Another Pinoy supermodel!

BRAZIL — “I had prayed for it to happen, and when it did, I still was not completely ready. But God surely had a reason and I told myself that I wasn’t going to let my country, my family, and myself down.”  

These were the words of 16-year-old Charlene “Chat” Almarvez, our very own newly-minted international supermodel. I was with Chat when she cinched the 1st Runner-Up title in the 2010 Ford Supermodel of the World Finals, held in São Paulo, Brazil. With that honor comes a US$150,000 contract with prestigious agency Ford Models, where she will be joining fellow Filipina stunner Charo Ronquillo. Her journey was a long one but it was, without a doubt, worth it.   

Established by Eileen Ford in 1980, Ford Supermodel of the World is the largest and most prestigious international modeling competition. It is responsible for some of the greatest names in the industry today, such as Nataliya Gotsii, Chanel Iman, Adriana Lima, Alexina Graham and Hyoni. Currently, over 60,000 contestants from over 40 countries worldwide join in the hopes of scoring the top prize — a contract with Ford Models worth $250,000.

The road to São Paulo

The 5-foot-9-inch Laguna-born lass, who was handpicked by none other than former Ford Models CEO Katie Ford herself when she served as a judge with Runway Productions executive producer Audie Espino and me during the Philippine competition, underwent rigorous training for the international finals.

I then decided that Chat would best learn from a place where she would be most exposed to the ins and outs of the business — and that place was New York. So Chat stayed for a week in the Big Apple prior to heading to Brazil, where she brushed up on her runway skills and went through more test shots to prepare.

She even stayed in fellow Filipina Supermodel Charo Ronquillo’s place for a few days, which we decided was a good move, as learning from others’ experiences is one of the best forms of training she can get. Both Audie and I believe that good training isn’t just about learning the technicalities of modeling, it’s also about learning from those who have been through a similar experience. And Charo is a good person to talk to because she has gone through the whole Supermodel journey. But of course, we also wanted to encourage Chat to form and build her own memories and create her own experiences.

Making an impression

It’s really fortunate that Chat was already making a great impression on the judges even during the Ford Supermodel of the World-Philippines competition, mounted yearly by Runway Productions. From the start, we already noticed something unique in Chat.

Audie pointed out that she actually had something in common with Charo: “May tapang siya.” Even when she was nervous or rattled, she had the confidence to strut her stuff, be herself, and do what needs to be done. That cannot be learned overnight. And to be able to do that at 16 is an indication of her maturity.

I witnessed how Chat continued to impress as she moved on to the finals. When we got to São Paulo, she became one of the natural leaders of the group, as she was usually the one tasked to demonstrate how a catwalk should be done. Walking the runway is really one of Chat’s fortes, and everyone could see that.

On and off the runway, she has an amazing presence — and this is not something that can be said of everyone. I felt it immediately. She has the ability to build great rapport with people. I think this is one of the major factors why she was able to achieve so much, taking the number-two spot next to grand winner Karlina of Latvia. The other girls who made it included other runner-ups Isabelle (Sweden), Olivia (US), Maryna (Belarus), Grace (Australia) and Bruna (Brazil).

What’s next for chat?

Chat’s achievement is very significant as it further strengthens and solidifies the country’s presence in the international modeling scene. I think the fact that Asians are starting to place well in the competition, specifically Chat, Charo and Hyoni of Korea, is a sign that there is now a growing market for Asian models and endorsers.

There are, of course, greater things in store for Chat, who already has a one-year modeling contract with CalCarrie’s International Models Philippines for being the country’s representative in the international finals. Within the next six months, Chat will be groomed to grace different fashion shows. After that, she may possibly be trained for high fashion and catalog work. We’re planning to take it step by step and see what happens.

It has indeed been a long and exciting journey for Chat, but it is really only the beginning of what will be one of the major turning points in her life. But at this stage, I think it is safe to say that she is well on her way to modeling greatness — with Filipinos all over the world cheering her on all the way.