Pinay is 'Supermodel of the World'

CEBU, Philippines - Make way for the future face of modeling.

A Filipina has stormed through the finals of Ford Models' Supermodel of the World contest in New York to take home the most coveted top prize. Danica Flores Magpantay was named Supermodel of the World 2011, besting over 50 new entrants from all over the globe in a competition that has been billed as the fashion industry's version of a World Cup, according to Ford Models' official twitter account.

An official announcement will be released Monday on Ford Models website.  

Interestingly, Danica, 17, is a newbie in the runway circuit having started modeling only last year. But she isn't exactly a stranger to the business of beauty and high fashion, being the daughter of Pinay supermodel-turned-noted professional make-up artist Lala Flores. According to the website of the Masters School for Models, in which she was a student, the Fine Arts (major in Visual Communications) student from University of the Philippines won the Ford Models Supermodel of the World- Philippines 2010 contest held October of last year, the same contest won by her mother some 20 years ago. Her mother also represented the country in the Supermodel of the World competition.

With the win, Danica makes history as the first Filipina and the second Asian who topped the Ford Models' Supermodel of the World competition. But prior to her victory, it seems that the stage has been well set for her, what with the Philippines' recent high placements in the prestigious international modeling tilt. In 2006, Charo Ronquillo made it as second runner-up and just last year, Chat Almarvez landed as first runner-up. Both are now based in New York, and their careers are flying high, if their portfolios since the Ford competition are gauge.

The 17-year-old Chat, considered one of the youngest successful Asian models for 2010, had editorials for Vogue China, V Magazine and NY Times' T Magazine. Her runway appearances include Diane Von Furstenberg and Lacoste.

The 22-year-old Charo, on the other hand, graced the catwalks of New York Fashion Week, modeling for top labels and designers including Lacoste, Tory Burch, Kenneth Cole, Zaldy by Gwen Stefani, BCBG, among others. She also appeared on numerous fashion and beauty editorials for Spanish Vogue, Indian Vogue, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire Paris and US, Glamour, Macy's, etc.

With her trailblazing feat, Danica's future in the international modeling industry certainly holds bigger and brighter promise.