I know it has been a bit since my last post but I must blog about this. It’s official. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are engaged to be married. Brad proposed to Angelina just over a week ago. The couple has been together for about seven years now of course after working on the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith(check post title for reference). With six children(3 adopted) lets hope that their unity continues to last. So congratulations to Brad and Angelina.
According to the official reports, The Hunger Games opened up with the third highest grossing weekend ever domestically making $152.5 Million. This film also broke records with the highest midnight gross ever, and the highest grossing opening weekend for a non sequel film. I went out to see this film and was impressed. If you have read the series or even if you haven’t, this is a film for all and a must watch! I have been a Jennifer Lawrence fan since her her press tours for Winter’s Bones. She has a great personality that is goofy but in a really good way while always showing humility. The next installment in the franchise known as Catching Fire is scheduled to be released in November of next year.
The beautiful Jessica Caban
You were one of the special guests for a recent Latin American Gala held by the CHCF. How was the event and what was your role?
Yes it was the 12th Annual “Slice of Latin America” Gala. The CHCF was also celebrating 30yrs! It was a great event to say the least. The venue was Cipriani Wall Street, there was amazing food and a great mix of people who all came out for a great cause. I was a guest as well as a host for the live auction. We sold 5 items for the organization. I used my wit and charm to get as much money as I could and it worked!
The organization CHCF aims to strengthen the voice of the Latin community. What areas do you feel need to be addressed most in the latin community?
The CHCF does an incredible job of strengthening the Latino community. They believe in self sufficiency and the best way to become self sufficient is to get educated. The CHCF provides various programs to ensure that. I believe we need more funding and programs to provide our youth with opportunities otherwise not available. We also need more programs to provide food for our Latino children and take the stress off of their families. No one should go home hungry.
You won a couple of awards for your first role in a film. What can you tell us about that film?
I won Best Actress twice for my portrayal of Thea Larson in Are You for Great Sex. This film is based on a true love story written and directed by Cynthia Hsiung. I can tell you the title is meant to grab your attention. Yes it is boundary-pushing and perhaps a bit raw but it is intelligent and sophisticated. There is a lot more to this love story told in a uniquely fresh female perspective. It was my first role ever acting and the most demanding. I’m almost in every scene. I learned a lot! Are You for Great Sex was released in 5 countries and will be available on Netflix soon.
What can you tell us about the movie you currently are working on?
I have two upcoming films. The first is a romantic comedy called “Getting Even” written and produced by Beverly Orozco. Aditi Pictures explains this hip and hilarious flick gives a revealing look at the highs and lows of celebrity relationships for three best friends who find themselves being dumped in a matter of days apart from each other. I play one of the leads. The second film I can tell you dates back to 1933 and I will again be working with the very talented Cynthia Hsiung. We begin filming this August in Montana. Both of these upcoming films are different from each other and from anything I’ve ever done. This is on purpose. I want to show what I can do and not be stereo typed as just the hot girl. I can’t wait to begin these projects!!!
Who are the NYC It Girls and what is their focus?
NYC It Girls was created by my friend/Brand Manager Eunice Quiñones. “It Girls” throw/attend the hottest parties in NYC, highlighting smart and talented women who are not only beautiful but business minded. The best NYC has to offer. They are one of a kind women who accompany each other as oppose to being someone’s arm candy. You know its gonna be an unforgettable event when these girls walk in.
What upcoming modeling projects do you have coming up?
Well currently I am on the cover of Fuzion Magazine and will have a spread in Signature Hits Magazine for their “Success Issue”. Next week I have a hair shoot with Herbal Essences.
What has been your favorite photoshoot?
Do you go through any rituals before a photo shoot, or before you attend a red carpet event?
Before filming on set or on a photoshoot/red carpet I say a few affirmations. I also make sure to either be focused if it’s for work or laugh a lot before hitting a red carpet.
Who was your role model as a child and how did that person influence your modeling aspirations?
