Spotlight: The Late Bloomer

An old adage goes “age is nothing but a number” and Ronan Capili is one living proof that age won’t dictate just what one can do as long as the dedication is there. When we chatted with him one fine Friday morning for this feature, it was not difficult to see that he is full of life . One cannot help but to imbibe the zest he gives off as you converse. And as a photographer by profession, we asked him which celebrity would he be interested in taking a portrait of. His answer? Robin Williams. But just hold on yet, he answered this with a disclaimer: "This question never crossed my mind because I was never the type who would get starstruck. They're just people to me." And with that, one can tell that he is not here for the superficiality of it all. Ronan's passion is evident point blank.

Now at 32 (but as spontaneous, verbose and animated as ever), Ronan is what we could all consider a late bloomer. He always had that interest in Photography but he pursued Communication Arts in De La Salle University --- still not thinking that photography could be a viable career . He graduated in 2000 and has since started working in different industries. It was not only sometime in 2008 that he entertained the thought of pursuing AB Photography here in Benilde when he found out that the school was ready to cater to its 2nd batch of photography students. "A few years leading to my lightbulb moment, I met people along the way who pursued their passion in life a little later than usual. It helped me to reconsider where I was and where I wanted to go."

That decision to have another run at college life proved to be fruitful as even though he is still studying, Ronan booked the job of being a photo contributor for Philippine Daily Inquirer's 2BU section which gets published every Saturday. The job that he does is very similar to what we at theSDAproject do; however, he is not exclusive to the SDA campus and gets his subjects from wherever his feet may lead him. A big fan of color he takes notice of that someone who stands out in a crowd and just like Scott Schuman of "The Sartorialist", one of his inspirations, captures his subject's untouched emotion and where their personality is the life of his photos.

Aside from photography, he also sidelines in event hosting and choreographing routines for ice skating. This man knows how to segue himself into almost anything and that's just commendable on his part to be able to manage his interests. A rising name because of his huge talent in taking pictures and working the crowd, Ronan acknowledges that studying again at De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde was his best decision for himself to date. "The school lets us be dynamic, creative, relentless and resilient. Something I was looking for in my previous run in college." SDA happens to have students that are already working their way to be part of the creative industry and Ronan Capili certainly epitomizes that mold.

A person who never looked further than one week in his life, Ronan just plans to enjoy the ride willing to accept opportunities may it be in or out of the country after he graduates next year. Ronan could not dictate to himself just what he plans to do next saying that "that's what makes it fun and pressure-free" and we trust him that he will not disappoint. Ronan knows what's best for him and we would all just have to wait and see... how great he would turn out to be. ---theSDAproject

Follow Ronan on Twitter: www.twitter.com/putobumbong

Flying High.

Zoe Laurente complete the team of three. The three of them represented the student body of the School of Design and Arts, and Zoe motivated KC and Bianca to run for this year. He is the current SDA Head of Internal Affairs in our Student Council. Like Bianca and KC, he's taking up a degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising. He's the kind of leader who would bring the cheerfulness to the table. Here's our interview with our fun-loving Zoe.

TSP: What inspired you to become a student leader of the School of Design and Arts?

ZOE: I was a member of last year's student council and I kinda talked to KC and Bianca into running for SDA representatives. I decided to work under their office because I still want to continue to help out in the student council and I promised them both that I will continue to help them out with the projects and activities for the SDA student body.

TSP: What are some of the best experiences you’ve had while serving in the Student Council?

ZOE: So far I'd have to say the Frosh Night 2010 held a few weeks ago. I skipped my Frosh Night so this was my chance to finally experience it.

TSP: How would you describe the students in the School of Design and Arts?

ZOE: The School of Design and Arts has a very diverse crowd. I love how you can get away with almost anything without having anyone judge. Everyone is so unique!

TSP: Three words to describe yourself.

ZOE: Fun. Quirky. Fresh.

TSP: Where do you get your daily inspiration?

ZOE: I get my inspiration from everything around me - the arts, watching television, listening to music, and the like.

TSP: Being a student taking up AB in Fashion Design and Merchandising, how would you describe the fashion seen in the SDA?

ZOE: It's like a halo-halo (Yes, I'm talking about the edible one.) You have bits of everything in it! From the cosplay to the skaters, to the high end labels. I like it! It's fun to look at!

TSP: Who are your favorite designers both locally and internationally?

ZOE: Definitely Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs.

TSP: What are some of your favorite brands both locally and internationally?

ZOE: Bench is good for basic stuff. And let's not forget the ever reliable SM Department Store for chic and affordable goods! For foreign brands, I'd go for Old Navy, Zara and Topshop / Topman. Oh, and Forever 21!

TSP: If you were the president of the Philippines for a day, what would you do?

ZOE: This is a hard one but I would have to say implement laws that I think most people would benefit from.

