Model Ingenues

"Standout models, are born and not made," bravely pronounced supermodel trainer J Alexander! And I couldn't agree more. Name any recognizable name in the fashion firmament from the Supermodel era, curiously headed by the model triumvirate of Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell and tales of their discovery prove it. Why I singled out that era? It was the talented trio who elevated models to superstar status. Hounded by paparazzi like their Hollywood counterparts, these fashion celebrities live la dolce vita and to quote chameleon like Linda E, "we won't get out of bed for less than $10,000.00!" They may start out as diamonds in the rough, yet deep down are elegant creatures waiting to be unleashed.

Supermodel winner and international model Marjay Ramirez is no exception. Fashion designer Protacio already foresaw six years ago that she will make it big. Owe to the fact that at 14 years old, she was already 5 feet and 9 inches tall and that reed thin physique that has nothing to do with dieting. "It's in the genes, as her parents are sports personalities and she has a fast metabolism," Protacio added.

That brings us to two ingénues who already have, to quote model agent Roger Alferez, "a bright future in the modeling scene ahead of them." Katrina Cui and Chennie Montero are two distinct Lolitas bursting to strut their stuff. The former is a 19-year-old Chinoise beauty and at 5 feet. 8 inches, a rounded figure with all the right curves and a gift of gab that reminds me of model-beauty queen-host Karla Bautista. The latter is a dusky and statuesque 15-year-old who stands 5 feet and 9 inches with an innate affinity to the runway. She is a dead ringer of Elite model winner cum flight attendant Charity Lagahid in every way. Here is a short tete a tete-

How were you discovered as a model?
Katrina Cui
I actually applied as a model. I contacted one of the agents in MAC, Kuya Roger, and I met up with him so that he could check me out. To my luck, he liked me and so here I am now. Days after, I did my first show for Levi's in Formo. It was exhilarating!

Chennie Montero
I was approached a few times by people in the fashion and modeling industry. They presented opportunities in modeling which I am very interested. Finally, I met up with the agents in MAC again in Ayala with my friend who is also interested to model. Why again? You see, I bumped into them 2 years back in a different mall while doing our grocery. Now they feel that I'm quite ready.

What are your aspirations as a model?
K.C.
Just like all the other models, I would like to make it 'big time' in the modeling industry. I would like to have the opportunity to travel and get offers from top brands and designers in Cebu, Manila and abroad, as well.

C.M.
I want to be successful in the modeling profession and aspire to have good exposure in television and print media. It has always been my dream.

What are your expectations being new to the modeling industry?
K.C.
I know that this industry is rough and tough and that I have to prove myself to be a great model. I expect to be contending with a lot of different people and problems. I know that some people will criticize me and so I have to learn how to take criticisms constructively and as something that will help me in my modeling career.

C.M.
I hope for support and patience from my peers and mentors. I also look forward to challenging and interesting works. I will surely work hard to improve my skills in modeling so as not to disappoint.

What do you think are the perks of being a model? What about the downside?
K.C.
Well, for me, I think the best thing about being a model is that I get paid to do something that I enjoy. I also love the thrill of getting to meet new people, especially the gorgeous ones and those whom I often read and hear about in the newspaper and television. We also get freebees and free food, and I love food. On the downside, I personally have to cut down on the one thing that I abusively love to do, and that's eating. Except for "cutting-down on my diet" part, all the rest in the modeling industry I love.

C.M.
Definitely the exposure, meeting new friends and the chance to travel would be great. I think one downside is scheduling modeling commitment against my studies. My agents assured my Mom otherwise.

Who do you look up to in the modeling scene, local and international?
K.C.
I love Tyra Banks and Joey Mead. They are models who have withstood a million criticisms and they have proven themselves to be great and successful models. They are true to themselves and they are not boastful. They have a strong, powerful and headstrong personality akin to mine and that's why I look up to them.

C.M.
I look up to Tweetie de-Leon in the local scene for her longevity. Tyra Banks is my choice in the international scene. She has achieved so much.

Five years from now, how do you picture yourself in the modeling world?
K.C.
Five years from now, I'd picture myself to be transformed from being boyish to becoming classy and elegant, successful, and doing shows for well-known designers. Well, that is if I do make it big in the industry so help me God. Hahaha!

C.M.
It's quite difficult for me to look myself five years from now. I just want to focus in improving my craft and hopefully things will work out better than expected. With God's grace, support from my family and mentors, I know I can make it well enough.

It is a big issue now that the fashion industry is promoting anorexia by way of encouraging men and women to look reed thin. What is your stand on this ?
K.C.
Well, I don't think that is true. The people whom I work with don't deprive us of food nor do they encourage us to be anorexic. They, as a matter of fact, want us to be healthy and eat the right kind of food. The drugged out heroin look is not promoted by our agency.

C.M. I don't want to compromise health with my work as a model. I stand on habits and practices that promote a well-rounded person on the physical, mental and spiritual aspects. Besides, I love chocolates. I don't deprive myself.

Any parting words to share?
K.C.
I never really liked or fully decided to be a model until now. What made me change my mind was the thought of regretting the moment of not grabbing every opportunity when I could have very much taken. So what I would like to say to all the readers is that we should never live our lives with regret. We must enjoy every minute and every second and grab every opportunity that comes our way, for that moment may never come again. We must strive and use all of our faculties, talents and abilities to be the best we can be in life. Let no one pull you down. After all, we make our own lives and can be a good influence to others.

C.M.
For those aspiring models, self-confidence is very important coupled with humility and being professional. Most important is one's faith in God.