90s fashion icons now parents to new breed of top models

Global Asian Model winners (from left) Supermodel Philippines Karen Mendoza, Miss Charm Philippines Ashley Montenegro, Global Asian Model Philippines Daina Nelson and Joshua De Sequera, Manhunt Philippines Daumier Corilla, and Mister Global Philippines Mico Teng./ARMIN P. ADINA

MANILA, Philippines—“Legacies” win in the recently-concluded Global Asian Model Philippines contest, with two children of former beauty queens and top models copping titles.

Joshua De Sequera, son of 90s top model Marina Benipayo, bested 20 other aspirants for the Global Asian Model Philippines title in the male category in ceremonies staged at the Cove Manila club at Okada Manila in Parañaque City on Dec. 13.

From a field of 22 female contestants, Ashley Montenegro emerged victorious and took home the Miss Charm Philippines crown. She is the daughter of top models Cara Subijano and Hans Montenegro.

The young queen will represent the Philippines in the inaugural Miss Charm International pageant in Vietnam in January next year.

The elder Montenegro also dabbled into TV hosting, while both Subijano and Benipayo won Binibining Pilipinas crowns and represented the Philippines in the Miss World pageant.

The competition proclaimed four more winners.

Former top model and beauty queen Marina Benipayo (left) beams with pride beside her son Joshua De Sequera, who is proclaimed Global Asian Model Philippines./ARMIN P. ADINA

Joining De Sequera as his female counterpart for the Global Asian Model Philippines title was Daina Nelson. They will both represent the country in the second edition of the Global Asian Model search later in 2020.

Daumier Corilla was proclaimed Manhunt Philippines, and will represent the country in the 20th edition of the Manhunt International contest, which will take place in the Philippines in February 2020.

Mico Teng took home the Mister Global Philippines title, while Karen Mendoz was proclaimed Supermodel Philippines. Both winners will fly to Thailand next year for their respective international competitions—Mister Global and Supermodel International.

This year’s edition of the Global Asian Model Philippines contest is presented by Filipino multi-level marketing company Frontrow.

Former model and TV host Hans Montenegro (left) takes a selfie with daughter Ashley, who is proclaimed Miss Charm Philippines./ARMIN P. ADINA
Proud parents: Marina Benipayo (right) and Hans Montenegro./ARMIN P. ADINA
Read more...