neon magazine

34

Upload: perry

Post on 28-Mar-2016

244 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

Check out the latest in theater talk, student fashion, gossip, and sweet spots.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: NEON Magazine

 

Page 2: NEON Magazine
Page 3: NEON Magazine
Page 4: NEON Magazine

 

Page 5: NEON Magazine
Page 6: NEON Magazine

 

Page 7: NEON Magazine
Page 8: NEON Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hink   about   the   first   piece   of  chocolate  that  you  ever  tasted!  Was  it  milk   chocolate,   dark   or   mint?   There  are   a   lot   of   varieties   in   which   this  sweet   treat   can   be   transformed   into  and   in   the   time   that   we   are   in   now,  people   have   so   many   things   going  around  their  heads  that   they  are  able  to   make   something   new   out   of  something   that   has   been   enjoyed   for  over   a   century,   chocolates.   These  simple   yet   innovative   sweets   take   a  toll  on  everybody  that   tastes   it.  Every  bite    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

takes  them  to  a  whole  new  world.  This  may   be   the   reason   why   almost  everyone   seeks   the  enjoyment   that   it  brings.   This   may   also   be   the   reason  why   Rina   Avecilla,   Val   Lopez,   Pinky  Yap-­‐Ortiz   and   Trish   Malvar   started   a  business  that  would  take  chocolate  to  a   whole   new   level   by   incorporating  them  into  out  of  the  ordinary  dishes.  

Café   Xocolat   Inc.   was   made   and  established   through   the   inspiration  of  the   four   entrepreneurs.   They   wanted  to   create   world-­‐class   dishes   that  

Page 9: NEON Magazine

would   feature   chocolate   in   pastas,  bread,  etc.  in  order  to  create    delicious  meals   and   desserts.   They   also   went  abroad   to   taste   different   kinds   of  chocolate   dishes;   their   taste   buds  must  have  told  them  that  they  should  open   up   a   restaurant   and   use  chocolate   as   the   main   ingredient.  They  all   loved  chocolate  so  much  that  they   wanted   to   create   a   home-­‐inspired   business   that   would   feature  their  favorite  food  of  all  and  the  great  thing   about   this   that   it   caters   you   in  many  different  locations  like  Serendra,  Eastwood,  and  Katipunan  Ave.   so  you  can  be   able   to   take  part   of   their   love  towards  chocolate.  

Delectable   and   relaxing   products   can  be   most   enjoyed   whenever   they   are  eaten   in  a  place   relaxing,   serene,  and  a   place   like   home.   The   great   thing  about   Xocolat   is   that   it   is   a   house  converted   to   a   Cafe   that   has   many  different   tropical   ornaments   and  decorative   items,   which   gives   you   a  Mediterranean  and  Moroccan  version  of   home.   The   establishment   from   a  view  outside  is  really  just  like  a  simple  house   with   a   Moroccan   and  Mediterranean   twist   and   in   result,  passers-­‐by,   including  you,  may  not  be  able   to   recognize   the   place   quickly.  Also,   the   parking   spaces   outside   are  not   really   conducive   to   cater   a   lot   of  people  so  if  you  ever  plan  on  bringing  

a   car   there,   you   should   be   the   first  one  to  flip  the  open  sign.  

 

he  front  porch  truly  marks  the  first  impression  of  the  place  for  the  diners  and  food  enthusiasts  because  it   is  the  first  thing  that  they  will  see  and  will  be  one   of   the   first   things   that   they   will  look   at   in   order   to   judge   whether   to  eat  there  or  not.    

The   front   porch   is   really   inviting  because   it   has   classy  mini   dining   sets  combined   with   original   wooden  benches  that  can  appeal  to  you  if  you  are   one  of   those  who   seek   a   relaxing  time   off.   Also,   there   are   different  stylish,   simple,   and   chic   wooden  planks  with  quotes  that  measure  up  to  a   person’s   view   of   a   good   day.   They  subconsciously   remind  you   to  unwind  and   excite   the   positive   side   in   you  while   reading   each   statement.  Examples   are:   “Start   the   day   right”,  “Love  spoken  here”  and  “Live  and  Let  Live.”   All   of   which   help   make   the  experience   there   more   relaxing  because   these   simple   yet   influential  quotes   can   perk   up   the   day   of   a  person,   turn   the   frown   of   a   negative  person  upside  down,  or  even  fill  them    

 

Page 10: NEON Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 11: NEON Magazine

 

with   positive   and   great   vibes   to   start  or  maybe  end  their  day.  

Aside   from   the   different   wooden  planks   with   quotes,   there   are   also  pots  of  plants  and  flowers  that  simply  make   the   place  more   of   like   a   beach  hut  where  coconut  drinks  can  be  sold.  They  also  give  a  Mediterranean  feel  to  people,   including   you,   because   they  can  make   them  you   like   they  you  are  in   a   beach   smelling   the   fresh   and  pleasing  aroma  of  nature  coming  from  the   plants   and   trees.   Also,   houses  contain   a   garden   or   patio   where  plants   and   shrubs   are   presents   and  the   establishment   reminds   the   diners  that   they   are   like   enjoying   an  afternoon  at   their  houses.  Aside   from  the   good   things   that   it   promotes,   it  can  also  attract  bees,  birds,  and  other  insects  that  may  disturb  you  while  you  are   relaxing   and   dining   at   the   same  time.  

