THE STAR

108 Figure 46: In a scale from 0 to 10. 0 means with the least star power and a perfect 10 means the most powerful star. In the Philippine entertainment industry a ‗has-been‘ is a star that has lost his/her box-office appeal, and usually considered a liability especially in PR department. Lost glory especially if one was so accustomed to can be too much to handle especially so when one is working with new set of co-stars not familiar with you. In this instance, tensions can fly and nerves can flare.

Star Meter

HAS-BEEN &

WANNA-BE

SUPPORTING STAR

THE STAR

Figure 18: Categories of Filipino Entertainment Stars¹⁰⁹

Ten celebrity models of varying celebrity statuses were purposely chosen:

1. Eula Valdez and married with grown-up kids. Two actresses, Maureen Larrazabal and Joyce Jimenez, are known as sexy actresses starring in sexy flicks (but not pornography). Another two, Angelica Panganiban and Camille Prats, were former child stars. Another two, Angel Locsin and Bianca King, are representative young stars in general.

The choice of FHM is arbitrary, because it is number one in circulation size. The interview questionnaire designed for female celebrity models was used primarily to help me focus on information I wished to explore and cover in my newspaper and video analyses relevant to my research work. It is not only through direct answers nor through questions

109 Stars in the Philippine entertainment world are categorized into three levels: wholesome, sexy stars and bold stars. Traditionally, stars with sweet image are occupying the highest rank in the food chain. However, nowadays, this traditionally held position on by the stars with wholesome image are now being challenged by the sexy stars. The bold stars are always ranked the lowest, with porn stars are the lowest in the hierarchy.

 Caters to general

asked that one can get information to help one understand the essence of what these models were trying to say, but also through omissions, suggestions and nuances. Nuances and underlying meanings can also be rich sources of information, which are sometimes truer than explicit utterances.

Needless to say, lad magazines rarely if ever raise issues of systemic power alienation brought about by the patriarchal system or discussions of patriarchy itself. Two reasons come to mind: for practical reasons, magazines do not generally welcome opposing points of view.

Ignoring opposing opinions is better than being defensive, especially against feminist groups, moralistas and the Church. Their priority is to promote themselves and increase their own media exposure; however, these publications generally prefer to avoid confrontation on moral grounds. Titillation tends to be a more effective and safer course. Secondly, the idea that lad magazines are anti-women, true or not, is bad for business, and bad business means no profit.

a. Female Celebrity Models in Lad Magazines: Conceptualization of power and positionalities in the sex industry

The following are answers on questions of why they finally agreed to pose for FHM and why it took them so long to actually agree to do the pictorials, especially for the cover.

Eula Valdez: FHM May 2006 Issue, Interview by Alex Paita

Q: After wooing you for what seemed like forever, you finally gave in! Please tell us this is really happening.

A: Yes, two years ago I was really hesitant kasi masyadong daring yung mga pinagagawa ninyo (because what you were asking me to do was too daring for me). Hindi ko kaya (I just can‘t do it).

Right now, wala naman akong image na pino-project (I don‘t have an image to pino-project). I don‘t want to be trapped in one image. I already posed for a body calendar two years ago. I didn‘t get any violent reactions. Ngayon (now), I‘m really flattered kasi nag-offer uli ang FHM na mag-pose ako (because you offered again for me to pose for FHM).

Q: But really, you don‘t look like a mom. We mean, with that face and that body…

A: Thank you. Yun din nga ang sabi ng husband ko. (That‘s also what my husband told me). So when he saw Xander‘s works pumayag na agad siya (he readily agreed). He‘s proud that I‘m posing for FHM.

Eula Valdez is an easily marketable actress. Her most unforgettable TV role was that

of a strong woman, Amor Powers in Pangako Sa‘yo, whose rise to prominence were so iconic that it set a model for heroines usually playing a motherly role. After gracing the cover of FHM, Eula is now labeled as a ―hot mama.‖ This is more complimentary than pejorative. The term ‗hot‘ means totally desirable and sexy—oozing with sex appeal.

Four things were noteworthy from Eula‘s interview: 1) If a woman is not trapped in a certain image, she can do things that she thought were unimaginable or impossible, especially things that were considered too daring or those with explicit sexual undertones like posing for a lad magazine, 2) Public acceptance is necessary for any change of image to be successful.

