tbc magazine fall 2011

From local to international model andbeauty queen, Darling Cruz has be-come a role model to girls and womenin Central Florida. She started in themodeling business at a short age; how-ever, it was not until her participation

in the TBC International Competition her rise in themodeling industry.

Before wining the TBC Competition, Darling partic-ipated in local fashion shows, photo shoot and pag-eants. This gave her the necessary experience to teachmodeling at the young age, 16, in a local modelingagency named DA Dominicci International. She par-ticipated in the Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2008 pag-eant where she qualified as one of the 12 finalists ofthe pageant’s reality show called “Por La Corona”.At that same competition, she was also awarded withthe title of best actress. Unfortunately, after her ex-perience in that pageant, she decides to no longer bea part of this environment.

It was until she got the offer to participate in the TBCInternational competition that she decided to returnto the business. Darling become the first TBC win-ner and months later the first Miss Latin InternationalUS. She represented the Latin community living inthe US at the Belleza Millenio 2010 pageant, whereshe won first runner up and the modeling competi-tion Modelo Millenio 2010. The summer of that sameyear, she competed in the Miss Turism Interconti-

nental 2010, where she won the crown and MegaModel Intercontinental 2010 tittle. A week later, shewas sent by the owner of Producciones Jamicabe,Jasol Cabral, and her director Diana Montero to par-ticipate in the Miss Supranational 2010 pageant holdin Poland. In it, she was one of the top 15 contestants.

Once she came back from the pageant, she wasbooked to model in different fashion weeks such asTampa Bay Fashion Week, Orlando’s Beauty andFashion Week, Miami Fashion Week and HarriettPark Avenue Fashion week. She has model for de-signer such as, Carlos Alberto, Peter Morales, DavidAntonio, Two Coconut, Pipo Perez, Terry Furan,Eileen Fisher and much more. Work on add campaignsuch as for Pali Med Spa, Hypnosis Boutique andCome to Florida by 24/7 Cast. In addition, she wasin magazine such as Seventeen Magazine, GuestMagazine, “Imagen”, Miss PR Teen Catalog, and inmusic videos for recognize artist such as RKM-KenY.

Now with just 23 years old, the UCF student is theowner of the modeling, pageant and refinement cen-ter DC Model Creators & Coaching; also, she is MissLake Eola USA 2013 and an official contestant forthe Miss Florida USA Pageant. Darling Cruz is defi-nitely Central Florida’s Latina Top Model and trueexample that with dedication and passion dreamscome true. We wish her the best of luck in her careerand in the pageant in which with all her discipline andeffort she will become Miss Florida USA 2013. •

TBC Magazine 2011

From local to international model andbeauty queen, Darling Cruz has be-come a role model to girls and womenin Central Florida. She started in themodeling business at a short age; how-ever, it was not until her participation

in the TBC International Competition her rise in themodeling industry.

Before wining the TBC Competition, Darling partic-ipated in local fashion shows, photo shoot and pag-eants. This gave her the necessary experience to teachmodeling at the young age, 16, in a local modelingagency named DA Dominicci International. She par-ticipated in the Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2008 pag-eant where she qualified as one of the 12 finalists ofthe pageant’s reality show called “Por La Corona”.At that same competition, she was also awarded withthe title of best actress. Unfortunately, after her ex-perience in that pageant, she decides to no longer bea part of this environment.

It was until she got the offer to participate in the TBCInternational competition that she decided to returnto the business. Darling become the first TBC win-ner and months later the first Miss Latin InternationalUS. She represented the Latin community living inthe US at the Belleza Millenio 2010 pageant, whereshe won first runner up and the modeling competi-tion Modelo Millenio 2010. The summer of that sameyear, she competed in the Miss Turism Interconti-

nental 2010, where she won the crown and MegaModel Intercontinental 2010 tittle. A week later, shewas sent by the owner of Producciones Jamicabe,Jasol Cabral, and her director Diana Montero to par-ticipate in the Miss Supranational 2010 pageant holdin Poland. In it, she was one of the top 15 contestants.

