Helena Chan

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Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1: Week #9 Update…Sink and Swim or Ship out

Posted by Norman on January 21, 2013
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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Jessica (L) won Best Photo for the third consecutive time, with Sofia as runner-up.

This week, there are two elements in play – water and fantasy. And it was the trickiest episode so far for two models who need to conquer their fear of the water.

Last week’s bottom two – Sofia and Stephanie – were terribly upset of how badly things turned out for them during judging. The Filipina found a new ally in Helena who consoled her, and even helped in screaming out frustrations in the open air. What happened next was a tension-breaking moment. Kate didn’t like the atmosphere in the house so she took Jessica and jumped into the pool as a way of encouraging everyone else to do the same and start a pool party of sorts. Two others joined them in the water – Aastha who can’t swim and Stephanie who is coming from a drowning experience the year before during scuba diving.

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Helena (L) and Kate shopping for costumes for their Playboy Video Challenge.

The next morning, the six ladies where whisked off to the regional offices of Coty where the next challenge was introduced by mentor Joey Mead King. Inspired by the TV commercial of Playboy Fragrances for Her, each of them were tasked to appear in a fantasy video that should evoke the essence of the said brand of EDT. They will have a male model (Drew Rivera) to act with them, while choosing the costume to wear and conceptualizing the whole story board. Sofia played masquerade damsel in distress, Aastha chose to be a pilot’s one true love, Stephanie went for a jewelry thief mesmerizing her inspector-pursuer, Kate dressed it up for a pirate-themed video, and Jessica was a party girl hitting on a guy she wants. They all did fair to okay, but not as well as Helena who went for the most fluid take on a hopeless romantic who wants to meet the man of her dreams after spraying the scent. She won prizes from Coty, plus an exclusive one-of-a-kind fragrance and two VIP tickets to Universal Studios Singapore. What’s more, she won an extra 15 minutes of photoshoot time – an enviable prize expressed most especially by Sofia.

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Helena acting out the underwater challenge for the models.

That same night, they received a Nadya Mail clueing them on the photoshoot challenge. It didn’t take a genius to realize that things will be done underwater for the same. The possibilities scared both water-fearing Aastha and Stephanie and were just hopeful that they can handle the set-up.

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Aastha trying to conquer her fear of going underwater for the photoshoot.

At the poolside of Gallery Hotel, the models discovered that they will be indeed going under the water for a couture mermaid concept while wearing the fabulous creations of guest Filipino designer Michael Cinco. Guest photographer Aaron Wong saw to it that everyone was in a relaxed state. Aastha and Stephanie got cold feet during the first few minutes but regained their composure to give acceptable photos. Sofia was a bit more conscious of hers, but still gave a couple of lucky shots. Kate was the happiest doing the whole thing, but it was Jessica who gave glorious poses. As for Helena? She fantasized that she was Medusa and came to the challenge giving movements that didn’t exactly wow the judges. She also wasted her extra 15 minutes by overextending her Medusa play and giving less than becoming stills.

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The six models with their individual best underwater shots.

At the judging panel, the six ladies were assessed once more. And for a third time in a row, Jessica was adjudged the best, with Sofia coming in next. Call-out showed Kate and Aastha being summoned afterwards. Stephanie and Helena ended in the bottom two. Watching their faces, you could see that the former is already smiling and just waiting to be eliminated. Stephanie felt that it was the end of the road for her, and she won’t cry over it anymore. But she did. And it wasn’t because she got the boot. She got saved. And Medusa, er, I mean Helena, was sent packing home to the surprise of the remaining girls, Stephanie in particular.

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Helena is out. Who will be next?

Five girls remain. Who’s going home next? Find out during Week #10 of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 on Star World, Sunday nights at 8:55pm. šŸ˜‰

Just how far did Stephanie Retuya make it in Asia’s Next Top Model?

Posted by Norman on January 17, 2013
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

The Philippines' Stephanie Retuya is one of the six (6) remaining contenders in Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 1.

The Philippines’ Stephanie Retuya is one of the six (6) remaining contenders in Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1.