Aside   from   the   exterior,   there   is   also  the   interior   of   the   place.   The   interior  of  the  place  at  first  sight   is  really  cool  and  relaxing  because  of  the  operating  air   conditioner   and   the   warm   lights.  The   dining   sets   there   are   also  appealing  because  they  are  made  with  wood  and  there  are  comfortable  seats  made  for  the  satisfaction  of  those  who  will  eat   inside  the  establishment.  One  

thing   noticeable   about   the   room   is  that   the   chairs   and   tables   are   not  uniform,   meaning   they   all   have  different   designs,   which  made   it   look  diverse   and   creative.   Also,   they   have  these   colorful   paddles   that   hang   on  the   wall   and   these   made   the   place  even   more   colorful   and   pleasing   for  your   satisfaction.   The   room   is   also  filled   with   the   harlequin   boards   with  the  quotes  mentioned  a  while  ago  and  it  has  given  light  to  the  

room  and  made  it  more  playful.  Aside  from   the   different   ornaments   and  furniture   that   can  be   seen   inside,   the  counter  is  also  a  highlight  of  the  place  and   this   is   because   of   the   different  cakes,   goodies,   snacks,   and   the  menu  of  the  place.  The  different  cakes  were  really   eye-­‐catching   because   of   the  different  colors  and  descriptions.  They  mostly   had   chocolate   incorporated   in  them   because   of   the   overall   theme  and  concept  of   the  establishment  but  there   were   also   different   cakes   like  Red   Velvet   and   caramel   cakes.   The  menus   were   also   eye-­‐catching  because   it   was   not   the   usual  typewritten   then   printed   one,   it   was  chalk   written   on   a   board.   This   truly  showed  how  creative  they  can  be  and  how   they   can   change   the   typical  way  of   things   and   entice   you   to   buy  everything   from   the   menu.   Although  the   Café   has   good   points,   it   also   has  the   opposite   like   the   off-­‐putting  

Page 12: NEON Magazine

bathroom  that  looks  like  a  prison  cell.  The   lavatory   is   not   suited   for   the  relaxing   ambiance   of   the   place   so   it  looks   like   a   misfit   to   the   whole  establishment.  

 

                   side   from   furniture   and  ambiance   of   the   store,   the   main  reason   why   people   go   there   is   the  delicious   and   scrumptious   food   they  serve.   When   my   friends   and   I   tasted  some  of  the  different  pasta  dishes  like  the   Xocolat   Chicken   Pasta   and   the  Chorizo   Pasta   Blanco,   we   were   really  blown   away   by   all   the   flavors   that  those   dishes   gave   us.   The   Xocolat  Chicken  Pasta   is   basically  made  up  of  cacao   rubbed   chicken   strips   tossed   in  a   light   cream   sauce   and   topped   with  chocolate  shavings.  The  pasta  was  also  cooked  to  perfection  and  the  blending  of   all   the   ingredients   was   just  delightful.   Even   though   it   was   pretty  weird   to   hear   chocolate   and   pasta  together   in   its   name,   the   Xocolat  Chicken   Pasta   was   truly   an   inventive  dish  in  that  café.  All  of  us  came  to  the  conclusion  that  it  was  the  most  unique  and   delicious   dish   that   we   had   ever  tasted.  Another  was  the  Chorizo  Pasta  Blanco  and  this  pasta  was  created  out  of   chorizo,   roasted   capsicum,   and  white   chocolate   and   all   of   these  together   made   a   perfect   and   savory  pasta   dish.   Being   new   in   the   menu,  

this  pasta  dish  didn’t  fail  to  bring  smile  to   the  people  who   tasted   it   since   the  chorizo   is   cooked   to  a   crisp  while   the  roasted   capsicum   just   complimented  the  whole  dish.  

On   the   other   hand,   there   was   a   dish  with   no   chocolate   component  whatsoever   and   it   was   the   Meaty  Lasagna.   This   classic   lasagna   topped  with   creamy   Bolognese   sauce   was  really  appetizing   for   the  eyes  and   the  mouth  and  all  the  flavors  just  burst  on  the  pallets  of  curious  food  enthusiasts  wanting   for   a   simple   classic,   and  meaty   pasta   dish.   Another   dish   that  didn’t   have   a   chocolate   component  was  the  Herb  Chicken  Panini  made  up  of  lightly  

cooked   white   chicken   breast  sandwiched   with   a   pair   of   baked  wheat  bread  and  fried  dilis  at   its  side.  This   simple   snack  was   really   light  and  delightful   and   can   be   eaten   by   those  cutting   down   calories   and   those   who  want  bread  as  their  carbs  for  a  meal.  

Although   the   pasta   and   the   main  dishes   are   stunning,   the   desserts   are  the  common  reasons  why  people  love  going   back   to   the   café.   They   feature  different   kinds   of   desserts   especially  cakes   like   the   Xocolat   Cake,   Red  Velvet   Cake,   and   the   Salted   Caramel  Cookie   Overload.   The   Xocolat   Cake   is  simply   a   chocolate   cake   but   Café  

Page 13: NEON Magazine

Xocolat   made   their   version   of   it   and  made   a   flavorful   and   sweet   creation.  Cita   Alfonso,   a   chocolate   lover   and   a  returning   customer   of   the   café   said,  “It   was   really   decadent.   It   has   this  fudgy   middle   part   that   balances   the  whole   thing.”   The   Red   Velvet   Cake  however   was   another   story.   Allison  Julian,  another  dessert  enthusiast  said  that  she  bought  the  classic  red  colored  cake  to  surprise  a  friend  and  ate  it  on  the  following  day.  She  found  the  cake  as   dry   and   had   no   taste   whatsoever  but   despite   this   flaw   in   the   cake,   she  still   found   it   pleasing   because   of   its  appearance.   The   Salted   Caramel  Overload   was   also   a   favorite   of  Whenie   Bautista,   a   lover   of   sweets,  and   she   said   that   it   has   been   the  perfect   combination   of   both   chewy  and   gooey   and   the   caramel   just  finishes   it   all.   Also,   she   loved   the  overall  flavor  of  the  cake  even  though  it   is   pricey   and   the   café   was   not  generous  on  the  serving  size  of  that  

