An afternoon with Maureen Wroblewitz

MANILA, Philippines - When you’re given the task of interviewing someone who recently took the coveted title of Asia’s Next Top Model, and whose face recently graced Nylon Singapore magazine, it can be a little nerve-wracking, to say the least. And as soon as Maureen Wroblewitz entered the room (and you could almost hear an inaudible whisper from everyone telling themselves, “She’s here!”) I found myself a little dumbstruck. Dressed comfortably in a white top, denim jeans, and a matching jacket, she looked slightly wornout. Truth is, she had actually just wrapped up another shoot before rushing to meet us. Yet, Maureen was still undeniably beautiful — inside and out. She arrived and introduced herself to everyone with a warm smile and a handshake (not that the introduction was necessary). She was just as model-esque undone as she was after the glam team worked their magic. Sometimes, life is unfair.

Wroblewitz doesn’t quite adhere to “typical” model standards. In fact, during this last season of ANTM, she was often underestimated by her competition. But the tides are slowly turning, and she is a testament to that. Standing at only 5’6,” the novice model persevered, eventually becoming the winner of Cycle 5, and — we hasten to mention — the very first Filipino to do so. With an unassuming and quiet demeanor, one might think of her as shy or reserved. But upon closer observation, you begin to feel an almost tangible determination from the model. Here, we sit down with Maureen and discover more about the budding superstar.

SUPREME: You were taking a gap year when you decided to come to the Philippines. What made you decide to apply as a contestant on Asia’s Next Top Model?

MAUREEN WROBLEWITZ: So, this is funny because I knew about Asia’s Next Top Model, but I never really thought of joining. It was my manager who actually asked me if I wanted to go to the casting. I wasn’t sure at first because I just kept thinking, Oh they’re not gonna accept me anyway, I’m too short! I was doubting myself, but I went anyway. It turned out to be super casual, and I didn’t expect them to take me, but they did. So yeah, I got in!

Had you not entered the competition, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

I think I’d still be modeling. I’d probably be going on castings, maybe doing some photo shoots, and I’d probably consider acting also.

You received some criticism on the show for your lack of experience. You came into the competition essentially a blank slate, which brings with it a certain humility. But in the show, humility was seen as weakness. How do you feel about that?

No, it’s not a sign of weakness. When I entered the competition, I struggled a lot; I felt insecure because I was the girl with the least experience and I was the shortest, too. But I feel like that was actually an advantage, to be fresh in a competition like that — to be inexperienced, because you have so much to learn. You can just show everyone what you’ve learned. You’re absorbing everything.

Now that you’ve won, what are your plans? Do you plan to go back to school or pursue modeling head-on?

Now, I really want to focus on my modeling career. I hope I get to travel a lot, especially around Asia — because I’m Asia’s Next Top Model! (Laughs) And in a few years, I hope I can also go international.

You’ve lived in many places throughout your life. Can you tell us a little more about that?

I grew up in Saudi Arabia, I lived there for 12 years. And then after that, my family and I moved to Germany where we lived for six years. Then last year, I moved here to the Philippines.

Is there one country in particular that you consider home?

The Philippines! (Laughs) I’m a family person and I’ve got a big family here in the Philippines. But I consider Germany my home, too; my aunt is there, and so are my siblings. But I’ve really got a big family here in the Philippines, and I’m very close to them. So I really feel like my home is here.

What’s your favorite thing about the Philippines?

I love the people — they’re very welcoming. Especially during Asia’s Next Top Model, they were so supportive of other Filipinos. They’re just very friendly!

Can you tell us some songs you’re currently listening to?

I’m really bad at remembering song names, but my favorite music genre is alternative. I love listening to the 1975, Japanese House, Local Natives… There are just so many bands and artists on my Spotify! I usually just listen to random songs on indie playlists on Spotify and I just download a bunch of the ones that I like.

Photos by Redge Hawang

Makeup by Janina Dizon

Hair by MJ RONE

Styling by INNA VILLANUEVA