The 21-year-old model truly embodies Filipina grace and beauty
“Glorified clothes hangers,” “starving to death,” and “having an easy job.” Those are some of the many misconceptions about models working in the fashion industry. What others fail to see is the passion and discipline they have for their craft. They are the human version of the chameleon—transforming from one look to another. Models are the muses that bring designers' creations to life through their stride and pose. And one of the many competitions that champion their work is the Face of Asia.
Since 2006, the competition has gathered models from different Asian nations, where they undergo model booth camp, strut their stuff, and pose in front of the camera to be hailed as the ultimate Face of Asia. Representing the Philippines at its 2022 edition is Christiane Manansala.
The 21-year-old beauty handled by Mercator Model Management, Inc. truly embodies Filipina grace and beauty. While taking part in the contest in South Korea, Christiane took time off to chat with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle and shares her journey in becoming a model and the preparations she did for the competition.
Hello, Christiane! First off, how were you in the past few years? What kept you busy during the pandemic?
Hello po! Magandang araw! I was good. I was just busy being a student with academics and school activities until the pandemic. I was so scared because of the virus. I mean, we all are and since we're all asked to stay indoors I had lots of extra time. So, aside from school work, I made myself busy with other stuff like cooking, doing makeup, and started taking pictures of myself and posting them on my social media.
Can you tell us the story behind what made you decide to pursue a career in modeling?
It has been my ultimate dream since I was a kid. I grew up with my sisters who love watching “America’s Next Top Model” and I am fascinated with how the contestants were able to change their looks depending on what the competition is asking them. Plus, I look way different when I was younger so looking at the models I've seen on TV, I started dreaming .
What do you love about modeling? Do you have role models you look up to?
What I love about modeling is seeing myself in different characters and expressing myself passionately. I also get to meet a lot of designers, models, and creatives in the same industry that I look up to like Jessica Yang, Carl Arcusa, Jasmine Mierhofer, and a lot more. They're very creative and I wanted to be the same.
What are the preparations you’re doing now for the Face of Asia 2022 competition?
I didn’t get enough time to prepare. I sent my video entry and almost forget about it. Then we just found out that I was one of the finalists for the competition when it was announced on social media recently. We were shocked and extremely happy and excited at the same time. I doubled my effort in practicing my walk and posture, and also with my workout. If I am not busy with school, I watch Youtube videos that will help me in preparing for the competition.
Through your presence, what do you wish the audience at Face of Asia 2022 to know about Filipino models?
Models in general are Influenced by trends and poise. As a Filipino model, I am proud to represent the culture of the Philippines not only physically, but also how I emanate my aura, hoping that it reaches all of you. And as I represent our country, I also wanted to show the audience of Face of Asia 2022 how strong and passionate we Filipinos are in spite of all the challenges that happened these past few years—the pandemic, typhoons, inflation, all that—we are still here fighting and standing in front of everyone showing how well built we are.
What do you think are people’s biggest misconceptions about models?
That models don't eat or that we are on a strict diet all the time that we starve ourselves just to achieve these skinny arms and flat stomachs. Not everyone is like that because I am a foodie and I can finish three cups of rice each meal with any ulam (viand), I also love fruits like durian, mangoes, and avocados—all of them yum!
Check out Christiane Manansala’s Face of Asia 2022 journey by visiting @_christianeeee and @empireph.mercator on Instagram.
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