Once she came back from the pageant, she wasbooked to model in different fashion weeks such asTampa Bay Fashion Week, Orlando’s Beauty andFashion Week, Miami Fashion Week and HarriettPark Avenue Fashion week. She has model for de-signer such as, Carlos Alberto, Peter Morales, DavidAntonio, Two Coconut, Pipo Perez, Terry Furan,Eileen Fisher and much more. Work on add campaignsuch as for Pali Med Spa, Hypnosis Boutique andCome to Florida by 24/7 Cast. In addition, she wasin magazine such as Seventeen Magazine, GuestMagazine, “Imagen”, Miss PR Teen Catalog, and inmusic videos for recognize artist such as RKM-KenY.

Now with just 23 years old, the UCF student is theowner of the modeling, pageant and refinement cen-ter DC Model Creators & Coaching; also, she is MissLake Eola USA 2013 and an official contestant forthe Miss Florida USA Pageant. Darling Cruz is defi-nitely Central Florida’s Latina Top Model and trueexample that with dedication and passion dreamscome true. We wish her the best of luck in her careerand in the pageant in which with all her discipline andeffort she will become Miss Florida USA 2013. •

FEATURES12 | UP-&-COMING MODELSUp & coming models “...new models who are poisedto go the distance...”

18 | PAMELA BOTELLOPamela Botello Holz, oriunda de Santiago de Chile. Ensus primeros años de vida su familia se afincó en PuertoRico y es allí donde forja sus inclinaciones.....

22 | AKOLATRONIC?Akolatronic mas inspired by Japanese fashion. In 2007,Sabino Cotto founder of the line in collaboration withRandy Ortiz.....

25 | BACK TO THE GLAMOURLocal designers and their muses.....

34 | DARLING CRUZ, 2 YEARS LATERFrom local to international model and beauty queen,Darling Cruz has become a role model to girls andwomen in Central Florida.....

39 | BULLYING IS OUT OF FASHIONAs a teacher it breaks my heart to hear about so manytragedies caused by bullying; so many young people arebeing hurt, others deciding to end their lives.....

NOVEMBER 2011 | TBCMODEL.COM

FEATURES42 | MARIA ROMANIn the Central Florida area this Puerto Rican fashion de-signer is been getting more and more attention for hervibrant feminine style and the looks that made herknown for...

44 | EVALD GRUDÉIn an industry dominated by women, twenty year old,male model Evald Grude is making quite a name forhimself...

50 | HERMANSKY-PUDLAK-SYNDROMENisha was five years old when she was adopted fromIndia. She had albinism, and so her mother read every-thing she could about the condition to prepare forNisha’s arrival...

53 | BRETT LICCIARDELLOA candid interview with a new author who is in theprocess of reinventing himself after retiring from a careerin Law Enforcement...

54 | IS ALL ABOUT YOU...Beauty is a lifestyle! It is in the mind, not the mirror...The first thing I think of, when it comes to style and ap-pearance, is not "what do you want to do with yourhair?" but rather "What do you want your hair to do foryou...”

58 | JUAN PABLO BRENES MODELJuan Pablo won Best Runway at the 2010 TBC Compe-tition... Today he is modeling under contract with one ofThe Philippines top agencies...

CREDITSPUBLISHERTBC MODELS, INC.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFPeter Morales

GRAPHIC DESIGNNephtali ColónCitricMind, INC.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSVictor VélezJaime Rivera - JAR StudioWilfredo MontalvoFrank HernándezDwayne Moore

MARKETING & SALESNery MoralesMingrelia RamírezYollinnette Sánchez

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSNery Z. SánchezAllan LaraIvette MarreroCarina Silva

No part of TBC Magazine may be reproducedin any form by any means without prior writtenconsent from TBC MODELS, Inc. For permissionsrequests, please call 407-401-0781, or emailus to [email protected]

PRINT IN USA

ON THE COVER

Darling Cruz, TBC Top Model 2009. Photo byJaime Rivera- JAR Studio. Hair & Make-UP byD’Magazine Salon & Spa. Cover Graphic Designby Nephtali Colon for CitricMind.

NOVEMBER 2011 | TBCMODEL.COM

Two years ago I started a project; I had submerged

myself into the idea that I could bring to Orlando,

a city that I love, new and exciting fashion

forward concepts. My goal: to take us out of the

ordinary, into a more sophisticated and intricate

world. I had envisioned a cosmopolitan society, where diversity

takes the lead. And it is under that assumption where I think

we can succeed.

Orlando is magical, and I am not talking about theme parks.

The people here are so unique, that if we can identify our things

in common, we can most likely become an avant-garde, one of

a kind city. Because it is only when we find a common ground

with others that we can progress.