 

         ruly,   simple   yet   creative   concepts  can   really   innovate   almost   everything  that   a   person   sees   or   even   tastes   in  this   world.   Chocolates   are   really  simple  and  sweet  delicacies  and  when  a   little  twist   is  created  on   it,   it  can  be  incorporated   in   a   piece   that   is   so  different   yet   familiar   at   the   same  time.  Café  Xocolat   is   an  example  of   a  

place   that   innovates   and   puts  together   lovely   items   and   ingredients  good   on   its   own   but   better   when  mixed  with  chocolate.  One  might  even  say   that   it’s   weird   to   put   together  pasta   and   chocolate   together   but  sound   and   looks   can   be   very  deceiving.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 14: NEON Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

         ake  a   look  at  what  you’re  wearing.  Now   look   at   what   your   other   college  friends  are  wearing.  If  you  don’t  see  a  pattern,  you  may  be  wondering  what’s  hot   (besides   the  weather)   and  what’s  not.  Fashion  trends  change  and  evolve  along  with  the  times;  this  can  easily  be  seen   among   Ateneo’s   college  students.   With   lifeless   high   school  uniforms  gone,  you  might  undergo  the  daily   task   of   choosing   an   outfit   that  will   get   you   through   a   hectic   day  comfortably   and   fashionably.   While  fitted   jeans   and   v-­‐necks   have   always  been   staples   in   Ateneans’   closets,  NEON   takes   a   closer   look   at   what  everyone’s  been  going  for  lately—yes,  you  guessed  it—  hipster  fashion.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The  hipster  concept  generally  evolved  out   of   a   unique   amalgamation   of  trends   and   subcultures   from   the  yesteryears  (Deleon,  Jian,  10  Signs  You  Dress   Like   a   Hipster).   Hipsters   and  beatniks   from   previous   generations  (the   mid   or   late   twentieth   century)  were   artsy   people   who   dressed  differently   from   the   current   or  mainstream   styles.   They   even   bought  their   clothes   from   thrift   stores   or  hand-­‐made   them,   whichever   they  thought   was   cooler.   These   people  practically   exuded   an   aura   of   peace  and   were   probably   fans   of   cafes,  books,   photography   and   just   about  anything   indie.   If   it   isn’t   famous,   then  it’s   definitely   hipster.   The   hipster  movement   basically   began   in   the  forties   or   fifties   and   followers   were  sometimes  stereotyped  negatively.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 15: NEON Magazine

They  could  be  considered  as  druggies,  drunks   and   even   delusional   free-­‐loaders   (Hipster   Style   Then   and  Now,  modera.co/blog).   Some   of   these  people   really   dig   the   whole   “au  natural”   effect,   which   can   explain  their   laid-­‐back   personalities,   clothing  choices  and  maybe  even  hygiene.  

 

         owards   the   earlier   twenty-­‐first  century,   the   term   hipster   was  urbanized   and   slightly   redefined.   Yes,  hipsters   are   still   coffee-­‐addicts,  bookworms,   indie   fans   and   the   like.  However,   a   more   interesting   pattern  of   evolution   is   evident   in   the   fashion  scene.   It   is  easy   to   see  where   today’s  style   takes   its   cues   from,   if   you  compare  the  then  and  now.  

An   outfit   usually   takes   some   sort   of  inspiration  from  other  trends,  as  there  is   always   a   piece   being   renewed   and  re-­‐worn.   Great   emphasis   falls   on   the  bohemian   look   of   the   sixties   and  seventies,  now  known  as  “boho  chic”.  (Zheng,   Marina,   Hipster   Styles   Evolve  Throughout   History).   You   probably  also   noticed   a   lot   of   your   friends  (mostly   girls)   rocking   that   old-­‐school-­‐vintage   look   from   the   fifties   and  onwards.   Adopted   elements   from  these  eras  include  fedora  hats,  oxford  shoes   and   braids.   The   more  inconspicuous   effort   you   put   in   for  

your   outfit   to   seem   natural,   the  better.   One   anonymous   Atenean  dubbed   the   hipster   fashion   trend   as  “the   direct   response   to   the   thug-­‐ghetto   look   that   pervaded   the   early  twenty-­‐first  century”.  College  hipsters  now   incorporate   such   age-­‐old   pieces  into  their  outfits,  often  mixing  but  not  always  matching.  Ironic,  but  it  works.  

You   Atenean   girls   are   probably  wearing   a   lot   of   soft,   breathable  fabrics   like   sheer,   chiffon   or   pure  cotton,  which  are  a  great  way  to  beat  the   university   heat.   Where   tops   are  involved,   so   are   vintage   floral   and  animal   prints,   neon   tees,   stripes   and  polka   dots—everything   is   making   an  edgier  comeback.  Even  denim  tops  go  surprisingly   well   with   floral   dresses  and   skirts.   For   bottoms—tights   and  leggings  have  also  made  it  back  to  the  fashion   scene,   whether   printed   or  plain,  and  help  protect  your  legs  from  nasty   bug   bites   or   intense   air  conditioning.   Many   students   wear  skater   skirts   and   other   flowing   skirt  cuts   that   also   allow   for   “ventilation”.  (When  the  wind  blows,  the  secret  lies  in   wearing   shorts   underneath.)   For  campus   footwear,   common   choices  include   flats,   oxfords,   sneakers   (such  as   Converse,   Keds   or   Vans)   and  sometimes   even   boots.   Lastly,   ladies,  never  forget  how  to  braid.  It  might  be  elementary,   but   learning   all   the  variations   can   help   dress   up   your  

Page 16: NEON Magazine

current   look   and   keep   your  hair   from  being  all  over  the  place.  

