JERICK SANCHEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
DEBBIE NUÑEZ ART DIRECTOR
AIRIZ CASTA MANAGING EDITOR
MAXINE CADACIO, MIKAELA DAYAO EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
GWILEN PULIA WEB EDITOR / HEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER
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CONTRIBUTORS Bjorn Manila- Photographer WHAT YOU DID FOR THIS ISSUE? Photographed the cover and the editorial of Who’s That Girl... It’s Jess! YOUR EXPERIENCES WHILE DOING IT? Oh, it definitely did not go the way it should’ve been but I was just after my goal of delivering a great set of photos which I believe we accomplished!
Adolfo López-Photographer WHAT YOU DID FOR THIS ISSUE? I shoot a history inspired in the figure of the torero. I didn’t know nothing about their convictions, mood of life, belief…and I got surprised because we shoot with a model in a real torero suit.I don’t like their work (kill bulls) but his life is thrilling. YOUR EXPERIENCES WHILE DOING IT? I enjoyed the work because the light shines and the darkness brought together and the intensity of the gaze of the model.
Mherck Caponpon- Photographer WHAT YOU DID FOR THIS ISSUE? Its summer, that is why I made an editorial for this season. These are ready-to-wear clothes but still in fashion. Honestly, me and my stylist doesn’t want it to look like a lookbook so we decided to change the compositions. These editorial is for all the ladies who loves (to fashionably dress themselves and yet not overdoing it). This is the best season to wear bright colors or so they call Color Blocking. YOUR EXPERIENCES WHILE DOING IT? Our experiece can be summed-up into a three letter word, F-U-N! I found a linda (beautiful) model. She is a Brazilian from Next Models Agency. She is not fluent in english and we find it hard to communicate with each other. While on car, the model named Monica, taught us some portuguese e.g.chicken, feet etc. and it’s so cool! Seriously! While on shoot, I find it difficult to instruct Monica, and thank God to Curlah De Mesa who helped me translate my instruction. Since its my come-back shoot from Hongkong, I did my best to give you this that is why I am so excited to be part of the Zone Magazine!
Jeff Galang- Stylist WHAT YOU DID FOR THIS ISSUE? I styled the Print Setter editorial which features the top “prints” of Summer 2012 together with the must-have bikini cuts this season. YOUR EXPERIENCES WHILE DOING IT? The location of our shoot, an abandoned car repair shop in Maginhawa St., made all the experience memorable.
Lisa Kato- Photographer WHAT YOU DID FOR THIS ISSUE? I wanted to create something new that felt like a dream-like fantasy. We did Brooklyn in Wonderland. YOUR EXPERIENCES WHILE DOING IT? I had never had that kind of a big crew for a fashion shoot. It was a really good learning experience Afor me.
CONTENTS
EDITORIALS 30 SLICE IF SUMMER 122 HOW STRANGE INNOCENCE 82 SHE’S NOT THERE 100 LATE SUMMER SUN 106 TORERO 38 SORBET HERO 148 HER HEAVEN IS NEVER ENOUGH 72 BROOKLYN IN WONDERLAND 134 DONT GO HOME
CONTENTS
ARTICLES 13 NOT ANOTHER SUMMER FLING 16 PINKBERRY EXPERIENCE 22 WHO’S THAT GIRL 12 5 BOOKS 17 TREND REPORT 10 OF YOUTH AND EQUAL RIGHTS 156 SUMMER
EDITORIALS 50 BITTERSWEET SUMMER 62 ENCOURAGE 90 PRINTSETTER 114 ADOLFO LOPEZ
EDITORS NOTE Dear Zone Magazine Readers, TEMPERATURE UP! The heat is up here in Manila and I guess it is the right time to share with you our summer issue featuring the oriental beauty of Jessica Yang on the cover. It’s a dream come true for us to feature different talents not only from the Philippines but also from around the globe. I never dreamt that ZONE will get this much appreciation and believe me this issue is a start of something new. We are very thankful to the Contributors of ZONE Photographers, Stylists, Makeup Artists, Hair Stylists, Models, Illustrators and Writers who offered their time to share their talents with us. Becoming the Editor-in-Chief of ZONE is really fulfilling especially when you are hands-on everything, helping the editors and the contributors on what the issue’s flow will be. Now, we start with the new ZONE and its mission to give new talents the opportunity to share their visions. So heat up because we are just getting it started.
