Time to chill out

Author: Jerry Donato

BORACAY -- The dumbbell-shaped island of Boracay with its pristine waters and powdery sand was the perfect backdrop for the recently-held No Tan, No Entry Dance Party of Velvet, a young station and a subsidiary of ABS-CBN.

The event speaks of Velvet's market which is comprised of women aged between 18 and 35 whose zest for life is as big as their dreams. These are also young professionals who love to party or chill out after a hard day's work. Though the programming of Velvet is designed for a specific group of women, anyone can enjoy its shows, including the men of their lives, especially if he wants to know or discover the vulnerable, feminine side of him. After all, Velvet is a general entertainment TV station.

As the title of the shindig implies, women who were either in their bikinis or short shorts and their partners had to work out to get that "bronze look. " Frolicking in the beach and basking under the sun was the tall order of the day. At 3 p. m., participants of the No Tan, No Entry Dance Party hit the waters and worshipped the sun to get a pass to the party. Some played beach volleyball or frisbee with their friends and acquaintances. Those who didn't want to get physical went sunset sailing to also get a long shot view of Boracay. Since No Tan, No Entry Dance Party promised an all-night long party till you drop, Velvet also treated guests to a free massage at Club Paraw, the venue of the party. There was also a free henna tattoo for everyone. While one was busy working on his bronze or sun-kissed look, Tribo Manila churned out tribal tunes to perk up everyone that laid-back afternoon.

After a hearty dinner at Bamboo Lounge, everybody trooped to Club Paraw and partied no end.

Sarah Meier, who shared tanning 101 with guests, guided everyone to what might happen in the course of the night. Nothing But Water unveiled its take on what's in and what's hot swimwear this summer. Models didn't only show off their bronze but also their to-die-for bodies that perfectly fit two-piece or one-piece swimsuits.

Making those bods gyrate was the house and trance music of DJs Manolet Dario and Owens Sun. They did amp the music and up everyone's energy. Live feed from DJ Tiesto's Manila concert also made the affair extra exciting.

Iya Villania and Jon Avila (sans his cape as Kapitan Boom) were spotted in the event. Kapamilya stars Rafael Rosell and Denise Laurel also joined the fun. The two were also part of the celebrity entourage that graced Temptation Island's Boracay screening presented by Cinema One the night before the affair. Luis Alandy, John Lapus, Cinema News' Eri Neeman, Bianca King and beau Champ of Hale, siblings Cheska and Patrick Garcia and Chesca Litton of VIP Pass were also seen partying.

Network head Ronald Arguelles says Velvet is a fun channel whose primetime shows are geared for the younger generation, while shows like Good Morning America of Diane Sawyer and The View with Barbara Walters and Whoopi Goldberg are for the older ones. Velvet also satisfies those who crave for Hollywood productions like the Oscars. However, it also carries canned shows from the UK like Prime Suspect with Ellen Mirren as its lead star.

Velvet also boasts shows like Watch Over Me starring Dayanara Torres, The L World, America's Next Top Model, Make Me a Supermodel, E! News Weekend with Ryan Seacrest and Will & Grace. Music lovers will also enjoy Don't Forget the Lyrics and Spotlight which features artists like Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé.

No Tan, No Entry Dance Party has just lived up to Velvet's joie de vivre image.

Source: The Philippine Star