All sorts of spoilers have flooded the net on the final results of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 on Star World, foremost of which was the information posted in Wikipedia (already removed by now) stating that Helena Chan of Hong Kong topped the competition. But then again, there are earlier (alleged) leaks (supported by a photo and an alleged albeit already vanished video) showing that Jessica Amornkuldilok of Thailand and Stephanie Retuya of the Philippines made it as the Top 2 finalists with our own bet being declared as winner (with ANTM’s Tyra Banks even hugging her).

What to believe in? Well, if you ask me, I would rather ignore them and continue watching the program till the end. Besides, it’s our way of showing support to the models, the hosts/mentors (Nadya Hutagalung, Joey Mead King, Daniel Boey & Todd Anthony Tyler), the producers and the cable network (or your own country’s official free-tv airing network). I’m sure the competition is going to heat up even more in the next few weeks when the remaining six ladies get trimmed down one after the other.

Keep on watching Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 on Star World, Sunday nights at 8:55PM. šŸ˜‰

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1: Week #8 Update…Of poise, swirls and lucky shots

Posted by Norman on January 14, 2013
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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Jessica (L) won Best Photo again, with Kate as runner-up.

Following the melodramatic turns of Helena in last week’s episode, plus the not-so-sad departure of Melissa from the competition, this week highlights the poise, elegance, social pressures and the literal heaviness in a model’s life.

Let’s start from the beginning. The six ladies who remain in contention return to their residence inside Capella Singapore where everyone – except Helena – discussed on how and what to do with the HK drama queen. Nobody wanted to make the first step in talking with her. So just to skip the tension, Sofia (who was rooming with Helena) decided to switch rooms.

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Host Nadya and Mentor Joey conducted the Table Etiquettes Challenge

The following mid-morning, host Nadya and mentor Joey met with the girls at Cassia Restaurant for Table Manners 101. They were given tips on etiquettes and the like, followed by a quick challenge on who can best survive fine dining with the intended results. Sofia slurped, Stephanie chomped, Helena froze and Aastha struggled with her chopsticks. Kate was ok. But Jessica stood out as the most refined. She won a spa date with the host at Auriga. For the rest, they need to fix themselves up for red-carpet cocktails challenge while wearing the creations of Malaysian designer Farah Khan.

During the evening event, they literally walked the red carpet, posed for press photographers and mingled with the guests. Helena was in her best elements, fluttering like a happy butterfly from one group of attendees to the next. She won the challenge and the Farah Khan dress she was wearing.

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Helena being confronted by Sofia around the dining table.

That same night, the six ladies were eating around the dining table. Sofia suddenly started confronting Helena about the latter’s stories and fabrications. They played verbal ping-pong which remained open-ended. As such, nothing much was resolved. At least, it was good that the clash of personalities was put to a minimum even if the friction between the two continued to be obvious.

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Coach Daniel (extreme left) explaining to the ladies the heaviness of the red gown for the photoshoot.

The main challenge was to be a night shoot in the middle of Universal Studios Singapore, while wearing identical red gowns that weighed a lot. And that’s an understatement because practically all of them sweated underneath the same. Jessica, though, carried everything like it was so light and feathery. She nailed the shots from start to finish. Stephanie, on the other hand, frustrated coach Daniel because she couldn’t get it right. Kate was the one who stepped on the hemline that caused her to slip and fall. She gamely stood up right away and took humor in the minor accident. Sofia was endlessly blank in expression as she also disappointed the photographer. As for the rest, they did fairly well.

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Stephanie (L) and Sofia figured out in the bottom two. It was a non-elimination episode, though.

Judgment night came and as expected, Jessica gave the best photo once more. Kate was picked as runner-up. And the bottom two? Stephanie and Sofia. One of them should be getting the ax. But the Filipina must really have lady luck on her side. It was the second non-elimination episode. She was also in the bottom two during the first non-elimination week. And so, nobody was sent home.

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The lucky shots that saved Stephanie (L) and Sofia from elimination.

