Quezon Meets The Man
Of The Month
by: Toni de Villa
Who would have thought that he could make it to the huge and competitive world of
modeling? well, he must really be a born and rising star. john lee, a filipino... a
true-blooded lucenahin.
How long have you been a model?
Been modeling since I was 17. I started in Lucena City modeling for Rholand Roxas.
Even when I was in highschool in Maryhill Academy. He used to groom me, dress me up
whenever I get invited to sing in school programs. Singing was actually my first love
still is, his clothes, even back then were fantastic.Then I moved to Manila, joined this
contest called " Catch a Rising Star", didn't win.. Since most of the winners
were mestizos, but earned me a representation from a modeling agency named Faces Asia. It
closed down already. I did a few commercials for Sprite and Smokey's hot dog. But nothing
major. I thought my career was not going anywhere
How do you find modelling in the U.S.?
Almost the same as HongKong. But a much larger market. Rates are higher here too.But also
more competitive.You'll be surprised that there are more Asian models here than in
HongKong, but Ford, My agent only has a handful of Oriental models. We have two Filipinos
here. I'm very lucky.
How many prints have you
done so far?
If you're asking how many did I do since 1992, I should say around
225, thats the total number of print jobs I did from Billboards,Posters, Packages, Point
of Purchase, Direct Mail, Internet Ads, Newspaper Ads, Magazine covers, Layouts,
Editorials, Etc.
How would you compare being a model to
being an employee in a 9 to 5 job?
The thing I like about working as a Model in New York is the diversity of bookings. every
job is different. I get to meet a lot of people in every single job. From the Models,
Designers, Stylists, Clients, Etc. So it's not monotonous. Although I sometimes get early
bookings, as in early like 5:30 am. I also enjoy traveling. Growing up in Lucena City,
I've always had dreams of seeing all this places I only saw on TV and Calendars. I
remember looking at a magazine cover with the statue of Liberty in it thinking, how cool
it will be to see it in the future. Now living in New York City, whenever I'm in downtown
I make it a point to look at the statue and smile at her and say, I once dreamed about
you.
How do you maintain your body?
I watch the food I eat and workout 4-5x a week
Bread or rice for breakfast?
Neither. I make a fruit shake: blend a Banana and Apple and a cup of OJ. sometimes I use
skim milk. But growing up in Lucena, My mom used to make us Tapsilog or Longanisa, Hotdog
sometimes. It was heavy. I Kept burping in school. Next question?
How did you get into modelling?
The real modeling took place in Hong Kong in 1991. It was my first taste of International
market and Lifestyle. I loved it. Two of my HongKong Chinese friends took me to the agency
called Catwalk and before i knew it, I was shooting my first TV/Print commercial for NU
shampoo at the hotel Shangrila Penthouse Admirality. This was my first time to get paid by
the hour. I was like "This is great...The client can take their time setting up the
camera and the other technical stuff. I don't care... my meter is running. Not bad for a
little boy from Quezon Huh?"'. At the end of the day, I couldn't believe I was making
that much, called my dad in Lucena screaming at the top of my lungs, "Dad, for 8
hours, I made HKG$7,200..."
If you were not into modelling, where
will we find you?
Home checking my emails or pool side in my Health Club
What can you say to your kababayans? especially to all the lucenahins?
It was great seeing Lucena City again for a brief time. The city seemed smaller now and
crowded but I love all the new stores and malls. There's a couple of McDonald's, I
remember, we have to go to Manila just to get their French Fries back in the early 80's.
My father was looking good. Let me Advertise him, If anyone needs any help (NOTARY PUBLIC)
call my father ATTY. TEDDY LARA at 7104829. Keep working on your dreams. It's never
too late for anything. Lucenahins are as good as anybody. You just have to be strong and
determined. Feel free to visit my website at www.geocities.com/JOHNLEENYC. You can view
more pictures and send me an Email. I would love to hear from my KABABAYANS. |
How did you get into Ford Models?
Kept sending them my pictures since 1993 but never heard from them till 1997. For those
years in between, I was represented by different agencies. I had 2 in New York, 1 in
Boston, Connecticut, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Long Island.
What's the most unforgettable shoot
you've done?
Doing the Vogue fashion shoot with Supermodel/GUCCI Girl Georgina Grenville and shot by
famous celebrity photographer, Annie Liebiovitz. We did a layout for designer Michael
Kors. Same shot was used by Vogue in their calendar together with Annie's other famous
pics of world famous designers like CALVIN KLEIN, RALPH LAUREN, DONNA KARAN, LATE GIANNI
VERSACE...ETC
Aside from being focused on your career
what else do you do?
I host a cocktail lounge at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. This gives me Medical
benefits & free hotel rooms on my vacations. It's an easy job. I love working with
people and meeting new friends. I just have to dress up in a business suit, look good and
smile. Welcome the guests, make them feel special.
How disciplined are you?
Very. I care about myself and I'll do nothing to destroy it and my life. No drugs for me
even Cigarettes. Sleep for at least 8 hours, balanced diet. Show on time in the Photo
shoots.
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