With the advent of such Girl Power TV shows like Sex and the City, today’s women have become fearless in expressing their wants and desires, along with their ideas on male beauty. Truth be told: The modern Filipina has a very exacting definition of a "Hot Man." A hunk shouldn’t just be handsome, he must also be physically flawless, chiseled like a Greek god – a cross between a matinee idol and a body builder. As Hollywood sweetheart Julia Roberts once jestingly quipped: "I am all for the objectification of men." And the Viva Hot Men are unabashed, unembarrassed about their status as objects of female yearning. They don’t mind being ogled by female admirers.
With bated breath, countless women (and just as numerous gays) are awaiting their new VCD/DVD, Viva Hot Men: God’s Gift to Women (finally released in the market last March 30).
Meet the Viva Hot Men: Screen stud Allen Dizon, aspiring ball player Adrian Zabala, six-footer model Alken Miranda, baby-face waiter Antonio Ramirez, athletic Mr. Biñan Dave Anquilo, Ginoong Filipinas 2002 winner Jayson Colis, bodacious balikbayan Jerome Ocampo, hardcourt heartthrob Justin de Leon, seasoned model McMiel Dennison, model-actor Miguel Garcia, and budding model Paolo Serrano. They are on the verge of a breakthrough, ready to out-flex The Hunks, the Power Four, and the Masculados with sheer muscle power. Asked what sets them apart from other all-male groups in the biz, they jokingly replied that they have "abs" to spare.
"The people we‘ve talked to say we are sexier," Justin quips. "Also, we offer different types of personalities. Different kinds of talents."
Foremost of these talents are skills in modeling and acting, which they show off in dreamy, seductive scenes in their debut VCD/DVD. "Other male groups are being built up as boy bands," Jerome explains. "But we want to focus on acting and modeling."
"That’s what we have that others don’t have," Alken asserts with pride. "We have a VCD/DVD."
The first of its kind in the local entertainment industry, the VCD/DVD marks a breakthrough of sorts. For the first time, women (and gays) will be allowed to feast on perfect specimens of male pulchritude. The video montage, however, remains "artistic and tasteful," the boys contend, especially since it is megged by topnotch young director Rico Gutierrez.
"We never felt exploited during the shoot," attests Allen, who acts as designated leader and spokesperson, being the most senior and established in the group. "He really took good care of all of us." Allen, who once worked with the country’s best filmmakers (like Joey Reyes in Luksong Tinik, Mario O’Hara in Babae sa Bubungang Lata, and Jeffrey Jeturian in Pila Balde), avers that he has learned a lot after working with Rico. "He taught us about projecting in front of the camera. How to look lustful onscreen."
"How to emote onscreen," Dave concurs. "How to act naturally in our scenes."
"At first, we were all nervous, but later on we were able to adjust," Jayson recounts. "We all felt at ease on the set. We were never asked to do anything we were not comfortable with."
Being part of a group also allowed them to realize a lot of things. "Not just how to work in front of the camera," Alken confirms, "but how to deal with different kinds of people." In this department, Allen has assumed the role of mentor to his less-experienced groupmates.
"He really shares a lot with us," Miguel affirms. "Like being professional. He’s great to hang out with."
McMiel, also a veteran of sorts in modeling, also imparts valuable tips to his younger teammates. "Our group is composed of different characters," he elaborates. "Some are noisy and rowdy because they are very young," he remarks. "Others are quiet and more mature." It is this maturity that he hopes would contribute to the group’s success and stability. "I know how to adjust in every new situation with people from all walks of life," McMiel proffers. " So I can advise them on how to act, how to behave in each new setting."
Just like McMiel, Adrian’s modeling experiences have molded him into a thorough pro. "My positive work attitude is something I can contribute to the group," Adrian attests. "That’s what I picked up from modeling: punctuality, professionalism, and working hard with the rest of the team."
"Cooperation is really important for us to succeed," Justin volunteers.
"We will do everything for the group to remain solid, for us to remain intact and grow stronger," Paolo intones.
They sound oh-so-earnest in their bid for fame and fortune.
"We know how to have fun, but we also know our limitations," Miguel intones. "When it comes to work, we are very serious."
Antonio is a gung-ho portrait of self-discipline. "I used to be chubby compared to these guys," he recalls. "But when I was asked to join the group, I went on a diet, eating nothing but canned tuna. I also started working out." All his hard work has paid off big time. These days, Antonio can go mano a mano, flexing his muscles and flashing his hot bod with the rest of the gorgeous guys in the gang.
These are the Viva Hot Men, 11 of the most promising and potent studs in showbiz today. They are raring to woo and win the hearts of women everywhere – not just this summer, but all-year-round.
After all, they are studs for all seasons.