...the Asia's Next Top Models

Pinay Stephanie Retuya Wins First Runner-Up In Asia’s Next Top Model

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ

Manila Bulletin

February 18, 2013

 

 

Stephanie is a ‘part-time model and a full-time mother to a baby girl’ (‘Asia’s Next Top Model website)

MANILA, Philippines - Stephanie Retuya is still on a high after finishing first runner-up in “Asia’s Next Top Model (AsNTM)” held Feb. 17 in Singapore.

Jessica Amornkuldilok of Thailand walked away with the top prize while Kate Ma of Taiwan ranked third.

“For everyone who continuously supported me on this once in a lifetime journey thank you so much!!!! God Bless Everyone!” Stephanie tweeted Sunday night.

In the first cycle of “AsNTM,” an adaptation of the hit fashion reality show “America’s Next Top Model,” Stephanie was regarded an “underdog,” holding the record for the most times in the bottom two (five to be exact), and with no best photo award garnered.

Nevertheless, as what was posted on the “AsNTM” official Facebook fan page, “She’s also right behind the other two finalists in the number of appearances she’s had in the top three! With five top three spots under her belt to Kate’s six and Jessica’s seven.”

For their final challenge, the Top 3 ladies did a commercial for Canon IXUS, a shoot for Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore, and a runway show featuring the creations of Singaporean designer Frederick Lee.

No less than “ANTM” host-creator Tyra Banks served as guest judge.

Tyra found Stephanie’s runway walk “spectacular.”

“You have sass but you're also very sweet. This is a model now although she is not modeling,” said she.

Her magazine shoot, however, was not as stellar for Tyra.

“You were thinking strength but not giving strength,” she pointed out.

According to her bio posted in the “AsNTM” website, Stephanie began modeling about a year ago but had to set it aside when she got pregnant. Now, she's a “part-time model and a full-time mother to a baby girl.”

For someone who used to be shy - and who've never traveled abroad - Stephanie has spread her wings by joining the competition.

“AsNTM” is hosted by Nadya Hutagalung, with fashion director Daniel Boey, fashion photographer Todd Anthony Tyler, and model-mentor Joey Mead King in the judging panel.