Stephanie Retuya

All posts tagged Stephanie Retuya

Asia’s Next Top Model Season 3 Casting Call

Posted by Norman on September 18, 2014
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , .

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The Philippine leg will happen on October 4 & 5 at Resorts World Manila

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The Season 2 Contenders

While the inaugural edition of Top Model Philippines is taking long to get going, the region-wide Asia’s Next Top Model has already started planning for its third season. In fact, a 2-day Philippine Casting Call will be taking place from October 4-5 at Resorts World Manila (you can check with Information on the specific screening venue once there).

So if you are a potential joiner in this reality model search, get ready to put your best foot forward for the screening committee on the said dates. It will help a lot if you’re expressive, bubbly and with a nice little back story to tell the judges. That way, there will be added interest in your application.

Give it a try, ladies. Who knows, you might follow the trails of Season 1 runner-up Stephanie Retuya, Season 2 runner-up Jodilly Pendre & 3rd placer Katarina Rodriguez and eventually be the first Filipina to actually win the competition. 😉

Two Philippine contenders for Asia’s Next Top Model Season 2

Posted by Norman on December 11, 2013
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , .

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The two contenders from the Philippines in Asia's Next Top Model Season 2

courtesy of Asia’s Next Top Model S2

For a change, the Philippines is one of a few countries with more than one contender in Season 2 of the successful reality model competition “Asia’s Next Top Model”. And the good thing is that the looks of our entries are of two different types – the morena (Jodilly Pendre) and the mestiza (Catarina Rodriguez).

Jodilly is from the University of Santo Tomas and has been modeling for a number of years now. Catarina Rodriguez, on the other hand, is a ramp and photographic newbie with very little professional experience as a model. She has been focusing more on her studies at De La Salle University until the offer to screen and get signed up for the show came along.

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Sixteen (16) competitors from all over Asia will join host Nadya Hutagalung for the sophomore season of the show which will seek to find the new face to grace fashion shows and commercial ads, just like Jessica Amornkuldilok of Thailand who won Season 1 with her runner-up Stephanie Retuya of the Philippines.

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Asia's Next Top Model Season 2 starts January 8, 2014 on Star World.

And for Season 2, the producers learned their lessons well. They have already installed cameras all over the model’s quarters in order to follow their moves and small talks 24/7. They admit to having missed out on a lot of juicy tidbits about the contestants that would have made for better TV viewing.

Watch out for the premiere of Asia’s Next Top Model Season 2 on Star World starting January 8, 2014. This blogger will follow the whole program once more to give you weekly updates. 😉

Season 2 of Asia’s Next Top Model is open for casting!

Posted by Norman on July 2, 2013
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , .

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online download

One of my favorite reality shows on regional cable TV is back for Season 2. And they’re now open for casting. Just take note of the details above and you can either fill up the online application form or download the same.

If you have what it takes to become the next most promising Asian catwalk diva, then give it a shot! You have until July 28 to do so.

Who knows, you might just follow the footsteps of Season 1 winner Jessica Amornkuldilok of Thailand and her runner-up Stephanie Retuya of the Philippines. 😉

For eligibility requirements, please click HERE.

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1: Finale Party…what a first season!

Posted by Norman on February 18, 2013
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

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Winner Jessica from Thailand

It was such an exhilirating first season of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1. Sure, there were bumps at the onset, but they were all straightened out as the show progressed.

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The models with host Nadya, mentor Joey and photographer Todd.

The Finale Party at Resorts World Sentosa was a blast. All the models, save for Kate who was a no-show or probably didn’t make it to Singapore on time, enjoyed the proceedings and bonded like long-lost sisters. Host Nadya Hutagalung, mentor Joey Mead King and resident photographer Todd Anthony Tyler gamely played along and made sure that the event punctuated the first season with a big bang and a rain of confettis.

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Jessica (top), Stephanie (lower left) and Helena on the catwalk during the party.

Despite the sprinkling of friction and slight animosity between winner Jessica and the other model-contenders, everything finished off fine as they all strutted their stuff, while looking after each other. I’m just curious why Kate didn’t make the effort to attend the party? Was she really heartbroken after losing in the finale?

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From left to right: Photographer Todd, Host Nadya and Mentor Joey.

Nadya, Joey and Todd should definitely sign on for Cycle 2 (if ever a second season gets produced). As for Daniel, I would love seeing less of him blowing his top, and focus on giving tactfully-delivered constructive directions instead of shouting/biotching at the ladies. I also expect this quartet to be comparatively relaxed and less acquiesced the next time around.

