Marie Ann Umali: Conquering the runway

MANILA, Philippines - While it may seem that beauty queens and fashion models fall under similar categories — all ladies in the industry being outstandingly beautiful and statuesque — one will eventually realize that these two types are actually of different DNA strings. The orientation between the two, upon closer inspection, can be worlds apart and to cross over from one universe to another may prove challenging. Bb. Pilipinas-World 2009 title holder Marie Ann Umali knows this all too well as she now braves the fashion world. 

As a young wide-eyed, porcelain beauty, Ann had always wanted to be a fashion model. But as with any other adolescent undergoing the awkward stages, the idea of being in the limelight was nothing short of outrageous. “I had always been extremely shy and the thought of speaking in public made me very nervous,” she says. After having graduated with a degree in Tourism, however, she immediately immersed herself in training programs and workshops that eventually garnered for her a name in the world of beauty pageantry. “At that time, I knew that if I really wanted to win, I had to focus. So I decided that my studies were done so that after that I could pour all my time and efforts in training and preparing for the competition,” she shares. After a full year of learning how to walk and talk like a queen, she found herself wearing the Bb. Pilipinas-World crown. She shares of her success, “During that time, the competition was very tough. The ladies competing were all so stunning and throughout the whole process, it felt to me that it was anybody’s game.”

If anything, it was the feather-light positive disposition, a quality that one will immediately take note of Ann, that had allowed her to stand out and win. “I learned that when you are under so much pressure and tension, the best thing you can do for yourself is to relax. Take it easy, learn to let go and never compare yourself to others,” she opines. The Filipino-Lebanese stunner also reveals that, “When you wear heavy makeup all day — whether it’s for the pageant or as a model — remember to cleanse thoroughly at the end of each day. Also do a lot of exercise to stay physically and mentally fit.”

Just late last year, Ann had forayed into the fashion industry as she debuted on the runway for Fashion Week 2010. “Walking down the runway is so much more different from walking on stage as a beauty queen. I had to learn to tone down my movements and approach things from a high fashion standpoint,” she recalls of her experience. And though it had only been several months since she began modeling, her progress has been phenomenal.

A newborn in fashion, she has already become a top choice for many beauty and fashion editorials in the country. “Whenever I find out that I had been chosen for a shoot, I really get excited. I enjoy working in fashion because I find that the environment is so inspiring — from the creative team, to the concepts and the clothes.” One who fully commits herself to her work, Ann is relentless in trying to improve herself in an industry as cutthroat as fashion. Considering that she had progressed impressively since her first foray, she continues to learn more about her work. “I am constantly reading fashion magazines and studying how seasoned models both locally and abroad pose. I even practice in front of the mirror,” she reveals. Aside from constant practice and a commitment to learn from industry pioneers, Ann shares of her beauty regimen: “Always hydrate. I drink a lot of water and fresh juices but above all, I also see to it that I moisturize every day.”

At the end of each day, the hard work that she puts into every single photo shoot or fashion show leaves Ann with a great sense of fulfillment. She reflects, “Every time I see a shoot that I had done on the pages of a magazine or newspaper, I see how I have progressed and that keeps me inspired to work even harder so that I can be better at what I do. It’s so exhilarating to see that my poses become varied or that I am able to grasp better the idea of high fashion modeling.” And since being genetically gifted is hardly enough to survive in an industry where competition and pressure are standard, beauty queen-turned-fashion model Marie Ann Umali simply advises, “When you decide to become a model, or any job for that matter, you just have to be sure that you want it. Know in your heart that what you are doing is what you love and the rest will fall into place.”