Make space for Raffy Francisco and Adrienne Vergara
MANILA, Philippines - SINGAPORE: Call it what you want—a Hogwarts for cool nerds, a Big Brother for artists or a Forks High School for creative bloodsuckers, but the new Star World reality show entitled HP SPACE wants its own category, it being the first original pan-Asian reality series that embodies what they call “Reality Show 2.0.”
“Here, ideas take center stage,” says music video director Raffy Francisco, one of two Pinoys who made it to the final 16, out of 2,000 digital auditions and a rigorous two-month audition process submitted by creative souls from across the region. If you’ve been living under a rock, Star World and Channel V have been looking for Asia’s finest creative talents for this new reality series. The other Filipino, Adrienne Vergara, a theater actress, made it to the magic circle. They will be competing with 14 other finalists selected based on their overall creative talent, leadership and teamwork, as well as their comfort level in front of the camera.
“We’re not gonna focus on negativity—the usual backbiting and drama that other reality shows from the west focus on. We’re gonna show positivity, we want to inspire through our artistry,” said Adrienne, who for this interview, was wearing a blonde wig, laced up leggings and had glitter all over her face. She reminds me of Tessa-meets-Bryanboy with her fidgety mannerisms and dress sense. “Looks Lady gaga to me,” said Paula Malai Ali who is originally from Brunei, and is one of the most seasoned hosts of the region. Paula is the host of HP Space, with Chinese VJ Li Chen serving as Mandarin language commentator.
Getting to meet the 16 finalists up close, you would wonder where the competition went. They all seemed so close and happy with each other’s company, like they were classmates reunited, or long lost mutants who have just discovered each other’s existence. Then again, the competition hasn’t officially started.
HP Space provides a community that creates a unique space and environment in which young, creative hopefuls can express their talents during eight, one-hour episodes. Each week, the contestants will b challenged with a new creative task, ranging from mulit-media and visual art, to product design, music, fashion and publishing. Experts in the fields of art, design and creativity will mentor the students, guiding them on their creative journey (hmm, sounds like Pinoy Dream Academy to me).
Creativity Meets Technology
But there lies the twist. With a regular singing contest, you can already tell who’s good and who’s not upon hearing them sing on the first round. On this show HP Space, how can you pit a video director against an interior designer against a photographer against a painter against a graphic designer against a DJ against an architect…the list goes on.
“This is going to be their official workstation,” Fina Wong, Star World’s PR director shows us their habitat at the Gallery Hotel in Singapore for the next eight weeks, where the entire series is going to be shot. The scene looks like it came straight out of a Pixar studio. It’s like the office of the future meets Star Trek, geared up with state-of-the-art HP products that I guess the artists have to learn to manipulate in order to win the challenges both of the show and of their creativity each week. “Contrary to popular belief, artists do work with technology,” says Mira Pustika, a mural artist from Indonesia who works with children and advocacy groups. “After I do my artworks, I beam it on the wall using a projector.”
Sawan, who calls himself “Madman,” hails from India and is passionate about photography, even if he doesn’t own an SLR camera. He sports a long beard, a couple of piercing (one on his right ear and seven on his left) and tattoos all over his body, which he considers as body art. Other contestants that make up this motley bunch are from Singapore, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and China.
What are they fighting for? A chance to be able to express their art, share their love for beauty and inspire people, yes. And $50,000 and a fully paid job on the live action remake of cult anime Bubblegum Crisis in Australia. And you thought only on-cam stars get paid a lot. It’s revenge of the nerds time.
Here in Supreme, you’ll first meet the 16 cool nerds who’ll be battling it out to be the HP Space champion, plus an in-depth look at our two kababayans who’ve made the cut.
Catch the HP SPACE Philippine premiere on November 11, Wednesday, 9 p.m. @ Star World.
(Let’s meet in space, www.twitter.com/iamtimyap)
Raffy N. Francisco
Age: 37
Country: Philippines
Occupation: Music video director
How do you define your space?
“Happiness is a state which knows no country, bound by no laws but our own”.
Fast fact: Now a fervent armchair mixed martial artist, Rafael used to be a competitive bodybuilder.
What made you join HP Space?
It’s funny, I saw the HP Space newspaper ad one Sunday and I scanned through it, I read that people needed to submit an Audition Video to enter. That’s what actually attracted me to it, the fact of submitting a one-of-a-kind audition video ever!
What did you do for your audition video?
Kinareer ko siya! It’s a cinematic torture sequence featuring no less than (Asia-wide famous) Joey Mead beating me up, asking me what kind of creative animal I really was. She even stabbed me in the neck with a long needle and extracted blood (symbolizing creative juice). It was a full production number, I had some prosthetic make up on, blood, the works. It wasn’t your ordinary “Hi I’m Raffy Francisco...”
What was your reaction when you found out you made it?
They gave me a Skype call when I was in CWC, in the middle of wakeskating. I danced silly and shaked my booty like nobody was watching :)
I define creativity as...
It’s releasing the Universe through oneself.
What’s your game plan for this show?
