A new model struts the ramp

A new face will capture the hearts of the Cebuanos, particularly that in the modeling world. She is not your ordinary model.  She is rather, an epitome of what a beauty queen should be - someone with charm and wit to match. 

A new discovery by designer Dexter Alazas, Erica Janine P. Tudtud is a 5’7" young lady who majors in BS Interior Design. This 19 year-old lass never really planned to become a professional model.  Everything started when she accompanied a friend to Alazas’ agency during the time that he was looking for candidate for the Ms. Teen Philippines 2007.

“It was really funny because when I came in, they thought I was a candidate. But I said no, I just came along with my friend,” she said, adding that she was then asked to fill up a form for the Ms. Teen pageant. She, however, insisted that she wasn’t ready and instead opted to sign up to be one of Alazas’ models under the A.D. Models Management.

On May 31, 2007, Erica and her parents signed a two-year contract with the modeling agency. “Everything just happened very unexpectedly,” she said.

Modeling opportunities are not new to Erica. At the age of 16, she auditioned for FTV Model School at Bigfoot Int’l. After graduating from the modeling school, she was one of the chosen 12 or 15 students out of the 30 plus who were given exposure.

As a model and a student at the same time, she tries to live a balanced life to juggle both worlds.

“Whenever I’m busy in school, I don’t really accept projects because I wouldn’t want to miss any deadlines. When I have screenings or shows on a school day, I make sure that I finish whatever I’m doing before I go. I admit that there are times I get confused on what to do first, but in the end, it is school that I always think of,” she said.

What makes her career even more fulfilling is the support that she has been receiving from her family. Her parents are always armed with advices to guide her through tough times. They keep on telling her to balance well her studies and her career. 

“I remember when we had to do late rehearsals for the Vanidades-Colours show. We had to practice more because it was a big event. My parents really waited for me until we ended around 2 a.m.,” Erica shared.

Despite the fame, the glitz, and the glamor offered in a silver platter by the modeling world, Erica shared some insights of being a model.

“Last year, I participated in the Women for Women Fashion Show, which was a charity project. The proceeds of the show were given to breast cancer survivors.  We must always remember that being a model is not just about catwalk, photo shoots etc. It’s about being a good example or a role model to everyone especially to the people in need of support,” concluded Erica.