It’s easy to get enamored by the idea of being a model. When we think of modeling, we often draw up images of glitz and glamor—getting dolled up for photo shoots, strutting down catwalks in designer ensembles, and traveling for prestigious assignments. While these aspects are indeed part of the job, beneath all that is a fiercely competitive industry, marked by demanding standards, intense scrutiny, and unstable career prospects. Truth be told, modeling can be an unforgiving job.
In this Preview exclusive, Filipina models get candid about the industry’s harsh realities. Scroll ahead to read about their experiences.
READ: Filipina Models Share Hard Truths About the Modeling Industry
Hannah Locsin
“I’d say the hard truth in modeling is that it’s really not all that glamorous as most would believe. For one, the job has a 99 percent chance of rejection and you can’t let that affect you.”
Raejell Roxas
“The state of your body and how you look are always under heavy observation, and it’s basically how you base your ability to make money in the industry. You’re constantly doubting and comparing yourself. You may also encounter some people who would objectify you and who would talk about you as if you’re not there. So it can mess with your head and your self-esteem.”
“It’s [also] an unstable job. You can be fully booked this week, and then not get a single job the following week. You need to have really thick skin and get used to rejections. Modeling is really physical, much more than people realize. You’re on your feet or walking long distances for the most part of the job. And not to mention, the loooong hours of waiting.”
Cath Ibay
“It’s not at all about glam and luxury, as much as we’d like to show it to be. I’ve had people think I earn a lot through modeling, which is far from the truth.
“Unfortunately, the harshest truth I can say is that Filipino fashion models are not compensated enough for the amount of work the industry demands from them. It’s not just about showing up and always looking your best. That’s just the tip of the iceberg."
"Modeling requires mental, emotional, and physical work. It’s literally having to maintain your body, skin, and hair 24/7. [It also involves] having call times at 6 a.m. on a Sunday for a 12-hour show, sometimes even a 23-hour shoot.
“Modeling compensates [you] through the people you meet in the industry, and in the arts you’re exposed to. It will always be a part of my life I’m proud of, a part of my life I will never forget.
“The Filipino fashion industry still has a long way to go, and I hope one day it will be different for the people who dream to be a fashion model someday.”
Justine Llarena
“I think the number one misconception about modeling is when people think it's easy because of how it's glamorized in the media. The number one rule is you don't model for yourself but for the brand. A good model can shapeshift and make the clothes or image come to life. I hate to break it, but modeling is not for everyone. People always ask me how to be a model but the sad truth is, it's also comparable to the question 'How to be a doctor?' Not everyone can be a model and our job is not as easy as many people think. ”
“Also, the current hard truth about our industry in the Philippines is that there's a decrease in our income. Many brands or designers get others [models] for free in terms of X-deals, or they lowball and get other models who agree with the TF [talent fee]. That's why it's important to have a support group that will provide models with the standard rate for a certain project.”
Selina Woo Bhang
"When I was starting out, I took on any job to get myself out there. Among the most uncomfortable roles were those that required me to wear a Kimono with fake sakura in the background for added 'atmosphere,' and me having to wear a bright red cheomsang with lanterns peeking out in the background, or thick black eyeliner on my eyes for added 'emphasis' and an unnecessary backhanded comment of 'your eyes are difficult to work with,' and let’s not forget the clip-on bangs for an added touch of 'Asian-ness.'”
EJ Nacion
"You will be spending a lot in terms of investing in yourself. [You'll be] traveling to castings and shoots and organizing test shoots, especially if you don’t have an agency or if you are a start-up model. This can also be [in the form of] buying products that take care of your skin, and a good pair of heels that you will use for runway castings. Or if you’re doing commercial modeling, [you'll have to invest in] a good ring light and a good camera when filming a VTR video. Another big hard truth, is not all campaigns pay big money. There are instances where you get paid right away but most of the time it takes 60 to 90 days or a year."
"Another hard truth, is when you’re in an agency, there will be a lot of false promises. Agencies can promise to fly you to a different country and sugarcoat to get you into signing right away. This may not happen for a while, or at all.
"There will also be times where your skin will break out because there are makeup artists who don’t clean their brushes. As a model, you’re basically a doll–trying new outfits, new looks, and constantly applying layers of makeup on your face and even hair products can take a toll on your skin. People outside the industry may think modeling is very quick and easy but in reality, it’s very tiring and time-consuming.
"Sometimes they [organizers] will set an early call time, but the show will start at night. We’re not rehearsing the whole day, and there are many times we are just waiting since rehearsals for fashion shows don’t take a whole day.
"I love my job. But these are the things that people don’t see especially when they have no idea what modeling is. A lot of people think that it’s just posing in front of the camera, but it takes a lot to be mentally and physically prepared for the job."
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