MANILA, Philippines – Last year, the Philippines came close to winning Asia’s Next Top Model Season 2 – the country’s representatives Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez placed 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up in the show. Will the Philippines finally win the title this year? (READ: 2 Pinays runners-up to Sheena Liam in Asia’s Next Top Model)

Now on its 3rd season, Asia’s Next Top Model is back with new models and a new host. Model Georgina Wilson takes over the hosting duties from Nadya Hutagalung, while international model Joey Mead returns to coach the aspiring models in their quest to win the ultimate prize. Aside from Jodilly and Katarina, Stephanie Retuya placed 1st runner-up in the show’s first season.

This season, we have 3 Filipinos participating. Let’s get to know the ladies representing the Philippines.

Marlena Monika Sta. Maria

Monika graduated with a Psychology degree in La Salle and has been modeling for quite some time. She is perhaps best known as one of Century Tuna’s Superbod winners.

For Monika, Asia’s Next Top Model is by far her biggest modeling challenge to date.

“This level was really so so much higher thatn Superbod. Because [in] this one, the whole of Asia can watch you, they will judge you, so many people will support you and hate you at the same time. So there’s a lot of pressure sa amin lahat (for all of us). It was difficult, but if it is you dream, push ka pa rin di ba?” Monika said. 

This is the second time Monika auditioned for the show. She previously auditioned with Jodilly and Katarina in season 2 but did not make it.  Monika said she wants to pursue her dream and try her luck not only in Asia, but in other regions as well.

“If it opened a lot of doors for them (Jodilly and Katarina), kami din. So excited ako what’s in store for us once nag-air yung show. Makikita na namin kung ano mangyayari sa career namin so I am very very excited for it.” (Us, too. So I am very excited what’s in store for us once the show airs. We will see what happens with our careers, so I am very, very excited.)

If there is one advice she can give to those who want to pursue modeling, Monika said: ” Like any other job, you have to go with what you really love. Kasi that’s the only thing that will push you far. Kasi with everything you try to do, parating may challenge, may hirap, palaging may pain. But for as long as you have the passion for it, push lang nang push.”  

(With everything you try to do, there is always a challenge, there is difficulty, there is always pain. But for as long as you have the passion for it, just go for it.)

Franchesca Denise Lagua 

Franchesca is no stranger to modeling. She has appeared in commercials and walked for Bench and at Fashion Week. Her first commercial was for Enervon.

Franchesca said she has never joined any competition, thus she is not very competitive and always tried to be friends everyone in the show.

“I went there (Singapore) thinking I’d enjoy it. Making friends and parang I felt like I got along with everyone. I am a people pleaser. Gusto ko parang friends lahat, isang group lahat.” (I wanted to be friends with everyone, one group.)

Franchesca said the experience was fun, crazy and stressful.

“The experience was fun but crazy and super stressful. Parang lagi kong sinasabi na nasa pressure cooker ako. Sobra akong naging emotional, lahat ng emotion na hindi ko nakita sa sarili ko lumabas.” (I always said I felt I was in a pressure cooker. I became so emotional, all the emotions that I never saw before in myself just came out.)

Amanda Bianca Chan

Amanda is the youngest of the ladies at 17 years old. She was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. Cara Delevingne is her favorite international model.

In an interview with the press, Amanda said it was her father who encouraged her to try out for Asia’s Next Top Model.

“They are very supportive,” Amanda said of her parents.  “Actually it was my dad who found it (Asia’s Next Top Model.) ‘You have to join.’ Okay, sure!”

Amanda also tried out for Australia’s Next Top Model but did not get in. However, Australian designer Alex Perry saw her and gave her details about Asia’s Next Top Model.

On making it as a model, Amanda said:  “I think especially now in contemporary society, there’s a lot of different sort of definitions of beauty now…they are really looking for different sort of features, looks now.”

Do you think Monika, Franchesca and Amanda will make it to the finals?

Asia’s Next Top Model airs every Wednesday, 8:45 pm on Star World. The first episode airs Wednesday, March 25. – Rappler.com