Expectations high for Asia's Next Top Model challenge
After Filipina Stephanie Retuya's remarkable run in the first cycle of Asia's Next Top Model, anticipation is high for the Season 2 challenge.
Stephanie was foreign model Kate Ma’s co-runner-up at the first edition wind-up won by Thai Jessica Amornkuldilok.
Also read: Filipina model is Asia’s Next Top Model runner-up
The open casting call for the upcoming new season was held early August at the Hyve Club in Bonifacio Global City.
"We're happy how the previous one turned out especially for us Filipinos as we hope that the good run continues when the next edition gets underway," said Jude Turcuato who spoke for Star World which is bringing the competition to televiewers.
Next Cinderella
Ladies based in the Asia Pacific region and aged between 16 to 27 were invited to join the casting call which started last June and ended August 20.
Stephanie's unforgettable stint in the contest was marked by her unprecedented Cinderella run. She reached the finale without triumphing in any of the "best photos" plums and languished at the bottom rung two for five times.
Turcuato justified Stephanie's success.
"As far as personality, face, and body proportion are concerned, Filipinas are of great fit."
Better production value
While preparation for the next season is still in its early stages, the Fox International Channels Philippine territory head hopes the production and model line-up in the new cycle will surpass those seen in the first staging.
He sees no problem attracting Filipino audiences, especially since Stephanie's inspired showing remains fresh in the minds of show’s fans.
"Filipinos appreciate beauty more than people in other cultures," Turcuato assessed. "We like to look good and the fact that one of our very own made that exceptional run gave us something more to really cheer for."