That’s all for Season 1. After making all the weekly updates (for love of the show), I will take a much-needed breather first. As extra treat for Stephanie fans and supporters, below is her Canon Ixus commercial shot during the last ep.

Thank you to everyone for making Asia’s Next Top Model such a popular and highly-viewed topic in my blog! 🙂

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Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1: Season Finale Update…..Jessica wins!

Posted by Norman on February 18, 2013
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 1 Winner Jessica Amornkuldilok of Thailand

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Stephanie (L) and Kate in their Harper's Bazaar Singapore cover shoot.

The Grand Finals of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 ended on a high note with the anticipated victory of Thailand’s Jessica Amornkuldilok.

The season’s last show started with the final 3 models – Jessica, Kate and Stephanie – preparing to leave Hong Kong. On their return to Singapore, they found themselves staying in a smaller house (with only two bedrooms) at the Capella. Jessica quickly cornered the single room for herself, which left Kate and Stephanie sharing the master bedroom. It started to dawn on the new roommates that the Thai is slowly distancing herself, and admitted that she doesn’t want to help anyone anymore with her tricks.

The girls were each given a Canon Ixus camera and a long English script to practice and memorize. The challenge was to shoot a commercial for the digicam brand. Everyone took it seriously. And the following morning, it was host Nadya who took the task of directing the same. At a back room, mentor Joey Mead King met up with the girls’ surprise guests – Jessica’s boyfriend Joe, Stephanie’s Korean boyfriend Kim and Kate’s handsome brother Inan.

So back to the TVC shoot. Stephanie gave the best 15-seconder. Her better English diction, smiling eyes and easy vibe helped in doing so. The two others also delivered, but they had a relatively hard time delivering the lines clearly. At any rate, getting some quality time with their loved ones after the test upped their confidence and morale big time.

On to the next challenge. The Harper Bazaar’s cover girl photoshoot. This is Stephanie’s Achilles heel and Jessica’s territory. Kate slid in the middle and pumped up her sexiness even more.

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Tyra Banks (L) with host Nadya during the final runway challenge.

And for the one final challenge – a runway show at Resorts World Sentosa in a venue surrounded by a gigantic aquarium. The top 3 wore designs by Singaporean Frederick Lee. Additional models were former ANTM US vs UK winner Sophie Sumner, plus three of Singapore’s popular models and six of the previously eliminated contestants including Sofia, Aastha, Helena, Filantropi, Trang and Kyla. And of course, the presence of Tyra Banks made everything even more special.

Stephanie aced the runway. Kate did okay, but her challenging pieces prevented an impressive catwalk. But it was Jessica who always knew how to shine. She gave the most dramatic glide among the three.

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The top 3 (left to right) - Stephanie, Kate and Jessica - during their final judging.

Judging time came. It may sound anti-climactic but everyone knew that Jessica will be announced winner. At one point, guest judge Tyra Banks served as devil’s advocate and questioned the chances of the already 27 year-old Thai to start a modeling career in her late 20s. It even sounded that she wants Stephanie to win because the Filipina is more current in looks and moves. She also made it clear that Kate is a lock for 3rd among the trio, and even baptized the Taiwanese-Brazilian the ‘Kate Upton’ of Asia.

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A weeping Jessica after she was named winner.

In the end, and after a crying monologue from Jessica detailing why it took her this long to embark on an international modeling portfolio, she was declared Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 winner. Hugs and kisses and tears overflowed.

Good luck, Jessica! And take good care of this excellent opportunity now in your hands. Kate! I will never forget your crazy personality. And Stephanie, you obviously placed runner-up. It may not be the top spot, but it will definitely open doors for you, as has been happening the past couple of months where you had to keep mum about the results.

Done! Looking forward to Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2. Fingers tightly crossed for that! 😀

Win or lose, Stephanie Retuya has already made her mark

Posted by Norman on February 13, 2013
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , .

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Stephanie Retuya during one of her latest photoshoots.

True, she has not won a single Best Photo during the pre-final run of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1.

True as well that she is going into the Grand Finale of the show as the underdog.

But whatever the results will unravel come Sunday night, Stephanie Retuya of the Philippines has already left an indelible mark in the eyes of the regional TV audience. Her beautiful face cannot be denied, regardless of the fact that she crawled her way to the Top 3 in the toughest manner possible. She was on the brink of elimination the most number of times, and in every bottom two appearance, she managed to get saved.

Call her soft. Call her shy. Call her what you want.

Stephanie is still up there with the top favorite (Jessica) plus Kate to lay claim for the top prize.