TSP:What’s next for Zoe Laurente?

ZOE: Nothing in particular. Whatever comes my way.

TSP: Any message to the SDA students?

ZOE: I love you! Haha, kidding. Hi!

Running In High Heels.

Meet KC Aquino. She's our free-spirited SDA Representative and Bianca Yuzon's partner in leadership. Like Bianca, she's also taking up a degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising. She is currently working on her clothing line named Kashew. Here is our interview with our lovely KC.

TSP: What inspired you to become a representative of the School of Design and Arts?

KC: Okay, this may sound shallow to some, but at first, I got inspired to run for SDA representative by the characters of Brooke Davis in One Tree Hill and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. I never really saw myself as an officer of the Student Council and doing all these before. It wasn’t part of my plan at all, to be honest. But one lunch break in school, Bianca and Zoe were talking about running for Student Council, the two characters (Brooke Davis and Elle Woods) came to my mind and I felt like I should/can do it, too! On a more serious level though, I think what pushed me into doing it was my eagerness to try on new things every time. Also, I saw it as a chance to prove to myself and others that I can do so much more beyond all the clothes, accessories, make up and high heels!

TSP: What are some of the best experiences you’ve had while serving in the Student Council?

KC: The Freshman Orientation Program was quite an experience for me because it was the first time I spoke on stage to a lot of people. I felt nervous even if it was scripted and it was just a couple of lines plus my name. I love that sometimes we get free food and free entrance in events that are organized by SC. Those are just some of the perks. I could also say that I have a good time in each SC meeting because the other officers are just sofunny. I always end up ‘LMAO-ing’. I enjoyed staying under the tent and shouting “join student council” in the Plaza Villarosa and “partying” in the Frosh Night a few weeks ago, too!

TSP: How would you describe the students in the School of Design and Arts?

KC: SDA students are brave and happy trend-setters. We’re never afraid of showing what we really are and feel even if it is going to make us different from the rest. We use art and fashion in expressing them all. We set the trend in all the things we do – may it be film, music, architecture, fashion, etc. We’re free-spirited and happy with our limitless imagination.

TSP: Three words to describe yourself.

KC: Transparent. Outgoing. Free.

TSP: Where do you get your daily inspiration?

KC: From the busy streets of New York! Haha, just kidding! I get mine from my family, friends, all the random people I have small talks/encounters with everyday and my dreams. But I don’t know, I get easily inspired by the simplest of things.

TSP: Being a student taking up AB in Fashion Design and Merchandising, how would you describe the fashion seen in the SDA?

KC: Fashion in the SDA campus is wild and wide-ranged. There are no limitations (except the dress code) when it comes to the students’ school outfits. Everyone’s trying to be unique and, for me, that’s really a good thing. Fashion in our school is a big factor; it is used not only to be stylish or trendy but to express feelings, mood, etc.

TSP: Who are your favorite designers both locally and internationally?

KC: Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Herve Leger, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Monique Lhuillier, Betsey Johnson, Louis Vuitton, Zac Posen

TSP: What are some of your favorite brands both locally and internationally?

KC: Forever 21, Topshop, Mango, Zara (TRF), H&M, PRP, Roxy, Aeropostale, Old Navy, Gap, thrift stores in Greenhills, The Ramp, SM Department Store, Nine West, and RL.

TSP: If you were given a chance to meet anyone in the world, who would it be?

KC: I’d like to meet Lady Gaga! She’s totally amazing and inspiring. The art she shows (like her music videos, dance moves, choice of clothes, words and shoes, etc) is jaw-dropping. She wows people world-wide every time and everyone’s waiting to see what her next it’s-out-of-this-world-but-it-works outfit will be. She’s crazy and weird but I like it! She said in an MTV interview that “there’s no such thing as limits” - and that moved me.

TSP:What’s next for KC Aquino?

KC: School shiz, more nights out with friends, good times, uncontrollable laughter, no more binge eating (I hope), and my clothing line named Kashew! I really want to start it. I’ve made a few pieces for my friends and myself already. I think I’ll be continuing that.

TSP: Any message to the SDA students?

KC: Hey, you guys!

Let’s keep doing our thang and believing in ourselves. We should always see the silver lining in the things around us. Positivity never fails to make someone happier and motivated. I think there will always be things/reasons for us to feel down like problems, etc... that’s normal. The more important thing is that we see past through all those, keep our chins up, and we don’t give up. We’re all aiming to be known someday as fashion designers, film makers, musicians, photographers, or whatever, and I think you’d all agree if I say the one thing we can do to make that happen is to strive really hard and go on. We should never stop going for what we really want and love. We got all that it takes; we just gotta learn how to use our “resources” wisely. And and and! Remember to enjoy every step of the way. J

XO Love,

KC A.