The buzz on Disney Buzz

They make it appear like child’s play, though everyone knows being in front of the camera can be trying even to TV vets. Being in front of the screen with kids from eight to 15 must be nothing short of nerve-wracking, but they seem to actually have a blast.

Well, according to Jien, Azura and Karen, Disney Buzz’s young, vivacious and articulate presenters, if it appears they’re having fun on the set, it’s because they really like what they are doing. If they appear to be having a grand time interacting with kids and goofing around with them, it is because they really enjoy what they do. "That is something," Karen says, "you cannot fake." Azura concurs, "We’re just being ourselves (in front of the camera).

"Disney Buzz has been on for three years and what happens behind the camera, the conceptualizing, the writing of the script etc., all those things require lots of hard work," says Jien, who is very much involved with goings-on behind the camera as scriptwriter and associate producer. But you know, I do not think you can go wrong working Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with two beautiful girls." Well, Jien also reveals, tongue-in-cheek of course, that working with two beautiful girls also happens to be the "hardest part" of the job.

Aside from the fun part, what is obvious is these twentysomethings have great rapport among them. Although of divergent backgrounds, the three make for an interesting combination. Jien (real name: Soo Kui Jien) – actor, model and sportsman – has a degree in Media Studies from the Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia. Twenty-one-year-old Azura Zainal joined Jien immediately after high school. The bubbly beauty is also a model and actress but started out as a member of a national choir, the Golden Voice of Kuala Lumpur. Jien and Azura are from Malaysia.

On the other hand, Karen, a Filipina, holds two beauty titles (Miss Philippines Hollywood 1997 and Miss Asia-USA 1998) and is also a singer and an actress. She remembers performing as early as nine, when she "hosted her own show" in front of a camcorder operated by her dad.

Azura and Karen describe each other as shy. Watching them though seems to belie the ladies’ bashfulness. Azura even has her own pose, which she does whenever she is "happy or something." Jien is the funny one in the group. He has a sort of "giddy hop with arms flailing" move while saying "Loving it! Loving it!"

Karen is the newest recruit of the show, having been with Disney for only a year or so. She is a little less wild and wacky as the two others yet is equally game. She has her moments – spontaneous one liners or quips that crack up everyone. This "cool big sister" is "fine-tuning" her own Karen pose. It will be just one of the things to look forward to in the days to come.

Recently, Jien, Azura and Karen plus the Disney Channel crew were in Manila in the midst of a flurry of activities. They shot segments for the Disney Buzz and also went to the Alabang Town Center where the hosts did a meet-and-greet with fans. Face-painting, story book reading, picture taking and autograph signing sessions were also conducted by Jien, Azura and Karen.

Also, the Disney Buzz (aired every weekends at 5 p.m.) which brings kids Court Buzz, Get Spotted, Toy Tester, Lizzie Mc Guire, The Legend of Tarzan etc. has packed in more original production. The new Disney Buzz is now showing blockbuster animated series like Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, Lloyd in Space, Wheel Squad and Jumanji – all of which offers hours of entertainment sure to stimulate kids’ imagination. And with email, phone-ins, competitions and various portions involving audience participation, the top-rating kids’ show will be more interactive. And the three are as excited as the kids for the new changes as it gives them a more personal opportunity to interact with their fans. "There is nothing more rewarding than reaching out to your audience, especially adoring kids," says Karen. Jien and Azura definitely agree.

Fashion design scholarships

Instituto Marangoni, a famed design institute based in Milan has a prestigious list of alumni including the designing tandem of Dolce and Gabbana and Moschino.

In recognition of the young Filipino designer’s talent, the Kuala Lumpur Marangoni Information Center (KLMIC) is pleased to offer two summer course scholarships to qualified candidates. First course is Fashion Design where students are introduced to all aspects of the fashion world, from practical drawings lessons, color charts, fabrics etc. Second is the Fashion Digital Art course, which focuses on computer graphics and illustration software.

The scholarship is open to Filipino citizens who have left school and also adults in related fields. Scholarship covers accommodation, enrollment and tuition fees. School materials, return flight tickets and daily allowances will be shouldered by candidates. The summer course will start on July 1. Deadline for submission of application forms, which must include one passport size colored photo and bio data, is April 30.

In line with this, the KLMIC Regional Director Susi Razikin is in Manila up to tomorrow and she can take in inquiries personally at Richmonde Hotel, San Miguel Avenue in Pasig. Filipinos who are interested but won’t be able to visit Razikin can apply by email through their website at www.Marangoniinfo Center.com.