I’ll just have to remember who I am and play. I am a fun loving person. Wala nang tatalo sa akin sa kalokohan. So I’ll have to just release all that kalokohan that’s inside me. After all, this is not work.
What can people expect from you on the show? What do you bring to the table?
I’ll be the same Mr. Francisco they listen to on the Topdogsmanila.com podcast. I’ll say it like it is. I’m the man’s man. I’m big and I’m loud.
If you win the $50,000, what will you do with it?
It’s no longer an IF. I’ve already spent it in my head ! hahaha... A big part of it is Party when i get back in Manila... Then fund my journey forward to Hollywood and bigger projects!
My halloween costume will be...
I’ll come as Adam Covering myself with just a leaf.
The best thing I’ve learned life is that...
You define your happiness, no one else.
If my life were an artwork, it would be...
It would be a film, a cross between two movies: Wayne’s World and Pumping Iron. I’m a fun person who’d like to reach a big audience out there, even from my own backyard.
If I became a HP product, I would be...
I’d be one of their high definition large format printers. They print vivd colors and could print on a wide variety of materials. The larger than life prints are also water proof just like me.
Who are the artists you look up to?
Steven Spielberg, Mel Gibson, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, Eric Clapton and David Sanborn
Give me three dead people you’d want to invite for dinner
Jesus, Eve (Adam’s other half) and Luigi Santiago
Best Halloween memory?
System F in front of ABGs/K8. It was awesome! I was dressed as Beavis. It was back in the day when people partied hard and it was more about the love and the music.
What was the first artwork/artpiece that you made?
I made posters for my parents, drawings of superheroes and what not. I’d color them and label them “POWSTER” because I spelled phonetically... They’d buy them from me at P1.00 every day.
When did you realize you wanted to do what you’re doing now?
It was 1998, 10am, I was late for work. I was still a brand manager for a multinational back then. It was painful going to work. I was bored witless with my job. I heard “Our Father” on the radio. I broke down on my knees and cried. I realized should be doing something I love, not just bringing home a paycheck, waiting for for a promotion.
Five year plan?
Everything will be towards conquering Hollywood: My first feature film. Launch a globally syndicated TV Series. Go On-Camera! Expand my work to other countries. Get back my six pack. Marry a hot supermodel / Hollywood actress!
Adrienne Vergara
Age: 25
Country: Philippines
Occupation: Theatre artist
“I believe that limitations, mistakes and detractors serve as blessings for artists, as they set the truly creative people apart. One must be super brave and insane enough to make the brilliance of ideas manifest.”
Fast fact: Adrienne’s favorite time of year is Halloween as she gets to do one of her favorite things – dress in costume!
What made you join HP Space?
When I first saw the HP Space ad on Channel V, I got so intrigued because they’re showcasing real artists and I find it a very promising and unique show. At first, I had a hard time deciding since what they’re looking for are graphic designers, architects, filmmakers etc. But when my Mom (I call her Nunu) sent me an email with all the info plus website of HP Space, I trusted her right away. Everything that came from her I always take as a good sign. One must learn to trust their moms, they really know best! (And trust VJ Dom too, hihiheee!)
What did you do for your audition video?
First of all, I borrowed my friend’s (Irish Abejero, former Ballet Philippines dancer), handycam and tripod and I secretly took my video around my flat. It’s my very first time to shoot and edit a video and I was actually reading the manual while editing! My pitch for my video is “Amelie-meets-Sailormoon” which highlights my quirky personality and give a taste of my skills.
What was your reaction when you found out you made it?
I danced around the house like crazy after the producers gave me the great news thru Skype. It was so surreal, unbelievable! I would like to thank Paulo Coelho and all the mentors in The Secret. The whole universe conspired indeed!
What’s your game plan for this show?
I really don’t have one. This is a reality tv show so anything can happen. Hmm… I think I’ll just need to stay healthy, get lots of good sleep and huge dose of positive vibes to keep my creative juices flowing. I also believe having a fun, sincere and loving relationship with fellow contestants really helps too. Negative vibes would just take me nowhere. Of course frustrations, stress, self doubts, insecurities are there all the time like crows waiting for their prey but it’s all up to me to convert it creatively into something positive.
What can people expect from you on the show? What do you bring to the table?
Oooh just watch out on Nov. 11!
If you win the $50,000, what will you do with it?
I would like to give you a Miss Universe answer for this one but as of now I really don’t know. I’m not focusing on the money to be honest.
My halloween costume will be...
I want to be Darna this year! But I’m also interested on Lady Gaga’s costume at the VMA’s.
The best thing I’ve learned in life is that...
Law of Attraction really works. I can guarantee that!
If my life were an artwork, it would be...
Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers. He used lots of yellows (his favorite color) to symbolize optimism, pure hope.
If I became a HP product, I would be...
HP Touchsmart! It has all the great and coolest features, just touch it the right way!
My dream in life is to meet ________ in person.
Oooh, I just met Lady Gaga this year! I love her! But I really want to give Adam Lambert, Bjork and Paulo Coelho. They saved my life!