TBC Modeling Competition is one of those ideas. I have

created a platform where beautiful people from different

nationalities, cultural backgrounds, and ethnicities, can express

themselves. While gracefully gliding the runway, they do more

than we can perceive. This runway signifies our commitment

to quality, our desire to become better, the loud expression of

our inner-fears. It is only by expressing these feelings when we

can push away our limitations, and become who we want to be.

One by one, little by little, our City Beautiful can exceed. And

when it comes to fashion, we can be certain that our voice will

be heard.

Two years ago our Darling Cruz started her journey. Only one

year had pass since Evald Grudé began his... Today we see

them, different, more accomplished, and we salute them,

because along with others that have walked The Runway, they

have been liberated.

Peter Morales

8 T B C MAGA Z I N E E D I T I ON 2 0 11

E D I T O R ’ S L E T T E R

"I had envisioneda cosmopolitansociety, wherediversity takes

the lead..."

1 2 T B C MAGA Z I N E E D I T I ON 2 0 11

T B C M O D E L S

ORLANDO

UP&-COMINGMODELS

Evald Grudé Photo - Jaime Rivera for JAR StudioTBC Models group photos - Victor Vélez Photography

T B C MAGA Z I N E 1 3E D I T I ON 2 0 11

PAMELABOTELLO

THE MYSTERIOUSENCHANTMENT OF

D E S I G N E R S

By Carina SilvaPhoto by Victor Velez


Pamela Botello Holz, oriunda de Santiago de Chile.

En sus primeros años de vida su familia se afincó en

Puerto Rico y es allí donde forja sus inclinaciones

artísticas.

Desde muy joven, Pamela ya tenía una inquietud especial

por las joyas. Empezó de niña, elaborando anillos y pulseras

de materiales nobles como el plástico colorido del cableado

telefónico. Con el paso del tiempo, fue desplegando todo su

arte en el diseño y sus propias joyas lograron cautivarla.

Luego continúa con esta experiencia a través de su intuición

y creatividad, de tal manera que su pasión se volvió en no

sólo una afición, sino en su trabajo.

Botello, busca persistentemente transmitir el encanto que ve a su

alrededor y la admiración que siente por la vida en sus distintas

manifestaciones artísticas, donde el diseño y el color se

mezclan con un exquisito toque de exclusividad y buen gusto.

Con los años, ella, ha ampliado su repertorio de técnicas

y materiales, sin perder de vista en ningún momento su

inspiración, basada en la joyería Kun Dan, una de las formas

más antiguas en la creación de joyas en la India. Sus diseños

conllevan a una línea de auténticas obras de arte que rompen

con los esquemas tradicionales del uso y características de la

joya en sí.

Pamela, trae de sus numerosos viajes, cada una de las piedras

utilizadas en sus diseños, estampando en ellas su sello

personal tan cálido y vivo como su personalidad. Año tras

año, sigue las últimas tendencias de la alta joyería; Rodeada

como siempre con diseñadores de la talla de Peter Morales,

Jorge Diep, Carlota Alfaro y otros.

En un mundo de sensualidad, glamour y magia, Pamela logra

un concepto seductor, muy moderno y vanguardista, logrando

fusionar con una sola pieza de joyería, útiles y muy sensuales

prendas femeninas —“The Transformers”— las cuales

pueden ser adaptadas a cualquier estilo. El amor a la vida la

llena de inspiracion y lo podemos sentir cuando ella misma

nos dice, “Deseo sinceramente que disfruten las creaciones

de mis joyas tanto como yo disfruto el crearlas”.

D E S I G N E R S

2 2 T B C MAGA Z I N E

T B C MAGA Z I N E 2 3


D E S I G N E R S

...THE GLAMOUR

Local FashionDesignersbring back...

MARIA ROMAN • PETER MORALES • SORAYA BERNARD

{ }


PHOTOJaime Rivera for JAR Studio

MODELSBree SpellMarlene Garcia Turner

HAIR & MAKE-UPD’Magazine Salon & Spa


D E S I G N E R S

“I find my inspiration intoday’s woman, and howfast their lives go by. I havedesigned a collection thatgoes from day to evening.Black lace, red silkcharmeusse and chiffon,red suede and pleather,combined with my custom-made jewelry. Give myclient the flexibility shewants, in our fast pacedworld..."

