Pinays in AsNTM want back-to-back win

MANILA, Philippines — Now back for its sixth cycle, Fox Networks Group’s reality TV series Asia’s Next Top Model (AsNTM) features two Pinay contestants who are hoping to deliver a back-to-back win for the Philippines.

Adela Mae Marshall, 20, and Jachin Manere, 21, seem to be taking the pressure from fans well to duplicate the feat of Filipino-German model Maureen Wroblewitz in the last season.

The STAR had an exclusive interview with Adela and Jachin recently, with the now New York-based AsNTM alumna Monika Sta. Maria of Season 3 on phone patch. Monika is one of the fan favorites of previous cycles appearing in the ongoing season.

Asked for her advice for the fellow Pinays, Monika said, “The competition is really different from the modeling world. It has so much pressure and part of it really is just showing your personality. Other than modeling, you are in front of the viewers’ eyes. The way to get people to root for you is to show who you really are. So, you have to make the most out of the competition. Aside from being a great model and trying to nail the shoot and everything, the extra that you need to bring is to outshine (others) and show your personality. In every shoot and every opportunity you get, you need to act on it as if it’s your last chance to show who you are.”

For their part, Adela and Jachin shared their experiences and learnings so far in the reality show. According to them, they’re ready for the fandom and all that comes with being part of such a high-profile platform.

Adela said, “I always knew that Asia’s Next Top Model is a really popular and successful franchise. But until I was a part of it, I didn’t realize how big it really was. It’s one thing to feel the support of my fellow Filipinos, which is great. But then, once in a while, there’s ‘Hi, I’m your fan from Indonesia,’ and I’m like, wow! Thank you so much.”

Jachin continued, “So (you get supporters) not just from your own country, but also from around Asia. It’s overwhelming! We get all these messages, ‘Oh, we support you!’ all the way from Davao and around the Philippines.”

“It’s touching because these people don’t really know us, yet. But they tell us, ‘You’re our role model, you inspire me,’ and it’s so great that we’re making someone happy,” Adela added.

The newest season is off to a fine start with its premiere last Aug. 22 doubling the year-to-date timeslot average ratings, a statement from Fox said. Along with the remaining hopefuls, Jachin and Adela face a fresh round of challenges as Asia’s Next Top Model ­— now the longest-running regional adapted series in Asia TV history — airs its fourth episode tonight at 9.

Here’s the rest of the interview with the girls:

What does it feel like to be part of AsNTM’s new season?

Jachin: “It’s one of the most memorable moments in my life. I joined because I feel that it’s the next step for me. I’ve been a model for three years. I want to learn more about myself. I want to challenge myself more. So, this is a great platform for me.”

Adela: “(It’s) the biggest life experience I probably have so far. There are different reasons why I wanted to join (including) to progress my career. I finished on another modeling reality show (Philippines’ Next Top Model), I kinda thought that was it for me, and then nothing really came. From that, change of plans. So, I thought, OK that didn’t happen. Then, there’s this other opportunity. Maybe that’s what’s meant to be.”

How are you taking the pressure to duplicate Maureen’s win last season?

Jachin: “Aside from all the other pressure of the show, it adds to it. We’re dealing with the pressure right now. It’s a learning process. It’s overwhelming also because we have the support and love and we appreciate it, at the same time, are pressured within.” 

Adela: “I think, of course, (there’s pressure). Everyone wants a back-to-back win for the Philippines.”

Jachin: “They actually expect it!”

Adela: “Obviously, we want to deliver that for the Philippines.”

Adela and Jachin show some catwalk moves before media interviews at the FOX office at Bonifacio Global City

Can you share a bit of your modeling history? How were you discovered?

Jachin: “Me, I’ve been modeling for three years already. I joined PMAP (Professional Models Association of the Philippines) and that’s when I started modeling and dun na nag-boom ang career ko. I was discovered by my bestfriend. It’s actually funny, she thought I was a model then but I was like, no, I don’t even know a thing about modeling! And then she asked me to do test shoots. Then she said to try PMAP ’coz that’s her agency. We go to the same school in college — at Meridian International, I’m taking up Music Business Management and graduating already.”

Adela: “When I was living in England, I had no interest in modeling. Even though I was scouted a few times, I was just like, I’m not a model, that’s not right. But when I moved to the Philippines, my mom (Esperanza) used to model and her old agent, who has known me since I was in my mom’s womb (laughs), was like, you should (model). She was doing a casting for a fashion show, so I thought, OK, I have no friends here yet, it might be a nice way to meet people.So, I practiced walking in heels, and then I got the job. From there, more jobs. Yes, I’m currently studying at Southville. I’m a Business Major in Marketing (student).”

People might think that because of your good looks, you have it easier growing up. Or have you experienced bullying or any similar experience, and how did you cope with it?

Jachin: “I didn’t have it easy. Growing up, I always got bullied because I was dark, thin, taller than the boys, super hairy, and they would always tease me that I’m bombay, like pautang, ganyan and stuff. Growing up, that was super hurtful. I grew up doubting myself. But then, I came to realize, on my own, I actually pulled myself up. You know, the only way to overcome this is to accept yourself, who you are. I embraced my personality! Ikaw lang naman makaka-solve ng sarili mong problem. I depended on my own because it’s my problem. Well, it’s actually not my problem, it’s their problem! The only thing I had to do was accept myself. That’s it and then don’t give a damn about what they say.”

Adela: “As a kid (growing up in England; she’s half-British), I didn’t necessarily struggle like, ‘Who am I?’ because when you were kid, they’d say, ‘Be yourself,’ and you’re kind of like, ‘Who else would I be?’ Definitely as I got older, I realized I kind of look different and my classmates were blond hair and blue eyes. So, I kind of felt awkward and stuck out. And I was really, really shy. Everyone else would go and socialize and I’d be doing my homework that was set that day in the library. I really had a hard time making friends for a lot of my life, and I think I had issues growing up. That partly happened because it was hard for me to (reach) out to people.

“(Overcoming shyness) came with age but modeling really helped with that. Some people would think that it would make more self-conscious? But in some ways, I knew I had to force myself and get out there, otherwise I’m not gonna do anything. I’m not gonna book any jobs if I just stick to myself.

“Now, I think before… getting out there (as a model), you have to make sure you have a lot of confidence in yourself. There’s gonna be so many (comments) from people, ‘You’re not the right look, you’re not tall enough or not skinny enough, we don’t like your personality.’ You have to know these things about yourself first so that when people say it to you, you don’t take it personally because it’s not meant to be personal.”

How do you deal with the negative comments now, if any, particularly on social media?

Jachin: “As long as you don’t take all the negativity… As much as possible I don’t react. You can’t please everyone.”

Adela: “It’s actually my mom and close friends who get angry and they want to reply. But I’ve accepted it early on that everyone is not going to like you.”

Are you both open to joining showbiz?

Jachin: “Me, I’m not closing my doors on showbiz. But I don’t think it’s my next step. I want to go international.”

Adela: “I had a little taste of showbiz before, and right now, I think that I’m also keeping my options open. I’m kind of weighing which opportunities will be best for me.”