The Naked and the Nude

The Naked and the Nude

Victor Basa

In appreciating the beauty of Asian Men, sometimes, I can not stop myself from being analytic and too academic.  For some time, I tend to interchange the terms naked and nude when referring to an unclothed god (or hunk) until i stumbled upon this author Louis Giannetti of the book Understanding Hollywood.

Giannetti (2008) gives an interesting differentiation of the naked and the nude:

For Giannetti (2008), the term nude or seminude is for a picture meant to be looked at, meant to be admired....We're drawn to the sensual beauty of the sculpted bodies, and we want to touch, perhaps possess. Wherein, naked is usually embarrassed to be seen publicly without clothes on (Ibid.).

Moreover, Francisco(2000)  in the foreword of the Brief Encounters (2000) defines the following terms:

• Fashion - showing the garment (in this case, product) being worn  (or use as a cover) by the model who exudes style and mood
• Advertising - promoting visible products
• Abstract nude - depersonalizes the model by eliminating the face
• Beefcake - brings out the texture and tone of the model;s body while his eyes are suggesting frankness and intimacy
• Erotic - having an air of mystery, soft focus, and low-lighting that creates shadowy effects

The following photos illustrate the use of high contrast lighting that emphasizes the texture and angles of the body.

Click here for the pics

Brent Javier

Brent Javier

Another hot Brent. Previously we featured Brent Chua as we ended the 2010. Parallel to that, we would like to open the year 2011 with another hot Brent - his name is Brent Lee Javier.

Brent Javier grew up in Canada. He went to the Philippines to try his luck in basketball but what a surprise, he never knew that something else was in-stored for him.

After winning the Mossimo Bikini Summit in 2003, modeling offers has been given, which eventually led him to be one of the most sought after model in print, TV ad endorsements and ramp.

with Alvin Alfonso

He also represented the country for Manhunt International.

the bulge

I love his eyes, very expressive.

With Rafael Rossell.

Pic for winning the Mossimo Bikini Summit 2003

Banner ad for promoting the Mossimo Bikini Summit for 2004.

Brent Javier may have the x factor in projecting himself in front of the camera. He's good in controlling the visual, more on giving the viewers the aesthetics they are seeking. Seldom you've seen him done an interview, I saw him thrice on an TV interview, twice and seldom he really talks. As confident as he is in evoking a lovable yet hot aura in print, it may be a complete reverse when he is now speaking in TV. 

Rumors had it that he is gay, some attested of seeing the guy in Malate kissing a "not-so-hot chub guy" (and I am happy that these are just rumors). Whether true or not, some speculate that this is part of the reason why he does not speak that much in public, supposing that the rumor is true, having him speak in TV gives it a chance of revealing curls in his voice.

 He's too bankable for print. Kind of like reliving the lives of silent film actors such as John GIlbert, that they were great in evoking images that does not speak - more on tapping on the aesthetic values.

What I love with Brent Javier is his slim but ripped body, others may consider him as a twink but for me he looks like a demigod with those long legs perfectly proportioned with his body. I love looking at his eyes, so full of mystery.

As of this moment, in the Philippine media, he is no longer as active as compared to previous years. It is said that he went to Thailand and Singapore for some projects. But I'd like to see more of him again.

Aphrodisiacs

Aphrodisiacs

Chocolate is delicious on its own. But won't you just love it if it will be served with a yummy hunk?

aphrodisiac [ˌæfrəˈdɪzɪæk]
n
(Medicine / Pharmacology) a drug, food, etc., that excites sexual desire
adj
exciting or heightening sexual desire
[from Greek aphrodisiakos, from aphrodisios belonging to Aphrodite]

Chocolate as an aphrodisiac

Have you ever felt an unexplainable pleasure after eating chocolate? From a scientific standpoint, chocolate contains both Serotonin and Phenylethylamine, which are mood-lifting hormones found naturally in the human brain. When we consume chocolate, we increase our normal levels of both, which leads to that feeling of excitement, as well as an increased level of energy

Image: a model from the Philipines

Image: a model from the Philipines

Chocolate, favored by the Aztec gods, helps the release of serotonin that is responsible for feelings of relaxation and pleasure. Dark chocolate is preferable as it contains a higher level of cocoa that is supposed to be more effective. It provides a boost to some good, old-fashioned loving and has the additional advantage of being high in magnesium and antioxidants.

Image: Brent Javier, Filipino

High-fructose corn syrup as an aphrodisiac

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) binds to the endorphin receptors in your brain. No wonder why some people drink sodas at parties.

Honey as an aphrodisiac

Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to "sweeten" the marriage.

Grapes as an aphrodisiac

This dates back to ancient history.  Grapes have attained the image of seduction even from Cleopatra. Giving your  partner grapes by hand is a powerful image of seduction. The ancient Romans, acknowledged as the first civilization to cultivate grape vines, made both grapes and wine emblems of Bacchus, god of ecstasy (not to mention fertility). Even pre-dating the Romans, in ancient Greece it was a tradition to give clusters to newlyweds in the belief that the grape’s seeds would bless the couple with many children. But it is not Wine is considered as a powerful aphrodisiac.  Aside from one’s inhibitions, wine can also calm the mood helping a nervous lover get rid of a stuttering jaw or flighty feet and have freedom to express his sexual feelings. Whether you are in a relationship or at a club looking for a one-night stand, if you are looking to spice things up, try loosening up with a drink or two and let your backbone slide. It will simply bring down barriers that one would normally not cross.

Image: Benz Nipit Hange, Thai

Arginine, an amino acid found in meat, nuts, eggs, coconut milk and cheese, has been found as a safe and effective route to increase the amount of growth hormone (GH) released from the pituitary gland that helps to retard many aspects of aging. As a natural female aphrodisiac, Arginine, along with other supplements, enhances sexual desire, can reduce vaginal dryness, increase the frequency of intercourse and orgasm and even improve clitoral sensation and sexual arousal, thus giving a boost to the libido.

Image: Chea Vannarith, Cambodian

Apple as aphrodisiac

No wonder why Eve gave this to Adam. In Norse legend, apples restores youth and vitality. In Greek mythology, Gaia, or Mother Earth, presented a tree with golden apples to Zeus and his bride Hera on their wedding day. These golden apples became involved with many tales of love, bribery and temptation ranging from the abduction of Helen of Troy to the defeat and marriage of Atlanta. 

Image: Leslie Kwok, Korea

Image: Jay R Sillonia, Filipino

Now tell me, what will make you crave for more, is it the hunk or the food? For me, it will be both, why do I have to choose?