Jerick Paul Sanchez ZONE Editor in Chief
words by Airiz Casta
OF YOUTH UPRISING AND EQUAL RIGHTS Fun. is not just about music
“Tonight, we are young—so set the world on fire, we can burn brighter than the sun!” When a band named Fun. sings a line that goes like this—especially if it’s executed with jaw-dropping melodicism reminiscent of Queen and Weezer that further identifies itself from other underground bands—it’s not hard to persuade any young music junkie to check them out and listen to their other songs. Being an obvious youth uprising anthem, the lyrics are practically prodding at everybody’s inner rebel. When you listen to the whole track, you’re only a hermit if you say it didn’t strike a chord with you. Fun. is a rising indie-pop triumvirate composed of Nate Ruess (formerly of The Format) on lead vocals, Jack Antonoff (of Steel Train) on guitars and trumpet, and Andrew Dost (of Anathallo) of backing vocals and piano. Their song “We Are Young” featuring Janelle Monae became an instant hit after it was featured on one episode of Glee last year. The song has topped Billboard’s Hot 100 and Digital Songs with more than two
million downloads. Established in 2008, Fun. has already released two albums: Aim and Ignite (Nettwerk Records, 2009) and Some Nights (Fueled by Ramen, 2012). Their tracks were radio-ready, and soon enough, everybody seems to bop their heads to the beats of their singles. Without a doubt, this a new indie band to watch out for. Not only do they produce good music, they also advocate equal rights for everyone. The band members are known to be strong supporters of the LGBT community. They have joined forces with Revel & Riot, an organization promoting LGBT rights, awareness, and equality through art, design, and education resources. It is said that their merchandise will be flaunted in the band’s ongoing tour, including the band’s collaborative t-shirt that reads: “It’s all fun. and gay ‘til someone loses their rights,” a pun on the original saying “It’s all fun and games ‘til someone loses their eyes.”
4 BOOKS TO ADD TO YOUR SUMMER HEAP Words by Airiz Casta
The heat waves have finally rolled in! No matter what your plans this summer may be—whether you’re seeking for a tropical-cum-gastronomic paradise, readying yourselves for summer jobs and internships, or probably just thinking of things to make your ‘staycation’ lively and fun—it never hurts to bring a book with you. Here are 5 of the books I’ve read that I think will add color to your own versions of relaxation this April:
The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins. The world has watched, indeed, but has the world read it? Meet this stellar blockbuster on its printed form and see what inspired Gary Ross to translate it to the big screen. “In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival.”
Zombies vs. Unicorns
by Holly Black and Justin Larbalestier. Are you a fantasy geek? Have you been interested in zombie apocalypses and tales where unicorns were not directly associable with rainbows? Then this is the book for you. “It’s a question as old as time itself: which is better, the zombie or the unicorn? In this anthology, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier (unicorn and zombie, respectively), strong arguments are made for both sides in the form of short stories. Half of the stories portray the strengths--for good and evil-of unicorns and half show the good (and really, really bad-ass) side of zombies.”
The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green. If you want to laugh and cry and if you don’t mind reading about kids with cancer, then Green’s newest gem is the best for you. “Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs...for now. Two years post-miracle, sixteenyear-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.”
A Visit from the Goon Squad
by Jennifer Egan. If you are looking for a staccato of thought-provoking, funny bone-tickling, and heartpinching stories, then grab this Pulitzer-winning novel from the shelf nearest you. I have to say this is one of the smartest books I’ve ever read. “Bennie is an aging former punk rocker and record executive. Sasha is the passionate, troubled young woman he employs. Here Jennifer Egan brilliantly reveals their pasts, along with the inner lives of a host of other characters whose paths intersect with theirs. With music pulsing on every page, A Visit from the Goon Squad is a startling, exhilarating novel of self-destruction and redemption.”
Summer heat is on and everyone’s set to go to the beach. Some prefer to go someplace colder while other prefer more peaceful and quiet place. Still, any getaway is not complete when there’s no good music to set the mood. So turn your radio on, your mp3 player, ipod or whatever gadget you have and let’s play some music. You might want to hear or include again these songs in your playlist.
