By Monet Lu
Asian Journal - The Filipino-American Community Newspaper
Los Angeles * San Francisco * Las Vegas * New York
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Being in the beauty industry, I am given the opportunity to discover some talented and outstanding individuals.
From models, to actors and beauty queens, I am grateful that one way or another, I became part of their journey in their chosen field of endeavors.
One of them is a lovely and talented young girl named Jona.
I discovered her at the early age of 6, when she was awarded as Reflections' Young Achiever of the Year. She is one of a kind -- a perfect combination of beauty and intelligence.
Jona Carmela Capino, now 15-years-old, is the youngest daughter of Joe and Frances Capino of Downey, California.
Earlier this year, she won 1st overall in the National Rainbow Dance Competition in Long Beach, California, for her solo jazz performance of Sophisticated Lady.
She was also declared as the 2012 Best Actress at the school class play and was awarded a Certificate of Achievement, in recognition of her talented contribution at Cornelia Connelly High School.
Last year, Jona represented the City of Downey at the National Young Leaders State Conference in Irvine, where she was honored as one of our nation's most promising young leaders. She received a Certificate of Merit in recognition of her outstanding dedication to educational achievement, strength of character and leadership.
She was also selected and crowned Miss Teen Downey of 2011, where about 90 participants competed in three pageant categories. She won first place as Miss Teen Academic, Miss Teen Sports Wear, Miss Teen Talent and best in interview.
For two consecutive years, this young lady was a conventional winner and was awarded the branch honor Certificates of Merit from Cal-State Poly in Pomona given by Music Teachers' Association of California, Whittier Branch. She was also a commendable international winner of the National Piano Playing Audition (NPPA), sponsored annually by the National Guild of Piano Teachers of the American College of Musicians.
Aside from playing the piano, she is also a great dancer (tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, musical theater, ballet and pointe) at Onstage Dance Center in Downey. She was awarded as Dancer of the Year of 2010 and became the first recipient of the Cindy Vega Platinum Scholarship award.
She performs at national competitions such as Dance Rave, Headliners, Kids Artistic Revue, Prime Time Dance, Rainbow, Star Systems and Star Quest where she won overall awards for her solo and group performances. She is currently a member of the performing group called "Senior Company" at the same dance studio.
She is currently a 10th grader at Cornelia Connelly High School in Anaheim where she was a recipient of the President's Academic Achievement award, Performing Arts Scholarship, National Science League award in Biology and first honor with distinction for three consecutive semesters last and this school year, with medals in honors algebra and ancient history.
She is a member of the advance hand bell ensemble, active in student council and vice president of her class since her freshman year for which she awarded a Certificate of Appreciation.
I know that her success comes from her hardwork,dedication, education and most of all , the guidance of her loving family. Jona is one of a kind and truly blessed with God-given talents. Keep it up girl ! I wish you all the best and I am proud of you.
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The author is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products available at www.skinbymonet.com. He supports many humanitarian efforts to include projects in his native Marikina, The Bantay Bata Foundation, and many more. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com.
