Rochelle Rivera

As parents, nurturing our child’s creative gift —whether it be a talent in singing, dancing, acting, or ramp modelling – and witnessing it bloom to its fullest potential is both an aspiration and a shining moment. Over the past 15 years, Ever Malls, through its Ever Kiddie Stars (EKS) talent search, proudly celebrated the fulfillment of young dreams, to be part of the memorable life experiences and successful career milestones of generations of Filipino kids who wish to follow the footsteps of famous movie and TV celebrity idols. This summer, as the metro’s much awaited search for the brightest and most talented fresh faces returns on stage, it is also eagerly welcoming back former Kiddie Stars winners with a grand “Homecoming” anniversary celebration.

While Ever Malls’ talent search has become one of the industry’s longest-running and prestigious pageant competitions, what makes this year’s EKS edition even more exciting, according to Corporate Marketing Manager Ms. Chie Arao-Santos, is the “Homecoming” which will feature former Kiddie Star grandwinners as “mentors” who will inspire and guide their younger counterparts all the way in their journey, from promotions until the Grand Finals of the search.

“This way, the new batch of kids who will be joining the competition will be continually inspired by our past winners, and what Kiddie Stars has done for them," Ms. Arao-Santos said.

Among the past grandwinners who have began their exciting journey to stardom through Ever Kiddie Stars are Joshua Cadelina, first EKS grandwinner 2004, who became an ABS-CBN talent and starred in many top-rating shows;

Nicole Jeremiah Dulalia (2005), who played numerous roles in various TV dramas
Timothy Lambert Chan (2007), who made strides in showbiz doing TV commercials and shows
Ma. Jacie Gwyne Odiver (2007), who became a commercial model and former ambassadress of goodwill for the Mother Earth Foundation where she represented the Philippines in a pageant held in Singapore
Byron Spark Ortile (2008), who pursued his passion for acting as he starred on various TV programs and commercials
Xyriel Ann Manabat (2008 Grand Winner) who is making huge strides in showbiz today, acting in various movies and top-rating TV programs, the most recent of which is ‘Wildflower’. She also won the Best Single Performance by an Actress award in the 13th Gawad Tanglaw for Television in 2014 and Best Child Actress in the 60th FAMAS Awards in 2013, among many acting accolades.

Apart from enjoying the limelight and the bright prospects of future fame in the entertainment industry, this year’s Ever Kiddie Stars grandwinner will receive Php 350,000 worth of prizes. On top of the enticing prizes and ultimate title of becoming the best, kids entering the EKS are bound to develop essential life skills as the talent search serves as a platform for engaging fun activities that boost their mental, leadership, and artistic abilities as well as social skills and confidence. The 2018 Ever Kiddie Star grandwinners will also be treated to an all-expenses paid trip to Hong Kong as part of the prize.

“Ever Kiddie Stars’ main goal is not just fixated on finding talents and abilities. It aims to lead the way towards astonishing discoveries and experiences; it yearns to help mold and inspire young Filipino children to dream big, to become life-long achievers and accomplished individuals,” said Ms. Arao-Santos.

Ever Kiddie Stars Talent Search Year 15 is open to smart and talented kids aged 4 to 8 years old. Interested participants may still join the remaining screening/audition date on May 5, 2018, 3 PM at the Ever Malls at Commonwealth in Quezon City and Manila Plaza. The Top 7 in the Semifinals will join the Grand Finals set on June 3, 2018 at Ever Commonwealth. Applications forms are available at Ever Malls admin offices or visit Ever Malls’ official FB page for more details.

For more information about #EKSYear15 #EKSGrandHomecoming, click the link http://bit.ly/2ozHJww or call 243.2922 or 411-6773. Per DTI FTEB Permit No. 3359 Series of 2018.

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(Read about my Kyoto Tour with Wacoal click here)

An early ride on bullet train lead us the coveted factory – Wacoal.

All of us braved the cold weather to get to the factories to witness how the products are made.

A warm Japanese ambience welcomed us as we get inside the factory. We were asked to take off our shoes as we entered the area which is part of the manufacturing practices and standards.

We have been introduced to the Japanese production team, the hardworking people behind these beautiful undergarments.

Once we have finished the orientation and introduction about the company, the factory tour started. Welcome to Hokuriku Wacoal Sewing Corporation!

Production process, developments, designs - the works!

The manufacturing processes of Wacoal products go through a very tedious work. It doesn’t stop on creating a desired pattern. There is a series of step by step process that needs to be followed.

We were shown first at the area where prototype of undergarments are made. These prototypes are not the final designs. It has to be approved first and several concerns are to be considered before sending for production.

The process begins as follows. Fabrics and laces are prepared for cutting based on each material feature. It will be relaxed in the machine for atleast one day to avoid shrinkage based on the pattern and will proceed to spreading the fabric.

Different processes are used for cutting of fabrics and laces. Automatic cutting machine is used for cutting of fabrics. Whereas laces are cut by two methods – rotary cutter and press cutting. Next would be combining some parts and checking if its cut correctly based on the pattern.

Then its time for the sewing process! Both lingerie and brassiere have different specs and instructions to follow. It’s hand-sewn with skilled techniques to produce high quality products based on design. Imagine how the skilled workers would sew all of it manually.

Then there goes the high quality of maintenance which repair machines and arrangement which would enhance the quality and the productivity that is required.

For every finished product, there goes the quality control. Wacoal has high quality standards and methods that they follow. Making sure each product goes through proper inspection and right output.

When it comes to packaging, set of procedures are observed as well. There is a standard folding and presentation per final product.

Each process undergo a meticulously set of standards and procedures. Each worker is trained to provide their best skills in finishing the product.

Another beauty, here comes the lace!

When we get to the material factory, we were able to get a closer look where the fabrics are designed and made. The laces are designed by a lace designer, considered as an artist who makes and starts everything from scratch. The designer thinks of its own unique design, fabric, pattern, thread to be used, etc.

Laces also go through a series of steps to be able to arrive in its own form. Artist will have to create pattern design then proceed to drafting. After this has been approved, it will start to go on manufacturing.

Wacoal don’t outsource their materials because they themselves make it then proceed to creating the products. They exhibit a high level of craftsmanship in each of the product that they make and has ushered into a merchandise of strength, comfortability which has earned them distinction and setting standard for customers around the world.

It carries with it a heritage of trust from Japanese people and customers worldwide a strong reputation of quality products becoming a pillar in the undergarments business.

Capping the night

After touring the factories, we were treated to a sumptuous Japanese dinner at The Sodoh Higashiyama Kyoto. We were delighted to see the ninja show which provided entertainment for all of us. Fun day indeed! Thank you so much Wacoal!

I'll be posting my last day in Kyoto on my next blog. Hope to share with you more of Kyoto and Wacoal products.

Also, follow my vlog on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/rochellemikorivera) to give you more glimpses of the trip.

Photos by: Gerry Baclagon

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