Summer girl – Leighton Meester – perfect for every gal who loves summer! Merry go round – The JaneDear Girls –shake that body and sway to the song and let your countryside mode ON. Dusk and Summer – Dashboard Confessionals –while your strolling on the beach at night and alone, feel it more with this song.
Warning: this is a random playlist
Wild Ones – Flo rida ft. Sia –chill with this song with a little bit of head rocking.
Turn up the music – Chris Brown --perfect to set your mood to party.
Vanity – Hanover Swain – dance and sing like there’s no tomorrow with this catchy song.
Pocketful of Sunshine – Natasha Bedingfield -- too tired because the heat is killing you? You can dance on this song and feel your energy coming back.
Summer young – Rascal Flatts – there are times when it is summer time you remember the younger you.
Starship – Nicki Minaj –sway those hips, HANDS UP and TOUCH THE SKY.
Part of me – Katy Perry – ‘cause there are just days when you want to get away from everything but you can’t (summer or not summer).
I’m yours - Jason Mraz –on a road trip with the whole gang? a perfect feel good song for everyone.
Have fun, get pleasure from the bum days and enjoy the summer heat!
Dancin’ away with my heart – Lady Antebellum –ever wondered of your high school sweetheart and those summer getaways you’ve spent together?
Words by Kristina Noelle Andaya
Pinkberry Experience words by Kristina Noelle Andaya
Froyo is the new ice cream. Snack and dessert addicts have finally found a healthier alternative for their ice cream cravings. Years ago, frozen yogurt shops sprouted like mushrooms in different parts of the country. So what sets Pinkberry apart from all of the froyo shops, aside from their catchy song in their website, pinkberry.com.ph? As you enter their shop in Greenbelt, you will notice the minimalist store design that gives off cozy vibes. You will also be greeted with a smile from the friendly staff. They will help you choose your desired yogurt and even allow free tastes if it is your first time. Their froyos are made with high-quality fresh ingredients and the flavors vary from original, mango, pomegranate (a must try if you’re into strong tart flavors!) chocolate, watermelon (another favorite), and green tea. They also have seasonal flavors, coconut and passionfruit. If you cannot decide what flavor to choose, they can give you the option of picking two flavors in one cup—much like the known ice cream twist. You can have the froyo as it is or you can add toppings of your own choice. You can have fresh cut fruits like bananas, strawberries, kiwis and more. You can also add nuts, brownies, cheesecake, milk chocolate crunch as toppings. To add more taste, you can try the caramel syrup or Pinkberry’s very own swirly whip. Aside from their frozen yogurts, they also make healthy and signature smoothies. To encourage you more in trying the nutritious menu, Pinkberry is certified by the National Yogurt Association and carries the Live & Active Cultures Seal. So what are you waiting for? Eat Froyo and be healthier. Budget: Php 100 – 200 is enough but it really depends when you want to add more taste in your yogurt. Located: Legaspi street, Greenbelt 5 Ayala Center, 1226 Makati, Philippines
With all the influences from our oriental neighbors rushing copiously to our shores—TV shows, food, music, clothes—its’ almost hard to positively confound anyone with something Asian. Once folks see it, they’ll know it. But as if acquiring some kind of new-culture fatigue from recent Hallyu waves and whatnot, people will just raise admiring eyes one minute and shrug it off the next. So it’s really baffling when people remain enchanted by the chinita model Jessica Yang. She has graced billboards in EDSA, has participated in Plains & Prints campaign early last year, and has done lots of projects after that. Wherever she goes, she exudes a magical charm that leaves people wondering in her wake; her fragile beauty is almost associable to mysterious oriental deities we encounter only in mythologies. She is one of a kind, and she seems to be aware of this. Join ZONE as we shed light on some aspects of the mystifying albeit affable Ms. Yang. Q. Tell us something about yourself. Who is Jessica Yang if she’s not gracing the runways or posing for magazines? A: When I’m not doing modeling, I’m just a normal girl with a simple life. There’s nothing so fancy in my life when I’m off duty (laughs). Life is easy, I have a couple of great friends, a loving family, and great food. All in all, I’m good. I seriously love to eat, so I have to control myself when I’m in front of food. I’m famous for having a sweet tooth, like I can skip the main course and go straight to desserts or have chocolate for breakfast.
