Edward:  WELCOME TO CONNEX247 FAMILY GARIBAI! Let´s start our talk. Tell us: how do you describe yourself? What are your personal and professional interests?

Garibai:  I am a very shy person and I usually stick to myself.  What ever goal that is put in front of me, I try to accomplish even if it means to fail countless times.  My personal interests tie down to my professional interests.  I am a songwriter and write rap songs and have recorded albums on my own.  One day I will have out all my music available to the public. 

I also write poetry and one day will have a poetry book published.  I act and have had two lead roles in short films entitled “Paletas” by George Damien and “Fetal” by Maurice Moss.  Palteas has made it to the Latino Film Festival in San Diego this year.  And Fetal was shown at the San Diego State University Film Festival. 

I have also done background work on TV shows and movies but my goal is to hit the big screen.  I have been modeling for the past two years and worked with talented photographers.  My goal for modeling is to be on the cover of Playgirl.

Edward:  Tell us about your hometown and heritage. Where were you born and where are you located now?

Garibai:  My hometown is Soledad, California and my heritage is unknown.  I used to live with ten family relatives in a 3 bedroom house.  My family consisted of the people how lived in my house in Soledad. 

Soledad had a population of 6,000 at that time and Monterey County is known for gang activity, teen pregnancy, and poor academia.  Currently, I am residing in San Diego, California attending San Diego State University.

Edward:  Why u have decided to be a model? How this vocation arose? Do you think it´s a tough career? What kind of sacrifices this career demands?

Garibai:  I decided to be a model when I got out of jail.  I was looking for a change, any change.  I posted webcam pictures and got replies from photographers who were willing to work with them.  I am in debt to those photographers because the shoots helped me eternaly.

It is a tough career, especially if you have tattoos because photographers are not willing to work with models with tattoos.  I could have been sponsored but my tattoos have held me back vigorously. 

Edward:  What is your greatest inspiration, your greatest professional dream like a model? Which modeling agencies, fashion campaigns and designers u´d like to work for? What aspect of modeling is your favorite and what is your least favorite?

Garibai:  I inspire myself, I have faith in myself, and I am glad to be here.  My professional dream as a model is to be on the cover of Playgirl and possibly travel.  I would like to work for any agency that can recognize talent. 

My favorite aspect of modeling is creating art with various poses, backgrounds, and ideas.  My least favorite aspect of modeling is the discrimination surrounding modeling as a whole.

Edward:  What do you most like when you work with a photographer? What are the main characteristics u most admire in this professional?

Garibai:  While working with a photographer, I like to have a friendship between us otherwise I feel like a robot.  The characteristics I admire the most is the creativity behind modeling and the high adrenaline when receiving photos from a photo shoot.

Edward:  Are you a fashion guy? What do u like to wear when u are not working and what do you like to do for fun?

Garibai:  No way, I am no where near of being a fashionable guy.  I usually wear boarder shorts and a rocker t-shirt.  I like to play video games or socialize with my family.  During the summer I boogie board often.  I am always trying to find work for myself either it be modeling, acting, or music.

Edward:  Are you an opmitmistic person?  Do you think we now live in a better world concerning issues like human rights, friendship and sexual behavior?

Garibai: Of course we live in a better world but there is always room for improvement.  People have come along way concerning human rights, friendship and sexual behaviors.  I believe as the years past society will become more equal towards human rights, it is just a matter of continued work and dedication.

Edward:  You are a guy who enjoy traveling right? So, tell us about 3 special cool places u´d like to visit and whom u´d invite to go with u?

Garibai: I like to visit home because I miss my little brother and my mother's cooking.  I actually want to see the world and enjoy the experience with someone I love.

Edward:  And that´s all folks. Thanks for sharing your story with us Garibai. Now, tell to fashion designers, managers, the media, photographers why you are the best option for their next fashion campaigns.

Garibai: All I can say is expect me to achieve my goals one way or another.  Garibai will be known before I leave Earth.

Photos by Kurt R Brown. Copyright 2007.

Additional photo by Mark Grantham