In the next episode, a more challenging video-cum-photoshoot awaits the models. And the six will definitely become five. Please keep on watching Asia’s Next Top Model on Star World, Sunday nights at 8:55pm. Only on Star World.

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1: Week #7 Update…Helena gets reprimanded (and makes a scene)

Posted by Norman on January 7, 2013
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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Jessica (L) had this week's best photo with Stephanie as runner-up.

For Week #7 of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1, it’s all about face. And what is the most important component to highlight the face? Make-Up, of course! Unfortunately, Helena got more than her share of highlights…and screen exposures.

Ok, backtracking a bit, we all remember the BFFs (Rachel and Kate) in the bottom two last week with the Indian model getting the boot. It didn’t take long for Kate, though, to get over the elimination of a best friend. Her second best friend, Sofia, was still around.

Around the dining table, the seven remaining girls received a Nadya mail telling them to get their best game faces on the following morning. Right then and there, it was obvious that make-up would be the focus of the quick challenge. So the three who admitted to having the least knowledge in applying cosmetics (Stephanie, Melissa and Kate) sought the help of Sofia who has the most experience in doing the same.

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The Make-Up Challenge won by Sofia.

So at the Raffles Design Institute, the ladies were indeed given a quick lesson on make-ups by an expert from Mac, together with mentor Joey Mead King. Afterwards, a 15-minute test followed where they had to copy the finished make-up of a professional fashion model exhibited earlier on. Everybody scrambled, except for Sofia who knew what she was doing and in lesser time than required. She was picked the best and won a spa treatment at Espa of RW Sentosa. And since she can bring along one companion, Kate was all too happy to be selected.

While Sofia and Kate were relaxing themselves at the spa, a gift package from host Nadya came for Sofia at the Capella. It was a box of assorted items like a pair of black shoes and skinny jeans, a black dress, accessories and more. Helena and Aastha led in checking out all the contents, despite reservations from the rest. Not content with that, the same two girls thought of hiding the gifts and replace them with senseless stuff instead.

When Sofia arrived, she was tickled pink that a gift was waiting on top of her bed, only to feel embarrassed that the contents looked like a prank joke. She initially took things lightly and played along after the real contents were given by Aastha. But huddled around, she expressed some disappointment that her box of gifts was already ‘inspected’ by someone else.

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Melissa's shot that led to her elimination.

This week’s photoshoot sponsor and beneficiary is the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature. The guest designer and celebrity photographer are Indonesian Edo Hatabarat and Kevin Ou, respectively. With minimal make-up and wearing prairie-like sun dresses, the models simply needed to be at their most relaxed selves, be one with nature and come up with extraordinary photos in a lush forest setting. Host Nadya helped in directing the shoot. Only three of them got positive impressions – Jessica, Stephanie and Kate. The rest all had different issues. Aastha had awkward feet, Melissa had no model presence, Sofia was blank and Helena was being her usual ‘trying-hard-not-to-be-sexy’ poser but blamed migraine and a dislocating shoulder for her bad shots.

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Helena got grilled to the core this week.

Let’s cut to the chase. Jessica won Best Photo, Stephanie was named runner-up. What’s more interesting is that Helena met her sort of comeuppance with the judges who confronted her with having a bad attitude all over (she always has this snarly expression on the face whenever something doesn’t sit well with her). Once more, she came up with excuses, which thankfully, Todd Anthony Tyler didn’t buy, and opposed even. Callout time and she joined Melissa in the bottom two. Nadya gave the HK girl a good piece of her mind, but was still saved. Melissa became the first model to be axed with a happy face all over despite.

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Melissa's AsiaNTM journey finally came to a close.

Oh, about Helena’s meltdown? She experienced panic attack right after the judging and the nonstop reprimands. She hyperventilated, fell on the floor and caused a scene just before the episode wrapped up.

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The final 7 models in their nature photoshoot.

