Ever since Alicia Silverstone’s famous movie Clueless, it seems every little girl dreams of becoming a model. With the rise of MTV and the fashion channels, the proliferation of fashion and lifestyle magazines, an overdose of visual advertising campaigns for retail brands, and more than a handful of beauty pageants and modeling competitions year-round, what was once considered a "hobby" of a chosen few has become a lifestyle for the youth. Modeling is now regarded as one of the most lucrative short-lived professions. The allure of modeling has created an arena for discovering new faces and talents who will eventually grace the covers of top fashion magazines, land on a billboard ad in EDSA or the South Super Highway, endorse the latest beauty product campaign on TV, or become the next "it" boy or girl of Philippine fashion.
Three years ago, top fashion show director and mover Robbie Carmona acquired the franchise of one of the most prestigious international modeling competitions, Best Model of the World. Since November 2001, the search has produced some of the top models in the local industry. 2tay Maristela, Carlo Adorador, Bim Cecilio, Ella Evangelista, Dos Quong and Ton Lao to name a few, are currently at the peak of their respective careers, making waves both in the local and regional modeling scenes.
The Best Model of the World competition has proven to be a springboard of opportunities for those who dream of becoming a model. Through the competition, these "fresh" faces are given the proper exposure and training needed to jump-start their modeling careers and make a name in the world of fashion. This year’s batch of winners include Melissa Frye (Best Model of the World), Raphael Kiefer (Best Model of the World), Ria Bolivar (Model of the World), Brent Javier (Manhunt International) and Charisse Ocrisma (Ms. Tourism Queen). They are a new breed of models who will give the country a fighting chance in international modeling competitions.
Modeling as a profession in Manila has grown through the years. What used to be a hobby or a label of prestige is now a career which is no longer taken for granted. In the past seven years, modeling agencies have sprung up, creating and implementing a more professional approach to model management and representation. The growing demand for local models in the Asian region proves that there is a continuous need for this profession. Local models who have penetrated the international circuit constantly appear in regional TV commercials, print ad campaigns and runway shows in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and Japan. There are over a hundred talent/modeling agencies locally that service the requirements of advertising. Though considered to be short-lived, modeling promises infinite opportunities and even a career after modeling, because of its association with publishing, design, styling, cosmetics, TV, advertising, retail, etc.
Best Model of the World is a stepping stone to greater things in modeling. Like all other competitions, it is a training ground for the soon-to-be supermodels. Its presence in the industry shows a potentially competitive chance for our models to participate in the international scene. With this in mind, there will be higher prospects for more Anna Bayles and Melanie Marquezes that will hopefully put our country in the spotlight. Modeling has definitely progressed, going beyond just being clueless.
(E-mail me at mymultiplechoice@yahoo.com)