Series Spotlight: Finale: Asia's Next Top Model

The top 3. Battling it out for the title of Asia's Next Top Model. 

Congratulations to Jessica! 

I really think that she deserved it.

It's a great thing to know that there is such a thing as second chances. I was surprised when all this talk about age and numbers came out. Jessica was already 27 and apparently in the modeling world that's like being 40. 

So suddenly there was this big question of 'Is she too old to start now?' 

Just hearing the story of why she started out late already - just broke my heart. Being all alone and having to take care of herself, studying while modeling part time, I just wanted to run to the TV and give her a big hug. 

Thankfully there is some truth in the saying 'better late than never'.  

But of course not all is what it seemed.....

I was kind of bummed when I read online that Stephanie won, not because I didn't want her to win- because I did. I was bummed because I read about her 'supposed' winning even before the finale (as early as Friday). Posts on Instagram from fans already said that she won, there was even a source! (Why none other than Wikipedia-of course!) 

It wasn't like i peeked into my Christmas present under the Christmas tree- because I didn't know that this vital and essential piece of information (the ultimate-information) would be hidden amongst the seemingly and supposed innocent and 'spoil-free' comments-on Instagram none the less! 

So I kind of felt that the 'OMG She won!' moment was premutely-stolen from me. 

Lesson learned - don't trust anything you read on the internet without credible sources. 

It's never too late to dream. Congratulations to Jessica Amornkuldilok-the first ever Asia's Next Top Model. 

I have been eagerly awaiting the finale of Asia's Next Top Model and for me this was one of those finales where in you don't have a particular favorite to win. No banners with one of the girls' name plastered on my wall. 

The top 3-were my top 3. I liked all three of them and for me whoever won was going to be okay. I wasn't going to cry like disappointed David Archulleta fans. 

Since I'm Filipino I've been rooting for shy Stephanie from the start. We Filipinos have an almost blinding pride when it comes to being represented internationally. 

Although I do acknowledge that Stephanie has been in the bottom two-five times already. She still managed to make it to the top 3! Which makes her the underdog and which is another why I wanted her to win! You would think that she was the weakest link but someone would make a mistake and would do worse than she did. Which just means she's doing something right, right? I think if she had a stronger photo then maybe she would have won. 

As for crazy Kate, well her personality was the first thing that I noticed about her-more than her photos but as the show progressed she began to come out with very competitive photos and she really won me over. 

From the start Jessica was already one of my favorites-I mean just look at her face! It has a doll like quality and her photos just scream 'high fashion' (well for me :p ) What bothers me about her is that she doesn't really look Asian. She can easily pass for a European model but of course her last name is a dead give away. I mean it's a supposed to be Asia's next model and not Euro-Asia's next top model. I do know that she is half German and her German blood easily overcame her Thai blood but that's just me of course. 

(Kate is half Brazilian but she still looks Asian.) 

I think Jessica will do a great job as Asia's first ever Next Top Model and I'm excited to see her upcoming projects. 


All in all I was very happy with the first season of Asia's Next Top Model. The idea of a number of different countries vying for the title was like a revamped Miss Universe or a Miss Universe x 10! 

Dream Team. Daniel Boey, Nadya Hutagalung, Joey Mead King and Todd Anthony Tyler. 

The team that made up the judges and mentors were all experts in their own fields and really helped the girls discover their full potential. They really gave good input and criticism. 

The things that Nadya told the girls during panel were like gems. It's challenging to come up with great advice while telling a girl that her dreams for the title of Asia's Next Top Model are over amidst tears and sobs. 

More than that she was also great with directing photo shoots and the Canon commercial. 

Of course my girl Joey was also a great mentor and runway coach. She was fun, crazy and very insightful as well and talking to Helena during one episode was just so nice and sweet of her. 

Daniel was the crazy, creative guy shouting at the girls during photoshoots- all of it much welcome direction and advice of course. It was fun watching him get from frustrated (That was the longest XX minutes of my life! -LOL)  to amazed with the girls during photoshoots. 

Todd....Todd...Todd what can I say? As a judge and resident photographer he really knows what he's talking about and his presence during photoshoots (even when he was not the photographer) allows him to give great insights during panel. I think it's also super sweet of him to take his time to answer or retweet eager fans on twitter. :) 

As for the over all first season? Here are my thoughts: 

I think that the challenges for the girls were very varied - photoshoots, TVC, catwalk and Go-See really showcased the strengths and weaknesses of the girls.  

I also really like that some of the photoshoots had uniquely Asian themes (Chinese Zodiac, Hong Kong Screen Siren). 

Uniquely Asian. The top 3 in their Hong Kong Screen Siren Photoshoot. 

I was just kind of disappointed with how the winner was announced during the finale- it didn't even break into a commercial. I mean where's the drum roll? Nadya just announced it - 'Jessica'. Just like that and there was no 1st or 2nd runner up announcement. 

I just wish that they had a commercial break, build the suspense! 

Ooooh! I almost forgot that the finale actually featured the Tyra Banks as a guest judge! I just love me some Tyra! I mean she is the brains behind this huge and successful franchise. It was amazing to hear her thoughts on the finale panel. She really had amazing thoughts and her comments about the girls were spot on as well. Her explanation of model - noun and model verb was also very enlightening. :) 

America's Next Top Model Cycle 18 Winner Sophie Sumner was also there and joined the girls in the runway walk. It was really nice to see her there and her mere presence helped boost the finalist's confidence. Especially Kate who was in a dazed fan girl moment. :) Sophie was really nice and sweet and really encouraged the girls. Tyra was right when she said that Sophie was a girl you want to be friends with - she really was the friendly girl next door. ;) 

I guess that's it for me for my thoughts on the finale! Again congratulations to Jessica and the whole team and I can't wait for the next season/cycle! :)