Thursday, September 29, 2005
Meet the newest Close-Up models
CAMERAS flashing, crowds cheering their names, people asking for their autographs. This fresh-faced young pair from Davao City never expected the trappings of fame, but now, they're ready and eager for a bright modeling and showbiz career as "CloseUp to Fame's" winning couple.
Reyson Yap and Carine Cabebe are both Ateneo de Davao University graduates who took a chance and auditioned for the show four months ago.
Carine had planned to follow in the footsteps of her lawyer dad and accountant mom, while Reyson was preparing to help his parents manage their family business at SM Davao.
Their lives changed when they came to Manila; went through workshops, photo shoots, and weekly challenges, and finally, made it to the final leg of the contest as part of the Famous Six.
The decisive moment came in "CloseUp to Fame: The Final Call," a grand show with today's most popular young celebrities. Fans and supporters chanted the names of all the finalists, but in the end, Reyson and Carine stood out because of their confidence and natural charm.
These two up-and-coming models have unique personalities that provide something different and refreshing from what one usually expects in a star.
Carine is smart, outspoken, and introspective; Reyson is laid-back, cool, and outgoing. Both of them think that simplicity and confidence were the winning assets that set them apart.
"I guess 'yung pagiging totoo was an advantage for me. I wasn't trying too hard. I was just being myself," relates Carine.
Likewise, Reyson recalls that he wasn't nervous during the finals. "I felt carefree, okay lang kahit 'di manalo," he says. "Nag-hand signal pa nga ako sa family ko right before the final announcement, thumbs-up and thumbs-down, to say that we should accept whatever the outcome would be. They cheered to show that they'll still be happy for me no matter what".
It was a sweet and unexpected victory for both, and the strong support from their kababayans made it much more meaningful.
Carine's classmates and teachers cast text votes for her and often sent encouraging messages. The episode when the final six contenders were announced revealed that Reyson had gotten the highest number of text votes among all the finalists--proof of the strong support coming from his hometown.
On the finals night, their relatives and friends came all the way from Davao City to cheer them on. Carine's uncle even had a banner especially made for her, and Reyson's proud parents showed up with two large teddy bears wearing "I Love Reyson" shirts.
Both winners had promised to give part of their prize money to their parents.
"Since I'm an Accountancy graduate, I'll make sure to invest the money wisely," Carine smilingly says. "Pero gusto ko talagang umuwi sa Davao when I get the chance. I want to spend time with my family to thank them for all their love and support.
Reyson, a Management graduate, still wants to help his entrepreneur father. "My dad has always been my inspiration and idol," he shares. "When I won, he kept saying how proud he was of me. I really would like to help him out somehow."
As he was coming down from the stage, a friend's relative asked for Reyson's autograph. Reyson readily signed it with a smile and talked politely with his new fan. Carine, on the other hand, greeted old friends in Bisaya and hugged each of her relatives in turn.
Humility, they agree, is part of being famous. "I'll still talk in Bisaya, still hang out with my friends.
For me, the best way of thanking all those who supported me is to stay as friendly and close to them as ever," Carine affirms.
"Di ako magbabago sa pakikitungo sa kanila. I wouldn't be here without them anyway," says Reyson.
Reyson and Carine view their new status as CloseUp endorsers as a new and exciting challenge.
"I look forward to building a strong career in commercial modeling. And I want to say daghang salamat to all Dabawenyos for their support," says Carine.
For Reyson as well, fame is an opportunity and a blessing: "I'm thankful to God and to everyone who supported me. I'm enjoying every minute of this."
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (September 29, 2005 issue)
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