Pretty girls seeking partners in Qpids

Originally posted on the Journal Group Website

FREEHAND
by Mario E. Bautista

DIRECTOR Lauren Dyogi comes up with a unique concept in "Qpids," the first reality TV search for a new love team the masses will adore.

Nine pretty Love Princesses will have 18 good-looking Prince Charmings to choose from. The gals are Karel Marquez, Pauleen Luna, Hazel Ann Mendoza, Jill Yulo, Paw Diaz, Vanessa Gomez, Carla Loren, Isabel Blaesi and Andrea Torres. The guys are Carlo Aquino, John Wayne Sace, Mhyco Aquino, Mikel Campos, Alwyn Uytingco, Janus del Prado, TJ Ramos, Aaron Concepcion, Marc Acueza, Marc Butler, Michael Agassi, Cholo Barretto, Gian Carlos Castro, Timmyboy Sta. Maria, Marc Cortez, Gabb Driblon and twins Dominic and Felix Roco.

We ask the girls to name three guys they'd like to be paired with and here are their choices: Karel - John Wayne, Gabb, Marc Acueza. Paw - TJ, Alwyn, Mikel. Carla - Mikel, Felix, Janus. Hazel - Dominic, Alwyn, Mhyco. Isabel - Felix, TJ, Gabb. Andrea - Marc Butler, Carlo, Mhyco. Vanessa - TJ, Carlo, Marc Cortez. Jill - Alwyn, Carlo, John Wayne. Pauleen - TJ, Gian Carlos, Carlo.

The most sought-after guy is Carlo Aquino with four votes. After him come TJ and Alwyn with three votes each. Those who did not get any votes are Cholo, Michael, Timmyboy and Aaron.

The tallest among the girls is Carla, who used to be billed as Carla Humphries. "They prefer Loren to be my new surname kasi easier to recall daw," she says. At 16, she stands 5'7". We tell her she'll grow taller. "Ay, huwag na. Baka mahirapan silang hanapan ako ng partner. As it is, I don't wear heels anymore as I'm taller than some of the guys."

Who's her best friend among the girls? "Pauleen kasi sabay kaming nag-train sa Star Circle Batch 11. She's been my best friend for four years now."

Carla is a fine arts sophomore at UST majoring in painting. Her medium is oil and she likes painting still life and surreal pieces. Her biggest crush in showbiz is Jericho Rosales.

"Qpids" will start on May 2, hosted by Anne Curtis and Luis Manzano. All the Love Princesses and Prince Charmings join the ABS-CBN Star Magic's 13th year anniversary celebration's star-studded Flores de Mayo today, May 1. This is an annual affair hosted by the City of Manila, DoT, Unilever, the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines and the Congregacion de Santisimo Nombre del Niño Jesus.

This year's Flores de Mayo will be led by Kristine Hermosa. It starts at 4 p.m. in Rajah Sulayman, Roxas Blvd. and ends at the Puerta Real Gardens in Intramuros.