 

                   hoever   said   that   boys   weren’t  fashion-­‐conscious?   The   onset   of   the  hipster   fashion   trend   has   actually  showed   the   world   a   side   of  androgynous   fashion.   The   male  population   of   Ateneo   actually   sports  numerous  clothing  pieces  that  are  also  worn   by   women.   Perhaps   the  universal  symbols  for  all  things  hipster  are   wayfarer   sunglasses   or   black-­‐framed  glasses  in  general.  (Plus  points  if   they’re  Ray-­‐ban.)   Admit   it,   some  of  you   own   a   pair   even   when   you   have  perfect   vision.   Skinny   jeans   and   plaid  shirts   are  also  worn  by  both  genders;  they   go   with   almost   anything.  Fashiondip.com’s  guide  on  How  to  be  a  Hipster  says  that  “…if  hipsters  had  a  flag,  plaid  would  be  on  it  somewhere.”  The   same   goes   for   cardigans   of   all  sizes   and   colors—fold   them   in   your  bag  

and   they   hardly   take   up   any   space.  Men   have   also   taken   to   wearing  chinos,  whether  as   shorts  or   as  pants  to   match   the   weather   of   the   day.  Footwear   also   varies   on   campus,  ranging   from   boat   shoes   to   loafers  and  of  course,  sneakers.  

Ages  ago,  people  might  not  think  that  the   aforementioned   elements   could  mesh   together   in   a   complete   outfit.  Perhaps   it   did   not   then,   and  whether  it   does   now   depends   on   whoever   is  wearing   it.   Minus   the   stereotypical  pot-­‐smoking   and   lack   of   hygiene,  today’s   hipsters   aren’t   too   far   from  their   predecessors.   “The   hipster   style  originated   from   people   who   wanted  to   dress   uniquely,”   said   Alexandra  Ngo,  a  management  major   in  Ateneo.  It  was  all  about  being  different,  and  it  still  is,  only  that  dressing  like  a  hipster  has   officially   become   “mainstream”.  (Hipsters   Through   the   Ages,  stylecaster.com).  She  added,  “This  is  a  style   for   the   youth.   It’s   just  what’s   in  right  now.”  

Even   clothing   stores   like   H&M   and  Topshop   or   other   name   brands  actually   sell   hip,   vintage   apparel.   In  this   sense,   the   hipster   trend   has  become   ironic,   almost   paradoxical.  No,  this  article  was  not  written  to  troll  you—the   sad   truth   is   that   students  share   a   similarity   in   the  way   they   try  to  dress  uniquely.  If  you  think  about  it,  the   trend   itself   is   now  partially  based  on   contradictions.  What   is   essentially  old-­‐looking   is   new   and   classy.   If   the  colors  fail  to  match,  it’s  no  problem.  If  you   look   like   a  walking  highlighter  on  campus,   people   will   actually   like   you  for   it.   Think   you   stand   out?   Well,  that’s  the  point.  

Page 17: NEON Magazine

 

                     erhaps   you   are   a   hipster.   The  stereotypical   species   of   the   current  generation   is  not  too  difficult   to  spot,  after   all.   You   can   often   see   them  prowling   in   bookstores   and   weekend  bazaars,   hunting   for   knick   knacks   and  funky  tee  shirts.  They  carry  with  them  large   cups   of   coffee   or   milk   tea,   and  seem   to   spend   all   their   days   with   an  air   of   nonchalance.   There   is   also   a  small  chance  that  they  are  vegetarian,  and   listen   to   fabulous   indie   bands   no  one  else  has  ever  heard  of.  They  might  even  have   this   strange   fascination   for  Aztec   and   tribal   prints.   Did   that   just  describe   you   and   your   friends?   The  majority   of   you   may   have   been  hipsters  all  along.  Go  figure.  

You  might  be  tiring  of  seeing  the  word  “hipster”  in  this  article.  You  might  also  (ironically)   tire   when   trying   to   find  that  individuality  in  a  style  with  origins  stemming  from  that  

very   concept.   If   almost   everyone   in  school   acts   like   a   hipster,   remember  that   by   definition,   it   does   not   only  cover  mode   of   dressing.   Nowadays   it  encompasses  the  vastness  of  an  entire  lifestyle,   a   reinvented   subculture   (as  compared   to   the   hipsters   of   previous  decades)   which   has   also   integrated  itself   into   popular   culture   and   social  media.  

If   you   feel   the   need   for   a   little  inspiration,   allow   yourself   to   be   the  overrated   hipster.   Hang   out   in   those  coffee   shops   and   bookstores   across  Ateneo.   Create   an   Instagram   account  and   use   all   those   other   applications  that   allow   you   to   instantly   edit,   filter  and   share   photos   about   OOTD’s  (outfit  of  the  day)  and  this  afternoon’s  serving   of  milk   tea   and   pastries.   Visit  Tumblr   and   discover   numerous   trend  and   fashion-­‐related   blogs.   Find   out  what   everybody   else   is   doing,   and  decide   whether   you   want   to   do   the  same  or  the  opposite.  In  the  end,  it  all  boils  down  to  being  yourself  and  being  comfortable  with  the  way  you  dress.  A  true  hipster  is  incredibly  relaxed  in  his  or   her   clothes,   almost   like   a   second  skin.  Never  forget  the  hipster  paradox,  the  irony.  You  can  go  with  the  flow,  or  just  have  fun  with  it.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 18: NEON Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 19: NEON Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 20: NEON Magazine

 

                       aised   eyebrows,   knitted   in  

thought,  mouth  slightly  ajar  in  a  mock  

effort   to   wrack   their   brains   for   a  

connection.   Usually   followed   by   the  

pouty,   “Sorry,   I   don’t.”   This   is   the  

usual   response   from   people   when  

asked   whether   they   know   Kelsey  

Merritt.   Then   they’re   told   she’s   the  

ubiquitous   AJMA   girl.   The   one  

throwing   her   head   back   in   ersatz  

ecstasy,  lips  pursed,  hair  wild,  dancing  

among   the   purple   lights?   That’s   she!  