Rita Moreno from West Side Story was my role model. That film was on constant rotation growing up. My father adored her and I wanted to be her. She was a trailblazer. She could sing, act and dance. She is gorgeous and classy. The true definition of talented. She inspired me to want to entertain.
If you weren’t modeling what other line of profession would you be doing?
If I wasn’t an Actress/Model I would probably be behind the camera directing or something. Maybe even working with animals. Growing up I did want to become a lawyer.
Any advice for young people out there aspiring to be models?
If its REALLY want you want to do. If you can’t live without it…. Don’t EVER give up. Build experience. Create the best portfolio you can and for acting start at the bottom. Do “extra” work if you have to. Most importantly always be safe!
Thank you for your time!
You’re Welcome…. Thank you for the great questions.
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I grew up in a very small town called Winder, GA! We have more cows than people! Not sure how far back you want me to go, but as a child, I was very shy and timid. My mom kept me in dancing classes my entire life, which taught me persistence, discipline, and loyalty. It inevitably brought me out of my shell, taught me confidence, and I’d like to think I learned some stage presence! In middle school I started cheering competitively and continued dancing in cheering throughout high school. I gradated in 2007, winning “Most Likely to Succeed” and a spot on the Homecoming Court..
Who or what inspired you to get into pageantry?
Honestly, I got a letter in the mail about one and I thought it would be a great idea to win scholarship money for college. So, I entered my first pageant, and I enjoyed it to much I decided to continue. I wasn’t one of those crazy Toddlers and Tiaras types. I stuck to two bigger systems, America’s National Teenager and Miss Teen USA. Competing at Miss Teen USA was my first live Network Television experience. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to pursue entertainment further.
You are now into acting, did pageantry prepare you for acting?
Pageantry gave me many opportunities modeling wise, some great contacts, and an experience with live television, but I can’t credit my acting to pageantry. In fact, my coaches had to “de-pageant” me so I could learn to look natural in my auditions, and play characters. In pageants, it’s all about how you walk, and look, and acting is the total opposite. You can’t watch yourself in the mirror. It becomes rehearsed, not raw. It is a nice conversation piece in the audition room though. Casting directors will see that on my resume and call me Miss Georgia, so it’s definitely an ice breaker.
Tell us a little about the upcoming film that you are in?
I was fortunate enough to book a lead in an upcoming 3D Roger Corman film! He’s a legend! I am so thrilled for it to come out. My acting coach, Jeffrey Marcus trained me for the audition, and also helped me with the script. This is my first big acting gig. I get to play a nerd who turns in to a pretty cheerleader, except the side effect is that I grow 50ft tall! It’s called “Attack of the 50ft. Cheerleader” and I play Cassie. It is a comedy, with a little taste of horror. I got to work with some industry veterans, like John Landis, Sean Young, Treat Williams, and Ted Raimi! The other actors I worked with were brilliant, and I am now extremely close with two of my co-stars. I really hope this opens more doors for me.
What can you tell us about the organization HBBQs?
The Pageant of Hope™ gives children and teens who face serious illnesses and challenges the opportunity to be Prince or Princess for a day. I started this in 2006. It’s a noncompetitive pageant that invites kids of all ages to shine in the spotlight in front of family and friends and be celebrated for who they are. On March 3rd, 2012 it will be featured on ABC’s new television series, Everyday Health, which highlights people who have made significant contributions to the health and well being of those less fortunate. Today, more than 800 kids in cities across the country – as well as in South Africa and Cuba – have participated in the Pageant of Hope™, organized by my nonprofit organization HBBQs, Inc. The event continues to reach children all over the world, bringing light into their lives and smiles to their faces.
Everyone is a winner in the Pageant of Hope™. Me and my team of former pageant winners, or “Has-Been Beauty Queens” (HBBQs), treat participants to an afternoon of pampering, followed by each child having the opportunity to walk across the stage in the spotlight, looking his or her best and feeling like a million dollars. Every participant receives a special pageant title and a crown to wear, and two lucky contests receive the title of Prince of Hope and Princess of Hope. At HBBQs, Inc., our motto is to “Touch each child… One tiara at a time.” We work with hospitals, community centers, parents, local organizers, pageant industry leaders, and celebrities to personalize each Pageant of Hope™ to the communities we serve and the children and teens who participate. Our priority is to make each Pageant of Hope™ a safe, fun, and positive environment that celebrates kids for being just who they are.
