The treasures of James O

Wake-uppers:

Scene: The 49th birthday celebration of PNP Provincial Director Dennis Palo Agustin on November 5;

provincial board member Freda Olavides-Tirol also celebrated her birthday on Nov. 8.

Remembering Haiyan (Yolanda). It has been one year 

after super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hit the Philippines on Nov. 8. 

Here are my random photos; each photo has a story to tell.

\ I personally took all these while I was in Leyte

 on Nov. 9, 2013. – LPU

Scene: Miss Silka Bohol 2014 Marian Grace Malubay is representing the province in Miss Silka Philippines on Nov. 9.

Scene: On the first year anniversary of super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda): No typhoon or flood can diminish the strength of the Filipino soul. No calamity or natural devastation can quench the fire of our hope. The Filipino soul is stronger than Yolanda. – Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma

Scene: I saw the last broadcast of GMA Cebu’s Balitang Bisdak last Friday. And I want to say what a privilege it has been to be part of the dynamic newsteam, to have the opportunity to report the news from Bohol to the world. Ingana ka buotan ang desk kay iapil jud basta naay dakung storya sa Bohol. Balitang Bisdak was our eyes and ears in pursuit of truthful and balanced news and stories that beg to be told for 15 years. People, watch out for "24Oras Central Visayas" on Monday, Nov. 10. As the saying goes, "Every goodbye is the birth of a memory.” Boholano talents in GMA Cebu are Reyn Nikko Sereno, Jude Montejo, Alan Domingo and Gew Sarabia Gulleban.

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James Obedencio (center) with his talents: ‘Bohol is such a very nice place to showcase the talents of our fellow Boholanos in the field of modelling and fashion.’

Several years ago, I met James Obedencio when I covered the Manoeuvres, a popular all-male streetdance group in the 1990s, which was in town looking for a new member. The hopeful James was one of the contestants who tried his luck.

During the interview break, James came to me and introduced himself. 

I told him what a great performance he had that the Manoeuvres dancers were so impressed.

“Thank you,” he said, and I learned his ala-“Maalaala Mo Kaya” life story.

The next time I met James he became a super-volunteer of SK in Balilihan.

The next time I knew, James is now a talent manager in Bohol.

"Why in Bohol?” asked James, “Bohol is such a very nice place to showcase the talents of our fellow Boholanos in the field of modelling and fashion."  

According to James, the road to the industry is never easy. The handler or manager must be patient and open-minded.

Carlos Alfonso Cuerquis is joining 

this year’s Mr. Olive C.-LPU

“It's not so easy because joining in this kind of industry you should have an open mindset first, then to find someone who has a personality that suits, a positive attitude and a self-confidence.."

Does James have requirements?

"In an ideal world of modeling, models should be 6 feet tall with slender bodies,” explained James. “For me, there are no entry requirements as long as you have an excellent appearance, nice personality and oozing factor onstage.”

James’ talents are mostly student-aspiring models: Carlos Alfonso Cuerquiz, Ino Kristian Caballo, Renzo Miguel Racho, Michael Ferdinand Gamueda, Hannah Mae Cimeni, Maria Nina Therese Cimeni, Paulen Quinal, Rose Ann Putong, Danika Blaze Mondredondo, Flor Villasis, Louvan Joecor Riancho, Jeneiva Ybanez, Ernest Lee Tambis, Reianne Joshe Inno Ugboc, Jason Cababan, Ramon Felisilda, Red Balili, Norwin Rama and Ruel Duterte.

His treasures.

Does James practice favoritism?

“No,” smiled James, who is now among the very few lovable talent managers in town. He is easy to deal with and he makes his talents accessible to the press.

He doesn’t meddle in their private lives.

PD Dennis Agustin (7^th from left) on his 49th birthday 

celebration together with Panglao Mayor Nila Montero, Provincial Administrator

 Ae Damalerio, Sir Yape and other guests . Courtesy: Pinay Vera

“But I give advices. As long as there’s no conflict between their personal lives and their work, I don’t meddle.”

Like Carlos Alfonso Cuerquis, 5’7”, who is joining this year’s Mr. Olive C, was discovered by James.

“I know he has the potential,” said James. “He is into singing, guitar plucking, dancing, modelling and drawing.”

Carlos shared, “I read books in order to practice my speaking abilities. I eat plenty of nutritious food and drink vitamins for a healthy body and active mind.”

Carlos on James: “I trust my manager because he is there to help and give advices. The talent manager can help you build up your strength and help you improve your skills.”

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