On a Monday night, everyone else is rushing home, braving Manila’s notorious traffic. For model LA Aguinaldo, however, work has barely started. He met us for dinner at a premier mall for a quick-fire interview. Right after, he was going to attend a fashion and technology show as part of his duties as the latest Globe myLifestyle Plans ambassador. “I just came home from my little vacation in Singapore,” he tells me in the quiet manner he never quite lost since I met him in college, and apparently something he had even way before. “I was a shy boy in high school. I just went [to] school[and back to] the house. I would get conscious because people kept looking at me as I was walking. I always thought there was something on my shirt. I later on realized that it was because I was tall.”
Now, since being discovered a little over two years ago, the 22-year-old has appeared on magazine covers, sealed a bunch of endorsements, and has traveled the globe. “I recently was in the Venice Biennale. It was an amazing experience to witness all that art,” he says over salad because, as all models are bound to do, he’s cutting off from carbs to prepare for a shoot.
But if you’re still not convinced that LA is the next big thing, we asked him a couple of questions to gauge just where his model status is right now and just how much fame he’s earned through this fanboy/fangirl social media culture.
How many zeroes did you have in your last pay check?
None.
Are all of the clothes in your closet now free?
Yes. (Laughs) I don’t shop for clothes anymore—even shoes.
How many people stalk you online?
It’s not “stalk” anymore. It’s 2015. Let’s change it to just “followers.” I had this fan who went to Cambodia because I went there. She went there to experience what I experienced.
How did you find out?
She would tag me in her photos.
How many social media notifications would you get in your phone in a day?
After I reached 50,000 notifications, I turned off that setting already. I check at the end of the day. I also try to answer questions. Some people [send me direct messages] on Instagram.
What do they ask you?
They would ask me the most random questions. From problems about love, problems about school, [and] even about pimples.
How easy is it for you to get a table at a restaurant? Have you been given special treatment because of what you do?
I think so, but I think it was more of because I was nice. People in the hospitality industry, they just want respect. I have even gotten away with tickets because I ask them nicely. After I acknowledge their role in society, [they let me go]. People just want to be appreciated.
What’s the weirdest gift you’ve received from a fan?
I was out eating dessert in BGC one time and the guard suddenly handed me a cupcake. I was surprised, “May cupcake ba kayo dito, Sir?” And he said that [he was asked to give it] to me by someone outside. I looked and there was no one there.The note [said something like,] “Saw you from afar, you’re one of my dream guys. Here’s a little something to brighten up your day.” Then she put her username on Instagram and it was familiar to me because she always comments on my posts or likes them.
Who are your most famous followers?
Justin Bieber’s stylist, Lucy Gomez, and a few actors in Indonesia who I don’t know but have more followers than I do.
At this point, do you sometimes wish you were anonymous?
Sometimes. But I enjoy what I am doing. People look up to me and they take my advice. They also admire my fashion choices even if I reach for the first thing in my drawer. It’s a nice feeling.
Photo by Tammy David