Public disapproval might signal an end to her career. 3) The husband‘s approval is important.

It was not clear from the interview, however, if she would still pose for FHM, if her husband disapproved of it. 4) Finally, there are husbands who approve and are proud of their wives for posing in a lad magazine. This is not a typical Filipino trait, given the relative conservatism of Filipino males. Filipino men generally would buy and read this kind of material as long as no female member of his family was a part of it.

Pops Fernandez: FHM August 2006 Issue, Interview by Allan Hernandez

Q: We‘d like to know how (Pops interrupts).

A: You forced me! Hahahahaha!

Q: We did? It was consensual! No, really, the question is: Do we declare today a national holiday because you have finally unveiled yourself nicely?

A: (looks at her stylist) He said yeah! Actually on my way here I was asking myself: ―Did I really say yes to this shoot?! How was I convinced again?‖ But the truth is FHM has been asking me to do the cover for the longest time.

Q: So what did we do to make you say yes?

A: I don‘t know nga eh. (I really don‘t know).

I‘m still trying to ask myself if I‘m totally convinced. This shoot was supposed to happen the week before pa, it was already scheduled and all. But then sa sobrang nerbiyos ko (I was so nervous) I said, ―Teka, tawad lang. P‘wede next week na lang?‖ (Wait! Can we reschedule it next week?) As if that was gonna make a difference! Hahaha! I guess I just had to prepare myself mentally and…I want to say physically but all I did was starve myself for this shoot.

Q: Tell us more about the physical sufferings you had to go through for this.

A: Apart from the starvation? I‘d have to say it was more the mental part. Because I had agreed to do it, I had to prep myself by [answering questions] like why am I doing this in the first place.

Q: You haven‘t done anything like this ever in your entire career, yes?

A: No, not at all.

Q: And will this be the last or the revelation of a new Pops ready for more?

A: This will be the last, hahaha! No, but they‘re gonna see… (Pops‘ handler interrupts) Pops Fernandez is popularly known as the country‘s ‗Concert Queen‘. The press gave her this title for her ability to attract huge crowds during her concerts. She is the daughter of Filipino action star, Eddie Fernandez. Pops began her musical career at age 16 when she signed a contract with Octo Arts in 1981. She was married to Martin Nievera, also dubbed the

―Concert King‘. They separated in 1998. They have two sons, both of whom have grown up.

Despite a failed marriage, Pops Fernandez has maintained a good and sweet image. However, two things were noteworthy from Pops‘ interview: 1) the need to be mentally prepared in posing for FHM, and 2) the importance of maintaining a sexy figure. Whether Pops was joking or not, the fact remains that one must make sacrifices in order to maintain a hot body.

Although it is well publicized, a growing number of eating disorders are caused by this ‗body image‘, foremost of which is anorexia, which is now rampant in the modeling world.

Angelica Panganiban: FHM March 2007 Issue, Interview by Chrissy D. Icamina Q: It‘s been a long time coming, this shoot.

What took you so long to say yes?

A: When Santa Santita was released, I was aware that you were already trying to invite me to pose. At the time, though, I felt that Santa Santita was enough to show people that I was ready to take on mature roles. Wala pa sa sistema ko ang mag-pose para sa men‘s magazine (I‘m not just ready yet to pose for men‘s magazine). To me, timing is very important. So ngayong ready na ako, si Mr. M [Johnny Manahan] na yung pinag-decide ko (So now that I‘m ready, I asked Mr. M (Johnny Manahan) to decide for me). Kung pumayag siya, go ako dahil kaya ko na. (If he said yes, it means I am already ready for this).

Q: Now that you‘ve come out of your teenybopper shell with such aplomb, aren‘t you afraid of being typecast into sexy roles?

A: No. Alam ko rin naman na roon na ako papunta—sa lahat ba naman ng mga pinaggagawa ko, hahaha! (Because I know that is where I‘m bound to go—what with all the

things I‘ve been doing lately). As long as there‘s no nudity, it‘s okay. But personally, if it were up to me, this would be my last appearance in a men‘s magazine.

Angelica Panganiban started showbiz at the age of 6, and her first show was Ang TV.

She won the Best Child actress award for her role of Becky in Princess Sarah, the movie.