Give me three dead people you’d want to invite for dinner
Walt Disney, Karl Marx and Andres Bonifacio. I think it’s going to be a very interesting night!
Best Halloween memory?
All my Halloween parties in Hong Kong are the best, especially when I dressed up as a Japanese anime nurse and flight attendant. It just feels so great to feel comfortably sexy in public. I always ride the train in costume! I love dress-ups! But my Lady Gaga costume magically brought me to her and made her hug me.
Admira Pustika
Age: 26
Country: Indonesia
Occupation: Illustrator
“According to Madonna, ‘You need to have a dream and to have that dream come true.’ It is Madonna’s spirit of hard work and constant evolution that inspire me.”
Fast fact: Admira has “E.T.-like fingers” which she says dashed all her hopes of ever becoming a hand-model.
Eric Zhang Hailin
Age: 21
Country: China
Occupation: Design student
“My creative philosophy is, ‘Once involved, always devoted’. I draw inspiration from my daily life, and my passion and confidence motivate me to make dreams a reality.”
Fast fact: When he was in high school, Eric used to practice his smile in the mirror everyday.
Brandon Liu
Age: 27
Country: Australian, currently living and working in Singapore
Occupation: Architect
“My creative philosophy is, “Less is more”. I believe that the beauty of an idea is in its simplicity. I use my creative skills to look at ideas from a different light to communicate and connect with audience both visually and emotionally.”
Fast fact: Brandon’s boss has championed his participation in HP SPACE from the start.
Kaz Cai
Age: 28
Country: Singapore
Occupation: Director/producer
“My creative philosophy is to fathom, contest and construe through visuals and sound.”
Fast fact: Kaz is a rock chick by heart but loves traditional hymns. In her teens, she used to sing Latin hymns in a choir.
Sawan
Age: 23
Country: India
Occupation: Visual artist
“My personal philosophy is to forget all the rules. I believe these rules, set by individuals or society, hinder freedom of thought, which in turn stops creativity. I express myself through careful contemplation, with sensitivity towards environment and those around me.”
Fast fact: As a testament to his self-confidence, when asked to choose the best film ever made, he replied, “I’m still working on it.”
Daniel Tran
Age: 29
Country: Australia, currently living and working in Vietnam
Occupation: Entrepreneur
“I believe there are no limits to what one can accomplish.”
Fast fact: Daniel has 2 children – a boy and a girl.
David Tang
Age: 28
Country: Australian, currently living and working in Singapore
Occupation: Art director
“My creative philosophy is to surround myself with talented people who will push me to excel. One of my greatest passions is graphic design. I constantly think of how to develop my designs further.
Fast fact: Although David is an art director, he has never studied design.
Lora Lee
Age: 21
Country: China
Occupation: Design student
“I believe that the most incredible discoveries lie in every ordinary day. My strategy for the competition is to be ‘real’ and to make the most of each day.”
Fast fact: Lora’s favourite animated film, Iron Giant has changed her attitude towards life and love.
Liu Ming-Chun
Age: 28
Country: Taiwan
Occupation: Music video director
“I believe that it is necessary to obey one’s own instincts to stand out in the world.”
Fast fact: A vegetarian, Ming-Chun loves animals and is completely against any act that leads to their death.
Tan Chung Han
Age: 26
Country: Malaysia
Occupation: Filmmaker
“I seek to evoke strong reactions with all my creative work, striving to overcome the ‘so what?’ factor.”
Fast fact: Though he comes from a country without snow, one of Chung Han’s hobbies includes snowboarding.
Phan Huynh Trung
Age: 24
Country: Vietnam
Occupation: Graphic designer
“I believe there is beauty to be found in everything as long as one is open to inspiration.
The one movie that changed my outlook in life is Slumdog Millionaire as it shows how anything can happen and while we should learn from our bad experiences, we should be motivated by the good.”
Fast fact: Trung is part of a global network of individuals involved with building trust across the world’s divides through cross-cultural communication and activities.
Rohit Ferreira
Age: 23
Country: India
Occupation: Photographer
“I believe that the power of art is underestimated, cannot be ignored and that it is never without consequence. I don’t have a favourite pop culture icon or artist but I am intrigued by the thoughts and work of Sigmund Freud, Picasso, Van Gogh and Bob Marley.”
Fast fact: Rohit used to get caught scribbling and doodling in his textbooks during Math class in school. His mother became quite a regular fixture at the principal’s office.
Uni Lee
Age: 25
Country: Korea
Occupation: Motion grapher
“I believe nothing is impossible and everything can be achieved if you want it badly enough. The opening sequence of the film, Catch Me If You Can inspired me to master motion graphics.”
Fast fact: Backstreet Boys’ I Want It That Way inspired Uni to learn English.
Pongsuang Kunprasop (Note)
Age: 31
Country: Thailand
Occupation: Graphic designer
“Don’t think, just feel. I don’t like to talk about myself and I prefer to let my personality speak for me.”
Fast fact: Note is color-blind.
