Models of heroic proportions

MANILA, Philippines - Starting out in the business of modeling is no joke for the newbie catwalker. All at once, you have to learn how to perfect those hip-jutting struts (in high heels that don’t fit), hold cramp-inducing poses until a photographer gets his shot and sometimes be forced to wear the most bizarre ensembles — or worse, nothing at all. Just ask Kate Moss who admitted to nearly having a nervous breakdown after being made to straddle Marky Mark in the nude for her iconic Calvin Klein campaign during her early days. Not only that, a fresh face may encounter the occasional Naomi Campbell who is violently territorial of her spotlight.

And yet, even with all the competitiveness and psychological warfare, there is still room for models to cultivate genuine friendship with one another or, even better, Jedi-Padawan relationships. For this issue, YStyle spoke to a few supers-in-training on their goals in the industry, along with who their heroes are and, in turn, we asked those heroes for the kind of advice they’d like to give to the next generation of strutters.

Ménage à trois

We start with the girl of the moment — Pauline Camille Prieto, whose Rogue cover is already causing quite a stir on the Internet. Even though she seems to be at the top of the heap, she still remembers what it was like to compete at age 17 in the Elite Model Look competition in China two years ago. “It was intimidating considering the 15-year-olds had more experience than I did. But I took that opportunity to study and watch the other girls walk and pose,” she says. “It taught me that there would always be room for improvement. Always.”

Standing next to Pauline at the shoot is overachiever and all-around girl genius Hye Won Jang. Apart from being in her last year at Ateneo de Manila, taking up a BS in mechanical engineering, and mastering six languages (Korean, English, Filipino, Chinese, French and Japanese, with plans of learning Spanish and Italian too), Hye has the distinct honor of being the first Korean member of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP). “I didn’t expect it at all,” she admits. “I felt really honored to be part of such a prestigious group. Though I’m Korean, I grew up in the Philippines for more than half of my entire life so the Filipino spirit dwelling within me was nothing but proud.”

Together, they both have dreams of making it big internationally. Pauline is working with an agent who plans on flying her out to New York early next year and jokes of achieving “Intergalactic recognition!” Hye joins in saying, “I love traveling in general, but if you have modeling together with it, the experience is a hundredfold more worthwhile.” Although these two seem to be off to a good start, they’re still inspired by the models who are at the top of their game, just like their shared hero, the inimitable Ria Bolivar. “Ria is timeless, professional and polite. These are three very important traits when it comes to modeling. Traits I’m hoping to obtain for myself,” Pauline muses.

Discovered at 17 years old at a hip-hop concert by designers Bo Parcon and Don Protasio, Ria’s angular high cheekbones, light and airy strut, and ability to pose like no one’s business have elevated her to the industry’s hall of fame. “For me, Ria is the epitome of what a model should be like. Not only does she have the perfect proportions, she also has the humble attitude, perseverance, and versatility that I really admire. Despite being in the industry for quite a while now, she still stays positive and motivated in pursuing the work she gets and she also works hard in every project,” Hye explains.

Having been in the industry for some time, Ria observes how different it is today for a young model. “I think the industry has become more professional. There are a lot of shows now. I got lucky to be discovered but now there are more avenues for anyone to model,” she says. These days, the industry veteran has already turned her sights to life after modeling, even considering the possibility of having a baby in the next couple of years. “I’ve been dabbling in designing my own label. I’ve also done some fashion directing, styling for shoots and jewelry making. I guess I’m still trying to discover what I’m really good at,” she says. For Pauline and Hye, she stresses the importance of exploring the possibilities outside of the spotlight’s glare: “Think beyond modeling. Cultivate an interest that can be a career after modeling because it’s a very short career. Have the attitude of professionalism and do your very best, whether the show is small or something major.”

The duo defy

Belonging to the same local agency, CalCarries, and starting at the same time gave Danica Magpantay and Samantha Gomez the opportunity to grow extremely close. Samantha, the five-foot-ten native of Pampanga, won Supermodel Philippines at just 14 years old — the same year Danica became the first Filipina to win Ford Supermodel of the World. “When I was starting, I already met Danica and at that time, she was just starting. We became so close — so close, like we’re really sisters. We helped each other,” Samantha recalls. “Even personally, with problems, hard times or situations she always talks to me and gives me advice, which I really appreciate and it gives me strength. In this industry I had a sister, a family.” There is no tale of jealousy or deceit here, even after Danica was officially launched internationally. As a testament to their forged sisterhood, they remained as close as ever and the stars in Samantha’s eyes grew. “When I saw her model, doing editorials and shows, competing and winning the world title, she inspired me even more. I like looking at her editorials all the time. She became an inspiration for me. I love her so much! She’s my hero,” the leggy Pampangeña gushes.

At present, Samantha has been getting ready to join Danica in New York. Katie Ford reportedly already wrote her a letter of endorsement so that she can get her working US visa. With her youth, height and distinct Pinay-Chinita features, now is the best time for her to give it a shot. “I really want to be an international model. I want to have the experience to work abroad in a much bigger field and be successful there. I also want to serve as an inspiration to other people or to aspiring models,” she says. And of course, like all models, she hopes to achieve the holy grail of modeling jobs: Getting her wings. “Hopefully when I get older, I can have the opportunity to be a Victoria’s Secret Angel!”

Danica, for her part, can hardly wait for Samantha to experience modeling in New York. “I think I want to say so much to Sam. If I could write a mini-advice notebook, I probably would,” she confesses. “In terms of modeling, know how and when to say no. New Yorkers will respect your decision; don’t think that you have to do everything to please them! Second, in whatever you do, do it for God’s glory. Lastly, in terms of the whole NY experience, just enjoy and have fun! At the end of it all, the best thing you’ll be able to take home are great memories. So make lots of awesome ones!”