Filipina farmer is Best Asia Model

MANILA, Philippines - Joy Marie Gangan, the 18-year-old corn farmer from Ilagan City, Isabela, was named Best Asia Model, besting 25 other aspirants from Asia at the just-concluded Best Model of the World Pageant in Istanbul won by the Turkish bet Berk Atan (photo, above right). More than 80 contestants (including th25 from Asia) competed. Discovered and mentored by fashion designer Mitch Membrere, Joy was also trained by model Joy Castillo, assisted by Francis Calubaquib, one of Funfare’s ‘beauty experts.’