For the love of the (OrSem) stage: Chicco
by Maxine R. Ang on June 25, 2009
Junior Antonio “Chicco” Mendoza offers two simple reasons for why he was chosen as OrSem host: his oozing sex appeal and stunning good looks.
As one of the returning hosts, Chicco came back with the three other hosts because of a great experience last year. As Chicco says, “When I learned that there would be auditions for this year’s OrSem, I said, ‘Why not, choc-nut?’”
As part of theater org Entablado, Chicco is no stranger to performing. For him, hosting is almost like acting, except that there are no real characters you need to portray.
Though he may be brimming with confidence and energy, Chicco admits that he still does get stage fright. One thing he picked up from Entablado was how to convert this nervous energy and convert it into useful energy while onstage.
In front of the audience, he flashes his brightest grins and suavely pokes fun at his co-hosts. No one would have guessed that Chicco spent the previous first minutes jumping around backstage.
Asked on what he feels about the postponement of OrSem, Chicco expresses disappointment and regret, but also acknowledges the practicality of the decision.
He says, “It was really a downer for them to have moved the OrSem this year. I was excited for it to start! I was initially really upset when I found out, but when I thought about it, I guess it was really needed for the safety of the Ateneo community.”
