Supermodel Charo Ronquillo in her latest editorial for Cosmopolitan Philippines.
Back in the 90s, the annual Bb. Pilipinas was the stepping stone used by professional fashion models to cross over from the ramp to either showbiz or celebrity social status. Actually, there are still some who take a gamble and use their good height and catwalk skills to make their presence felt in the national beauty pageant up to now. But not as strong as the consecutive joinings (and eventual victories) of the likes of Patty Betita (BPI1992), Marilen Espino (BPW1991), Cara Subijano (BPW1994), Gem Padilla (BPU1990), Rachel Soriano (BPW1998), Marina Benipayo (MissMaja1992 and MW rep), Sara Jane Paez (BPU1989) and Abbygale Arenas (BPU1997).
Allow me to pitch in Cabuyao-born Charo Ronquillo, erstwhile Supermodel of the Philippines who went on to win 2nd Runner-Up in the international edition of 2006. Along with it came a US$100,000 modeling contract with Ford Models that gave her the opportunity to invade the runway for famous designers like Lela Rose, Nanette Lapore, Zero Maria Cornejo, Tory Burch, Antonio Berardi, Kenneth Cole, Mac Cosmetics Barbie Collection, Zaldy by Gwen Stefani, BCBG, Sisley, Benetton New York, Elie Tahari, Julien Fournié and Eric Tibusch. She also landed commercial shoots/advertisements for the catalogues of Target, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenues and Old Navy, while landing the glossy pages of Spanish Vogue, Indian Vogue, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire Paris and US, ELLE Vietnam, Cosmopolitan US and Glamour.
Watch Charo in her Tropicana Coco Quench TVC which started to air on Philippine TV networks a few months back.
Courtesy of Tropicana Coco Quench
Now 24, the 5’10” Charo – who measures 32-25-35 – is being co-managed by Ford Models, D1 Models London, Calcarrie’s International Models Philippines, Angels and Demons Model Management Paris and Franicina Models Barcelona. While she may have done a couple of daring albeit tasteful editorials in the past, the Filipina has maintained a pretty good image in her profession. Communication-wise, her fluency in English has already gone from limited to conversationally adept. And need I add that her stance on the runway is masterful and not pageant-defined at all?
Charo Ronquillo (right) in an ad/endorsement for local clothing brand Unica Hija, together with singer Sarah Geronimo.
I really wouldn’t mind seeing her take an attempt at the Miss Universe Philippines crown of 2013. By April of next year, she will already turn 25 – an age that would dedicate her for Miss Universe alone. I’d say that she is ripe for the picking. Tall, graceful and very Pinay-looking – all the right qualities we are looking for in a Janine Tugonon successor if ever. 🙂
normannorman.com 
Charo would make an excellent candidate if she decides to join BBP in 2013. She’ll be 25 next year, however, so the clock is ticking and she better make that decision quick. International pageants, unfortunately, don’t look too kindly on those over that perceived ripe-old age of 26 (paging Deborah Henry and Sahar Biniaz). And Jeff (above) raises a valid question — would she be motivated enough to join a pageant and be willing to go through the ordeal? I mean, she’s already made a great career out of being an international model so why aspire to win a national pageant? Typically it’s the pageant winner who aspires for a career as an international model — not the other way around.
why not?
but i’m hoping for luzelle felipe to try her luck this time
Yup, I heard she is being prepared for 2014, but she might already be ready next year! 🙂
Dunno but i prefer a ‘dayana mendoza’ vibe, fun in q&a. And s0me0ne wh0 excels in sch00l also, highly trainable.
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Via MebApp.com
Charo has the pinay features, the body, the catwalk skills, personality and charm or perhaps a little tweaking here and there wouldn’t harm her cross over from ramp and print modelling to stage contests. Does she want to join? Is she ready to face the intrigues, the bashers and the pressures? Can somebody ask Janine’s mom for her prediction? (just kidding!)
Hi Kuya Norman!
While I’m proud of all the accomplishments Charo has achieved as a “Filipina” top model, I feel that she’s not made for beauty pageants. Ive seen her countless times now from different fashion shows and I don’t see anything special from her – plus, her communication is beyond lackluster 😦 She speaks like Ali Forbes but is definitely better than Janina San Miguel…. In addition, her personality’s too bland. Don’t get me wrong though, I’ve nothing against Chat but she’s no beauty queen material IMHO.
There are a lot of potentials from 2011 / 2012 BBP and I thought some of them could try it once more…
Merry Christmas Kuya!
Merry Christmas, Olivia! Thanks for sharing about Charo. 🙂
Well, if her communication skills is just a millimeter better than of Janina,it would be a wiser decision to stick in modelling or maligo na lang sa batis ng wagas.