How did you go about transitioning from a pageant winner to head of an organization? What steps did you take?
The idea came to me because of pageants. In 2000, I lost both of my grandfathers to cancer, so I combined two things I was passionate about (raising money for cancer research, and pageants) and created this event! It originally started as a pageant for kids with cancer, and then we recently branched out to all kids facing challenges.After I came up with the pageant, I took the necessary steps and formed a 501(c)3 organization, so that we could accept donations. Once that was established, I started applying for grants and scholarships so I could have enough funding to hold some pageants in different states. I won several national awards like COSMOGirl! CG Cup, Build-A-Bear Huggable Hero, Do Something Award, Caring Award, and many others. Once I had funding, and an established team of volunteers, we hit the ground running! Our first pageant was held in my hometown of Winder, GA.
Recently you were at the People’s Choice Awards, what did you do and how was that experience?
This was one of my coolest jobs to date. I absolutely love live shows, and this was my first one since the 2007 Teen USA Pageant. I actually had to audition to get the job. The official title was “Statuette”. It’s the person who brings the trophy to the presenter of the award. Personally, I think I had the best award because I got to share the stage with the phenomenally talented Betty White! The clip of me applauding the cast of “Hot in Cleveland” has been shown on the Today Show, Access Hollywood, and a few others.
What would you tell those who look at pageants negatively?
I think TV shows shed a negative light on pageantry. Having had a small taste of reality TV, I learned quickly that producers can put you in situations and set up curtained scripted scenarios to make for “good television”. The shows about pageants do just that. I think pageants teach women good communication skills, confidence, and grace. Only enter a pageant if you are in it for the right reasons.
Are you a sports fan? If so who do you support?
Die Hard! Yes! You can’t be a southern girl and not be a fan of the Dawgs, Falcons, or Braves! I think my family would disown me! I grew up so close to Athens, GA I had such a fun time going to football games with my friends. I didn’t wash my hands for DAYS after I had the opportunity to pet UGA the mascot! Kidding… a little. Being in Los Angeles I kind of adopted the Lakers, but I would always choose the Hawks if it came down to it. 🙂
What more would you like to accomplish in your life?
In my philanthropic life, I would like to be able to mentor other people who want to hold “Pageants of Hope” in their home states. I would like to see my organization continue to expand internationally as well. Career wise, I would like to book more film roles. I want to continue to explore comedic roles. I would also like to book a Soap Opera because I hear it’s easy work! Kidding… Cameron Mathison and Susan Lucci are my heroes.
Is there anything that you’d like to say to all of your followers/supporters, and even to those who may be introduced to you for the first time by this interview?
I am just getting started! I would like for them to know that I chose acting as a profession because I care about giving back. It isn’t to be noticed by TMZ or to be recognized on the street. I genuinely care about my philanthropic work and I want to use any “fame” I have as a platform to give me a bigger voice, to reach a bigger audience, and to donate back.
Learn more about Jena and her charitable efforts on her official website
The Golden Globes were last night and it was full of laughs. It was hosted by Ricky Gervais for the second year in a row. Ricky didn’t go over the top with his jokes and that was a gripe that his critics focused on. We’ll see going forward if he’ll be invited back to host next year. Morgan Freeman was the recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. In the meantime, here were some of the winners from last night:
Just a few days I uploaded the trailer for The Dark Knight Rises and what an enticing trailer it was. A couple of days ago saw the release of the trailer for The Hobbit. If you appreciated the art and story telling of the Lord of the Rings franchise, then you must go to the very beginning starting with the story of Bilbo Baggins. The Hobbit is in theaters December 14th 2012.
Blended Entertainment 