PEP: Arkin Magalona to endorse clothing line for kids

Arkin Magalona, the nine-year-old son of the late rapper Francis Magalona, showed no signs of inhibition when PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) visited him earlier today, April 14, at Xavierville subdivision in Quezon City, where he was having a pictorial for a clothing apparel. Though initial negotiations for the endorsement were relayed to his mom, Pia Arroyo-Magalona, the final decision still came from Arkin himself. "Is Tita Jenny [Guzman-Alinea, owner of I/M] going to give me all my clothes?" Pia recalled her son asking during a conversation. "Yes," replied Pia instantly. That pretty much sealed the deal. Arkin's fashion sense, according to Pia, resembles that of his dad. "Mahilig din siya sa clothes, pero practical siya. Gusto naman niya 'yong mga design. So, sabi ko, he's going to have exactly the same designs as the adult version. So, natuwa naman siya sa ganun, plus siyempre I told them naman 'pag merong job, di meron silang compensation. Pero it's not as if they can use that money for anything lang and everything they want to buy," said Pia. LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON. Arkin endeared himself to the public when he joined his father in the "Super Proxy" music video a few years back. The father and son tandem were likewise joined by ex-Eraserheads and now Pupil frontman Ely Buendia and his son, Eon. Pia strongly believes that Francis's enthusiasm in encouraging his children to face the camera helped tremendously in developing their self-confidence. She said: "Siguro 'yong pagsama sa kanya ng dad niya, silang lahat, e, 'pag may opportunity sinasama niya [Francis] sila sa whatever project. So it's natural for them." Arkin, according to Pia, can be moody at times. But that doesn't take away his innate charisma and ease once the camera starts rolling and clicking. "Kumbaga sa photo journalism, walang bad angle, so Arkin is lucky to be like that. Very natural siya kung kumilos and then the camera takes to him very kindly." Arkin will serve as the face of I/M's kids apparel line complementing the adult line endorsed by actor, Gabby Concepcion. - Philippine Entertainment Portal