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'Eat your hearts out, girls! I'm in the Top 3!' Stephanie must be exclaiming

Win or lose, she has already proven herself more than worthy. 🙂

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1: Week #12 Update…Hong Kong, here they come!

Posted by Norman on February 11, 2013
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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The remaining ladies (l-r Kate, Jessica, Stephanie and Sofia) were overjoyed upon learning that they will all be going to Hong Kong!

In this week’s episode of Asia’s Next Top Model, the four remaining ladies were given a welcome surprise – a trip to Hong Kong! But it won’t be just a leisurely dimsum-filled sightseeing visit to one of the most exciting cities in the region. On the contrary, the challenges awaiting the contenders were anything but relaxing.

Go see (no pun intended). 😉

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The models were billeted at The Mira, one of HK's coolest design hotels.

Upon arriving in Hong Kong, the girls headed straight to check-in at The Mira, a fab expensive hotel right on busy Nathan Road. They occupied one of the biggest suites. Having won the last best photo, Jessica was rewarded with spa treatments, which left Sofia and Stephanie enjoying the jacuzzi and a sulking Kate (she was too sensitive to comments about her oft annoying ways) taking a bubble bath alone.

The next morning, Host Nadya dropped by with celebrity model Cara Grogan to introduce the next challenge – casting/go-sees. As a group, the quartet headed to five stops, as follows:

1) Shanghai Tang for runway…Stephanie was booked.
2) Starz People casting for a foaming wash commercial…Jessica and Kate were booked.
3) Coty for Fragrance campaign…Jessica was booked.
4) Dream Nation for runway…Stephanie and Jessica were booked.
5) Cocomojo Bags for print…Kate was booked.

Sofia had zero booking. Jessica had three so she won a 2-night stay at the Mira. And so as to ease the day-long stress, Nadya brought all four on a Chinese boat ride around the Hong Kong harbor and spent some bonding time with everyone.

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Nadya took all four girls aboard a Chinese tour boat that circled the Hong Kong harbour.

The main photoshoot challenge the following day had a theme of 1920s Screen Goddesses. Wearing imperial-inspired designs by Shanghai Tang, all four were shot amidst the buzzing streets of Central District. Jessica commanded attention, but was too immersed in her internalization that half of her shots were wasted because she didn’t focus on the camera clicks that were less audible in public. Stephanie was visibly nervous during hers, perhaps due to the added pressure of not having won Best Photo yet. Sofia was at her awkward worst. It didn’t help that her gown was a bit unsettling for her long frame. Meanwhile, Kate was nailing shot after shot, but had to hold on to a pole to control her constantly moving hands.

During judging time, somebody broke Jessica’s winning streak. Kate, for a fresh change, gave the Best Photo. She automatically qualifies for the Grand Finale next week. Runner-up was Jessica and she will join Kate in the Top 3. Bottom two were Stephanie and Sofia. What can I say? The Filipina really has nine lives! Once more, she avoided elimination at the expense of Sofia, and becomes the third contender for the finals.

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Who will win Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 1 in next week's finale?

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Tyra Banks guests in the finale.

Next week is the big night for Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 where one among Jessica, Kate and Stephanie will be declared winner by no less than Tyra Banks herself. You wouldn’t want to miss that, even as Jessica is showing signs of giving in to pressure when she needed to be at her absolute best. Will she cave in to her weakness on the runway and allow Stephanie to shine at what the latter does best?

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Only three girls remain, who will come out on top?

Watch the finals on February 17, only on Star World at 8:55pm. 😉

P.S. Apologies for the absence of the Best Photo. The producers failed to upload the same on time.

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1: Week 11 Update…recapturing the not-so-distant past

Posted by Norman on February 4, 2013
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

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This week’s episode of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 is a flashback to the past ten weeks of the reality program. But if you thought that watching the same will just be a rehash of everything that was aired before, you’ve got another thing coming.

Never before seen footages of the models, edited-out scenes and outtakes filled most of the show. The collage gave viewers a relatively deeper look into what actually transpired among the ladies. And sure enough, it mirrored an added amount of understanding into the personalities of those we love to hate or simply, love to bits.

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And you thought Helena was as bad as she was made to look like in the first 9 episodes? Truth be told, she is tame compared to her meanest counterparts in the Next Top Model editions of the U.S., U.K., Australia and Canada. And just think how boring the whole thing would be without her quick and at-times-tactless tongue. Her pep talk with mentor Joey Mead King showed that she can be an emotional weakling like the rest of us.