MARIAROMAN}


"My designs are forthe modern woman.She's daring, sheknows what shewants, and how toget it! She needs to be the center of attention. And youcan be sure I'll make it happen..."

PHOTOJaime Rivera for JAR Studio

MODELSSofía FonsecaDarling Cruz

HAIR & MAKE-UPD’MagazineSalon & Spa

}PETERMORALES


D E S I G N E R S

3 0 T B C MAGA Z I N EE D I T I ON 2 0 11

"Always thinking onmy woman. I suggest amix between texturesand colors. Black, silver, and metallics,combined with finelaces and leather's like fabrics. ExoticGlamour, with mytouch of class, creating a unique and exclusive design..."

SORAYABERNARD}PHOTOJaime Rivera for JAR Studio

MODELSSarah BarkerValeria Gomez Jaramillo

HAIR & MAKE-UPD’Magazine Salon & Spa


D E S I G N E R S


Photo by Jaima Rivera for JAR Studio | H

air & M

ake-Up by D’M

agzine Salon & Spa

DARLINGCRUZ TWO YEARSLATER

T B C M O D E L

From local to international model and beauty

queen, Darling Cruz has become a role model to girls

and women in Central Florida. She started in the

modeling business at a short age; however, it was not

until her participation in the TBC International

Competition her rise in the modeling industry.

Before wining the TBC Competition, Darling participated in

local fashion shows, photo shoot and pageants. This gave her the

necessary experience to teach modeling at the young age, 16, in

a local modeling agency named DA Dominicci International. She

participated in the Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2008 pageant

where she qualified as one of the 12 finalists of the pageant’s

reality show called “Por La Corona”. At that same competition,

she was also awarded with the title of best actress. Unfortunately,

after her experience in that pageant, she decides to no longer be

a part of this environment.

It was until she got the offer to participate in the TBC International

competition that she decided to return to the business. Darling

become the first TBC winner and months later the first Miss Latin

International US. She represented the Latin community living in

the US at the Belleza Millenio 2010 pageant, where she won first

runner up and the modeling competition Modelo Millenio 2010.

The summer of that same year, she competed in the Miss Turism

Intercontinental 2010, where she won the crown and Mega Model

Intercontinental 2010 tittle. A week later, she was sent by the owner

of Producciones Jamicabe, Jasol Cabral, and her director Diana

Montero to participate in the Miss Supranational 2010 pageant hold

in Poland. In it, she was one of the top 15 contestants.


Now with just 23 years old,

the UCF studentis the owner

of the modeling,pageant and

refinement centerDC Model Creators

& Coaching

{ }


Photo by Sandra Rodriguez for Secret Photography


Once she came back from

the pageant, she was

booked to model in

different fashion weeks

such as Tampa Bay

Fashion Week, Or-

lando’s Beauty and

Fashion Week, Miami

Fashion Week and Harriett

Park Avenue Fashion week.

She has model for designer such

as, Carlos Alberto, Peter Morales,

David Antonio, Two Coconut, Pipo

Perez, Terry Furan, Eileen Fisher and

much more. Work on add campaign such as for Pali Med

Spa, Hypnosis Boutique and Come to Florida by 24/7 Cast.

In addition, she was in magazine such as Seventeen Magazine,

Guest Magazine, “Imagen”, Miss PR Teen Catalog, and in music

videos for recognize artist such as RKM-KenY.

Now with just 23 years old, the UCF student is the owner of the

modeling, pageant and refinement center DC Model Creators &

Coaching; also, she is Miss Lake Eola USA 2013 and an official

contestant for the Miss Florida USA Pageant. Darling Cruz is

definitely Central Florida’s Latina Top Model and true example

that with dedication and passion dreams come true. We wish her

the best of luck in her career and in the pageant in which with all

her discipline and effort she will become Miss Florida USA 2013.

T B C M O D E L

“SHE HAS MODEL FOR DESIGNERSUCH AS, CARLOS ALBERTO,

PETER MORALES, DAVID ANTONIO,TWO COCONUT, PIPO PEREZ, TERRY FURAN, EILEEN FISHER

AND MUCH MORE.”


B U L L Y I N G

BULLYINGIS OUT OF FASHION

BEFORE

As a teacher it breaks my heart to hear about so

many tragedies caused by bullying; so many

young people are being hurt, others deciding to

end their lives. These lives are just starting and

have the possibilities of bright and successful fu-

tures. I’m sure that youngsters who are victims of bullying don’t

think that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Well, a lot of

today’s famous models felt that way at a young age too.