Next week, Helena continues with her antagonistic ways, while another model takes a fall……literally. Please keep on watching Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 on Star World, Sunday night’s at 8:55pm. šŸ˜‰

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1: Week #6 Update…..Hair apparent

Posted by Norman on December 31, 2012
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

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Sofia (left) won this week's Beauty Shot Challenge for TRESemme. Jessica was named runner-up

Week #6 is all about hair…and beauty. In that order. And believe me, if TRESemme does not become a relatively easy-to-recall household word in the region after the episode, I don’t know what will.

But let’s start from the top. The remaining 8 girls were sad that Trang had to be eliminated, but life moved on inside the quarters at the Capella…including housecleaning. Rachel and Stephanie (the more conscious about maintaining order and neatness in their temporary abode) had to confront everyone else on who left unwashed items in the sink. Helena owned up right away, but gave the excuse that things were such in a hurry earlier in the day she decided to just leave the used glass, silverware and bowl standing dirty for hours. Oh well..

The next morning, the venue was a suite at Hard Rock Hotel Singapore where mentor Joey Mead King and a Celebrity Hair Stylist were waiting for them. It was a quick (and instant) crash course on maintaining beautiful hair (courtesy of TRESemme) in just minutes. Very soon after, the first challenge was introduced. They will appear separately for an online video campaign for the said brand, style their hair individually while delivering a script they themselves wrote or thought of. It was daunting for most, especially the shy ladies of the group (Jessica and Aastha), but a walk in the park for the more vocal ones (Helena and Melissa)…or so it seemed.

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Aastha (covering her face) couldn't believe her good fortune after winning the TRESemme Online Video Challenge, plus a trip to NYC. Meanwhile, Helena (left) looked so jealous. She wanted to win the trip so bad.

The opening line was “Whenever I have perfect hair, just like I stepped out of a salon, I….(create your own spiel here)”. And the winner – who surprised ‘Director’ Joey Mead King – is Aastha! For that, she won an overnight stay at the Hard Rock Hotel with another girl (she chose Stephanie). But far more rewarding is the other prize she got for herself – an all-expense paid trip to the Big Apple for New York Fashion Week 2013. This really turned Helena’s eyes green with envy. But she can’t do anything except sulk and invite sympathy to her slowly regressing impact on the competition.

And so, while Aastha and Stephanie enjoyed their Hard Rock experience to the fullest, the six models left in the house had to do more cleaning and bonding. Rachel and Kate, in particular, have already grown so close to each other that they acted more like sisters than opponents in the reality show. Well, they’ve got another thing coming in a later paragraph. And how about Jessica? She started to doubt about her chances in the show. She made an overseas call to her boyfriend in Thailand just to lift her spirits up.

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The eight beauty shots: top row (l-r) Helena, Aastha, Melissa and Jessica; bottom row (l-r) Rachel, Kate, Sofia and Stephanie

For the main challenge, it was beauty shot day with TRESemme once again at the helm. The instructions were simple – give your best face in a closeup, while conveying through your eyes the secret to beautiful hair. The winner of this one will have her image included in the product’s regional campaign. Two of the eight did very well right off the bat – Sofia and Jessica. Stephanie trailed behind the two, but still managed to look good despite her unruly curls. Aastha, Kate and Melissa did okay, while Rachel offered nothing new to the client and photographer inspite of the fact that the test was hers to lose. The now infamous Helena was criticized for being too sexy and sultry in her poses – something that went against what TRESemme was looking for.

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Luck ran out on Rachel this week. She got the boot.

And so, time for another round of judging that night. One by one, host Nadya Hutagalung presented the ladies’ best beauty shots and didn’t need a long deliberation on who came out on top. Sofia and Jessica were obviously the most praised, but the Japanese won over because of her long, healthy-looking tresses as against the Thai’s short boyish locks. The call-out order went like this: Sofia (challenge winner), Jessica (runner-up), Stephanie, Aastha, Melissa, Helena and….then there were two left. Best of friends Rachel and Kate found themselves struggling for dear life at the bottom. And tears were already welling in their eyes at the ironic situation. In the end, Kate was saved. The judges felt that Rachel has already reached a plateau in her performance, and could no longer surpass all her past efforts.

