home
A
Fiji native Pedro
knew hard times too well, he spoke of the moment he became alarmed with what
life had to offer beyond the many nights of burning candle lit lanterns to
focus on his school work. His curiosity exploded when he experienced the
electric light for the first time. Pedro
described that moment in a very exciting tone, which literally painted the
picture of a little boy flicking the light on and off with amazement after
years of no electricity. At that moment his fascination with light sparked his
interest in many forms and fashion.
At 16 years old he and his family moved
to Australia where he furthered his education at University and attained a
degree in electrical engineering. He
worked next door at a makeup artistry school where he would often run away and
literally stormed classes as an unregistered student. One day a senior member
of the school spotted him and asked, “excuse me, how come I haven’t seen your
signage?” He then replied confidently “I am not a student” she then turned to
him and exclaimed “I always see you here why you’re not a pupil?” He lowered
his tone and replied “because I don’t have the money to pay “she stared at him
for a second and walked off.
Soon after that moment, that same woman
was feverishly looking to grab Pedro’s attention
by approaching him at his job and verbally presented him with a scholarship to
attend the 3 Arts Makeup Academy. She admired his tenacious interest and
sincerity because other students took their education for granted. It was from
that moment his destiny was slowly preparing him for success. He learnt makeup
artistry, special effects designs, film set designs and photography. The burst
of his fascination with light escorted his memory back to the very moment he
discovered the light switch as a boy.
To date, his work solely depends on the
perfect lighting and he prepares his set for any problem that may arise. When Pedro
was asked what he always tries to achieve with his work he said boldly “I want
to be different”.
Pedro’s
main challenges he faces are budget related. People always want the economical
way out. He reinforced; that people are convinced of his passionate nature and
his proven track records of quality work.
Pedro’s
career took off at age 30 and he has
some of the most influential brands as his clientele. His photography graced many magazine covers
and editorials including: Australian
Sports Illustrated, GT (UK), DNA
magazine, Vogue, GQ Magazine, Calvin Klein, Sony Ericson, Van Huesen,
inclusive of the huge campaign of 2009 “Gods of Football” which promoted
national rugby players from Australia. That particular campaign became a global
success to raise funds for breast cancer; it produced a DVD, calendar and book.
The men were sizzling and oozed the sexuality by being ripped and tastefully
nude.
Despite all these names under his belt,
he did not hesitate for a moment when he was offered the opportunity to move to
the Trinidad to be a judge for the Caribbean Next Top Model hosted by the former
Miss Universe (1998) Wendy Fitzwilliam. At this point in the
interview Pedro
laughed heartily when he said he fell in love with Trinidad so much that he
wishes to visit other islands and he
appreciates the hospitality, dialect, geographical locations as well as his
undeniable love for the food. He enjoyed the opportunity he proudly commented
and said it was a learning experience and it opened his eyes to a new light.
Due to the exposure he got from CNTM
he has been working expeditiously with local advertising agencies in Trinidad
thus far.
Who motivates Pedro? His mother, he
deeply admires the perseverance and strength that she has. She constantly
reminded him when growing up that “money is not the root to happiness”. He
speaks of beauty and his take on it is; there is no need to make something
expensive beautiful it’s using your craft and making something simple look
exquisite. Beauty is subjective once it touches people.
The future is already
developing major projects in Europe for Mr. Virgil; he is planning in advance
with diligence. A quite ambitious and focus he is as he shares his words of
advice for young aspiring models who wishes to make a career out of it. Pedro stresses that a
model should be serious, have tough skin, work hard must be hungry for it.
Believe in yourself despite how competitive the industry is and stay humble.
By: Jeuel Green-Thompson
Jeuel Green-Thompson is a writer, professional dancer, choreographer and model. She is currently a writer at Caribbean Emagazine and the
Managing Director of Skin Modelz Management
Jeuel a former Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe contestant as extensively travel the world in pursuing her dreams in the entertainment industry. She has worked with Universoul Circus, appeared on BET music awards, NBC’s America got Talent, Mick Jagger/Damien Marley music video as well as many celebrity fashion charity events.
Home
