Maureen Wroblewitz set to prove she’s more than a pretty face

CEBU, Philippines —  Maureen Wroblewitz, who brought pride to the Philippines in 2017 as the first Filipino winner of “Asia’s Next Top Model” (ANTM), was among the many personalities who recently inked a contract with ABS-CBN in what was dubbed as the Star Magic Black Pen Day.

The 23-year-old Filipino-German model said she grew up watching TFC (The Filipino Channel) and recalls getting mesmerized with Anne Curtis and Kathryn Bernardo’s acting skills. She imagined then how amazing it would be to someday be like the two top Kapamilya stars.

“It is nerve-wracking and kinda scary but I know that this step is really important,” said Maureen of her career’s new chapter as a Kapamilya artist. “Even though I am nervous and kind of terrified, I am also extremely excited to see what’s in store.”

Maureen said she’s always up for challenges. Like her time on ANTM where she emerged victorious despite being the youngest among the contenders plus the issues she had to deal with, she takes her official entry into ABS-CBN’s fold as yet another challenge to conquer.

“I just have to stay humble and authentic because character plays a big role in any industry. Just like in Asia’s Next Top Model, I will prove here that I’m not just a pretty face, because I also love acting,” she said.

Even since she rose to public prominence, Maureen’s facial features have often been compared to that of Liza Soberano. Maureen said she’s been a fan of the beautiful actress since 2015, and while she’ll definitely be intimidated in her presence, she would jump at the chance to work with Liza.

Maureen, who has been dating Cebuano singer-actor JK Labajo, shied away from giving names when asked which leading men are on her wish list. She indulged interviewers though when asked how her relationship with JK has managed to be smooth-sailing so far: proper communication and trust, said the former “Eat Bulaga” host.

Recently, the Miss Universe Philippines organization revealed their top 100 delegates and Maureen delighted her fans with what to some was her surprise entry, having earlier played coy when asked if she was joining this year.

In the Star Magic digital conference with her fellow brand new signees, Maureen expressed uncertainty about joining the quest to be Rabiya Mateo’s successor because she wanted to be battle-ready. She added that time though, that she was not closing her doors.

Following MUP’s reveal, Maureen posted an apology on her social media: “Surprise, I apologize for the white lies. As difficult as it was, I had to keep this as a secret. It was not until I received my sign from the universe that I knew I couldn’t wait for that feeling of readiness and that I’d have to take that first step in order to feel ready.”

On why she pushed through despite feeling unready, Maureen said she doesn’t want to have any regrets. “I don’t want to grow old thinking that I should’ve joined, alternatively, I would like to say ‘I’m glad I’ve joined.”

Some of the Filipina beauty queens who commended her decision were Hannah Arnold, Katarina Rodriguez, Maureen Montagne, and actresses Iza Calzado and Maymay Entrata.

As one of the Top 100 delegates, Maureen is expected to undertake several virtual tasks in the succeeding weeks. The delegates will next be cut down to 75, 50, and then 30. Only 30 will be chosen as official candidates to compete live on the coronation night this September 25. – Jonas Raymond Tatoy, CNU Intern