Two things were noteworthy from Angelica‘s interview: 1) she resigned herself to the idea that going sexy was inevitable for her one way or another. It was not clear, however, whether or not it was because it was the surest way to be talked about—stardom, or whether maturity as an actress meant being able to portray different roles, one of them being sexy or going sexy. Moreover, 2) she needed an authority figure in the person of Johnny Manahan, ABS-CBN Star Magic‘s (formerly the Talent Center) manager, TV director, and currently the senior vice-president of ABS-CBN. Simply put, Mr. M is a ‗Star Maker‘, thus there is little doubt why Angelica sought his counsel to help her decide whether to pose or not in FHM.

Camille Prats: FHM February 2006 Issue, Interview by Allan Hernandez

Q: We still can‘t believe we did this shoot. Can you?

A: I know it‘s a big change for me. It‘s the first time that I‘m actually doing this, so I‘m very excited. But nervous, too, kasi syempre medyo takot ako kung paano siya tatanggapin ng tao.

(I am quite concern about how will people accept or relate to this).

Q: How did you prepare for this? Something drastic, like an exorcism perhaps?

A: Hahaha, last night nga, I went to a party pa.

(Actually, I even went to a party last night). I came home at 1AM and my mom told me to sleep already, but then I didn‘t want to prepare for it that much kasi baka lalo akong kabahan (because if I think about it the more I would be nervous). When I woke up this morning, ayan na kinakabahan ako, hindi ako makabangon, (I was all nerves. I was so nervous that I can‘t get up from my bed) parang (I said to myself) ―this is the day, today is my judgment day!‖ When I wore the bikinis, I realized it was the first time that I‘m actually wearing them for a shoot and I was thinking, ―Kulang yata yung binigay ninyo sa aking damit!‖ (―Where are the rest of my clothes?). Naiilang pa ako during the first few shots, (The first few shots I was uncomfortable) but as it went on I was comfortable already. Okay naman siya, I don‘t see anything bastos in it. (Yeah, it was okay, I don‘t see anything sleazy or improper in it). Plus it also helped that I did Pilates.

Q: You need to convince us more.

A: Well, just by doing the cover for FHM means I‘ve more to give or show people. The

difference between myself and the other young stars who did the cover for FHM is that they didn‘t start out as a child actress, so it‘s much harder for me to make people realize na hindi na ako bata (I‘m not a child anymore). This is one of the main reasons I decided to do this, to show people that I‘m all grown up. I hope the little girl that they see in me would be replaced by a true woman, which is what I am now.

Camille Prats: FHM June 2006 Issue, Interview by Chrissy Icamina Q: How‘s life after being our February cover girl?

A: Life‘s been different in so many ways, like how people see me. But I don‘t mind since I got what I wanted out of that shoot, which is to prove to people that I‘m not young anymore and that I‘m ready for mature roles. And as for the people who stare at me, okay lang because the shoot was done in such a tasteful manner so bakit ako mahihiya? (It‘s okay because the shoot was done in such a tasteful manner so why should I feel ashamed?)

Q: From child star to certified FHM babe, what does that sound to you?

A: To be honest, there are people who still see me the same way. It‘s just that suddenly there was more to me than just what they got used to. I guess it‘s created an impact because in the first place, who‘d expect me to be on the cover of FHM? And I can say that they‘d never forget that coming out that they‘d now remember that yes, I posed for FHM and that I‘m now indeed a lady.

In 1995, Camille Prats catapulted into fame after she starred in the movie Sarah…

Ang Munting Prinsesa, a Filipino adaptation of the anime Princess Sarah, which was based on Frances Hodgson Burnett‘s children's novel ‗A Little Princess‘. But in 2006, she decided to shed her ‗Princess Sarah‘ image by posing for the Philippine edition of FHM Magazine.

Four things were noteworthy from Camille‘s interview: 1) She was excited about the big change, however, she was concerned about how people accepted or related to this big change;

2) one of the main reasons why she decided to pose for FHM was to show people that she was all grown up and ready for mature roles. Finally, 3) she felt that the shoot was done in such a tasteful manner hence she did not feel ashamed.

Katrina Halili: FHM December 2005 Issue, Interview by Lou Albano

Q: How was the shoot? There were some excited fans trying to get a peep, you n oticed?

