Kira Manansala, 13, Bobby and Kates Academy, Valenzuela

The idea of becoming a model never entered Manansala’s mind until people started noticing that she had the height and looks to make it in the industry.

The teener decided to try it out, taking advantage of online modeling tutorials, which she practiced at home. Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevigne inspire Manansala whose goal is to model high fashion here and abroad.

“Modeling is challenging because you need to continuously hone your skills,” she says. “It’s fun because you get to meet a lot of inspiring people, and rewarding because you get paid for something that you love.”

Georgia Crawley, 15, iAcademy Makati

As a child, Crawley used to flip through magazines and admire photos of models portraying different characters in beautiful outfits.

“They were like chameleons,” she says. “I wanted to be just like them.” She started going to castings, and eventually landed her first assignment with INQUIRER: “This is my very first shoot! I’m still getting used to the whole thing, but it has been really fun so far,” she says.

As early as now, Crawley has been exposed to the realities of the industry. “You need to have thick skin to be a model, and you need to learn how to deal with rejection,” she says.

Tyra Banks, a model known for her strong personality and drive to succeed, is her inspiration. “I grew up watching ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and she is the perfect example of a ‘beauty with brains.’

She has built a whole empire for herself and I think she’s a really great role model for young girls,” says Crawley. No doubt Tyra’s effusive personality rubs off on Crawley.

“I would really like to break out of my shell and become more confident, because I’m a really shy person,” Crawley admits. “I am
trying to work on my confidence bit by bit so I can feel more comfortable in my own skin and give more.”

Alexis Sale, 15, Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu Parochial School, San Mateo, Rizal

Sales doesn’t want to be just any model—she wants to be a Victoria’s Secret Angel. “I always watch Victoria’s Secret fashion shows,” she says. “Being a Victoria’s Secret Angel is every girl’s dream.”

To achieve it, she joined the local modeling industry, where she learned professionalism, discipline and time management—lessons that
she applies in her life as a student.

Modeling, she adds, also helps her overcome her shyness. “I still have much to learn in this profession. I’m still observing and
learning from the pros. I’m also practicing facial expressions, poses and how to interact with people,” she says.

Nerissa Shawyer, 18, University of Baguio

For Shawyer, modeling isn’t all about looks. “I don’t need to change myself or how I appear in a photo, I just need to show who I really am inside and out,” she says.

Shawyer, who started modeling in Baguio City, says it makes her happy and allows her to express her down-to-earth personality.
Appropriately, she looks up to Liza Soberano, who she says remains humble despite her success.

Lucia Alcantara, 15, Taytay United Methodist Christian School

It was Alcantara’s sister who inspired her to join the modeling industry. “I was never really into fashion or the fashion world. But my sister, who was joining pageants and modeling workshops, inspired me to be just like her,” she says.

Now, Alcantara doesn’t just want to be like her sister, she wants to make a name for herself. “I want to become Asia’s Next Top Model,” she declares, “and be featured in magazines and print ads.”

It helps that Alcantara is willing to work hard to pursue her dreams. “I’ve learned a lot from modeling, especially when it comes to discipline and time management. I always practice, motivate myself, push myself gradually towards my goal and show everyone what I have to give.”

Photography Gee Plamenco
Styling Luis Carlo San Juan
Makeup Chuchie Ledesma for Maybelline
Hairstyle Mong Amado
Special thanks to Ton Lao

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