Gabrielle Current Rose Princess 126th Rose Parade
A COFFEE TABLE BOOK
Maxx Promos is a Special Event Production Company that specializes in producing, promoting and marketing high-visibility events from concept to completion. More often than not, these special events either generate record-breaking attendance, outstanding media coverage, exposure and impressions for its event sponsors and partners, and/or unprecedented community interest and enthusiasm, not only on its event stars and artists, but the vision and mission of each event. Maxx Promos is led by Mutch Carino who has a 35-year successful track record and experience in producing special events, from concerts, ethnic festivals for Theme Parks and fundraising events to golf tournaments, themed parties and more. Mutch Carino holds the distinction of being the only Fil-am producer in America who has organized and promoted Filipino festivals in three major U.S. theme parks — Paskong Pilipino sa Universal Studios Hollywood which was televised Live Via Satellite and watched by an audience of over 20 million people in the United States and the Philippines; Fiesta Filipiniana sa Knotts Berry Farm which drew the 5th Largest Attendance (57,000) in the 70-year history of the Oldest Them Park in the world; and Filam Funfest at Six Flags Magic Mountain that starred American Idol 3rd Place winner Jasmine Trias and over 100 local Filipino-American acts and talents, plus he was the Overall Production Director for another festival held at Raging Waters. His planned major projects for 2015 include “Carson City Mayor Jim Dear’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at the StubHub Center”, “Children’s Day”, “Filipino American History Month Celebration at Southbay Pavilion”, “Miss Hollywood Bikini”, “International BBQ Festival”, “Ambassadors of Goodwill Awards Night”, “Bayanihan Spirit Awards”, Miss Filam USA beauty pageant”, “Fil-Am Spotlight Awards”, and “Fabulous Filipinas Coffee Table Book.” Prior to his migration to the United States in 1983, he honed his expertise in event management as Event Manager at the Philippine International Convention Center with special focus on United Nations Conferences, World Tourism Congress, international conventions and trade shows and various special events, such as product launches, award shows, beauty pageants, concerts and entertainment spectacles, as well as handling Presidential receptions for foreign dignitaries. Acting as Executive Producer for the worldwide broadcast of the 1980 Mr. Universe featuring Lou Ferrigno for CBS-America marked the beginning of his career in high-level special event production and management. Soon thereafter, he was involved in the production management of the Philippine concert tours of numerous top-rate foreign talents that included Angela Bofill, Lani Hall, Paul Anka, Bob James, Tom Scott, Linda Carter, The Platters, Seawind and The Crusaders, among others.
Mutch Carino • 818.521.6009 • mutch1020@aol.com
Special Message Hello and congratulations to all who have generously participated in the making of the very first Fabulous Filipinas Coffee Table Book! I am really very happy and honored to have all of you as the first set of Filipinas who are featured in the Inaugural Edition of the Fabulous Filipinas Coffee Table Book. This is the Premiere Issue so it will set the benchmark of the succeeding coffee table books. As a Fabulous Filipina, not only are you beauty and fashion models but, most significantly, you are all ROLE MODELS who will and can inspire Filipinas of all ages to be vibrant, energetic, beautiful, ambitious, eloquent and constant achievers like you are. Tonight, you will forever own the bragging rights of belonging to the first batch of Role Models featured in this Fabulous Filipinas Coffee Table Book. Thank you to all of you for being cooperative during the photo shoots and at tonight’s presentation. To your parents, guardians, family and friends, my most sincere appreciation for your unselfish support. Thank you Christine Love and Chenza Puno for sharing your musical talent and artistry. To my ever-supportive friends and family-- Thelma Aranda Sugay, Rhea Rachelle Espino, Louisa Rio, Carlos David, Paul Mirador, Erik Ovanespour, Carlos Zeron, Sharona Rafaeloff, Hayavi Moradi, Jun & Minda Chin, Russell Carino, Kaye Carino, as well as my friends in the media, who are too numerous to mention, I am totally grateful for all your assistance towards the success of this understaking. Lastly, but most importantly, to Joe Cobilla, the book’s Official Photographer, my utmost gratitude for your unwavering dedication towards the success of this project. To everyone else, thank you for your donation of time, money and effort in making this event a memorable one. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyo lahat. Cheers!
