Literally and figuratively.
Jetsetting Filipina Supermodel Kelsey Merritt heated up social media recently, sharing with fans some photos of her as taken by photographer Ben Watts for this year's Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
She wrote, "SI swimsuit 2021 is out today!! So incredibly grateful to be back again with the most amazing family...!
"I am so proud of the roster of girls in this issue, so happy to see so much diversity in every aspect of it. Kudos @si_swimsuit!
"This is one of my favorite shoots with @si_swimsuit so far!! Shot with the best @wattsupphoto..."
In the magazine's official website, Sports Illustrated editor MJ Day explains why Kelsey was included on this year's list.
"Brains and beauty is our favorite combo and that is exactly how we describe Kelsey. She prioritized her education before entering the modeling space and her career has been full steam ahead ever since.
"Kelsey's pride in being the first Filipino model in the SI Swimsuit issue is matched by her commitment to sustainability and her dedication to using her platform to inform and educate.
"Kelsey’s infectiously warm personality makes her extremely lovable and we are so excited we get to work with a woman who is beautiful inside and out."