And   like   a   switch,   the   light   of  

recognition  registers.  

  The   girl   has   a   name   and   she  

walks   among   us.   To   some   she’s   Fake  

Jas—a   jab   at   her   shallow   likeness   to  

freshman   celeb,   Jasmine   Curtis—

pretty   chick,   anorexic   bitch;   but   for  

majority   she   is   just   the   AJMA   girl.  

Whether   rumoured   and   gossiped  

about   on   some   churlish   whimsy   or  

admired  for  her  ethereal  beauty,  she’s  

talked  about.   She   is   the  girl   everyone  

knows,   but   really   doesn’t.   She’s   the  

enigmatic   wisp   of   a   woman,   truly  

more  than  her  appearance  implies.  

  The   average   Filipino’s  

preoccupation—that   borders   on  

unhealthy—with   whatever’s   foreign,  

whatever’s  white   feeds   Kelsey’s  mini-­‐

celebrity  status  in  the  Ateneo.  Large  of  

eye   and   slight   of   limb,   she   comes   off  

an   extraterrestrial   waif,   gliding  

through   the   Atenean   universe.   She  

can  come  off  distant  and  different.  But  

undoubtedly,   that’s   more   a   doing   on  

our   part   than   hers.   Her   only   fault   is  

she   was   born   to   a   full   Filipino   mom  

and  a  cracker-­‐white  father.    

  She   walks   with   head   and   back  

erect,   a   regal   descendant   of   the   60’s  

mod  look  made  famous  by  Twiggy  and  

Andy   Warhol   muses.   Her   legs   are  

scarily   thin,   her   eyes   cartoony,   and  

her  hands  comically  large.  This  all  adds  

to   her   gawky   “adorkability”.   Neither  

Page 21: NEON Magazine

bombshell  nor  chic  nerd,  she’s  the  full  

lipped,   angular   response   to   Kate  

Upton.  

 

                 n   a   hot   July   morning   after   early  

classes,   Kelsey   is   ordering  us  peppery  

dishes   from   Sgt.   Pepper,   the   Pepper  

Lunch-­‐inspired   stall   in   Gonzaga.   “It’s  

good,”   she   reassures,   not   a   defence  

for   her   simple   joys   but   a   welcoming  

into   her   world.   Dressed   in   a   beige,  

hanging  top  with  crocheted  straps  and  

floral   print   shorts   (and   a   black  

bandeaux   for   modesty),   she   is   kind  

and  embracing,  free  of  mendacity  and  

ostentation.   She   has   no  make-­‐up   on.  

She   takes   the   interview   initiative   and  

finds  a  quiet  spot  beneath  old  trees  in  

the   Ateneo’s   zen   garden.   “So,”   she  

invites.  

  She   comes   from   Angeles,   a  

metropolis  in  the  provincial  Pampanga  

where   she   was   born   to   a   supportive  

Ilocana   mother   and   a   firm   American  

father.   She   came   from   a   Montessori  

grade   school   and   a   science   high  

school,  where  she  was  in  the  honours  

program.   She   plays   volleyball.   Her  

original   dream   school   was   UP.   She  

wants   to   work   in   a   corporate  

environment.   She’s   never   smoked,  

never   drank,   never   partied.   She   flips  

her   hair;   she   has   a   propensity   to   fit  

the   word   “like”   into   almost   all   her  

sentences.  She  models;  she  studies.  

  Kelsey   is   quick   to   admit   she  has  

her   flaws   and   physical   shortcomings:  

she’s   too   short,   her   hands   too   large,  

her   face   not   always   appealing   to  

clients.   But   this   hasn’t   hindered   her  

prolificacy   in   the   modelling   world.   In  

fact,   to   name   her   many  

accomplishments   would   be   an  

exercise   in   recollection   and   research,  

but   here   are   a   few   notables:   three  

Forever  21  fashion  show  opening  (SM  

North,   MOA,   SM   Lanag   Davao),  

Page 22: NEON Magazine

fashion   shows   for   JAG,   Human,   Lee,  

and   Hello   Kitty.   Print   ads   for   Candy  

Magazine,   ESCADA,   Salvatore  

Ferragamo,  and  Greenbelt  Style  Origin  

Vignettes.   She’s   worked   with   Francis  

Libiran,   Veric   Sassa,   Veejay   Floresca,  

and   Noel   Crisostomo,   among   a   list  

that   could   fill   a   book   of   Manila’s  

fashion   elite.   She’s   appeared   in   the  

last   three   Philippine   Fashion   Weeks  

(with  varying  degrees  of  success).  

  “In   modelling,   you   know   who’s  

on  top,  and  who’s  on  the  bottom,  I’m  

in  the  middle,”  she   later  tells  me.  But  

her  achievements  are  no  small  feat  for  

someone   whose   real   big   break   came  

just  a   little  over  a  year  ago.  “I  started  

modelling   when   I   was   fourteen.   But  

you   know,   the   legit   modelling   was  

when   I   had   my   first   print   ad   for  

Freshgear   for   an   SM   Department  

Store.   That   was   when   I   just   turned  

fifteen.”  

