Tweetie psyched up for long hours as ‘Runway’ host

TWEETIE de Leon-Gonzales (R) and Jojie Lloren, mentor on the show

Former supermodel Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales is all psyched up for long hours of TV production, now that she’s host of the reality talent search “Project Runway Philippines.”

“TV is a 15-hour job. I’m prepared for that. My old show kept me up until 5 or 6 in the morning,” the Tweetie, 43, told Inquirer . For four years in the 1990s, she was the fairy princess Faye in the top-rating sitcom, “Okey Ka, Fairy Ko,” with Vic Sotto. She also starred in its first two movie franchises. She replaces Teresa Herrera as host ETC premieres “Project Runway Philippines’” third season in February 2012.

Edel Pepito, ETC executive producer, explained that the show’s new direction caters to a wider audience.

“I expect it to be No. 1, just like my old show,” Tweetie said. “We’re all working very hard for this season to be the best. I love the fact that I’m among friends I admire and respect, big names in their field.”

These friends are acclaimed designer Jojie Lloren as mentor, internationally renowned designer Rajo Laurel and top model Apples Aberin as judges.

Tweetie said part of her preparation was to make sure her kids – Sabina, 15, Lorenzo, 14, Nicolas, 11, and Alfonso, 6 – were well-adjusted to her work schedule.

Auditions for the 15 competing designers will be held in Cagayan de Oro on Aug. 20 and 21, Cebu, Aug. 27 and 28, and Manila, from September 6 and 7.

The winner will receive a P500,000 cash prize, a 10-page fashion spread in Mega Magazine, 10 sewing machines, a short-term fashion design course in a top fashion school in Europe, a two-month apprenticeship with top fashion designers of the Asian Institute of Fashion, and a full scholarship for a four-year fashion design program at the iAcademy.

“This season’s theme is Standing Out,” said Rajo. “We’re here to choose designers we can thrust onto the international stage.”

For his part, executive producer Wilson Tieng said he was looking for “someone who can tell his stories… and provide good television.”

French director-producer Henri de Lorme will be at the helm of “Project Runway Philippines: Season 3.” He will bring with him his expertise in producing reality formats like the French versions of “Big Brother” and “Camera Cafe.”