Pinay Beauty Wins Ford International Modeling Contest

A Filipina model recently won 1st runner-up at the "Ford Supermodel of the World 2009" Finals held in Sao Paulo, Brazil on January 15.

Filipina model Charlene Louise "Chat" Almarvez, 16, won a $150,000 (P6.9 million) modeling contract from Ford Models NYC, a prestigious modeling agency founded in 1947.

According to a press statement, Almarvez was chosen by a panel of judges headed by Ford Models CEO Katie Ford to represent the Philippines in the contest finals.

Almarvez beat 7 other model-aspirants during the pre-finals search including Binibining Pilipinas contestants Janina San Miguel and Mary Tiffany Jones.

She was flown to Brazil for 5 full days along with 35 other contestants from all over the world.

Throughout their stay, the models underwent photo tests, walking lessons, samba lessons, judging with Ford Model licensees, interviews, casting calls and modeling workshops.

They were also treated to shopping sprees, tours and dinner parties.

Out of 36 participants, only 7 lucky women were chosen for Ford modeling contracts and a chance to model in haute couture fashion events like Fashion Week's Fall collections this 2010.

Grand prize winner Katrina Karlina Caune, 16, of Baltics State won a $250,000 modeling contract, followed by Almarvez at second place, and Isabelle Storck from Sweden at third place with a $100,000 modeling contract.

Other winners include Olivia Majour from the USA, Maryna Linchuck of Belarus, Grace Hurley of Australia and Bruna Tiedt of Brazil.

Almarvez, a statuesque and mocha-skinned beauty, is originally from Laguna and is a student at the College of Saint Benilde.

Long-legged, willowy and endowed with delicate features; Almarvez was the only Asian to make it to the Top 7 at the Supermodel of the World 2009 Finals.

Ford Supermodel of the World, which started in 1980, is the largest and most prestigious international competition in the globe, with over 60,000 contestants from 40 countries worldwide.

It serves as the worldwide talent search Ford Models.

Former Ford Models talents include actresses Lindsay Lohan, Kirsten Dunst, Jennifer Connelly, and Chanel Iman (who won as "Supermodel of the World 2005") among others.