‘Asia’s Next Top Model’ holds auditions in Manila

Last weekend, Resorts World Manila was the center of glittery make-up and premium hair products as it hosted the cattle call for Asia’s Next Top Model’s third season.

Aspiring models from all around the country pranced nervously along the pool-side as they waited for their turn. Inside the audition room were equally nervous models being bathed by camera lights and encouraging compliments.

No doubt they, along with the rest of the country, are wondering whether they have what it takes to be "Asia’s Next Top Model."

According to Jude Turcuato, head of FOX International Channels Philippines, the judges look at the model’s personality, character, physical appearance, and the way they work with people—but the most vital aspect would be commercial viability.

“We're looking for the new face of Asia, but it's not necessary just a face, it's really more of who is going to be the most successful commercially as a model that's coming out of this continent, or this territory,” he said.

“So when they look at the contestants and they try to find who will be part of the show, ‘yun yung pinaka iniisip nila.”

This season’s theme is "Back to Glam," and the big question is, can the models walk the runways of Europe? “You have to be Asian, but possess European qualities,” said renowned hair and makeup artist Lourd Ramos, who will also be one of the contestants' mentors.

The show's casting director explained why they decided to launch the auditions for the third season here.

“I think you've got such an amazing range of entertainment here, and backgrounds, and lifestyles. You've got Metro Manila, and you've got the provinces, and everything,” said activeTV Asia vice president for Development Marc Checkley. “There are a lot of girls who moved to Manila on their own, they’re making a life and a career for their own, and that’s what we wanted to see. We wanted to see girls who meet the requirements to be a model but have that special something to push forward.”

“That’s why we launched in Manila, to show Jakarta and Singapore...what they need to bring. That’s why we launched here,” he added. — BM, GMA News