Mikaela Lagdameo started her modeling career at 15 years old. She was discovered while attending events mounted by a teen magazine title. After a solo fashion editorial shoot, she was booked for a lead role in a TV commercial, and the rest was history.
Modeling brought her all over the country, even to Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and Thailand, to name a few. And motherhood didn’t stop her from modeling, giving birth to three wonderful children.
So when her good friend and fashion designer Rosanna Ocampo Rodriguez discovered that La Double J was having an open casting call for Milan Fashion Week, she encouraged Mikaela to audition. “I thought I had a slim chance but since the dates fell right into place (she was booked for Europe around those dates), I thought, why not, everything is worth a try,” she posted on her Instagram account.
After two weeks, she received an e-mail notification that she got in. “I had no idea what to expect, but, basically, all the expenses were mine—flights and accommodation. They wanted Milan-based models. I told them I was just there for a vacation so they made an exception,” Mikaela tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle.
Mikaela also shared in her Instagram stories her once-in-a-lifetime experience. Modeling for Milan Fashion Week was indeed a first. “I had the wonderful opportunity working with such beautiful women from all over the world, and, of course, the awesome designer behind the brand, JJ Martin herself—amazing energy all around,” she continues. “I mean, when would I ever have an opportunity like this, especially at my age, 38, so I am truly grateful!”
She also revealed that she was the only Filipino, but she had a great time working with the Italians. “They were really awesome to work with. Even the team behind La Double J were so kind and welcoming.”
“I am missing my kids though, but I’m so glad I got to do all of these,” shares the mom-of-three. “You never really know what opportunities are just around the corner, you just have to be open and willing. All I sincerely pray for is what God wants in my life. And every inconvenience is still part of the journey. It could have saved me from something else so I just accept everything as it is.”
As of this writing, Mikaela is still on her solo trip, exploring Europe, but she can’t wait to be back in Manila to launch her latest roXmikaela collection with Rosanna Ocampo, her capsule jewelry collection with Atelier818, and continue to create content with brands. “It’s been a complete joy!”