MANILA, Philippines – When Abigail dela Rama was a kid, she was quite certain what she wanted to do in the future — to become a model. So she took the necessary steps to realize that dream. At 16, she attended a modeling course to learn the basics of modeling as well as to develop her personality. Usually shy and timid, Abby slowly worked on her people skills. After all, her dream of becoming a supermodel was not as easy as it seemed — so she made sure there was more behind her pretty face and svelte figure.
“I believe that whatever it is that you endeavor in life, you can achieve it if you work hard for it,” philosophizes Abby, who shares that she learned early on in life that nothing comes easy. With modeling stints left and right, Abby had to endure the grueling schedule that comes with the job. Even if her job requires her to travel a lot, not to mention the long working hours, 21-year-old Abby was unfazed to finish her Hotel and Restaurant Management degree from Centro Escolar University.
A few years from now, Abby sees herself still modeling and at the same time running her own business. “I like to put up a restaurant or a bakeshop one day. I’ve always loved baking cakes and cookies. I also enjoy cooking simple dishes and experimenting with new menus,” she quips.
Having landed a handful of major modeling projects in the early stage of her career, Abby admits that she still feels excited and ecstatic whenever she sees herself on larger-than-life billboards along major thoroughfares in the metropolis.
“Modeling gave me the chance to meet a lot of wonderful people and form a good working relationship with them,” furthers Abby, the daughter of businessman Antonio dela Rama and wife Grace. “My dad is a significant part of my life. I can discuss anything with him. He instilled in me the values of patience and perseverance. These are my keys to success. Together with my mom, he supports me a hundred and one percent in all my dreams. So, today as we celebrate Father’s Day, I’ll treat him out.”
Abby, who has an impressive list of ramp, commercial and print modeling stints for Page Jeans Co., Smart, PLDT, Citibank, Creamsilk, Sunsilk among many others, says that behind the glitz and glamour of the fashion modeling world, what matters most to her are not the money and fame that her job generates but the self-fulfillment she gets every time she represents a brand. — Jerni May H. Camposano