Cindy Crawford has confessed that she was teased by other girls

in high school for her modeling career. Lindsey Wixson, the 17-

year old model that has quickly risen to supermodel stardom due

to her gap-toothed smile, full lips and baby doll face has said: “I

was actually always really self-conscious about my gap. In mid-

dle school, this group of girls was always trying to beat me up -

they called my gap a parking lot... I felt skinny and tall. It was the

worst time of my life. But I don't feel like that anymore. Model-

ing has really helped build my confidence."

The British model, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, named the

Hottest Woman on Earth by Maxim earlier this year, was actually

told to lose weight when she first started modeling. What's more,

it turns out that Rosie's most famous asset was the very thing that

got her teased when she was younger. She got teased because of

her big lips and no breasts. In addition to being bullied for her

full pout by her classmates, the Victoria's Secret Angel said that

boys didn't really go out with her.

Bullying is a serious issue that affects us all in different ways.

Even if you have not experienced it in your own skin, probably

someone close to you has, if not just look around... Many times

we have probably looked to the other side and pretend we haven’t

seen anything. According to the American Medical Association,

3.7 million youths engage in bullying, and more than 3.2 million

are victims of “moderate” or “serious” bullying each year. (Cohn

& Canter, 2003). Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior that

is intentional, hurtful (physical and psychological), and/or threat-

ening and persistent (repeated). There is an imbalance of strength

(power and dominance).

According to AskMen.com, Tyra Banks revealed that she strug-

gled with bullying as a kid. The supermodel said, "I used to be the

freak at school. I was five feet nine and really skinny. I used to get

picked on a lot. But now I can get my own back." There was a boy

who used to say, "'I do not want that tall, skinny, braces mouth,

big forehead girl anywhere near me.' I just broke down." But Tyra

got the last laugh after she approached him post-fame saying,

"'Antonio? It's me, Tyra, from school!' He was like, 'No way!' So

that was nice. I got a little revenge there!"

Lara Stone, the Calvin Klein model, famous for her gap-toothed

smile and flawless figure is just the most recent model to reveal

she didn't (and still doesn't) get the best reviews about her looks.

The Dutch supermodel revealed in her recent GQ spread that

she's been called ugly by people on the Internet. "It hurts when

you're having a tough day and someone says, 'She's so f**king

ugly I wouldn't let my dog near her.' "And 500 people liked' it!”

Newcomer model Chanel Iman rose to fame in the blink of an

eye. At only 16 years old, she's the youngest model to be featured

on the cover of Vogue! However things haven't always been so

easy for the Victoria's Secret Angel. Chanel's had her fair share of


B U L L Y I N G

POST-SUCCESS, NUMEROUS MODELS have revealed that before they were glamorous models, they

played the role of the “ugly duckling”. Many claim to have beenbullied for being tall,skinny or for having distintictive features,

ironically, that propelled them to fame.{ }

By Nery Z. Sánchez


bullying for being super skinny and tall, as most models are. But

she's learned ignore the haters, saying, "I've always been judged

and bullied for being tall and skinny my whole life. Early on I

listened to others and failed to appreciate what God gave me until

I at last accepted what an amazing blessing it was to love me for

me."

It is time to become more sensitive and put an end to bullying. If

you are one of the thousands of people that think you are “all

that” and everybody is inferior, open your eyes and get a reality

check! Bullying doesn’t prove you have the power, it confirms

you need help. Bullying is disobeying the Golden Rule "treat oth-

ers the way you want to be treated". If you are a victim, remem-

ber, no one deserves to be bullied. Don’t let others convince you

that you are defective or that you aren’t what you should be.

Speak out, look for help! Remember who created you, His work

is always perfect. Loving who you are and following your dreams

will turn bullying into beauty.

