Face of Allure: Michelle Panemanglor
MANILA, Philippines - “A model’s life is glamorous and more,” declares 22-year-old Michelle Panemanglor. “A model is only a part of a much bigger production, a collaboration of so many people to bring about a finished product.” The 5’9”-tall Michelle, who was the Philippines’ representative to the 2007 Ford Models’ Supermodels of the World International Competition, adds: “I am grateful to have worked with such incredibly talented people — from designers and directors, to photographers and stylists. I learn something new each time I work with these creative people.”
The half-Filipino, half-Indian beauty was at first hesitant to try modeling. But with encouragement from friends, she tried out for the National Finals of the Ford Models’ Supermodel of the World. “And I won!” gushes Michelle, who is all praises for her agent, fashion director Joey Espino, who took a chance on her. “Joey has taught me to be positive and to put God first in everything I do.”
Competing in the Supermodel competition, says Michelle, was one of the greatest experiences of her life. She learned that discipline, simplicity and just being yourself are keys to getting a modeling job at the fashion capitals of the world. She also lived and modeled in Thailand and Indonesia for a time and shuttled back and forth to other Asian countries for more modeling jobs. “Living abroad taught me a lot about independence. When you live abroad, you have to adjust to other people’s culture, respect the norms in that country and be open to learn from the experience,” says Michelle, a Business Administration (Major in Human Resource Management) graduate of the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde. “Modeling in a foreign land taught me to interact with people from diverse cultures. I learned how to further improve myself to become a world-class model in a competitive market.”
Her determination to better her craft paid off. Soon, Michelle found herself working for internationally-acclaimed Filipino designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Josie Natori and Leonardo Salinas. Michelle recalls her fond memories of each one of them: “Monique is very hands-on and pays attention to detail. Likewise is Josie Natori. Her lingerie and sleepwear collections, although very intricate, are extremely comfortable. Australia-based Leonardo is very down-to-earth despite his success.”
Michelle, the third child of entrepreneurs Vinay and Celia Panemanglor, maintains her tip-top shape through physical activities like badminton and running three to four times a week. “I try to be as active as I can and I watch what I eat. I don’t deprive myself but I eat in small proportions,” she says. She also knows how to slow down by lounging at the couch and watching her favorite flick. “It’s the perfect way to relax and spend time with my family and friends,” furthers Michelle, whose current fashion obsessions are jackets and blazers that are very suitable for the cold breeze of the holiday season. — Jerni May H. Camposano
