one of whom was born normal while the other born with a deformity. It will also tackle Agua’s struggle for acceptance and her sister’s battle with insecurity. The dual roles of Agua and Bendita will be given life to by Andi Eigenmann. Matteo, as Ronnie, and Jason Abalos, as Paco, will serve as the two characters’ love interests in the series.

The cast of “Agua Bendita” has taken on a big challenge. The timeslot left by “May Bukas Pa” will definitely be big shoes to fill as far as the ratings game is concerned. The new show is set to air in the timeslot it inherited from the hugely popular Zaijian Jaranilla-led show which placed the child actor in the consciousness of Filipinos worldwide. Will the Andi Eigenmann-Jason Abalos-Matteo Guidicelli-starrer be as strong a player as its predecessor? Well, it remains to be seen.

The initial telecast of “Agua Bendita” is on February 8, 2010. For viewers outside the Philippines, check your local listings.

Hair Color: Dark Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Height: 6′0″
Chest: 38″
Waist: 31″
Hips: 38″
Shoe size: 9″
Body Type: Slim / Toned

20-year old Martin Abrenica is a ramp model who hails from the seaport town of Kolding in the southern part of Denmark. He was born to a Filipino father and a Danish mother.

He loves the water and watersports (thus, explaining his golden sun-kissed tan). However, the cold Scandinavian climate in his country prevents him from enjoying them all year round. He, thus, goes to his very own tropical retreat in the Philippines, The Palangan Hilltop, in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, to bask in the sun whenever he’s not too busy in his home country.

Martin just finished his degree in Marketing and Innovation from International Business College in Denmark before deciding to pursue a career in the Philippines. At first, he set out to be a tattoo artist in the country as it was his first love. However, in a twist of fate, he had a chance encounter with distant cousin, Aljur Abrenica, which caused his career plans to change.

Aljur encouraged Martin to try out showbiz and was very supportive in this endeavor. The Starstruck 4 Ultimate Hunk even brought his Danish cousin to some of his tapings and ramp appearances. Martin did not enjoy the long hours of taping but loved how the female fans reacted while male models strutted their stuff on the Cosmopolitan Bachelor Bash 2009 ramp. So, Martin decided to pursue modeling instead.

In the Cosmopolitan event, Martin received several invitations for modeling representation. However, the most lucrative offer came from Reco Model Management, so this is what he seriously considered. Under Reco, he was able to bag several modeling assignments, most notable of which are the ad campaigns and ramp assignments for MarQ Collection and Bench during Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 held in October 2009.

At present, Martin is back in Denmark for vacation. He plans to go back to Manila in April 2010 to continue his blossoming modeling career.

Chris Tiu has his eyes on several things: basketball, hosting, modeling, business – even politics. But unlike the jacks of all trades out there who are actually masters of none, Chris is always a frontrunner in whatever endeavor he is involved with.

Blame it on passion – and also dedication, hard work, and discipline, all of which are synonymous to Chris Tiu’s name. This certified basketball superstar, after all, started playing the sport when he was just five years old, joined the school’s basketball team when he was in Grade 4, and then just took it all the way from there. After playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles during his college days, he is now a part of Smart Gilas, a developmental national basketball team aiming to play at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

To make sure he’s on top of his game, Chris plays basketball six times a week, and attends court training, which involves weights, cardiovascular exercises, and agility drills. Of course, this hunk also makes sure that he eats healthy by watching what he puts on his plate. He avoids fatty foods, and cuts down on carbs, especially white rice, at night. But when he feels like having a good meal, he goes for salads, which he loves, steak, Japanese food, and a lot of Chinese food.

A familiar face on TV (he is a commercial model, after all), Chris has recently joined the world of show business as a television host. Gifted with gab, presence and charm, he has two TV programs on GMA 7: “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not,” and “Pinoy Records,” which he co-hosts with Manny Pacquaio.

The list doesn’t end there for this young achiever. Chris is also a businessman who does some stocks on the side. He’s a regular traveler who likes experiencing different cultures. And then after being a Sangguniang Kabataan chairman for five years, he is now a kagawad who has various sports-related projects for the youth.

But while Chris has several interests and passions, one thing is for sure: he trusts only Hanford when it comes to underwear. It is actually the brand’s versatility that he likes the most. “I can use Hanford products anytime, anywhere, 24/7,” he says, sharing that he uses the undershirts to sleep, the tank tops for training and at the gym, and the supporters during practice, since he plays basketball almost everyday.

An endorser for the underwear brand for a year and a half now, Chris considers it a privilege to be part of Hanford’s very select endorsers. “They are unlike other competitors, who have lots and lots of models,” he says. “With Hanford, they are very selective, and to be chosen as one of the very few, I am very honored.”

Known to be very shy and traditional, Chris admits that he does enjoy the photo shoots and that he understands how he needs to sometimes be a little bit daring. Hanford is an underwear brand, after all. Just how daring has he posed for the brand so far? “Maybe when I was wearing the tank top with my low-waisted jeans, I was showing the garter, and I had a sexy pose,” he recalls. “For others maybe it’s just normal, but for me that’s already pretty sexy.” For a conservative guy coming from a very conservative family, that is indeed an accomplishment!

Accomplishing great things – that’s something that Chris Tiu is good at, whether it’s in the basketball court or the entertainment industry, the business world or even the political arena. Just like Hanford, Chris aims to always be the best. Both in pursuit of excellence, there is no wonder why there is a strong partnership between this overachiever and the country’s leading undergarment brand.

Source: Hanford PR

Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Height: 5′9″
Chest: 37″
Waist: 30″
Hips: 32″
Shoe size: 11″
Body Type: Medium

18-year old Julian Roxas is a student at De La Salle University – Manila taking up Political Science. He models part-time whenever his school schedule permits.

His modeling career started a few years ago when he was at a friend’s party and was approached to do some modeling work. Since then, he has been given assignments left and right and has slowly been making a name for himself in the industry.

His notable appearances include: a tv commercial for Samsung Imagine Shout Out promotion (a tie up with Folded & Hung); a catalogue for Hang Ten; and ramp assignments for Aficionado Swimwear Fashion Show and Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010. Julian was also featured in the 2009 issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine Phiippines’ 69 Most Eligible Bachelors.

Expect to see a lot more of this college sophomore in print ads, tv commercials and even television shows.