Feeling good inside out

Wearing lingerie is not typical to the Filipino woman. I grew up with Nanay in her public school uniform and dusters. Lingeries were worn by movie stars in movies.

But times have changed. Fashion trends have evolved. Lingeries which were trendy sleepwear are now worn in streets as fashionable daywear by brave, fabulous women.

Young entrepreneurs Carlo and Kaye Garcia introduced Hot Pink Lingerie in 2003. The idea came during the couple’s trip to the US. Carlo bought a nice set of lingerie for Kaye and she instantly loved it. Upon arrival in Manila, Kaye went out to look for more lingerie. However, she was disappointed upon learning that the choices were limited.

Kaye, a talented designer, took charge of the production while business savvy Carlo managed the marketing side. Amazingly, Hot Pink is now getting bigger and better. The teamwork and effort have paid off.

The key to the strength of Hot Pink is its concept of women empowerment. The brand gives importance to feeling good inside out. The couple believes wearing good intimate apparel gives women confidence. Although Kaye’s designs are fun and playful, they capitalize on comfort and the right fit. The biggest hit of Hot Pink is its K-bra. The intimate underwear gives adequate support and enhances breast size, giving it a natural look. The fit is perfect for Asian women’s everyday wear.

Carlo and Kaye attribute their business venture’s success to hard work, the support of numerous customers and the impeccable service of their staff. They always recognize the hard work of their loyal staff. Business people should emulate the dynamic couple’s life principle of giving back to the community blessings they continue to receive.

Here’s wishing Hot Pink will be hotter this year!

The music on his mind

Jet Pampolina’s affair with music started when he was a kid. He was always included in intermission numbers during family gatherings and school programs. Although he loved music, he was not able to attend formal schooling. He studied at Colegio de Sta. Catalina in Biñan, Laguna and earned his degree in Accountancy from De La Salle University. He had a stint working as an expatriate in Jakarta, Indonesia. He is married with three kids and is one of the vice presidents in a multinational company in Makati City.

In spite of his achievements in a different field, Jet’s love for singing persists. So on his 40th birthday celebration, he had a concert for friends and unveiled his first recording venture. His album, My Standards, brings back eternal classic hits of the ‘60s like The Way You Look Tonight, It Had to be You, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, You’ll Never Know, Night & Day and Misty. All songs were recorded and mixed by Jose Marie Gonzalez and produced by JetMiles Recording Productions. Piano tracks and arrangements were by Alan McPike.

International radio playwriting competition

The British Council and BBC World Service have launched the International Radio Playwriting Competition for 2007.

Applicants are invited to write a radio play of about 60 minutes on any subject of their choice. The play must be an original and unpublished work of the applicant. Any writer who is not a resident of the UK can join the competition. The work must be written in English but can be translated by a third party. Translated work must be identified and the translator’s name given.

Two main prizes are at stake: the Best Play Written in English as a First Language and the Best Play Written in English as a Second Language. Winners will each receive £2,500 sterling, a trip to London for a chance to watch their plays being recorded and to attend the prize-giving evening among additional prizes to be given away to other lucky winners. Writers whose plays reach the judges’ final shortlist will receive BBC goodie bags and feedback about their plays from BBC’s team of professional readers.

Application forms can be downloaded on www.bbcworldservice.com/competitions or www.britishcouncil.org/arts. Submissions and application forms can be e-mailed to [email protected]. Deadline date of applications is on April 30. For details, call Susan Arcega at the British Council 914-1011 to 14 ext. 130.