AT A GLANCE, if one could resist not staring, one would see why modeling was inevitable for Charo Ronquillo. This 5?9? Filipina beauty who was dubbed the Asian Kate Moss, sans all the drama, has the makings of an international supermodel down pat.

For one, at age 17, she was the first in the 25-year history of the Ford Supermodel of the World Search, to have been chosen from the Far East. For another, she had graced the catwalks of New York Fashion Week, modeling for well- known labels and designers ?
Antonio Berardi, BCBG, Benetton, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Lela Rose, Nanette Lepore, Tory Burch, Zaldy by Gwen Stefani and Sisley.

She has been featured in countless fashion and beauty editorials ? Glamour, Glitter (a Japanese magazine), Macy?s, Marie Claire (Paris and US), Neon (German), Old Navy, Sak?s Fifth Avenue, Seventeen, Spanish Vogue and Teen Vogue.

Of course, Charo has not been a sensation not only abroad but in her very own country as well. She comes back twice a year to strut down the runways of Philippine Fashion Week and to support the Philippine fashion scene.

So what is it that makes this 21-year-old, with a coquettish and yet innocent way about her, so irresistible in a jaded fashion industry? I squeezed myself into her very busy schedule to know just that.

When would you say was the blossoming of your career?

I was discovered by Elmer Torralba of Faze Model Management playing basketball at Robinsons Mall Arcade in Laguna when I was 12. I went to a lot of castings and joined competitions. Then, when I was 17, I joined the Supermodel of the World Philippines 2005 Search and won, which for me was a very huge stepping stone for my career.

You?ve been modeling abroad for the past few years now, how is it like?

When I first modeled in New York for the Supermodel World Finals and got a contract with Ford Models, I was actually very relaxed and it was fun. Parang namamasyal lang nga kami eh and I learned how to read maps. I didn?t really feel pressured and wala kang mararamdaman na banggaan. They looked not only at how we modeled but also at our personality and behavior on and off the shoots.

How is modeling abroad different from modeling here?

Abroad, there?s a system followed. There are bookers. Almost everything is done via e-mail and naka-appointment lahat. Here, there are also requirements, but mostly, everything?s done through text messaging. There isn?t really a clear-cut system.

Is it easier to work with models here or abroad?

Pareho lang. The models here and abroad are easy to work with naman and I gained friends abroad and here. Contrary to what others think, there?s no discrimination towards Asian models and those in the fashion industry there (abroad) actually like the Filipina look.

Speaking of the Filipina look, you were described by Bill Ford as ?that unique look from the Philippines.? What, to you, is that ?unique look??

I think that unique look is our skin color combined with our beautiful Pinay features. Also, our smile and the grace with which we carry ourselves add to the whole package.

What do you think do Filipino models bring to the table that foreign models don?t?

Of course, our unique look. Another very important Filipino trait is our personality. Filipinos are known to be flexible and warm. Ako, hindi ako yung type na nagco-complain. I do what is asked of me with no fuss. Gustong-gusto nila (those in the fashion industry) ang personality ng Pinoy, lalo na abroad.

Are there any models you look up to in the Philippines and abroad?

In the Philippines, I admire Tina Maristela-Ocampo and other veteran models especially of her time. Abroad, I look up to Raquel Zimmerman and Gemma Ward.

At such a young age, you?ve accomplished more than most models your age could ever dream of. What do you do to improve your craft?

Kailangan talaga may drive ka to succeed even if it?s not modeling you want. Ako, I still want to achieve so many things. I also want to model in Europe (Paris, Milan among others), so I strive hard to get opportunities to model there. I also do my research by looking at magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Esquire, Glamour, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan. I look for tips and workouts I can do to stay in shape or to improve my body and myself.

You constantly try to improve your craft and, clearly, it has helped you in your modeling career. So, what tips can you give aspiring models?

First and foremost, you really must have direction and know what you want to do. Set your goals and priorities first. You should also be responsible and disciplined. Like, when it comes to the partying scene, you should never get caught up in it. You should know your boundaries because your actions affect not only you but also those working with you. With modeling, of course, comes a lot of traveling. So you should know how to take care of yourself and know how to behave in different settings. Try also to grab every opportunity that comes your way but, of course, make sure these opportunities stay within moral grounds. As I mentioned earlier, do your research. Read magazines to familiarize yourself with the modeling industry, to know what?s going on in the fashion industry and to get tips for self-improvement.

Also, go on the Internet to look for credible modeling agencies and opportunities, because you never know, there might just be an opportunity that?s right for you.

Lastly, never give up and don?t stop believing in yourself, especially if you know you have what it takes.