in life.” And yes, that text, it touched me and made me want to do better and be a better model for those who sees me as their inspiration. I felt like my job now is not just a fun thing for myself, but it’s also a way to show those young girls out there that there’s something more to it than meets the eye. Q. Why did you choose to pursue a career here in the Philippines? A. It’s all by accident. As I mentioned earlier, it was my professor who practically provided a springboard for my career with that just one comment, and then the fashion week casters/directors who believed in me and made me “ME.” I’m so glad that it all went well. I love the Philippines and the Philippines loves me. Q. What is the most important blessing or gift you ever received in the course of your career (material or otherwise)? Every job I get I consider a blessing, it doesn’t matter whether they’re small or big, in town or out of the country. Every moment is unique and nothing’s sweeter than that for me. Q. Can you share with us one of the most remarkable moments in your career? A: Yes, I shot a campaign for a clothing brand called Iconic in Dubai. It still feels like a dream till now. Q. If you’re not a fashion model now, what do you think you would be?
And I tell you, I’m very adventurous when it comes to food, so whenever there’s a new productI have to try it. Say, like Magnum! But once I tried it, I don’t like to have the same thing again. I’d rather save the calorie intake for something else! (laughs)
A: I can’t stay in the office, I have to move around, maybe I will be a flight attendant if I’m not a fashion model. And when I saved enough and traveled enough, I want to have my own lavender farm with a little tea house in the middle, I will bake cookies and some sweet treats, build a sweet dream land for people to visit and relax.
Q. How did you start as a fashion model?
Q. What do you think sets your apart from other models?
A: When I was in college, my professor told me “Jes, you look like this really famous international model Ai Tominaga. You should give modeling a try!” And then he asked me to join the Philippine Fashion Week 2007 casting.
A: Well, in the Philippines, definitely the Asian look. I am Taiwanese, but I can pass for Japanese and Korean, too. Other than that, I think it’s the way I project in shoots or on ramps, when I’m in my makeup in front of the cam, I think I transform into a different person.
At first, I didn’t want to because I really don’t want to face the crowd, and I don’t have plans of being a model at the time anyway. But yes, I gave it a try, I went to the casting. Fortunately, they liked me! When I started my first walk, I realized that there’s nothing to be scared of, mainly because when I walked on the ramp, I see nobody but the blinding light in front of me, and I heard nothing but the beat of the music. It excites me and it’s quite addicting.
Q. What is a typical summer like for a certain Jessica Yang? A: For me, summer time means out of town shoots!! I love that, one of my favorite routine in the year, travel with magazine team is the best! but when i m not at work, i love to hang out in a cozy little coffee shop alone, maybe read my favorite fiction books, or stay home chilling, watching cartoons while eating my favorite pesto pasta or watching my boyfriend play video games.
Q. Who/what is your inspiration?
Q. What advice can you give to people who want to follow your steps?
A: When I first started modeling, I don’t have any inspiration; I just really do it for fun. But now, I have! I remember that there’s a time when I was really feeling down one morning, and I woke up to a text message that says: “Never grow tired of living your life, never quit on moving forward, never stop running, for you never know how many people look up to you and see you as their inspiration
A: For me, the most important thing about modeling is to find the best way to showcase the clothes, the products. You should keep in mind that you are never the main character in this play. Focus on the clothes, sell the look, and when you already have that in heart, nothing can go wrong.
