There's something about Charo

Je ne sais quoi — by definition, it’s that special quality that can neither be articulated nor expressed in words by mortals who revel in utter admiration or complete awe of something that appeals to their naked eye. Some call it the X-factor — a special magic and unexplainable pull, harnessed by someone who paralyzes mere mortals in their tracks, and paints them an elusive possibility of leveling or coming face to face with deities who are little less than god.

Some call it natural perfection. Others, well, genetic or prophetic luck. But for the recently concluded Philippine Fashion Week, no one came as close to je ne sais quoi personified than the winner of the 2005 Super Model Philippines Search and the Asian Kate Moss herself, Charo Ronquillo.

Standing at 5’9”, with a face that could launch a thousand ships, and 10,000 other modeling contracts, it has to be said that every time Charo walks the runway, it’s as if an invisible glow turns on and bewilders spectators into a momentary surrender. In a sea of perfectly shaped mannequins, you can easily spot her a mile away. 

So in between Sassa Jimenez’ tour-de-force collection that ruminates on the glorious remembrances of Old Hollywood, and Lyle Ibanez’ sugar-and-spice and everything nice assortment of bold yet wearable garments, I just had to sneak an interview with Charo backstage, cracking jokes and trading anecdotes with someone who’s graced, among others, the pages of Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, Seventeen, and Cosmo Girl. All this before she became of legal age to have a drink or two in the United States. Lights dim and cue music! Time to meet our model-of-the-hour and fashion bon vivant, Charo Ronquillo.

PHILIPPINE STAR: You’ve been doing Philippine Fashion Week for quite sometime now. How is it different from the one in the States?

CHARO RONQUILLO: It’s very different. The shows in the States, it’s just one per designer. Here, you have a lot of designers — which is great because we have a lot of good talent. It’s why I come back to Manila twice a year — to support them.

Fashion seems to be obsessed with youth. Is it an advantage starting early?

Yes, especially if you model abroad. People there start at 13, 14, or 15, with the consent of parents of course. I started at 16.

You were 12 when Faze Model Management discovered you shooting hoops at a Robinsons Mall Arcade in Cabuyao, Laguna. Describe yourself back then.

Maikli yung hair ko. Pangit yung teeth ko. (My hair was short. My teeth were ugly). I was always wearing big T-shirts, shorts, and pants. Tomboy talaga!

And what was the turning point for you?

When I got into modeling, I guess nagbago na rin yung buhay ko (My life changed). Nung High School ako, I started wearing lip gloss, powder. O diba? (laughs). Parang nag-mature ako bigla. (It’s like I matured all of a sudden).

Have you always wanted to be a model?

Oo naman! Since I was 12 years old. Maraming nagsasabi – like mga tita at kaibigan ko, na mag-model ako. Ako yung pinakamatangkad dati sa school (A lot of people have said that I should model. I used to be the tallest in school).

What are your thoughts on education in lieu of models starting early on?

Studies are very important. But if the opportunity is there, grab it. They only come once in a lifetime. I already did my first year of college but I stopped before I flew to New York. But I have plans to continue my studies after or even during modeling, when schedule permits.

You moved to the States at 17. And on top of that you’re Asian, considered to be a cultural minority. Any challenges or hardships you’ve had to face?

More of I had to get used to being alone — no family, no friends. But you learn a lot of things like being independent, organized, pagiging matapang (being strong-willed), having a lot of faith. That’s what Joey Espino taught me. I owe a lot to him.

What are some of your most memorable projects?

Working in the Bahamas for a shoot for Glamour magazine. Then, doing Vogue and Teen Vogue, and commercials in Virginia with Bruce Weber. And Ralph Lauren.

Who are your favorite designers?

Nanette Leopore. Tory Burch. Lacoste. Cho Cheng. Elie Tahari. La Perla. I also came out on the Tyra Banks show for Jill Stuart.

Really? How was Tyra in person?

She’s very beautiful. And everything she says, may matututunan ka as a model (You will learn something as a model).

Describe a day in your life in the Big Apple.

I wake up at six in the morning every day. Go to Mass. Have breakfast. Go to the gym. Prepare for a casting and work until like 5 p.m. Go to my agency. If I have nothing to do, I go out with my friends or rest at home, or go jogging. I pray before I sleep.

Do you feel an overwhelming sense of urgency to represent for the Pinoy community?

Oo naman, sa modeling lalo na (Of course, in modeling most especially). When people ask me where I’m from, I say I’m from the Philippines. I’m very proud of our country, kahit na sometimes, they think I’m Brazilian or Hawaiian.

Finally, where do you see fashion going in the next five years?

Mas magiging malakas siya (It’s only going to get stronger). There are a lot of new designers — young, talented, and with the potential to go international.

Where do you yourself in the next five years?

Maybe still modeling, or finishing my studies. And I want to be with my family again.

What can you advise other aspiring models out there?

Never give up. If someone thinks you have what it takes, or you yourself want to do it, then do it!

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Catch your breath and let me know what you think at imcalledtoffee@mac.com.