I never imagined to meet a Filipino representative from Next Top Model franchise. So when Abreeza invited me to join their new Fashion Forum, I never hesitated to say NO. Why? Because their guest was Monika Sta. Maria, the last Filipina standing in the latest season of Asia’s Next Top Model. She talked about her career in modeling and what she learned from the reality show.


Monika is the 1st runner up in AsNTM Season 3 next to Ayu Gani from Indonesia. She was a volleyball player from De La Salle University and a psychology graduate. She also won the Century Tuna SuperBods last 2012.


During the Fashion Forum, she shared to us her experiences when she auditioned for the show. She actually auditioned for the show’s Cycle 2 but she didn’t make the cut. So when she heard that there will be another audition, she really came in first and proved to the panel of judges that she is really serious in joining the next cycle. She successfully made the cut along with Amanda Chan and a Davaoeña Franchesca Lagua.



A lot of fans were able to ask her questions during the interview. And of course, I stand up and asked a very simple question. Fanboying here. LOL!

“You were a volleyball player in DLSU, right? Then, what made you decide to do modeling?” “Oh, actually I am into modeling na talaga and then I want to do something in school so, I became a volleyball player. Kaya lang, magkaiba kasi ang diet ng isang volleyball player compared sa pagiging model. Vigorous kasi ang training namin. So I really have to choose.**”

We also had a chance to take pictures with her on stage.

A selfie is mandatory. So here she is.

She’s very tall and skinny but just right. She really loves all of her fans and never lets them down if they asked for a selfie.

Thanks to Ms. Cheekie Albay and Abreeza Ayala Mall for inviting me again in this monthly convergence of fashion and lifestyle.

Monika’s Instagram - www.instagram.com/monikastamaria
Abreeza Ayala Mall - www.facebook.com/AbreezaMall
Instagram - www.instagram.com/iloveabreezamall

(Some photos here are from Abreeza Mall’s official photographer)

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