If you ask me, Sofia is the one who could be somewhat meaner (or underhanded if you will) in the sense that her body language tends to show less-than-pleasant candor than what could be normally presented as being brave and unruffled. She could be the one you wouldn’t want to be on the bad side of.

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What could be the big surprise for the Final 4? Find out next week!

Anyways, after the recap, the ladies were shown getting a surprise visit from coach Daniel Boey at Capella. They were asked to show him favorite pieces in their respective luggages. From this, he segued to the importance of being presentable all the time. Kate suddenly jumped the gun and said that an overseas trip could be the surprise for the Top 4. Daniel did not confirm, but the last shot before the final credits showed them receiving an “unexpected surprise” inside a box that really made everyone jump for joy. Is it really a trip to London (as Kate assumed) or somewhere else? Find out next week!

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The Top 4. Who will win Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 1?

And so, only four girls remain in the hunt for the top spot. Who among Jessica of Thailand, Kate of Taiwan, Sofia of Japan and Stephanie of the Philippines will end up becoming Asia’s Next Top Model? Please keep on watching till the last episode. And don’t forget that it airs on Star World, Sunday nights at 8:55pm. 😉

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1: Week #10 Update…Motion Impossible: Stop Jessica!

Posted by Norman on January 28, 2013
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

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Jessica (L) won Best Photo for the 4th consecutive time. Kate was runner-up.

Confidence in Motion are the key words for Week #10 of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1. And that is what one of the show’s main sponsors – Subaru XV – is all about.

The episode started with the five remaining girls returning to their residence in Capella from the last elimination where Helena was kicked out. Sofia and Kate were overjoyed that their perceived ‘antagonist’ is already out of the picture. Stephanie and Aastha were sorry to see her go, on the other hand. And Jessica? She was her plain old self – silent and unperturbed. And this brings the rest to the realization that the Thai is really becoming a favorite to win the whole thing. In short, a target is now marked on her back. It’s either they step up big time or get shot down one by one.

The next morning, they were brought to DanzPeople where Mentor Joey Mead King, Choreographer Sheena Seah and Guest Judge Paula Taylor (remember her as MTV VJ and part of The Amazing Race Asia 2?) gave a quick session on movement and face acting. The purpose of the exercise is to prep them up for their very first motion editorial with Subaru XV. Each were assigned roles to play in front of the camera. Stephanie is a fashionable shopper, Jessica is a rich lady of leisure, Sofia is a sleek career woman, Kate is a carefree nature lover and Aastha a sophisticated glamour girl. With Daniel Boey alternating with Todd Anthony Tyler in directing, the ladies were pressured to give it their best. Stephanie got the ire of their coach once more (which led to an emotional breakdown of sorts) for falling short of the required projection, while Jessica reaped endless superlatives for always bringing her A-game. The other three gave good performances. Of course, a winner had to be chosen. Surprise! It’s Jessica again! And she takes a gift from Subaru, including a S$1,000.00 shopping voucher.

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Stephanie failed to impress in her first motion editorial.

That night, Stephanie made an overseas call to her son and Korean boyfriend. She was experiencing a lot of homesickness, further aggravated by her downhill performances of late. And the crying carried over till the next morning where they will do a movement photoshoot with Todd. It was a good thing Daniel gave her a pep talk. That helped her a lot in giving satisfactory poses in the challenge. But not as overwhelmingly great as Jessica and Kate who simply wowed everyone with their brave and fluid stances in front of the camera. Sofia was okay, and Aastha was just troubled in hers. Her long wig didn’t help any, and removing the same wasn’t much of a solution either. An expression-less face is pulling her down slowly.

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Best of friends Aastha (L) and Stephanie cried and hugged after realizing that one of them has to go.

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Aastha is this week's evictee.

Judging time came. And with the additional presence of Paula Taylor in the panel, the five models were assessed with Jessica and Kate getting glowing reviews for their shots. As expected, Jessica was named Girl with the Best Photo for the fourth consecutive time. Kate was the runner-up. Sofia ranked third. And this left good friends Aastha and Stephanie in bottom two. At this point, any one of them can justifiably be removed from the competition. But escaping by the skin of her teeth for yet another instance is Stephanie who I presume narrowly edged Aastha to be part of the Top 4. Whew! The Filipina sure has nine lives! But she just might run out of it next time if she doesn’t give the challenges more than her 100%.

Next week’s episode is a recap of the program’s first ten episodes so be sure to watch because a good number of unseen footages will be shown for the first time. Keep on watching Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 on Star World, Sunday nights at 8:55pm. 😉

P.S. Below are the Top 5’s Best Individual Photos for Week 10.

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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. 😉