We consider it a once-in-a-blue-moon event whenever we run into famous personalities. And to memorialize that moment, we ask for their autographs (for those who still know what that means) or take a picture with them – nowadays, some would just secretly take a snapshot thru their mobile phones without permission. “It is not everyday you meet your idol; this is a dream-come-true,” says the snapshot-thief.
I wouldn’t recommend it but I definitely see the truth in that juvenile excuse. Crossing paths with a celebrity is not a common thing. “Dreams,” as our hypothetical millennial calls them, are made of days where you walk by the farm and an overly photogenic carrot farmer smiles at you, or a hunk cabbage-vendor calls out your name, or a chicharon vendor with a killer smile asks you, “Ate, chicharon kayo dyan? (Ma’am, want to buy some chicharon?).
Well, dream no more ‘coz hashtag #itsmorefuninthephilippines when regular days consist of this! Meet the heartthrobs of the Philippines who were made famous by –internet’s best gift to common man – social media.
That 24 “Carrot” Smile
Imagine meeting Korean actor Lee Min-Ho, only much fairer, younger and raw. Now that’s a “gem” in Sagada you would want to get your hands on. This very photogenic vegetable farmer has been making girls swoon, after a Facebook user spotted him and circulated his photos online. The farmer from rural Sagada, Mountain Province, was identified within a day as Jeyrick Sigmaton by a very enthusiastic fanbase, and has started to trend with the hashtag #carrotman.
Some say that “carrot man” is a dead ringer for Filipino actor Hero Angeles. Sigmaton has since been busy with interviews and guest appearances, and has reportedly been offered a modeling contract. Boardwalk, a Philippine-based retailer, announced that it has brought Sigmaton on as its new brand spokesmodel.
One basket of cabbage to go, please?
Fresh from Bontoc, Mountain Province is another Cordillera hottie. Meet Neil Galuten Matchok, or better known as the “Cabbage Man.”
After his picture was posted, netizens have been comparing him to “Carrot Man.” Some even commented that he looks more manly and masculine. They also noticed Matchok’s muscular physique from a photo showing the “Cabbage Man” carrying a basket loaded with cabbages.
My heart craves for “Chicharon”
Vying away from the “veggie- men” and invading the social media world is “Chicharon Man” who made a heart-stopping entrance with his product and his boy-next-door looks!
The Chicharon (crunchy fried pork belly snack) vendor was spotted in a bus, selling quail eggs and other yummy transit goodies. His photo was first posted in the Facebook pages, “Trending News” and “Viral.”
“Chicharon Man” was identified as Bryan Ambriz after his after his photo was shared via fb and gained thousand of likes from female Netizen within a 24-hour time frame.
The only “Gasoline News” I want to hear
You’ve probably seen the viral photo of a “Cosmo Hunk-worthy gasoline boy, haven’t you? How hunk-worthy, you ask? Well, just enough for an international fashion designer like Francis Libiran, to ask the guy to model for his line.
Thanks to Glenda Uchi who uploaded the photo on Facebook, the gas station cutie identified as Charles Joseph “CJ” Querol is now the newest face to look out for. Upon making the post public, more than a thousand netizens shared it on their timelines.
Sources from SEAOIL Philippines, Inc. revealed to Manila Bulletin Online that the good-looking gasoline boy has been working with them for about three years.
“Asia’s Next Top Model” is a Badjao
They call her “Badjao Girl,” I see her as a potential Binibining Pilipinas candidate, or who knows, the next Pia Wurtzbach.
The Badjao teen first made appearance via photo posted on Facebook showing her begging for spare change during a local festival in Lucban, Quezon. The phot went viral since. Photographer Topher Quinto Burgos, showed 13-year-old Rita Gaviola aka “Badjao Girl” begging with her younger sister at the Pahiyas Festival. Filipino netizens complimented her model looks, her morena skin and high cheekbones.
Gaviola told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that she hopes her unexpected fame will help her achieve her dream of becoming a teacher. I hope that’ll keep students more motivated.
I can still remember the days when a person’s only chance on stardom is through the help of a talent scout or by auditioning for a reality show. Now, we meet the world’s greatest talent scout – Social Media.
One of the many benefits of social media is giving once-in-a-lifetime chance to people like our very own “instant celebrities.” They are your common Juans and Marias who work hard to survive, not to buy the latest makeup or get the most expensive cosmetic surgery. Obviously, they already have the looks, but their greatest asset is that they already know what hard work and dedication mean.
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Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at [email protected]
