The moment one utters the term supermodel, those in the know immediately refer it to Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Linda Evangelista – the holy trinity of glamazons that ruled the catwalk and graced the most important fashion bibles as cover girls, fashion editorial muses, and brand ambassadresses.
Our contributions to the elite circle of supermodels include Anna Bayle, Melanie Marquez, Charo Ronquillo, and most recently, Maureen Wroblewitz.
When this sees print, Shyrla Santos Nuñez, Miss Supermodel Worldwide Philippines 2023, might be the latest to be part of that assembly of ladies with the illusive X factor and the attitude that screams fashion is what I wear.
Her passport to the elite circle, having participated in the Miss Supermodel Worldwide beauty pageant wherein she is the third Filipina to join the contest.
Up close and personal, this doctor of dental medicine is dusky as Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, regal as Miss Universe 1973 Margarita Moran, confidently beautiful as Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, and has the gift of gab and spontaneity as Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
“That is flattering,” she beams showing off her pearly whites. “These ladies are my idols because they are representations of what makes a Filipina unique. All of them are beautiful, intelligent, and brought pride to our country.”
“For the statuesque Nuñez, pageantry is her creative outlet. It allows her to express herself through clothes, walking on the ramp, and posing. When she meets a lot of creative people, it gives her a different kind of adrenaline rush.
“I have determination, when I want something, I work hard on it. I put my heart into the cause so the inspiration to achieve it comes from within me. Winning the title, I want the world stage to see na iba talaga ang gandang Filipina,” she asserts.
Her greatest asset, she believes is the color of her skin, which makes her feel more beautiful.
“Having it makes me a standout. If I am in a room full of women who are white or pale, I know that being noticed will not be difficult. And then I add my confidence and the outfits and project them well.”
Nuñez describes beauty as not just the physical. Being physically gifted helps but what makes you more beautiful is your peace of mind, happiness, and emotions that are positive, she says.
“You know, being a supermodel is a person that you look up to, inspires you to become better, to be a good person and be comfortable in your own skin,” she adds.
Her A game, Nuñez affirms, “The way I pose and play in front of the camera. I am more focused on showing more facial expressions, letting my eyes speak, in highlighting the clothes I wear with movements that are fluid and fun. I want people to feel that I enjoy my moment on stage”.
Wearing swimsuits does not daunt her because she believes that there is something liberating to showing off your curves and skin.
Speaking of stage moments, her lotus-colored Philippine terno with embroidery inspired by the peacock was truly a stunning creation by Mara Chua. The ensemble served as her national costume.
Of the dresses and gowns, Nuñez shares that all of them are statement pieces. They carry special elements that highlight our Filipino heritage. The colors are vibrant. The designs are exciting. Her fashion team made sure that all the clothes carry the uniqueness of our Filipino culture.
At the conclusion of Miss Supermodel WorldWide 2023 held in India on April 15, Nuñez reached the top five and eventually won 4th runner-up. She also won the special award for Best Runway Model.