She  began  her  modelling  career  at  the  

friendly   behest   of   her   best   friends  

back   in   Pampanga   (all   of   whom   are  

models   in   their   own   right).   She  

enrolled  herself  in  the  Masters  School  

for   Modelling   with   her   parents  

blessing   and   set   out   to   have   fun,  

which,   in   her   case,   is   the   most  

important   aspect   when   it   comes   to  

modelling.  “It  didn’t  seem  like  a  job.  It  

seemed   like   a   fun   thing   to   do.   It’s  

work  but,  like,  it’s  not.”  

Though  her  eyes  light  up  like  a  fulfilled  

little   girl’s   when   she   talks   about  

modelling,  there  is  no  hesitation  when  

it  comes  to  acknowledging  how  tough  

it  is  to  do  it.    “Being  a  model  is  not  so  

easy.  Models   cry   themselves   to   sleep  

because   they   feel   like   they’re   too   fat,  

but   they   aren’t!   Like   if   your   waist   is  

24,  you  have  to  cut  it  down  to  23—23  

period—because   that’s   what   the  

agency   requires   and   what   the   clients  

want.  

Page 23: NEON Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 24: NEON Magazine

Models   quit   because   of   that.   You  

don’t   lose   weight   to   look   good,   you  

lose   weight   to   get   work,”   she   says  

with  deadpan  sobriety  because  in  this  

world   as   fickle   and   peripatetic   as  

chiffon   having   a   waist   measurement  

of  24  is  grounds  for  banishment.  

  Kelsey   also   points   out   that  

demons   lurk   around   the   fashion  

world,   looking   on   in   the   church   of  

style   and   trend.   When   asked   about  

the  stereotypes  models  are  associated  

with,  to  which  she  has  been  victim  to,  

she   rebukes   them   with   all   the  

enthusiasm  of  a  Holy  Crusader.  “I  have  

never   met   an   anorexic   model.   Some  

look  at  me  and  think  I  am,  but  I  love  to  

eat.  I’m  just  lucky  I  don’t  get  fat.”  This  

she  says  with  her  one  arm  akimbo  and  

the   other   manically   gesticulating   at  

the  absurdity  of  such  an  accusation.  

  To   the   defence   of   the   industry  

she  adores,  she  rushes  because   it  has  

accepted  her  with  open  arms  offering  

work   and   adventure—and,   of   course,  

the  money  never  hurt  either.  It’s  easy  

to  see  why  she  was  assumed  into  this  

severely  esoteric  cult  of  the  cloth;  she  

not   only   has   the   looks,   but   she   is  

determined.   This   determination   is  

seen  also  in  the  other  roles  she  plays.  

When   she   graduated   from   a  

Montessori   grade   school   where  

FilAm’s   were   the   norm,   she   moved  

into   a   science   high   school   where,   as  

the   only   FilAm,   she   felt   she   had   to  

prove  herself  lest  she  fall  into  another  

stereotype,  that  of  the  dumb  blonde.  

 

“When  I  tell  people  I’m  from  a  science  

high   school,   they   get   this   like  

surprised  look  on  their  face.”  To  quote  

Shania  Twain,   “she’s  not   just   a  pretty  

face.”   As   passionate   as   she   is   about  

modelling,   she   knows   that   academics  

are  the  number  one  priority  right  now.  

“School  comes  first.  If  the  client  won’t  

adjust,   I   won’t   take   the   job.”   Kelsey  

Page 25: NEON Magazine

also   understands   the   importance   of  

keeping  the  balance,  of  keeping  all  the  

different  plates  spinning.  In  her  fourth  

year,   the   year   she   was   most   in-­‐

demand   (a  whopping   seven   shows   at  

Philippine   Fashion   Week),   she   was  

moved   from   the   highest   honours  

section,   to   the   second   semi-­‐honours  

section.  “Everything  fell  apart.”  

  But   amidst   the   stress   of   her  

academia   and   the   enchanting   strobe  

lights  of  the  runway,  she  finds  time  for  

the  people  who  contributed  the  most  

to  who  she  is  today,  her  family.  Every  

weekend   she   returns   to   Pampanga,  

where  her  parents,  older  brother,  and  

two   sisters   still   reside.   Though   her  

other   roles   will   constantly   call   out   to  

her,   she   cherishes   most   her   role   as  

Baby  Sis  or  Ate  Kelsey.  “I   like  how  my  

older  brother  is  protective  around  me,  

how   my   sister   gives   me   advice,   and  

how   I   can   give   my   younger   sister  

advice.”  

 

                               elsey,   unjustly   blessed   with  

both   inner   and   outer   beauty,   is   a  

staunch   believer   in   anyone   and  

everyone’s   potential   to   be   beautiful.  

She   supports   the   innovative   use   of  

plus-­‐sized   mannequins,   she   thinks  

everyone   can   have   their   moment   in  

the   camera-­‐flash   light,   she   thinks  

sweet,   loving,  and  caring   is  attractive.  

She  feels  most  comfortable  in  her  Doc  

Marten’s   and   her   plain   old   plaid  

button   downs,   sans   make-­‐up.   In   a  

rarer   moment   of   complete   serene  

definitiveness,   she   divests   herself   of  

her   playful   mien,   and   says   after   a  

beat,  “You  know,  if  you  think  about  it,  

a   little   girl   shouldn’t   be   conscious  

about   her   looks.   The  way   society   has  

affected   [the   way   we   look   at  

ourselves],   especially   in   young   girls…I  

would   tell   [insecure   little   girls]   that  

being   pretty   is   not   all   that.   A   person  

Page 26: NEON Magazine

can   be   pretty   but   rotten   inside,   and  

that’s  not  really  pretty  at  all.”  

