#ChalkLovesKarJon: Karina Bautista & Aljon Mendoza Charm Us in These Prom Looks!

#CHALKLOVESKARJON: KARINA BAUTISTA & ALJON MENDOZA CHARM US IN THESE PROM LOOKS!

Madel Asuncion

Posted at February 21, 2020

 

Dress by Maison Soriano, Earrings and bracelet by Christopher Munar, Suit by Sainte Marion, Shoes by Pieds

Dress by Maison Soriano, Earrings and bracelet by Christopher Munar, Suit by Sainte Marion, Shoes by Pieds

 It's been a full afternoon of shooting which involved a total of six wardrobe and makeup changes with Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) alums Karina Bautista and Aljon Mendoza, and it's as though the bubbliness between the two has not fizzled out yet. Karina's energy that finds a sweet balance between dainty and perky still floats around, while Aljon's meek yet ever-present charm is just as consistent since the day started. The duo, lovingly called by their fans as KarJon, sits close together with the same level of chattiness throughout our late evening ride back to the north of the city.

 "Natutuwa lang kami na laitin 'yung isa't isa nang hindi na-o-offend," Aljon tells when he describes how he got close to Karina to begin with. Like most young on-screen couples in the scene, their paths fatefully crossed when they met inside the PBB House in late 2018. 

As part of the first batch of teens, Karina and Aljon's chemistry brewed when they both found out how goofy they could be around each other. "Nagkakaintindihan kami. We feel each other," Karina adds.

For fans of the show, one can remember the controversy that Karina faced while she was inside the house wherein she broke with her boyfriend, which some speculated was caused by her blossoming connection with Aljon. 

Fast-forward to where they are now, it seems as though that no rumor has affected the special bond that they have for each other. If anything, the months they've spent in the limelight hand in hand only brought them closer than ever, there's an interesting dynamic between the Sandugo pair. During our shoot, it's evident that Karina is more comfortable in front of the camera. Whenever she notices that Aljon is struggling, she offers tips on how he can move around and be at his best. Aljon attests to this when asked what she thinks of Karina as an on-screen partner. "Tinutulungan niya ako lagi para mag-improve," he tells. "Tulungan kami. Walang iwanan, walang mas aangat. Dapat sabay."

As they spend most of their days together, it's inevitable that their relationship goes deeper than their love team personas. Off-cam, Karina's favorite thing about Aljon is how genuine he is as a person. "'Yung actions niya are very raw and truthful," she confides. "He shows his heart especially when the person is important to him talaga."

With a bond that started on national television, it's crazy how their relationship may seem like it's all for public consumption. But Aljon further divulges that their closeness is much different from what we see in our screens. How, you may ask? Well, that's for them to know and for us to respect. "Gusto namin i-preserve 'yung privacy ng samahan namin outside of work," he says, to which Karina adds, "We want to keep it to us." And for true fans, this should more than enough to maintain the appreciation that they have for these promising individuals.

And speaking of the KarJon fandom, there's one thing that Aljon and Karina are most grateful for having them. "Both of us are reaching our dreams," the latter says. "But then, 'yung mga fans namin parang kami naman 'yung nagiging dream nila." This is what pushes them to work even harder and give the love that they're receiving back to their avid supporters. And with the recent announcement of their starring roles in the iWant series Ampalaya Chronicles, we're more than certain that Aljon and Karina will do their fans, loved ones, and themselves 

Photographed by Kitkat Pajaro

Creative Direction by Madel Asuncion

Art Direction by Mikka Caronan

Styled by Aldrin Ramos

Assisted by Daphne Aranilla

Makeup by Marben Talanay

Hair by Mark Rosales

Grooming by Sonson De Asis

Video Produced by Deiniel Cuvin

Video Shot and Edited by Sam Aniciete

Shot on Location at Sofitel Philippine Plaza