Filipina Model of International Caliber
I read from a gossip blog earlier about a memo from Kitty Go (former editor-in-chief of a major local fashion magazine) saying that “the Phils has not produced anyone [model] of international caliber” since the 80’s.
I was inclined to agree, after all I can’t think of any Filipino model who has recently made waves in the international fashion scene. However, as I was browsing through my regular internet jaunts, I chanced upon this entry in Fabsugar featuring a very familiar face: Charo Ronquillo.
I heard about her a few times before when I read an article about her win in the Ford Supermodel of the World Search contest and again in an ANC (Local news network) interview. Until I read the Fabsugar article, I had no idea she was dubbed “the Asian Kate Moss”.
After reading Kitty Go’s note, I almost felt sad about the perceived sorry state that my country is in. It seemed like we’re not the talented lot that we think we are. With regard to fashion, it seems like the really good, “international caliber” talents we produce in that realm are few and far in between. For a fashion-lover, it’s a little bit depressing.
Reading about Charo Ronquillo, of course, cheered me up. Though I’m not all nationalistic (like superBONG is! :p), it feels good to, sort of, be somewhat associated with someone who is so successful at what he/she does. It makes me feel really good to be Filipino and that’s a LOT coming from someone who is itching to migrate to another country.
P.S.: Charo Ronquillo does look a lot like Kate Moss doesn’t she? I just hope she doesn’t fall into the drug addiction route like Kate Moss.
P.P.S: Another Filipino designer making international fashion waves right now is Lesley Mobo, who recently had a fashion show right here in Manila! *clap clap*
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:23 am
Ah the complex world of fashion.
When it comes to the fashion department, it seems like I’m not bothered by it at all. It’s either I dress really, really good or I just don’t care how I dress at all. LOL! But it seems like it works, since people said I look good when in my clothes.
Hey polka! How about you give me an advice in fashion? Currently at work, I usually wear:
Head gear: none
Inner top: Shirt or polo shirt
Outer top: Green suit or black with white stripes suit
Legs: Blue jeans
Feet: Rubber shoes
What do you think is a good office outfit alternative?
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:39 am
She definitely looks like Kate Moss. Does she have any other ethnicity aside from Filipino? Her features are very different.
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:51 pm
i kinda don’t like the eyeshadow. she’s pretty, but i never really like makeup on women. i dunno.
April 3rd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
iheartbadtz: She’s actually pure Filipino.
chainbaby: This is a shot from a runway show, I think. She has another photo in Fabsugar without any make-up on (or was sporting the no-makeup makeup look). She’s even more beautiful.
WHJ: Will address your question in a blog entry!
*excited*
April 3rd, 2008 at 10:56 pm
in fairness to you ha kilala mo si Lesley Mobo. you forget i covered his first ever fashion show. hahahahahaha
April 4th, 2008 at 12:40 am
She’s actually from Laguna. She even came in a Teen Vogue spread!
April 4th, 2008 at 12:41 am
Oops I meant came out in a Teen Vogue spread…hehe
April 4th, 2008 at 1:09 am
mfo: ah so that’s why she was playing hoops at Robsinons Laguna. haha! Her wikipedia entry said she was discovered by an agent there :p
April 4th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
She’s pure Filipino?:O Whoa! I thought she had Thai or Vietnamese blood or something!
April 4th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
she does? post it post it!
April 4th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I’ve heard about the ford supermodel winner na!
Really pretty! And she’s so hot! 
Envious!
April 5th, 2008 at 3:27 am
iheartbadtz: She looks “exotic” even in the eyes of a fellow Filipino. haha!
chainbaby: done!
tiffy: She is, plus she’s not sickly-thin like all the other models. (*a-chanel iman-hem*)