Mutch Carino Founder - Producer Fabulous Filipinas
GABRIELLE CURRENT Gabrielle Current is a Rose Princess and a member of the 2015 Tournament of Roses Royal Court of the 126th Rose Parade. Recently named a Teen Ambassador of Goodwill of the Historic Filipinotown, she, along with the Royal Court, was selected from over 800 young women who competed for the honor. Gabrielle is a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. As the President of Vivace & Friends, she produced a benefit concert that raised $5,000 for Youth Orchestra Los Angeles. She is a model that has appeared in ad campaigns for Pottery Barn, Macy’s, Ross, Target, Kohls, among many others.
KAITLYNE DIZON Kaitlyne Grace Jimenez Dizon hails from the city of Carson, California and is a freshman from Carson High School. She loves to sing and started singing at such a young age. Though she dreams to be a Forensic Specialist someday, she intends to pursue her passion for singing and performing. Kai or Kaite, is a member of the armed and unarmed school drill team and a standout. She is well loved due to her sense of humor, outgoing yet subtle personality, and being open-minded. She loves helping others, especially those who come to her for advice.
KATHYA SAYO Kathya Sayo is a 16 year old student from Junior Lakewood High and a resident of Long Beach. Kathya excels in hip hop dancing and hopes to be a commercial model some day. Kathya, who is very friendly and easy to get along with, won Miss Photogenic and was First Runner-Up in a 2012 Miss Teen Contest. To pursue a career in medicine is her dream but for now she loves taking vacations, seeking adventure, hanging out at the beach with friends and family and, just like most girls, shopping gives her the thrill. Wow! A package of beauty, talent and energy.
BIANCA FILART Bianca is studying at the University of California Berkeley, where she is majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology/Biochemistry and hopes to be a surgeon someday. Her ultimate dream is to be able to establish a medical mission in third world countries, starting of with the Philippines. She aims to gain a double major in Global Poverty and Practice. In high school, Bianca was the class valedictorian at Saint Joseph High School, ASB President, and Sisterhood Chairman of the Sigma Kappa sorority Lambda Chapter. In the recent Binibining Pilipinas USA, Bianca was a Top 10 Finalist.
Photo by Carlos Zeron
Photo by Carlos Zeron
KATRINA SALUTA Nineteen year old Ana Katrina Saluta is a resident of Chula Vista who is pursuing a Bachelors degree in Nursing at Southwestern College. Her special interests lie in modeling, singing, acting and playing the guitar. As a candidate for Miss Philippines USA 2014, she was selected and is now the reigning Miss Cerritos Mitsubishi. Her passion for life and willingness to serve others through an anticipated nursing profession makes this young woman an inspiration to her peers. Acting is also something she wants to try out someday.
ARNEE MORY Annelyn H. Mory or Arnee is a resident of Riverside and a student of nursing at the Perpetual Help College where she hopes to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Although she loves to be in front of the camera, she doesn’t mind being behind one as well. A model of the Bench USA 2013 fashion show, Arnee has also participated in Miss Body Shots. Blessed with an outgoing personality and sheer determination, Arnee rarely allows anything or anyone get in the way of her goals. Truly an empowered woman and fine example to us all.
CELESTE DE LEON Twenty year old Celeste de Leon is a resident of Long Beach and is currently enrolled at the Long Beach Community College. Outside of being an excellent student, Celeste has modeled for various top brand names such as Hollister and Company, Babyliss hair products and Rusk, to name a few. Her interests include playing the cello and she is also a member of the school’s cheerleading team. In addition, Celeste is an excellent character performer and amazingly fluent in both English and Spanish.
Photo by Carlos Zeron
SHERI-LYNNE DUCUSIN Sheri-Lynne Ducusin was born in Honolulu, Oahu. Not new to the beauty contest scene, Sheri-Lynne won 2 special awards during the Binibining Pilipinas USA 2014 -- Miss Congeniality and Best in Talent. In her younger years, she was crowned Little Miss Vogue International and Miss Teen Angels of Hope USA. Sheri-Lynne has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with concentration in Physical Therapy at Cal State San Bernardino. Sometimes referred to as Sherilove, she has shared her singing talent to fundraising concerts to benefit typhoon victims in Tacloban.
