Bea Soriano, Jasmine Maierhofer, Natasha Bautista explain why Filipina models click
ITH THE WAVE OF BRAZILIAN MODELS hitting the Philippines, I wonder how Filipinos are doing in the modeling industry. So I sat down with three emerging models.

Bea Soriano, Natasha Bautista, and Jasmine Maierhofer arrived on time for this interview. They are statuesque with distinct Pinay features and that certain je ne sais quoi to match. They were poised and well-behaved.

Bea Soriano, who is quickly becoming one of the Philippines? sought-after models, says the modeling industry is very competitive, a view shared by Jasmine and Natasha.

?The modeling industry is competitive, but in a way that is healthy since I am motivated to be better and to improve on myself even in aspects outside of modeling,? Soriano says.

She adds that there are a lot of gorgeous models in the Philippines who are comparable with foreign beauties.

Bautista, who started modeling at age 13, agrees. ?I don?t see the Filipina beauty being threatened because at castings, there are a lot of Filipina models who are very competitive and determined to get the projects.?

Maierhofer has a female ingénue appeal but with an uncanny ability to look fierce before the camera.

?Foreign models like Brazilians may have amazing bodies but we Filipino models have more to be proud of and that is our language and our attitude,? she says.

These three women agree that modeling consists not only of posing for the camera but also of the warmth and sense of professionalism they, the models, bring to the shoot.

It is also important to constantly improve on the craft by making every project a learning experience.

?To command respect in this industry, it?s important to always be professional and to carry yourself well not only in shoots but also in public,? Soriano says.

?Joining PMAP (Professional Models Association of the Philippines) hasn?t only taught me how to walk gracefully during fashion shows but also to do things with grace outside of work.?

?Modeling is not all about the looks,? Bautista says. ?It?s also important to focus on your personality?how you see and treat yourself, and how you deal with other people.?

?In this industry, you really have to take care of yourself, like your skin and your body but at the same time, you always have to keep yourself in check when dealing with other people,? says Maierhofer. ?The attitude you have is just as important as your looks.?

Modeling may not be your typical nine to five job. Bautista describes it as ?a 24/7 job where a model has to take care of her self most especially off-camera. It is both physically and mentally challenging but you always have to give your best foot forward on and off-camera,?

The young models say they try to learn from the veterans.

?We compare experiences with them (more established models) and learn from every shoot,? Soriano says.

They say they particularly look up to Ria Bolivar and Bianca Valerio, whom they ask for tips on runway work or posing in front of the camera.

?Generally, Filipinos are easy to work with and are very flexible,? Soriano says. ?We?re professional and friendly, and we have the Filipino value of pakikisama. As models, we try to bring a certain warmth to every shoot.

Natasha and Jasmine agree with Bea.

During the shoot, it was very evident how pleasant they were to work with. They got their hair and makeup done without any complaints, got into their clothes without any fuss, and did what was asked of them without any diva attitude.

?Believe in yourself, back it (belief) up with action and don?t be afraid to go beyond what you perceive your limitations to be,? Soriano advises young models.

?Confidence is key but I also approach modeling as a hobby and not mainly as a career,? Bautista says. ?At times, it may be very demanding, physically and emotionally challenging but the excitement it brings just simply tips the scale.?

?You should always pray as well and at the same time, never give up and never give in,? Maierhofer says.