  And   as   quick   as   her   earlier  

transfiguration,   she’s   back   to   her  

bubbly   persona.   When   asked   if   she  

lives   by   any   certain   credo,   without  

pause   she   breaks   into   a   song   with   a  

voice   both   rough   and   tender—not   a  

singer’s   voice   but   sweet   and   airy   and  

light   and   pretty   in   its   own   right—

“When  you  got  it,  flaunt  it,”  from  Mel  

Brooks   timeless   ode   to   classical,  

Hollywood   book   musicals   “The  

Producers”.   Only   now   does   it   dawn  

completely  that  no  matter  how  coltish  

or   coquettish   or   seemingly   inane   this  

antiphonic   response   is,   there   is  much  

earnestness  and  gravity  to  this  motto.  

When  you  got  “it”—long  legs,  a  toothy  

grin,   full   lips,   or   a   beautiful   soul—

flaunt  it.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 27: NEON Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 28: NEON Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

magine   your   life   as   a   musical  

play.   You   wake   up   to   a   song,   dance  

your   way   to   school,   and   play   a  

romantic  death  scene  with  the  love  of  

your  dreams  all  in  one  day.  Of  course,  

this   is  not   reality  but   the  22nd   Season  

Premier   of   Ateneo   de   Manila’s   Blue  

Repertory   “A   New   Brain”   allows  

everyone  to  actually  experience  life  as  

one   big   whirlwind   of   musical  

excitement.   This   coming   of   age  

musical,   which   graced   the   venue   of  

the  Black  Box  Theater,  was  a  pleasant  

surprise   to   the   new   and   usual  

theatergoers  alike.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

This   musical   comedy   revolves  

around   a   character   named   Gordon  

Schwinn  who  can  never  seem  to  find  a  

way   out   of   the   trap   he   finds   he   finds  

himself   in.   He   is   a   talented   and  

budding  songwriter  who  seems  to  lack  

the   inspiration   to   keep   him   going   in  

his   career.   In   the   beginning   of   the  

musical,   we   see   him   struggling   to  

compose  a  song  fit  for  a  children’s  TV  

show,   hosted   and   produced   by   the  

eccentric   and   tyrannical  Mr.   Bungee.  

Gordon’s   manager   and   former   lover  

Rhoda   is   always   up   on   her   toes  

pushing  Gordon  to  write  his  music  and  

fulfill  the  demands  of  Mr.  Bungee.    

 

Page 29: NEON Magazine

While   having   lunch   with   Rhoda,  

Gordon  was  struck  by  a  sudden  pain  in  

the   head   and   falls   face   first   into   his  

meal.  Tragically,  Gordon  finds  out  that  

he  has  arteriovenous  malformation,   a  

rare   brain   disease   that   requires  

surgery.   His   mother,   Mimi   Schwinn,  

loving  yet  assertive,  is  deeply  affected  

by   all   of   this.   Mimi   isn’t   the   only  

person   troubled   by   Gordon’s  

condition,   for   he   has   a   lover   named  

Roger  Delli-­‐Bovi  who  is  usually  worlds  

away   from   Gordon   because   of   his  

profession   as   a   sailor.   Roger   sailed  

through   storms   and   seas   just   to   be  

with   Gordon   during   what   could  

possibly   be   the   last   few   days   of   his  

life.  Gordon  was  scared  to  die  because  

he  thought  that  he  would  not  be  able  

to   share   his   music   and   legacy   to   the  

world.    

 

Other   characters   found   in   the  

play   include:   Richard   (a   kind   and  

compassionate   nurse),   Lisa   (a  

homeless   lady),  Waitress/Nancy  D.   (a  

haughty   and   mean   nurse),   Dr.   Jafar  

Berensteiner   (an   unsympathetic  

doctor),   and   The   Minister   (often  

clueless,   serves   as   a   spiritual   guide).  

These   characters   all   have   a   particular  

role  and  meaning  in  the  life  of  Gordon  

Schwinn.  Their  significance  in  the  play  

is   shown   in   a   touching   and   symbolic  

approach,   which   easily   captures   the  

hearts  of  the  audience.  

 

 

             riginally   produced   on   New  

York’s  Off-­‐Broadway   stages,   and   later  

on   in   London,   blueREP   has   done   a  

wonderful   job   in   showcasing  

everything   that   the   production   of   “A  

New   Brain”   has   to   offer.   From   the  

craft   of   the   actors   on   stage,   to   the  

lights   and   technical   aspects,   the   set,  

costume,   props,   and   even   the  

merchandise   being   sold,   it   is   evident  

Page 30: NEON Magazine

that   the   play   was   well   directed   and  

handled   by   a   very   creative   and  

talented   team.   The   cast   radiated   so  

much  mastery  and  passion  in  the  roles  

they   portrayed   which   definitely  

entertained  everyone  in  the  audience.  

Arion   Sanchez   played   Gordon  

Schwinn  along  side  Lara  Antonio  who  

portrayed  the  role  of   the  work-­‐driven  

Rohda.   Gelo   Lantaco,   a   blueREP  

alumni  played  Schwinn’s   lover,  Roger.  

Storm  Sevilla  played  the  domineering  

Mr.   Bungee,   and  Mimi   Schwinn   was  

played   by   Ciary   Manhit   and   Tin  

Amante.   Other   roles   included  

Waitress/Nancy   D.   (Bernice   Reyes  

and   Rio   Tanchuling),   Dr.   Jafar  

(Wrench   Canicosa),   the   Homeless  

Lady  (Trish  Arcega),  The  Minister  (Ian  

Hermogenes),   and  Richard   the  Nurse  

(Franco  Ramos  and  Bryan  Mendoza).  

 

The  play  was  directed  by  Toff  de  

Venecia   and   was   handled   by   a   very  

artistic  production  team.  Although  the  

cast  only  consisted  of  ten  people,  they  

did   an   exceptional   job   on   the   show.  