AFTER

B U L L Y I N G

E D I T I ON 2 0 11

MARIAROMANBy Ivette Marrero

In the Central Florida area this Puerto Rican fashion

designer is been getting more and more attention for

her vibrant feminine style and the looks that made

her known for. Fashion is not a statement for this ex-

quisite designer; fashion is in every thought and ex-

pression from the textiles, patterns, shapes, movements of

every piece she creates not to mention her fashion jewelry

that she designs as well for her collections, that capture the

attention and highlighted in numerous fashion shows, news-

papers and magazines of our area. Maria Roman moved to

Florida several years ago motivated by her Universe; her son

Esteban and is here that she decided to make a difference not

only in the fashion industry but also becoming an active

E D I T I ON 2 0 11

spoke person for the nonprofit organization; March of Dimes

and is this inspiration that made them selected her and her

son as the ambassador family for March of Dimes at the

Osceola County for the year 2011. This past month of Octo-

ber she participated as one of the organizing committee and

selection jury member for the 2011 Emerging Fashion De-

signer at Winter Park, Florida as part of the Harriett’s Park

Avenue Fashion Week, prize that this original designer won

back in 2010. During this year participation Maria, for the

second consecutive time, presented her new collection; “Be-

cause of You” at this landmark event. On this collection

Maria Roman found inspiration on today’s women and in

how fast their lives goes by, balancing their professional ca-

reers, families and other roles, based on this she designed

this collection of interchangeable pieces that takes you from

a casual event, to a cocktail or a gala, by mixing this match-

ing pieces in between them or with what woman have exist-

ing on their wardrobe, Maria’s new collection allows them to

look their best always.

On this great fun and fashionable collection, Roman used;

Silk Charmeuse, Silk Chiffon, Cotton Brocade, Suede,

Pleather, Metallic Mesh and Lace Polka Dot, in white, ivory,

gold, black and red. Her jewelry accessories are hand and

custom-made of gold-colored chains with stones in turquoise

glass, bronze and iridescent green.

For the second year in a roll, Maria Roman is been invited as

one of the designers that will present their collections at Big

Casting Competition 2011, where she is bringing her vivid

style to this prestigious runway and you will be able to ap-

preciate; “Because of You”; the collection, both in clothing

and jewelry accessories.

Maria Roman; the designer don’t just stop by creating her

designs and been a proud mom but also forming the young

and adult women interested in the fashion modeling world at

her established academy; “Namor Modeling” were they get

form in refinement, etiquette and professional modeling to

stand out as the future modeling professionals (on and off

the runway). Maria Roman is a visionary dreamer with great

goals for the future and she is working day by day using her

passion and the fire that comes from her heart to make all of

these goals and dreams a reality.

She knows that with the proper structure and discipline not

only she will develop all but will make a difference and be-

come a sample for others to follow. Maria Roman can be

summed up as she says; “Fashion is my passion” and “Be-

cause of You” her new collection reflects this.


T B C M O D E L

EVALDGRUDÉ

CONQUERINGNEW HORIZONS

In an industry dominated bywomen, twenty year old, malemodel Evald Grude is makingquite a name for himself...{ }

Photos byJaime Rivera for JAR Studio


With many obstacles in his journey, hisdedication and discipline have givenhim the opportunity of making hisdreams, of walking the runways and be-come part of the fashion world, a reality.

A year ago Evald was only a teenager with a big ambition.He entered the TBC 2010 Modeling Competition, seekinga new experience that can help him understand how this in-dustry works. Winning three titles, Mr. Latin USA, Best Fit-ness Model, and becoming the TBC Model of the year, Evaldcatapulted his fairly new career to stardom!

Today he's still going... Evald is preparing himself with act-ing, dancing and singing classes. This will help him achieveall his goals wherever he goes.

There is no doubt that Evald is a handsome man, with a greatportfolio. However, his outstanding personality, freshness,and humble down to earth attitude, makes him a model weall need to pay attention to! A Latin sensation who's takingthe industry by storm... His distinct hair, chiseled cheek-bones, piercing eyes, and full pout has made him the mostwanted editorial model in Orlando, landing advertising cam-paigns for local and international magazines. Evald is a newmodel with a lot of moxie, and he is certainly enjoying hismomentum. Evald's new life is like a waking dream! He'sdefinitely a model that has conquered new horizons!

T B C M O D E L

H E R M A N S K Y P U D L A K



Nisha was five years old when she was adoptedfrom India. She had albinism, and so her motherread everything she could about the conditionto prepare for Nisha’s arrival. Hermansky-Pud -lak Syndrome, (HPS) a rare form of albinism

that causes a bleeding disorder, was mentioned briefly in the lit-erature.

After Nisha arrived in the United States, her mom noticed Nishaseemed to bruise easily. Her records from the orphanage in Indiaindicated Nisha had been treated at a hospital for a bloody nosethat wouldn’t quit. Nisha’s mom asked her pediatrician to testfor (HPS), just to put her mind at ease. Within days the resultscame back positive. Nisha indeed had the HPS type of albinism.

