Fifteen of the hottest and brightest students from top schools in the metro made the cut for Chalk’s Bright Young Manila: Campus Hotties Edition 2015, the longest running annual search to become Chalk’s ambassadors to push the ideals and talents of today’s Filipino youth.
In celebration of Chalk’s 15th anniversary, the 15 finalists who hail from different colleges and universities in Metro Manila sashayed down the runway in their bright young outfits styled by Metro’s creative director and styleList, Inc. head Rex Atienza last Saturday at the #ChalkLiveMore party where they were officially introduced.
Among the crop of this year’s Bright Young Manila finalists is Charlene Dimalanta, the Sweet Spiker of UST, a volleyball player and aspiring model. She says she looks up to Ateneo’s Alyssa Valdez for remaining down to earth, despite the fame.
Another student athlete is Josh Torralba, the Baller Next Door of DLSU. The 6-foot-2 Green Archer guard who was once a member of the 16-Under National Team of Texas has been part of all-star basketball camps. But aside from his basketball skills, Josh is also a religious guy who credits God in his career.
Dale Corpus, the Ultimate Fighter of FEU, is fascinated in combat sports and practices mixed martial arts and jiu-jitsu. Dale says his mom, who works as an OFW in the States is his inspiration to work hard in school and in his fights in small commercial bouts.
Another athlete finalist is Jules Aquino, the Incredible Hunk of UP Diliman, who plays varsity track and field for UP. Aside from his interest in sports, Jules is also a fan of outdoor activities and dreams to camp overnight at Mt. Pulag or Pinatubo.
Award-winning Ateneo Blue Tanker David Mendoza, the Fitness Buff of Ateneo is an advocate of healthy living. As a former chubby kid, David says he owes his transformation to sports which instilled in him good values such as self-discipline.
Chalk’s Bright Young Manila is also packed with student model finalists. Akiko Abad, the next top model of San Beda, looks like a Filipina version of Cara Delevingne because of her killer brows. Aside from doing modeling on the side, Akiko aspires to become a lawyer.
Sharing the law student dream with Akiko is Sofia Fajardo, the Stylish Jetsetter of UP Diliman who hopes to finish her accountancy degree and become a CPA lawyer. Whenever Sofia is not traveling or modeling, she is doing her duties as an active member of the UP Junior Marketing Association.
Another student finalist pursuing a business degree is Andrea Gonzalo, the Fierce Fashionista of Miriam College. Andrea who is a voracious reader of Vogue dreams of walking the runway like her life peg, Georgina Wilson.
Joining in the diverse mix of finalists is Christian Padilla, the ‘It’ boy of PUP. Christian is the resident pageant winner among the finalists, having won the Mr. Engineering crown where he represented his school’s Mechanical Engineering department.
Meanwhile, Zoe Vinluan, the Swag Queen of Trinity University of Asia is a dancer and a medical technologist in the making. When she passes her board exams, Zoe hopes to continue in the medical field by becoming a doctor.
Also part of Chalk’s circle of finalists are promising stars. Ganiel Krishnan, the Rising Star of FEU has made TV stints in top-rating shows. Her most recent was her appearance in ABS-CBN’s noontime serye, “Oh My G.” Ganiel is also part of Star Magic, but still keeps her eye on finishing school.
The Sultry Singer of San Sebastian, Maricris Soriano is not shy when it comes to showcasing her powerful vocals. She uses her Instagram to post videos of her singing and is now pursuing a solo singing career after being a former vocalist of an acoustic band.
Three student artists completes this year’s Bright Young Manila finalists. Tammy de Roca, the Artsy Gal of UP loves sketching and illustrating. She has done freelance illustrations for magazines, while pursuing a degree in Studio Arts.
The second student artist is Mike Gella, the Scene Stealer of CSB. As a photography student, Mike aspires to become one of the top photographers in the country like Mark Nicdao and BJ Pascual.
Completing the 15 finalists is Maqui Castelo, the Creative Cutie of Ateneo. As a jack of all trades, Maqui is into graphic design, film, and photography. His goal is to become an established freelance artist for clients who need photography, designing, and branding services.
The two winners who will be hailed as Chalk’s Bright Young Manila Campus Hotties of 2015 will be determined based on their performance in Chalk’s campus tours, appearances on-air for Chalk’s promotions, and total online votes. The #ChalkBYMCampaign will run from July until October 2015.
Since 2006, Chalk gathers college students who possess the caliber of conquering campus life and beyond for its Bright Young Manila search. The Bright Young Manila badge has become a status symbol among the Filipino youth and Chalk’s annual search has produced the best and brightest young talents who have made a legacy in various industries.
Chalk is a leading youth magazine in the country and is one of the titles published every month by ABS-CBN Publishing.
For more information about Chalk’s Bright Young Manila: Campus Hotties Edition, visit chalkmagazine.abs-cbn.com.
