Pinay crowned top model

MANILA, Philippines - Another Filipina captivated the world with her unique beauty, élan and grace on the catwalk.

Danica Flores Magpantay, 17, is the first ever Filipina to win the prestigious Ford Supermodel of the World since it was established in 1980.

As the 2011 Ford Supermodel of the World, Danica received a $250,000 modeling contract.

The 5’9” beauty bested more than 70 supermodels from different countries during competition ceremonies in New York last Saturday (Sunday in Manila). Runners up were from Lithuania and Poland, first and second respectively, who received modeling contracts of $150,000 and $100,000.

Danica nicknamed Ica, a Fine Arts student from the University of the Philippines, is no stranger to the modeling world and got her winning genes from her mother, Supermodel of the World Philippines 1990 winner Milagros “Lala” Flores.

Lala, now one of the country’s top makeup artists, represented the Philippines at the international tilt and won the Crest Best Smile.

In a phone interview with GMA’s 24 Oras, Lala said her daughter called her up yesterday morning to tell her that she won.

“She said, ‘Mommy I won an award and I said ‘what award?’ and she said, ‘Mommy, I’m the winner.’

“She also told me it has not sunk in her yet and for now, she’s just excited with what she’s doing everyday,” Lala added.

Three Filipino supermodels came close to winning the Ford Supermodel of the World, namely former Miss International Melanie Marquez who was the first Filipina to join the Supermodel of the World contest in 1986 in New York and finished second runner-up, Charo Ronquillo, second runner-up in 2006; and Chat Almarvez, first runner-up last year in Brazil.

According to its website, Ford Supermodel of the World is the largest and most prestigious international modeling competition established by Eileen Ford in 1980.

Danica’s Twitter and Facebook pages were swamped with cheers and congratulatory messages.

“Beautiful, dusky, exotic. Definitely Pinoy Pride,” said one admiring Filipino fan.