MAGNE BOOC Rallemagne Airie Booc or Magne was born in Zamboanga City but is now a resident of Downey, California. A website developer by profession, Magne hopes to be a renowned animator someday. Her outstanding good looks and pleasing personality has won her the title Miss Congeniality in last year’s Miss Philippines USA 2013. While a student at the Dominican College, she garnered the gold award in the field of arts and was a finalist among the Goodwill Ambassadors. A consecutive Top 10 in class, Magne loves modeling, fashion designing, blogging and video games.
JAMIE BACANI Maria Jamie Liza Bacani is a resident of South Pasadena and graduated with a bachelors degree in Computer Science. She holds to her name the following beauty titles: Miss St. Mary’s College 2nd Runner Up, Miss BNY Jeans, Miss Sciences, Miss Adamson University First Runner-Up and Miss Body beautiful. A singer-voice coach-host-entertainermodel-actress, Jamie is presently the lead vocalist for a band called Up Next and a regular host at various Karaoke bars and restaurants in Los Angeles. Jamie plays the guitar, piano, drums, and even the flute.
Photo by Carlos Zeron
Photo by Carlos Zeron
CIAMARA MORALES Ciamara Morales was born in Bulacan where she completed a professional certificate course in Food and Beverage Management. Gifted with a golden voice, Ciamara is a recording artist and has performed as a hostess / entertainer in various music lounges in Los Angeles. Ciamara is also a recipient of the National Excellence Award and was voted Entertainer of the Year for the album entitled “Kamusta Ka” ( How are you?). She was also a Presidential Awardee during the selection of “Who”s Who in the Philippines”.
Photo by Carlos Zeron
Photo by Carlos Zeron
WAVE FESTIN Wave Festin is a resident of Long Beach and a graduate of the Career Academy of Beauty. A business woman by profession and highly-reputed medical esthetician, Wave is also a part-time model. She has been featured in a number of music videos. She also dabbles into the artistry of makeup and is an avid fashionista. She was both Student of the Month and Student of the Year when she attended beauty school. Seemingly worldly, Wave keeps herself grounded through her strong Christian faith. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and perceives herself as a well-rounded individual.
MEEYA BANDONILLO Maria Cecilia Bandonillo or Meeya is a native of Batangas City and was recently crowned Mutya ng Rosario (Batangas) Association of Southern California. With a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, she has made a career as a Financial Advisor for Mutual of Omaha. A resident of Los Angeles, Meeya, as she is lovingly referred to by friends, is a hard working single mom to daughter, Tiara Raegine Ortega.
MELANIE DEL ROSARIO Melanie Gan del Rosario or Mel for short was born in the Philippines and graduated from the De la Salle University with a degree in Business Administration. She is currently a Senior QI Analyst for Kaiser Permanente. A former member of the very prestigious Rustans Young VIP Council, Melanie was a sought-after model who has appeared in numerous TV commercials for Pond’s Facial Wash, Jollibee, Jack ‘N Jill, PLDT, Del Monte, Rustan’s Department Store, Bank of Commerce, to name a few. She also did numerous print ad campaigns.
Photo by Carlos Zeron
Photo by Carlos Zeron
JONI VILLAMIL Joni was born in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, and now lives in Glendale. Armed with an AA degree in Nursing, Joni, who is a self-made woman, manages her own business and chooses to control her own destiny. As diverse as her interests in music, she also happens to find time to be a consultant in real estate and financial services. Joni placed second in the Asian American Songwriting Contest and was a member of the vocal band, the Crescendo, which won Best Jazz Group at the Virgo Awards. She loves playing the piano, interior designing and staging.
GRACE AGUILAR Mary Grace Aguilar is from Batangas City and nw resides in Perris, California. Grace had her first modeling stint at Barbizon School of Modeling. Outside of her interest in fashion, Grace is an exceptional dancer and shows remarkable potential in the field of fine arts, such as interior designing. Her keen sense of the arts has made her successful in event planning and management. Her creativity is exceptional and she is extremely organized with an eye for detail. Grace received her Bachelor’s degree from St. Paul’s College with a major in Mass Communications.
