After 2nd runner-up finish in mutya Cebuana beauty to represent rp in top model of the world

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuana Sharon Grace Angel is the Philippines' representative to the Top Model of the World, a prestigious international search that will be held in a still-undisclosed European country this February 2011. This, after her 2nd runner-up finish in last Saturday's Mutya ng Pilipinas 2010 coronation night automatically earned her the right to be the country's bet to the 15-year-old ultimate model search.

According to the website missosology.org, Top Model of the World started in 1993 in Miami, seeking models that possess independence, talent and fashion consciousness. Since the beauty pageant began, only one Filipina has so far figured in the top three. Bataan-born model Michelle de Leon placed first runner-up during the 2007 Top Model of the World contest.

Newly-crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia-Pacific 2010 Ashley McGarry was also a top 15 semifinalist during the 2010 Top Model of the World.

Angel, a reigning Miss Mandaue third runner-up, said that while she was aiming for any of the three major Mutya titles, she is glad with the result because modeling has always been her strongest suit. With her experience in print and ramp modeling that began since she was 13, the judges (Derek Ramsay, Angel Aquino, Rajo Laurel, Robby Carmona and Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez) might have seen that she had the best catwalk skills among the 24 candidates. She also bagged the Miss Photogenic award.

"I don't consider modeling merely as a job or a source of income. Modeling is really my passion. I feel a certain high once I'm onstage," Angel told The FREEMAN in a phone interview upon her Cebu arrival. She proudly shared catching the eye of popular Manila-based designer Frederick Peralta who convinced her to move to the capital so she can easily participate in fashion shows.

But with a full academic load and with less than two years before securing her degree, Angel said she will first prioritize her studies before embarking in a full-blast career in Manila.

Asked what she thought helped her reach the top 5, she replied: "I think it was my prayers and faith in God. I never forgot saying His name while I was standing on stage. I trusted in myself that I had a big chance to be chosen as one of the top 5 finalists. It was also because of my confidence and the people who supported me which were my family, my trainor and my manager. It was so overwhelming to see them cheer for me and I was really challenged to give out all my best."

The 19-year-old Universiy of San Carlos Tourism Management major is a member of designer and model agent Dexter Alazas' AD Models Homme et Femme.

She represented Lapu-Lapu City, although she currently resides in Shamrock Manalili, V. Gullas St., Cebu City.

Her prizes included P25,000 cash, P10,000 cash for her Miss Photogenic award, a teeth whitening package from Dental Town, a QV27 Duo cellphone, an Asian Star Cruise Package for two worth P50,000, and an endorsement contract with Mendez Facial Care Clinic. It is a Manila-based cosmetic clinic which, according to Angel, will soon open a branch at the Ayala Terraces.

What was the toughest part of the competition?

"The stage was really hard to walk on and my heels weren't really my right size so it was really a struggle to walk. I was a bit afraid because I might fall, but still I gave the judges my best walk and pose. The Q&A part was likewise hard, especially that I was the first one called among the final five," she shared.

The final question that each of the Top Five finalists had to answer was apparently inspired by the Quirino Grandstand hostage incident that happened last August 23. They were asked: "What do you think is the main obstacle that our country faces when it comes to tourism, and as a beauty ambassador for tourism, how do you think you can help to solve this problem?"

Angel recalled answering that she believed the recent hostage incident involving Hong Kong tourists was the greatest problem our country's tourism is currently facing, and that to help alleviate the negative Philippine image, she would invite Hong Kong official Donald Tsang to visit and give him a tour around our country.

Her Mutya experiene wasn't nerve-wracking every minute though. She had her share of memorable moments that will be treasured for a lifetime.

"The best part was the adventure and fun we had in Palawan! The place seemed paradise to me. A very peaceful and loving environment wherein you can feel the warmth and sincerity of the people."

"I also gained true friendship in Mutya with all the candidates from different regions especially the Cebu girls and my bonding with Karen Montanez. All the pressure and stress during the pageant helped me become a more responsible and disciplined person when it comes to time management."

Who is the beauty queen she idolizes the most? "I look up to Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry. Bilib kaayo ko niya because even if she didn't win any titles here in Cebu pageants and only ended up as runner-up, still her fighting spirit was there. Until she finally won a major title which is Ms. Earth. And when I was still new with the AD Models, she was very helpful and kind. She gave me tips on how to model and even lent me shoes when I needed one," she replied.

The major winners of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2010 are Mutya ng Pilipinas Intercontinental Carla Lizardo (Bicol), Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International Barbie Salvador (Pangasinan), Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific Ashley McGarry (East Coast USA), and 1st Runner-up Suzette Hernandez (Batangas).

Angel's fellow Cebuana, Ma. Tanchellie Lobete who represented Bogo City, was a top 10 finalist and was given the Maybeline New York award.

If you want to watch their performance during the coronation night, catch the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2010 delayed telecast on ABS-CBN today, September 5, at 10:30 pm.