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Best friends Rachel and Kate (back facing camera) hugged each other tight when the former was eliminated.

A preview of next week’s episode shows Queen of Mean Helena turning an Oscar-worthy emotional breakdown after a bit of verbal altercation with the judges. Mmmm….that should be a juicy one. And you surely won’t want to miss it!

Keep watching Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 on Star World, Sunday nights at 8:55pm. šŸ˜‰

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1: Week #3 Update…arf! arf!

Posted by Norman on December 10, 2012
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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The inner Tiger in Helena helped her win this week's photoshoot challenge.

The tiger growled her way to the top and the dog barked her last. At least that’s how I sum up the third episode of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1.

But let’s start from the top. This is easily one of the more life-changing times in the show for a few of them. First, Stephanie revealed during dinner that she is already a mom to the surprise of everyone. Second, Helena spilled the beans on Melissa’s healthy appetite. And third, there was no quick challenge the following morning to get the girls up and running. Instead, they were subjected to the eagerly-awaited makeover.

At the Le Pointe Salon inside Regent Hotel Singapore, the remaining dozen accepted their individual major hair cuts. Some got the short end of the scissors, while others got anywhere between more volume or drastic color shades. Aastha was the saddest after getting her long tresses to a near-bob. She had no choice, though. The happiest of the lot was Filantropi who was given a China doll look that suited her face very well. Also, Jee was only too happy to get shiny red locks on her birthday – a special moment that night when Rachel took to the task of baking a pie for the celebrant.

They soon learned that the next photoshoot had something to do with the animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Inside a temple, they drew their names from a bowl to find out their assigned animals as follows:
Filantropi – Dragon
Helena – Tiger
Aastha – Rat
Bei Si – Dog
Stephanie – Rooster
Kate – Monkey
Sofia – Snake
Melissa – Pig (!)
Jessica – Rabbit
Jee – Ox
Trang – Goat
Rachel – Horse

With the help of creations from guest Thai Designers Saksit Pisalasupongs and Phisit Jongnarangsin of Tube Gallery, the ladies were transformed into representations of the Chinese signs. Despite the tricky outfits that limited their movements, more than a few stepped up to the challenge and delivered excellent shots like Stephanie, Helena, Rachel and the improved version of Jee. On the other hand, Trang, Aastha and Bei Si floundered in their efforts.

Stephanie channeled her inner rooster to a runner-up spot in this week's photoshoot challenge.

Stephanie channeled her inner rooster to a runner-up spot in this week’s photoshoot challenge.

It was an elimination task and when the judges started assessing the ladies one by one, host Nadya pleasantly nitpicked on Helena’s inappropriate choice of blouse that night, plus Stephanie’s flat semi-high cut boots that seemed un-model like for the judging activity. At any rate, the two were announced as having the two best photos, with the Tiger slightly easing out the Rooster for the top spot. Jee was close behind and was cited for jumping from ‘very near bottom to very near top’. A roll call of the other qualifiers followed until only Aastha and Bei Si were left. It was the Rat versus the Dog for the lowest score. In the end, the Chinese bet was sent home packing.

Bei Si as a rein-fashioned dog who unfortunately whimpered to a silent bark for her last photoshoot.

Bei Si as a dog who unfortunately whimpered to a silent bark for her last photoshoot.

Next episode should prove quite interesting because of a wardrobe malfunction plus a twist that will shock the model wannabes.

Please keep watching Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 on Star World every Sunday night at 8:55pm. šŸ˜‰

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1: Week #2 Update (Shockers Galore!)

Posted by Norman on December 3, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

The winning shot of Group 2 (L-R): Aastha of Nepal, Trang of Vietnam, Sofia of Japan and Bei Si of China.

The winning shot of Group 2 (L-R): Aastha of Nepal, Trang of Vietnam, Sofia of Japan and Bei Si of China.

Read the new post on Stephanie Retuya HERE!

It’s only Week #2 of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1, and the show has already been stormed by three shockers (well, okay the third one was a mild one and anticipated at that) and two of them are not even part of the script. But that’s getting ahead of the story. Let’s get to the update first.