DEE BARRAMEDA Dee Barrameda studied Business Administration at Trinity College. At present, she is the part owner of KT Branding and lives in South Orange County. She loves to act, sing, and do modeling. Dee sings with the Praise and Worship team Choir at Saddleback Church. Recently, she received an Image Award as a Luminary in Fashion and Beauty. Dee helps her husband in their photography business and is a volunteer Ambassador for the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County (FACCOC) and has also volunteered with PhilDev and the Saddleback PEACE Center.
Photo by Ken Tadena
Photo by Ken Tadena
MONET MARUAL Monina hails from the beautiful city of Mindoro Oriental and is presently a resident of Northridge. Nicknamed Monet, she is an avid dancer and a beauty queen/celebrity in her own right. She was awarded the title Miss Calapan while in the Philippines and, here in the states, she has held the titles Miss Golden City and Miss FACLA (Filipino American Community of Los Angeles). In the same pageant, she also won Best in Gown and Best in Talent. Monet graduated with honors from the University of the East and completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Management.
LOURDES GARCIA Lourdes Garcia has a dual Masters Degree in Nursing and Healthcare Administration and her expertise as a RN is in critical care nursing. She is also a practicing healthcare consultant, business owner and a Nurse Practitioner. She is certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners and specializes in Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for pain management and rejuvenation. In 2012, Lourdes was featured as a “Filipino Champion� by ABS-CBN for her unwavering support and effort for the Telehealth International, an innovative medical mission providing health care needs for homeless children.
KHAYE RODRIGUEZ Claire Rodriguez or Khaye was born in Pampanga and currently resides in Alhambra. With a degree in BS Accountancy, Khaye currently works as an Account Analyst with SAS Knitting Company. A part-time commercial model, Khaye manages to find time for her other interests, such as singing, dancing, hosting and styling. Khaye, who is foremost a singer, was a recent recipient of the Gawad America Award 2014 where she was hailed as LA’s Top Diva. Indeed, she is a woman of many talents.
KAREN CRESPO Karen Crespo is indeed a prime example of courage with beauty and brains. She was class valedictorian and graduated with summa cum laude honors in RN school. In 2011, Karen contracted meningitis but survived two heart attacks and a 15-day coma. However, the meningitis would cost Karen her legs, her arms, her nose and her independence. Last fall, she became the first-ever quadruple amputee to walk in the New York Fashion Week and received a standing ovation at Carrie Hammer’s Fall 2014 show. Hammer said that “Karen is going to inspire so many people. I hope she inspires the whole world.”
Photo by Hiokit Lao
EVENT PARTNERS
JOE COBILLA (323) 804-9959
ERIK OVANESPOUR (818) 952-0202
CARLOS ZERON (818) 822-4000
SHARONA RAFAELOFF (818) 501-1114
HAYAVI MORADI (310) 289-2124
JUN & MINDA CHIN (323) 255-5195
RHEA RACHELLE ESPINO (818) 653-0877
Copyright © 2015 Mutch Carino & Maxx Promos ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PRODUCTION CREDITS MUTCH CARINO Founder, Creator and Producer JOE COBILLA Official Photograher THELMA ARANDA-SUGAY Contributing Writer PRINTEFEX STUDIOS Photo Shoot Facilities MUTCH CARINO Concept, Design and Layout PRINTEFEX Printing Services SPECIAL THANKS Erik Ovanespour Charlie Hodge Andrea Fox Heather Sharpe Kathy Current Russell Carino Rhea Rachelle Espino Louisa Rio Meriel Castro Carlos Zeron Joel Longares Elena Lapid Salonga Minnie Cobilla Greg Labaqui & Reinhart and to everyone else who gave their unselfish support towards the success of this special project.
, Children' s Day
HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN
Ambassadors of Goodwill AWARDS NIGHT
HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN
Bayanihan Spirit Awards LIFETIME & YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE
Mutch Carino • 818.521.6009 • mutch1020@aol.com