They’ve  been  working  on  the  play  ever  

since   May   of   this   year   and   it   is  

unmistakable   that   a   lot   passion   and  

hard   work   was   put   into   this  

production.  Working  with   the  original  

script   was   too   complicated   for   them,  

so  they  managed  to  tweak  it  up  a  bit,  

while   remaining   faithful   to   the   story.  

One   element   that   was   a   pleasing  

addition   to   the   play   was   the   use   of  

symbolism   for   each   of   the   characters  

shown   through   actual   objects  

displayed   in   the   background   of   the  

set.   This   part   is   an   original   Blue   Rep  

idea   and   it   added   so   much   more  

meaning,  depth,  and  enlightenment  to  

the  play.    

 

     ccording  to  Ciary  Manhit,  a  cast  

member  of   the  play,   she  has   enjoyed  

every  moment  of  the  production.  “If   I  

Page 31: NEON Magazine

had  the  chance  to  repeat  the  whole  A  

New   Brain   experience,   I   totally  

would!”   She   claims   that   the   hardest  

part   of   being   a   member   of   the   cast  

was   to   portray   the   characters   as  

authentic  and  as  raw  she  possibly  can.  

There   were   so   many   elements   that  

she  needed  to  take  into  consideration  

into   internalizing   the   character  which  

she  played  (Mimi  Schwinn).  “Everyone  

in   the   cast   worked   extra   hard   in  

making  this  production  a  success.  I  am  

so  glad  to  be  able  to  work  with  such  a  

talented  bunch  of  people  who  served  

as   my   inspiration   to   carry   on   the  

production.  We  all  learned  from  this.”  

Indeed,  everyone  who  took  part  in  the  

production   has   learned   something  

valuable,   and   it   is   right   to   say   that  

they   have   left   something   for   the  

audience  to  take  to  heart  as  well.  

 

A   lot   of   life   lessons   could   be  

learned  from  the  characters  and  what  

they   symbolized   in   the   play.   The  

concept   of   time,   change,   and  

fulfillment  were  given  emphasis  in  the  

play  especially   through   the  songs  and  

the  characters.  Mr.  Bungee’s  symbolic  

object  was  a  hat  with  a  clock  on  it.  He  

would   wear   this   hat   throughout   the  

duration   of   the   show,   as   he   would  

often   pressure   Gordon   that   time   is  

short   and   he   has   to   meet   the  

deadlines   of   writing   the   songs.  

Rhoda’s  object  was   symbolized   in   the  

form  of  a  script  for  it  meant  a  sense  of  

fulfillment  for  Gordon  especially  in  the  

field  of  his  career.  The  object  that  held  

so  much  meaning  and  profundity  was  

that  of  the  Homeless  Lady.  She  would  

carry  a  butterfly  with  her  for  the  most  

part   of   the   play   and   it   would   reflect  

the   need   for   a   positive   change   not  

only  in  the  life  of  Gordon,  but  perhaps  

even  change  for  the  entire  world.  “We  

live  in  perilous  times.  I  don't  ask  you  to  

treat   me   nice.   I'm   not   askin'   for  

Page 32: NEON Magazine

pleasant   conversation.   I'm   not   askin'  

for   paradise.   All   I'm   askin'   for   is  

change.”   These   lyrics   are   sung  by   the  

Homeless   Lady   in   her   song   called  

“Change,”   and   at   first,   you   would  

think   that   she  was   literally   asking   for  

change  or  spare  cash,  but   in  a  deeper  

sense,   change   in   society   and   in   the  

world   was   what   she   was   truly   asking  

for.    

 

he   play   ends   with   entire   cast  

singing   the   song   “Heart   and   Music”  

allowing   the   audience   to   capture   the  

heartfelt   meaning   of   what   the   play  

would   leave   with   them.   “Stories   of  

passion,  stories  of  friendship  and  tales  

of   how   romance   survives…   But   you  

gotta  have  heart  and  music,  you  gotta  

have   heart   and   music,   haeart   and  

music   get   along.”   As   depicted   in   the  

life   of   Gordon   Schwinn,   life   may   not  

always   be   easy   for   people   are   often  

trapped   by   the   notion   that   they   are  

limited  by  the  bounds  of  time  to  truly  

achieve   a   sense   of   fulfillment   in   their  

lives.   The   play   shows   how   the   real  

meaning  of   life  is  fulfilled  through  the  

intangible  things   like  the  relationships  

that   matter   the   most,   passion   for  

what   you   do,   and   above   everything,  

LOVE  –   love  for  what  you  do,   love  for  

the   people   around   you,   and   love   for  

the   gift   of   life.  Gordon  was   so   scared  

that  he  was  going  to  die  and  his  legacy  

of  music  would  not   live  on,  but  as  he  

underwent  change,  he  learned  that   in  

life,   all   you   need   is   heart   to   dance  

through   the   music   of   life   whether  

times  may  be  difficult  or  not.    This  is  a  

beautiful   lesson   for   everyone   in   the  

audience  to  take  home  with  them  for  

it  can  inspire  and  change  lives.  

 

Ateneo’s   Blue   Repertory  

deserves   much   acclamation   for   a   job  

well   done   in   putting   up   a   wonderful  

production.   The   youth,   students,   and  

Page 33: NEON Magazine

even   members   of   the   Ateneo  

community   should   support   the   art   of  

musical  theater  in  order  to  experience  

the   beauty   of   what   it   can   offer.   The  

first-­‐timers   and   the   usual   theater  

enthusiasts   will   definitely   enjoy  

watching   “A  New  Brain”  which   is   still  

running   (now   on   its   second   week).   It  

would   be   no   surprise   to   find   yourself  

giving   the   cast   a   standing   ovation   at  

the   end   of   the   show,   and   it   will   be  

truly  worth  your  while.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 34: NEON Magazine