Her mom contacted the HPS Network, referred to in the litera-ture about albinism that she’d read. The HPS Network sent hera packet of medical information to share with Nisha’s caretak-ers and physicians and helped her connect with other parents ofchildren with HPS.

Three months after arriving in the United States, doctors foundNisha had a hole in her heart that needed to be repaired rightaway. The bleeding disorder caused by HPS is not picked up bythe standard pre-operative tests for bleeding problems. If Nisha’smom had not had her daughter tested, Nisha would have likelybled to death during the heart surgery. The only thing worse thanhaving HPS is not knowing you have it. HPS not only involvesalbinism, decreased visual acuity and a bleeding disorder, butin some gene types, it can also cause digestive complicationsmuch like Crohn’s disease and pulmonary fibrosis, an intimatelyfatal scaring of the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis occurs 100 percentof the time in gene types 1 and 4 and is usually fatal sometimebetween 30 and 50. There are currently no FDA-approved treat-ments, besides a possible lung transplant.

While HPS is rare in the general population, occurring roughlyevery one in 500,000 to one in a million births, it is one of themost common genetic conditions among those of Puerto Ricanheritage, occurring 1 in every 1,800 births.

After Nisha got past her initial medical problems and adjustedto her new life in the United States, the HPS Network helpedNisha’s family connect with researchers at the National Insti-tutes of Health who have seen more patients with HPS than any-where else in the world. When Nisha was a little older, herfamily attended an HPS Family Conference where Nisha madefriends with other kids affected by the syndrome.

The HPS Network works tirelessly to increase awareness of thesyndrome, both among those at highest risk and among the med-ical community. The Network supports affected families withpractical information about living with HPS and offers supportthrough an active online community, toll-free phone number any-one can call with questions and weekly telephone conferencesfor parents of kids with HPS. It hosts conferences in the mainlandUnited States and in Puerto Rico that bring patients and top re-searchers together. It also maintains a patient registry of thoseaffected from around the world. Finally, the HPS Network doeswhatever it can to support research so that someday those withHPS will have treatment options, or even better, a cure.

Still, too many families aren’t as lucky as Nisha and her mom.Most only get a diagnosis after a major, sometimes life threat-ening, complication. While there is not a cure for HPS, thebleeding complications of the disorder can be easily treated. Di-agnosis also allows those affected to do everything they can totry to prevent complications for as long as possible.

Join the HPS Network in our quest to increase awareness, sup-port affected families and someday, find a cure.

HERMANSKYPUDLAK - SYNDROME

H E R M A N S K Y P U D L A K

By Heather Kirkwood


Acandid interview with a new author who is in the process

of reinventing himself after retiring from a career in Law

Enforcement.

Brett Licciardello has written two books during the past few years.

He has self published his historical fictions which take place in the

Caribbean during the 1600’s. They are stories about pirates. TBC

met with Brett to discuss how he has switched gears since his

retirement.

TBC: AFTER A CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, WHY DID YOUCHOOSE TO WRITE ABOUT PIRATES INSTEAD OF POLICEWORK?Licciardello: Several years ago I attempted to write about the po-

lice subject, but I couldn’t stay interested. I guess after twenty-

three years as a police officer, I was tired of it. Don’t get me

wrong, I enjoyed going to work every day, but it was work, and

when I went home I wanted to leave work at work. When I de-

cided to write about pirates, I became so interested in the subject,

I was easily able to stay focused and see the first book, Vengeance

at Port Royal, to its completion. After I was finished, I missed

writing about the subject so much; I decided to write another

book, Sunset on a Rogue Sail, a prequel to the first. I am cur-

rently working on a third book in the series I’ve called “The West

Indies Pirates Series”. I’ll probably write about police work even-

tually, but for now it’s not on the agenda anytime soon.

TBC: WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE PIRATES AS A SUBJECTMATTER, ESPECIALLY WITH THE RECENT PROBLEMSINVOLVING THE SOMALI PIRATES IN THE INDIAN OCEAN?Licciardello: It’s true, real piracy is bad, and I struggled with it

when the news broke which brought the subject of the Somali

pirates to the headlines, but I had already completed writing the

first book. My book, however, did not glorify the pirates.