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Aastha of Nepal was named individual winner for Week #2.

As the remaining 13 girls continue their journey into becoming Asia’s Next Top Model, they were surprised to find out that another runway challenge awaits all of them. Most of the ladies asked tips from the more experienced Trang of Vietnam on how to nail their walk, but still had to make do with whatever skills they have, just like Sofia of Japan who initially doubted the coaching given by the Vietnamese and decided to just polish her own glide.

The following morning, they were surprised with the initial visit from their mentor Joey Mead, with Australia’s Next Top Model choreographer/runway coach Adam Williams in tow. The flamboyant Aussie gave them lessons in Runway 101 before heading off to their next stop.

Adam Williams of Australia's Next Top Model was guest judge and runway coach

Adam Williams of Australia’s Next Top Model was guest judge and runway coach

The first test of the day was a Private VIP viewing at the uber classy French fine dining place L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon. The designer is not just one of Singapore’s top names in fashion, but also all over Asia – Thomas Wee. During the actual activity, majority met the judges’ expectations, with both Trang and Sofia picked as standouts. After the event wrapped up, host Nadya informed the girls that the best of the lot would be rewarded with dinner at the same venue where she can bring two of her competitors. Trang was announced the winner once more (her second consecutive runway win) and decided to take her roommates Aastha of Nepal and Stephanie of the Philippines.

Monica of Thailand sadly left the show due to a family emergency!

Monica of Thailand left the show due to a family emergency!

Since it was her birthday, Helena of Hongkong was half-expecting to be chosen by Trang for the lovely dinner, but to no avail. So while the trio enjoyed the expensive meal, the rest of the girls made a group greeting card for Helena, cooked pasta for dinner, and surprised the celebrant with all-around red kisses on the face. After the return of the three who dined out, a certain air of coldness permeate inside the house. Some of them were questioning the inclusion of an experienced contender (Trang) against newbies (everyone else) in the line-up. Stephanie was quick to defend her friend in this case.

In the Harper’s Bazaar Photoshoot Challenge the day after, the models were divided into three groups (with Helena, Filantropi of Indonesia, Kate of Taiwan and Monica of Thailand in one; Aastha, Bei Si of China, Trang and Sofia in the second; and Stephanie, Jessica of Thailand, Melissa of Malaysia, Rachel of India and Jee of Korea last). Group shots were taken while wearing the latest collection of Prada. The magazine’s Fashion Editor Kenneth Goh was very strict and never sugar-coated his criticisms of the ones who did poorly – Filantropi, Stephanie and Jee.

Rachel suddenly collapsed during individual judging.

Rachel collapsed during individual judging.

That night, Shocker #1 followed. Monica of Thailand received a call from home informing of a family emergency (her dad was seriously ill) that forced her to pack immediately and leave the competition. The girls were saddened but none moreso than Kate of Taiwan who has grown close to the bubbly Thai. With that, the group suddenly went from 13 to a dozen.

During judging time the next day, it was announced that winner of the Group Shots (which will be the subject of a future editorial) was the second quartet. Individual assessments followed, and just before Filantropi took center runway, Shocker #2 struck. Rachel suddenly collapsed in the middle of filming and had to be rushed to the hospital for checkup. No updates were given about her condition up to the end of the show, but I think she will be alright.

If not for Monica's sudden exit, Stephanie of the Philippines would've been on the brink of elimination.

If not for Monica’s sudden exit, Stephanie of the Philippines would’ve been on the brink of elimination.

Everything resumed after that incident. The individual winner was announced with Aastha taking the recognition and Sofia as runner-up.

The qualifiers were summoned one by one, up until only the bottom two were left uncalled by Nadya – Stephanie (!) and Jee. Shocker #3 was revealed. Because of Monica’s unforeseen exit, there will be no elimination! Whew! It was a good save for the Philippines’ bet.

Onwards with the show!

Always watch Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 on Star World, Sundays at 8:55PM.

