Local channel ETC is known for bringing into the country the most-talked about and in-demand US dramas and comedies, like “America’s Next Top Model,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “The Secret Circle,” “Glee” and “Gossip Girl.”

However, the channel also has its share of homegrown shows, such as “Rated Oh!,” “Project Runway Philippines,” and its latest, “Etcetera.”

The 15-minute capsule show has got everything for the stylish youth: Fashion features, beauty stories and entertainment news. The program promises to be the newest authority for all things fresh and fabulous, by filling viewers in on all the latest trends and coolest people.

And since we’re on the topic of cool people, we recently met the show’s hosts: Patti Grandidge and on-the-scene reporter Kim Jones. The two have had no previous experience in hosting. This is not obvious though when you get to see the show, because Patti and Kim are both naturals in front of the camera.

Patti Grandidge

How was your audition like and how did you feel when you got it?

I was really happy. I first auditioned and I hadn’t heard from them so I didn’t know whether to let it go or still hold on and hope. I actually followed up with them! They made me hope even more and when I got to the final audition, I was like, this is it, I gotta get it, I gotta do it. I was really happy when they finally told me [I got it].

What were you doing before getting the show?

Sweet Patti Cakes (her cupcake business). It’s a business, it can’t stop, and I’m planning to grow that. I’ve done commercials: Sunsilk in 2005 and Globe is coming out again. I also have a food blog.

Do you have a peg or an idol when it comes to hosting?

I always watch E News and I love the duo of Ryan and Giuliana, but theirs is more reporting.

What’s your typical day like? What do you like to do?

Bake in the morning, for sure! I do go to shoots but it’s mostly for [Sweet Patti Cakes]. I do Pilates and I go to the gym when I can. I love trying new food places. I blog. I love to travel.

You sound like such a foodie. Are you into fashion as well?

My two passions are fashion and food. I did work in fashion in LA. I interned at two different places and when I graduated I was a marketing coordinator for a website. I was so excited, but as a business and a career, I didn’t want to work in fashion. I quit my job at the marketing place, and I was like, I just want to do something that I know. So I tried Sprinkles and I loved it so much and I was, like, I need to go back to Manila and start my business right now.

What have you learned when it comes to hosting so far?

It’s not as easy as it looks. They sent me my audition tapes, and it’s embarrassing. That’s the biggest thing. I’m happy I know that now.

As a newbie when it comes to hosting, do you find it challenging?

I try my best to just be natural. But I just feel like you still have to kind of “turn on.” Simple things like how you talk, intonation or hand gestures. I feel like I’m still learning to be honest.

Kim Jones

How did you end up here in the Philippines and trying out for the show?

My brother was a model here and he fell in love with the Philippines, and he wanted me to come, and so I did. This opportunity came about and hosting was something I was interested in, so I let my agency know and they filled me in. Even in the audition I was like, I really want to do this.

How is your typical week like?

My typical week is [spent going to] VTRs and castings. I’m lucky enough to have a little bit of free time. Any chance I get, I go to the beach.

Are you done with school?

I studied for three years, interior architecture. And then I took a short course on banking and finance. I like knowing a little bit about everything.

What’s the best thing about the Philippines?

The best thing? The beaches! It’s different here. It’s untouched. I love the locals.

You’re one-fourth Filipina. How Pinoy are you?

I love Filipino food like adobo, tortang talong. I love sinigang. I do not like balut. But I’ve tried it. I love banana-Q. I actually cried for it.

What’s your fashion style like?

I guess growing up in Australia, I adopted this relaxed, thrown-together look. I like things that don’t look so planned.

What’s your career goal?

I would love to grow as a host. Obviously, this is something I’m just starting in but I’ve fallen in love with hosting. I love the interaction, and being in front of the camera as well. I want to get better.

You’re also a model. What’s your priority?

My priority is hosting, obviously, although modeling is something that started me off. And I wouldn’t have gotten this without my experience in front of the camera as a model.

“Etcetera” is on every Sunday at 7:45 p.m., with replays every Monday at 8:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.; Tuesday at 7:45 p.m.; Wednesday at 7:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.; Thursday at 11:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2:45 p.m.; Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. ETC is seen on free TV RPN-9, Sky Cable Ch. 14, Destiny Cable Ch. 14, Cable Link Ch. 12 and Cignal Ch. 14.