TBC: WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR IDEAS FOR YOURSTORYLINES?Licciardello: As a child I enjoyed watching movies like

“Captain Blood” and “The Sea Hawk,” both starring Errol Flynn.

One of my favorites is “Captain Horatio Hornblower” Starring

Gregory Peck and Virginia Mayo. Those stories depicted the

adventure of life on the high seas. That is what I try to capture in

my stories, but I try to keep things realistic. For that reason, my

first books are not for children. There is a lot of violence due to

several battle scenes. It’s hard to avoid because of the weapons

of the day. It happend during the era of the buccaneers, just before

the golden age of piracy.

TBC: AT FORTY-SEVEN YEARS OF AGE ARE YOU CONCERNEDTHAT YOU’VE RETIRED TOO EARLY?Licciardello: I’ve been planning to retire young for a long time.

When I was in my twenties, I had visions of having to work until

I was too old to enjoy retirement. I didnt like that. When I entered

the work force at age sixteen, I began to give up many of the

hobbies I had acquired as a child. I was an artist. I enjoyed wood

carving, mechanics, water sports, just to name a few. When I

eventually got into law enforcement at twenty-four, it just

happened to be one of the few remaining stable careers which still

provided a pension. I didn’t plan it that way, but things worked

out well for me. I survived an active career on the street, despite

several injuries along the way, one of which ended my career

abruptly. I don’t look back, thoug h, only forward. I highly

recommend retirement if you’re ready for it, and I’m not just talk-

ing about the financial aspect of it. You can’t just sit at home and

watch television. You have to remain active. I have been

constantly working on one project after another. I hope to make

writing my career.

BRETTLICCIARDELLO

T B C I N T E R V I E W

IS ALLABOUT YOU...

B E A U T Y

By Lilliam PeñalozaMaster Designerat RUSK International andProfessional Hair & Make-Up Artist



Beauty is a lifestyle! It is in the mind, not the mirror... The first thing I think of, when it

comes to style and appearance, is not "what do you want to do with your hair?" but rather

"What do you want your hair to do for you?"

B E A U T Y

Photo provided by RUSK

®

As an international hairdresser, make up artist and platform show director for one of the biggest

companies in the beauty industry , I have come to fully understand the many necessities of

today's modern women.

My proposal for 2012 is bold, avant-guard, and full expression. Draw out your inner beauty.

Make a statement with your personality. Show the world who you are, and how you really feel...

B E A U T Y

Photo provided by RUSK

®



To create an overall look that is simple, fast, but impressive, there is the Eye Candy technique.

This consists of applying a bold, but subtle hint of color to exalt your eyes and your skin tone.

You can use the colors of the season or match the colors that you are wearing.

Just follow your mood!

Long hair is "IN", classic but edgy, full and luxurious, you can wear it in layers, curly or straight.

Curls must be soft, bouncy, shiny, lots of body and big. Bangs are back, they have to be full and

strong. You just need good products, the correct tools and the right attitude. Remember it's all

about you. Wear your hair as an accessory of a total look...

Texture is essential because it brings hair to life. For a natural and creative texture, give your hair

some love. Remember, hair that has not been pampered will lack moisture, shine, and health. If

you choose a natural hair look, use a rich, bold color. This will make you stand out no matter

where you are!

I love short hair... It's sexy and sassy, a short haircut always indicates freedom, good self

esteem, confidence, and an outgoing personality. Choose a haircut that goes well with your face,

hair direction, and that's easy to maintain. Color and style should be like a perfect marriage, they

should complement each other.

When entering a room, make a statement. When you walk out, leave an impression, and no

matter what be yourself and smile!!!!

B E A U T Y

Photos provided by RUSK

®


I N T E R N AT I O N A L M O D E L S

Photos byYeudy Sánchez


Juan Pablo wonBest Runway at the2010 TBC Compe-tition... Today he is

modeling undercontract with oneof ThePhilippines

top agencies...

"...ES UN LENGUAJE

NO VERBAL,

ES REALMENTE

UNA DE LAS TANTAS

FORMAS QUE LAS

PERSONAS HAN

CREADO PARA

PROYECTAR

RAZONES Y ESO

ES SUFICIENTE

MOTIVO PARA

DISFRUTARLO..."

"...It is a non- verbal language, it is one of the many ways for people to makestatements, and for me that's reason enough to enjoy it... "


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tbc magazine fall 2011

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