"June"

Time and again, I have found myself reminiscing on heartwarming memories all created during this special month. My wedding anniversary tops all the rest. My hubby, Mark, was introduced to me by a friend in the industry some eight years back. Mark was one of his model discoveries, while he had been painting my face since I joined the entertainment circuit. I am referring to "June" Hector Sy. My make-up artist, designer, cupid, and most of all my long-time treasured friend in the industry. It's not often one could find loyalty, transparency and sincerity in the biz. I had been quite blessed to have found one in June who had spent more than two decades of his life painting faces, creating design masterpieces, and discovering talents...

Clover Days

Though June and I had been friends for more than a decade now, we never really had a chance to talk about life's past until recently. I had just learned that June spent his wonder years watching his mother, former Clover Theatre actress, Linda Lerio perform on and off cam until the age of seven. His father, Teodoro Mandrake" Sy, was also immersed in showbiz as a booking manager for celebrities in the 50's such as Cebu's pride, Pilita Corales. This career had brought him to Las Vegas for five years and led him to uproot the family to Cagayan de Oro where June had spent most of his younger years before moving to Cebu for college. His early exposure and appreciation of the arts had brought countless of roles in theatre during his high school days in San Agustin. It was during this time that he had discovered his potentials in design and cosmetics. "Mag-make up baya mi cha niya kami ra puy bahala sa among costume. Didto ko nakat-on," he explained.

His mother's sister who was based in the U.S. had learned about this and began sending demo tapes on cosmetic application techniques and fashion designing. A crash course in Fine Arts, more demo tapes, seminars and years of practice led him to a career he never expected. "Nahitabo lang gud," he remarked. June began accompanying his niece to pageants, which had taken her and June's career to a leap. I am referring to Aline Ramirez, Ms. Cebu Tourism 2000 and Binibining Pilipinas 2001 finalist. I could still remember the first time I met him and Aline 13 years ago at the backstage of Metro Gaisano where I had been regularly hosting. Aline, still 14, joined the search for Ms. Teen Metro in 1992. June recalls, "When Ms. Rose (referring to Metro's promotions manager) asked kung na-a koy mga recommendations for models, nangita dayon ko sa mga schools. Didto nagsugod ang tanan."

Following His Father's footsteps

Fate had led him to follow his father's footsteps. With a natural eye for beauty and talent, he began scouting for fresh new faces who later on succeeded in the industry. To name a few of June's discoveries are John Seno and Syrus Custodio of the Globe "Long distance ba ang Carcar bai?" TV ad; "Singgit Cebu" hosts Natasha Denser, Genesis Dacua and Ken Suarez; Mutya ng Pilipinas 2002 Regional Winner, Jacky Garcia and the now very popular Jacky Estevez of the Sex Bomb dancers.

A Long Way

June's career had gone a long way since we met. With a heart for the arts and his craft, he excelled in practically all fields he indulged in and gradually built a name for himself in Cebu as talent scout, choreographer of fashion shows and pageants, make-up artist and designer. His popularity has reached distant shores with regular international orders for his exquisite Filipiniana and wedding gowns.

Loving Friends

When asked about his career goals, he answers, "Wala lang cha. Nag-enjoy lang gud ko unya happy ra gud ko karon. Ang mo-matter ra gud nako are the friends I make. Happy na ko to find friends like you. Friends nga kahibalo ko na bisag unsay mahitabo, kita ra gihapon ang magkakuyog." His answer made me ponder on my own perspective on the joys of being in showbiz. I realized that though recognition, popularity and financial gains are great perks in being in the biz, it's how many friends you make and keep along the way that really matters most. A divine windfall to this is how one can make a difference in the lives of others. Knowing June had given me Mark and my beautiful daughter, Chyna. Because of June, I am enjoying a wonderful life of love and bliss!

June, on your birthday this week, I wish nothing for you but years of great happiness, better health, love and fulfillment. Mark and I will forever be grateful to you dear friend. "Love you cha!"