You can also check out (and like) their Facebook page here. šŸ˜‰

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1: Week #1 Update

Posted by Norman on November 26, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

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Helena of Hongkong (left) won the 'Quirky' Photoshoot Challenge in the first episode of Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 1. Stephanie of the Philippines was named runner-up.

In the premiere telecast of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 last night on Star World, viewers got to meet the 14 wannabes up close and a little more personal. While the bubblier members of the group (like Kate of Taiwan, Monica of Thailand and Helena of Hongkong) benefited from longer airtime, there are those whose limited English skills still allowed them to get good exposure, most particularly Trang of Vietnam.

We also got to see host and head judge (and ex-MTV VJ) Nadya Hutagalung display her gorgeousness and sophistication on the small screen once more. She’s no Tyra Banks for sure, but let’s cut her some slack to ease that stilted image and delivery in future episodes. The counterpart of mentor Jay Ruiz in the original is Fil-Aussie Joey Mead who looks to have the work cut out for her.

Anyways, the initial baptism of fire for the girls happened right in the middle of Singapore’s Orchard Road where they had to walk the runway in an impromptu fashion show. This definitely rattled a few of the girls who had little to no modeling experience (like Melissa of Malaysia), and gave the relative professionals an edge (like Trang of Vietnam who was picked best in the activity).

As the ladies were introduced to their first photoshoot test, Judge and Photographer Todd Anthony Tyler brought them to Little India where they were asked to do “quirky” in all the shots. Wearing colorful creations by Singaporean designers Louis & Afton, they were each given an accessory to play with while being shot for ten minutes per model.

Many of them failed to impress Todd, Judge Daniel Boey and the designers, but four ladies delivered what was required – Rachel of India, Jessica of Thailand, Helena of Hongkong and Stephanie of the Philippines. It was an elimination challenge, so what followed was a deliberation among the judges on who gave the best photo/s, who should stay, and who should be sent packing home as the show’s dreaded first cut.

Helena of Hongkong was picked as winner (see picture above), with Stephanie of the Philippines as runner-up. Jessica of Thailand cried when she wasn’t called among the Top 2 (she thought she gave the best photo), but was immediately consoled by host Nadya. The rest of the ladies who will still continue in the competition were called one by one, until only the two worst performers remained – Melissa of Malaysia and Kyla of Singapore. Both were criticized by all the judges, but the Malaysian got the slight edge for her good attitude when she wouldn’t fit in her assigned dress and was mentioned as being a plus-size model. With a heavy heart, Kyla accepted her fate as the first casualty of Asia’s Next Top Model.

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Kyla Tan of Singapore was the first to be eliminated in Asia's Next Top Model.

Watch out for Episode #2 next Sunday at 8:55PM on Star World. šŸ˜‰

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 will – definitively – premiere tonight.

Posted by Norman on November 25, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

The Fab Fourteen of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1

The Judges (L-R): Daniel Boey, Nadya Hutagalung, Todd Anthony Tyler and Joey Mead King

Finally, after the much-ballyhooed news reports of the producers encountering serious financial problems while filming the show in Singapore, Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 will premiere on Star World tonight at 8:55PM (Manila time).

The Fourteen (14) contenders are (in random order):
Filantropi Witoko of Indonesia
Helena Chan of Hong Kong
Jee Choi of Korea
Jessica Amornkuldilok of Thailand
Kate Ma of Taiwan
Kyla Tan of Singapore
Monica Benjaratjarunun of Thailand
Rachel Erasmus of India
Sofia Wakabayashi of Japan
Stephanie Retuya of the Philippines
Aastha Pokharel of Nepal
Melissa Th’ng of Malaysia
Thuy Trang Nguyen of Vietnam
Bei Si Liu of China

One of these ladies will win Cycle 1 after undergoing weekly challenges that will test their skills and abilities in more ways than one. Aside from runway and photographic tests, they will also be required to go through activities that will measure their individual resolve and determination to become the region’s brightest in the world of modelling.

Who will she be? Find out as the show unfolds tonight and every Sunday night thereafter. šŸ˜‰