Almost a decade ago, when I started modeling, it was nearly unheard of to be in a fashion show that consisted of anyone else but Filipino models. Sure, you’d get the occasional half-Filipino, half-imported breed coming to to the Philippines to try their luck in the fashion or entertainment industry. But backstage these days, you see young faces from South America and Eastern Europe. They are “fly-in models” who make their circuit around South East Asia knowing that their aesthetics have become the preferred and desirable faces for commercials, print ads and fashion shows.
Now before you jump into any conclusions, let me tell you that I absolutely embrace all spectrums of beauty and culture. But that’s exactly my problem these days: it seems that there is a lack of appreciation for our own ethnicity if you will. Shall we never be liberated from centuries of colonial mentality?
When we think of Filipino models who have succeeded abroad, Ana Bayle and Charo Ronquillo come to mind. These are ladies who have proudly strutted their brown skin, dark brown eyes and black locks in the sea of fair-skinned, blue-eyed and blond-haired models.
Perhaps the root of this comes not only in the faces that we see plastered on billboards, but lies in a much deeper cause. When the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) decided to launch the “Modelong Pinoy” campaign, they spoke not only of the runway-posing kind. Modelong Pinoy challenges to create a paradigm shift in the consciousness of our society. And that is to seek ideals and inspiration first within ourselves and those around us instead of the Coca-colonized nation that we have become. We must realize that we need not look far for role models. There is greatness found in our Pinoy talents.
Let us deem ourselves worthy of becoming our own Philippine Idol not only for our fellow countrymen, but for all. Yes,