Jing Monis makes his own Myth

Author: Dinna Chan Vasquez
Column: Life & Entertainment

Jing Monis, the man behind Judy Ann Santos' more sophisticated look and Eula Valdez's iconic hair and makeup as Amor Powers in the hit drama Pangako Sa 'Yo, has launched his own line of quality hair products.

The line, consisting of two products called Spike and Bob, is a result of Monis' penchant for combining different products when styling his clients' hair. Years of experimenting have resulted in styling aids that keep hair in place. Spike is a clay that allows you to achieve a funky 'do with extra hold while Bob is a light paste for straight hair.

"The products are 'green,' they are 100-percent natural and do not contain alcohol. The packaging is recyclable and very pretty," says Monis, whose clients include socialites, show business personalities, celebutantes and models.

He says he thought of coming up with his own line because it was always difficult to find the perfect product. Thus, Monis did not stop until he got what he wanted. Meanwhile, he used the products on his clients, who said they liked it.

"I wanted to come up with something that would really keep hair in place without harming the scalp," he adds.

Monis' career as a makeup artist and hairdresser began when he was in high school. The son of a hairdresser for the famed Budjiwara (now known as the furniture designer Budji Layug), Monis was the only one who inherited his mother's talent. Pretty soon, he would do his sisters' hair and makeup. When he was in fourth-year high school, Monis started working at Varona's, the salon where his mother was employed.

"I started from the bottom. I swept floors, shampooed hair and handed out towels. In my free time, I'd practice on my friends," he recalls.

Monis doesn't sweep floors anymore. He is one of the most sought after stylists in the Philippines and is co-founder of Propaganda, an elite group of makeup and hair stylists with a salon in Greenbelt 1. Among his clients are young singer Sarah Geronimo, concert artist Martin Nievera, TV host Raymond Gutierrez, hunk Piolo Pascual and socialite/entrepreneur Mandy de la Rama.

That was 15 years ago. These days, Monis is looked up to as a stylesetter who "dictates" what look will be hot. For instance, he says the bob will still be in vogue ("It's here to stay.") but lots of women will love big curls. For guys, it's longish hair and long bangs.

Makeup will be sheer and simple and skin will be bronzed.

Today marks another milestone in Monis' life and career as he introduces Spike and Bob to the public via Myth, a one-stop lifestyle shop at Greenbelt 5. The boutique features fashionable ready-to-wear creations and lifestyle products. Aside from Monis, Myth features the creations of designers Randy Ortiz, Dennis Lustico, Ivarluski Aseron and Joey Samson.

Visual artist Doltz Pilar will present his abstract paintings and art installations and collaborates with Ortiz for a stylish line of home accessories.

Stylist Henri Calayag, who Monis considers his "mother" in the business, will showcase his own cosmetics and personal care line.

Monis and the co-owners have lawyer Jay Onrubia as partner in this venture. Onrubia is also Monis' partner for his line of hair products.

"Myth is a store that brings together eight talents," says Monis. "So whether you want clothes, beauty products, home accessories, paintings or even fashion or beauty advice, we've got it for you.

Source: Manila Standard Today