Face of Allure: Maxine Medina
MANILA, Philippines - “Sharing what I have makes me happy. My heart is filled with gratification when I can make someone happy,” says Mika Maxine Medina, a 5’9”-tall stunner whose fierce catwalk strides and well chiselled features will make one think she is a goddess sent down to earth. Despite her success in the field of modeling, she still carries this friendly and unassuming personality.
Modeling is definitely in the genes of this 24-year-old morena beauty. Max is the second child of Maximo Guillermo Medina, a former commercial model and a Philippine Airlines flight attendant, and Maria Fe Medina, also a former model and a Metrobank senior bank manager. Max shares the important lessons her parents taught her: “My dad taught me to be strong and independent and to be responsible for every decision I make. I learned from my mom to grab every opportunity that comes along the way and learn from it.”
As a child, Max dreamed of becoming an interior designer. Armed with this dream, she took up Interior Design at both De La Salle-College of St. Benilde and the Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID) and later graduated — an achievement she considers one of the greatest. “I went to school while pursuing my career as a model, which was difficult but fulfilling at the same time,” says Max, a member of Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP). She sees herself flourishing in the modeling world while pursuing a career in interior design in the future. “I started modeling when I was 18 years old. The very first project I did was for a cover of a magazine with my cousin, Glen Peter Perez, who is a professional photographer,” Max shares.
Despite the demands of her busy schedule as a model, Max knows whom she can turn to at the end of a long tiring day — her family. “I grew up in a perfect picture of fun with the whole clan from both sides of my family. We spend almost every day of our lives having fun and bonding together. Our family escapades have made a mark in my heart, which I cherish the most. Spending time with them makes me happy. I value my family the most,” says Max.
Max, whose fashion favorites are boho chic and rock-star style, believes that, “beauty has to come from the inside. You could inspire and make people feel their value and be happy.”
Confidence in herself brings out the best in Max. But one of the guiding principles that keeps her going resonates clearly: “Making the best out of anything turns the spark of possibilities into flames of achievement.”
Photography by Mau Aguasin • Styling by Mikka Velasquez • Makeup by Ria Aquino for MAC Cosmetics • Hairstyling by Eddie Mar Cabiltes for L’Oréal Professionnel •
Both dresses by Eric Delos Santos • Jewelry by Joanique • Shot at MA Studios (7467D Bagtikan St. San Antonio Village, Makati City. Tel. no. 0918-9022777)