A: Ano ba?! Okay lang, hindi naman nakaka-ilang yung pictorial. Pero ang pangit di ba if I see them drooling. Siyempre sasampalin ko sila. Hahaha! Hindi naman, pero wala naman akong magagawa kasi nagpaalam sila di ba? Nahiya ako siyempre. Alangan namang sabihin kong hindi puwede, hahaha! Ayokong may nanunuod sa akin. Pero siyempre, dedma na lang.

Hindi tayo matatapos kung ganun. (Honestly, it was fine. I didn‘t feel conscious at all during the shoot. I would if I saw them like drooling, I would slap their faces. Hahaha!

Besides they asked for my permission to watch me during the shoot. And I can‘t say no, I don‘t want to be rude). Besides, we won‘t be able to finish the shoot if I acted more like a primadona.

Katrina Halili: FHM October 2006 Issue, Interview by Allan Madrilejos

Q: You cried in S-Files when FHM readers declared you the nation‘s sexiest in 2006. We hate to see you cry, but that TV moment was priceless.

A: Alam mo namang iyakin ako, di ba? (You know that I‘m a cry-baby, right?). I cried because I was overwhelmed by all the blessings that were coming my way. Umiyak ako kasi sino ba naman ako compared to other established stars, di ba? (Who am I compared to other established stars, right?). Pero narito pa rin ako.

(But I am still here). Thankful siyempre ako sa pagtitiwala sa akin ng GMA. (Of course I am grateful to GMA). They‘ve been giving me nothing but great roles right now. Hindi nila ako pinapabayaan. (GMA is always there to support me). Sobrang thankful din ako sa FHM na isa talaga sa mga unang naniwala sa akin. (I am also thankful to FHM because you are one of the first who believes in me). Umiyak ako kasi yung mga fans na nagpapalakas ng loob ko, sumuporta talaga sa akin. (I cried because I was touched and overwhelmed by my fan‘s support). Umiyak ako kasi masayang-masaya lang ako. Kahit, hello, alam kong hindi ako ang pinaka-sexy sa Pilipinas. (I cried because I was so happy even if I know that I‘m not really the sexiest Filipina but I was voted as such. I was thankful).

Katrina Halili is an alumna of the ‗StarStruck‘ talent search and was the cover girl of FHM Philippines for its December 2005 issue. She was later voted FHM Philippines‘ sexiest woman for 2006 and 2007. She was the first‘StarStruck‘ contestant to top FHM Philippines' 100 Sexiest lists. She was the lead villain in Marimar, the most popular TV drama in the Philippines to date, with Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes playing the leads.

Two things were noteworthy from Katrina‘s interview: 1) It is okay for men to admire her but not to drool over her, otherwise she would have slapped their faces; and, 2) she was thankful especially to her supporters when she won again the title of ‗FHM Sexiest Filipina‘

for 2007, although she doubted she was indeed the sexiest Filipina. This admission was truly honest but respectful.

Cristine Reyes: FHM August 2007 Issue, Interview by Allan Hernandez Q: It wasn‘t scary at all, was it?

A: Well, now that it‘s done, not anymore. But I was really scared a week before.

Q: So scared you cried over it, say some news sources. Why?

A: It wasn‘t so much that I would be doing the shoot it was because I felt I needed to work out some more in preparation for the shoot. Natakot ako kasi di ba if I‘m going to be on the cover dapat yung sexy talaga ako? (I‘m a bit scared because I thought if I‘m going to be on the cover I should really be sexy, right?). Believe it or not, last week may bilbil ako. (Believe it or not, last week I had a bit of a tummy). Kaya nag-crash diet ako. As in pag may nakahaing rice, isang kutsara lang ang kinakain ko para matikman ko lang siya! (I had to do some crash diet right away. I tried to cut down on my cooked rice consumption, so during meal time a tablespoon of cooked rice would be enough, just to have a taste of it!).

Q: We only set the whole thing rolling a week ago, yet we‘ve been waiting three years for you.

A: Thank you and I feel very flattered. It makes it even more special because I was still 15 back then. But here I am finally. What can I say? Thank you dahil sobrang naging patient

A: Thank you and I feel very flattered. It makes it even more special because I was still 15 back then. But here I am finally. What can I say? Thank you dahil sobrang naging patient