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LOU YANONG, 20
Lou Yanong, a fourth-year Entrepreneurial Management student in Meridian International College, dreams of pursuing further studies abroad after she graduates. She describes herself as real, chill and fearless. She started modeling professionally at the age of 15. She loves to paint, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.
What is modeling for you?
Modeling isn’t easy. Being a model means being able to show something beautiful without saying anything. It’s more than just about looking good. Modeling is bringing art to life.
What has been the biggest challenge you faced so far, and how did you deal with it?
I was an amateur beside all these professional models. I was 15. I tried to dress the way they did and tried to act the way they acted. Soon after, I lost myself. I realized that simply being myself matters.
What is your advice to those who want to start modeling?
I’m still learning. But what I learned for the past five years is to have a solid identity. People will push you to do things that you aren’t ready to do. Knowing yourself and your limits is extremely important. Also, have confidence. We all have our own insecurities, but a professional model would know when to keep those insecurities in a bottle and work with his or her flaws.
What are your tips on self-love and confidence?
What I do is I list down everything that makes me happy, and things that make me rather uncomfortable, and try to work around those. Sometimes our weaknesses turn out to be our strengths as well.
JACH MANERE, 21
Jach Manere loves music, singing, movies and TV series, painting and reading. She also loves to research about things that make her curious. She describes herself as weird, imaginative, passionate. Her biggest dream is to give back to her family and be able to help others.
Why did you choose to be a model?
Fashion is a collaborative art form. Contrary to what some may think—that being a model is easy (it’s not)—I chose to be a model because I’ve come to love fashion.
What has been the biggest challenge you faced so far, and how did you deal with it?
The greatest challenge for me is how to handle everything all at once. I’m trying to balance school and work since I’m paying for my own education and I’m also helping with the bills.
What is your advice to those who want to start modeling?
Keep the faith and always believe in yourself. If you’re having doubts, don’t worry, we’ve all gone through that. No one can crush anyone’s confidence and faith, so do your best and keep striving.
HANNAH LOCSIN, 22
Hannah Locsin is now modeling full time after graduating from De La Salle University early this year. She’s into martial arts and boxing, but she also loves food, especially chocolates. She describes herself as adventurous.
Why did you choose to be a model?
I really enjoy it because I get the chance to be someone else.
What has been the biggest challenge you faced so far, and how did you deal with it?
Sticking to my diet. My goal is to be really toned. As a model you’re supposed to have a healthy body, and I haven’t reached that goal yet. Having to constantly work out is a challenge.
What is your mantra in life?
I believe that everything happens for a reason. When things don’t go your way, believe that there is something better for you instead of focusing on the negative.
What are your tips on self-love and confidence?
Love yourself. Accept your weaknesses and work on them. You can try to emulate your idols but don’t change yourself.
KENNETH BOSCH, 21
Aside from being a model, Kenneth Bosch is the CEO of his own start-up company called “Kleen,” which sends out cleaners to apartments and homes in Metro Manila. “My plan is for it to be the Uber of home cleaning services,” he said. “I want this service to be available to everybody.”
What is your greatest accomplishment so far?
It’s being able to work, not asking money from my parents, and somewhat living independently.
What has been the biggest challenge you faced so far, and how did you deal with it?
In this industry, you go through so much rejection. It’s image-based. At the end of the day, it’s knowing yourself and not taking things personally.
What is your mantra in life?
I’m driven because I want to live independently. Right now I still live with my parents. I want to be able to live by myself before I turn 25.
What are your tips on self-love and confidence?
That’s hard because you can’t really teach someone to be confident, you have to feel it for yourself. But I guess my advice would be to accept yourself for who you are and try to improve as you age.
JULLIAN CULAS, 24
Jullian Culas describes himself as fierce, smart and genuine. He is an Integrated Marketing Communications graduate, and works freelance in marketing and public relations on the side. His biggest dream is to have a steady and sustainable career. “I think the way to do that is to be open to new ideas,” he said. “Sometimes we ask for signs. But just act on it. If not, you might miss the chance. Take risks.”
What is modeling for you?
Modeling is definitely a profession. It’s not just posing for the camera. You’re not just selling clothes, you’re selling yourself and your personality, so you have to be genuine.
What is the best thing about being a model?
It’s being able to touch people’s lives. People look up to your style and your character; also, the experience and exposure.
What is your advice to those who want to start modeling?
Stay true to themselves. In this industry, everyone knows b—s— and everyone smells b—s—. When they feel like you’re fake they wouldn’t be interested in you. I think that’s why they found me on Instagram because I’m genuine and I’m transparent.
What is your mantra in life?
This one’s from Lady Gaga because she’s one of my inspirations: “Only listen to the people who you respect. The people you don’t respect, you don’t pay attention to.”
Photography and Art Direction Miguel Alomajan
Styling Luis Carlo San Juan
Makeup and Hairstyle Theresa Padin