Kiko Rustia: Representing the Philippines

Has it been 10 years? To say that time flies fast is an understatement. Before the start of the new millennium, this writer and Rissa Mananquil flew to New York City to represent Asia in a global campaign that celebrated all colors, being Filipinos. We waved our flag mighty and proud in the Big Apple, alongside the hottest faces I’ve seen (at that time) of my life. We were starstruck to be working with the world’s best stylists, photographers and models. Rissa and I learned so much from the experience, and we have trekked an interesting journey at work and in life so far. So when Benetton made another global call for its new faces, I was excited for the next batch of people who would get to experience that moment. Of course, I crossed my fingers that that hopeful would be Filipino.

Far into the online competition, a few Filipinos were indeed doing well in the popularity poll for Benetton’s next faces. And in the end, there was one survivor who was among the top bets — he was to fly to New York to represent.. .the Philippines! Kiko Rustia, who we have come to be familiar with as the guy who hosts Born to be Wild on GMA-7, who first popped into our screens via the Survivor series, and whom I first met in a dance party in Boracay, was the lucky one who embodied the brown race in the universal hodgepodge that is a United Colors of Benetton ad. I’ve known Kiko for a long time, and know him to be a very spiritual person. He once uprooted himself from city life to live in the island of Boracay. Look at his wrist and you’ll see various bracelets — these are his treasures — gifts from the people who have influenced his life. I’m sure that after this trip, he would have collected more.

Kiko just flew back to town a few days ago (after a month or so in New York), and immediately Supreme sat down with the dread-locked urban Rastafarian. Welcome to the united colors of Kiko Rustia.

How did you get into the Top 20? Were there other Pinoys aside from you that got into the finals?

The 65,000 plus contestants from all over the world were narrowed down to 100 via popular votes. Eight Filipinos, including myself, made that cut-off. From the 100, a panel of judges chose the final 20 — those who will actually grace their fall and winter collection.

How did the Benneton people tell you that you got in?

I was on assignment the day they announced the winners ... and they were announcing it via their website! I I couldn’t connect to the Internet since I was so far from civilization! Good thing my mom was keeping watch for me. She was the one who called me to tell me that I got in!

How did you prepare for your New York trip and shoot?

Physically, diet and a bit of workout … mentally, a lot of psyching up, prayers, and of course, I consulted Tim Yap! I needed some mentoring from the first Pinoy Benetton model!

Tell us about your New York Bennetton shoot experience.

It was awesome. It was easy working with the other Benetton models, and it was really an honor to work with Josh Olins. The atmosphere was happy and light, we were playing dance music during the shoots and goofing around in between. Everyone was just having fun!

Any unforgettable moments when you were shooting?

When we would attack the food buffet during breaks, and then feel fat and guilty after! Haha!

Anything special or life-changing that you learned while doing this campaign?

That no matter the cultural differences, nationality, or race, if you all believe in the same ideals and dreams, you can make things happen. I never met the people I worked with prior to NY ... and we all came from all parts of the globe. So much differences if you think about it, but that didn’t stop us from forming an unseverable bond — because we all believed and had faith in each other. We were not models anymore. We were family.

When is the campaign coming out?

Since its for Benetton’s fall and winter collection, I’d say around September?

What are you busy with at the moment?

Born to be wild.

What’s your advocacy?

Environmental conservation and protection! 

What’s next for you?

I’m not sure yet, taking things one step at a time. My show Born to be Wild will always be my priority ... but I’m always up for new challenges.

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United in all colors, follow me at www.twitter.com/iamtimyap.