The Philippines was one step away from the coveted title of Asia’s Next Top Model in the first season. Stephanie Retuya was runner up to Thailand but now that the reality show is back, will the Philippines win this time? This season has no less than two Filipina contestants, so there are double chances of winning. I wonder if our recent lucky streak will continue when it comes to beauty shows.

Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez are the Philippine bets to the Tyra Banks franchise, Asia’s Next Top Model or AsNTM. Dubbed by the local press as ‘the morena’ and ‘the mestiza’, each candidate brings a unique quality to the table. Jodilly Pendre, is younger between the two but at 20 years old, she already has had several modeling gigs under her belt. Katarina Rodriguez, on the other hand is a Filipina American who moved to the Philippines barely a year ago. She is a year older than Jodilly but has had no modeling experience yet – which unfortunately shows – based on the recent episode that was aired last January 8.

The second season began a week ago and has signed onto 13 episodes whereupon we will know who Asia’s Next Top Model will be. (Hopefully a Filipina!)

Image Source

Supermodel Tyra Banks is back for the newest season of America’s Next Top Model. It’s Cycle 18 this time. This reality show is one of the most successful reality shows in the US. What makes this cycle different from the previous ones is that it is a competition between models from Great Britain and America. They call this cycle “The British Invasion”. Tyra herself chose 7 British and & 7 American girls and put them together in one house. So yes, it’s Brits versus Yanks this time. Each race will prove that theirs is the best.

America's Next Top Model Cycle 18 British Invasion

There’s also another catch, the Brits were former contestants of the British Next Top Model seasons while the Americans have no experience whatsoever with modeling. That makes the Brits way ahead of the Americans since they are not amateurs anymore. And oh, I just love their English accent. It makes me think of Harry Potter all the time.

Personally, I am rooting for the Brits, particularly Ashley. I first saw her when she joined British Next Top Model, and I am more excited now that she made it to ANTM. She has a memorable face with eyes that always smiles, distinctive freckles and a great, rocking body. She has that kind of look that’s made for couture and high fashion that will click in the International Market. What I am so excited about is the fact that our very own Filipino designer Francis Libiran will be dressing the girls in one of its photoshoots also which will be aired tonight.

This cycle is totally a kick ass entertainment like we haven’t seen before. I am sure of that!

Image Source