HOTOGRAPHY BY ADOLFO LOPEZ
Summer by Anonymous
He told me he loves summer. He dreamily blabbers about the sunlight hitting his skin, how it makes him feel so alive after hours of listening to a deadboring professor of a dead-boring subject inside a dead-boring school. He suggests leaving the noisy city and plunging to the cool, blue waters of the sea. Making sand castles on the shore. Dancing around a bonfire with your friends. Strumming his old guitar under a star-lit sky. Sometimes, his antics will just bring a smile to my lips. When he says he’s fond of the season, it’s as if he’s saying he’s also fond of me. “I love summer!” says his doodle at the back of his Algebra book. I smiled furtively when he met my eyes and I scribbled on my paper: “I wish you love Summer too.” Yes, I wish he loves me too. It’s not my choice to be named after that season, but I realize, especially now, that having the name “Summer” has its perks. I know it’s daydreaming, but who cares? It’s harmless. It even makes me feel ecstatic, even if in a wrong way. Wrong? Okay, let’s scrap that part. When will you know that something’s wrong if it feels very right? I don’t usually consider my feelings for him wrong. Not even when he’s talking about that girl. That girl, clinging to him like a leech, hanging on his arm like a tawdrily-colored Christmas decoration. That girl and her trying-hard-to-sound-sweet voice that was cloying to my ears. That girl who proudly
shows off her cheap-looking outfits when in truth she terribly needs to call someone for fashion 911. That girl whom he is truly fond of. When I first saw her—and I first saw her encircling her arms around his waist—it dawned on me that I’m just jealous (or so said my friends). Everything’s fuzzy inside. I wanted so badly to claw at her hair and drag her to the street, to humiliate her for a reason some would consider too cheap. I’m not one to be involved in catfights but just seeing her uneven smirk and arching eyebrows made me feel so violent. I think I’ll give everything just so someone will give her to me as a punching bag. I was actually thinking about the extremity of my dislike for her that afternoon when he came up to me. I was slumped on a rust-caked bench, sipping the last of my Coke. He sat beside me, all one-sided smile and bright eyes and unruly but stylish hair, then nonchalantly grabbed the can from me to swig from it. I ducked my head a little for I knew I blushed. I always do when he does this, thinking that he sort of—indirectly, that is—kisses me. I mean, same container and all, you know? My cheeks grew hotter when he returned the can in my hands. “I love summer,” he sighed, sprawling on the bench, looking up at the sky. “I know,” I replied, rolling my eyes. “I know.” He cocked a brow at me. “You know? Since when?”
I shrugged. “Can’t remember. It’s the millionth time you said it.” “…oh. I see.” A pause. “…so what do you think?” he asked. “About your love for summer?” “Yeah,” he said and looked away. “About my love for…summer.” “I think it’s normal, especially for students like us. We’re all in love with vacation. Actually, I myself am looking forward to traveling this coming March. The white sand beaches in—” “No,” he cut in, looking a bit irritated. “I’m not talking about that. I mean…well, I thought you know already.” I flashed a confused look. He shook his head. “I can’t believe you’re that slow.” I hate it when he makes me want to assume. “Spit it out already,” I said, showing him that I’m irked. Or I’m going to strangle you for suddenly giving me some kind of… hope… “No,” he decided after a long pause. “No way. I’d rather just show it than say something so sappy. Doing the latter is just so not me.” “I don’t get you.” “I know. You’re slow.” I would have retorted angrily, but for some reason, silence seemed to be a great intruder. We sat there wordless for a while, looking up at the animal-shaped clouds. I smiled when I made out a heart-shaped
one. “I love Summer,” I heard him whisper. I noted the emphasis on the ‘s’. Capital letter. I could barely contain the sudden surge of happiness in me. It took me a while to go down from the little heaven brought about by the oblique revelation. “But how about…” “She’s a friend. We did have some sort of history, but it’s never official.” “Fibber,” I snapped, giving him a mock punch on the arm. “She’ll never act that possessive if it’s just a fling.” Oh, I feel like I’m floating… Another shrug. “Believe what you want to. She’s actually aware of my true feelings and is just trying to get a reaction from you. Which is quite successful, I think.” My jaw fell. “She wha—oh, you! It’s a conspiracy!” He chuckled. “Not really. I think she’s still somewhat bitter about it, but she’ll move on. I hope she will.” “I hope she will,” I said sarcastically, face curled up in a wicked grin. He laughed at my attitude and jokingly pinched my cheek. “Once a mean girl, always a mean girl. Don’t make it hard for her.” “I won’t. I promise I won’t.” Both of us knew I meant otherwise. “She will move on, in time.” Silence intruded again. I finished my Coke and looked up, feeling how he’s slowly gripping my hand, thinking how beautiful that summer day was.
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