Model manager

In the 1990s, the word “supermodel” came to be inextricably linked to names like “Naomi Campbell,” “Cindy Crawford,” “Claudia Schiffer” or “Tyra Banks.” Some 30 years later, Filipinas, notably Kelsey Merritt, the first model from the Philippines to participate in a Victoria’s Secret fashion show and to be featured in Sports Illustrated; Danica Magpantay, winner of the 2011 Ford Supermodel of the World competition; and Janine Tugonon, now a familiar face on international catwalks, are also fast gaining top-of-mind recognition.

That list fortunately doesn’t end there. In 2017, Maureen Wroblewitz, a Filipino-German, won the fifth season of “Asia’s Next Top Model,” an offshoot of the reality show “America’s Next Top Model,” hosted by Banks. She is represented by Storm Model Management of London and Prima Stella Management in Manila.

Wroblewitz was discovered by Prima Stella’s Chief Executive Officer and Manager Chinie Go, who also counts in her talent portfolio the likes of Adela Mae Marshall, “Asia’s Next Top Model” sixth season runner-up; Kelley Day, Miss Eco Philippines 2019; Franki Russell, Pinoy Big Brother 8 fan favorite, Maureen Schrijvers, track star and 2019 SEA Games bronze medalist; and Ambra Gutierrez, the Filipina-Italian model who exposed film mogul Harvey Weinstein’s predatory advances, which exploded into the #MeToo movement.

Chinie is no stranger to the spotlight, having answered casting calls in the past that led to a few commercials. “It wasn’t something that I [really] expected because akala ko hindi ako pwede [I thought I wasn’t suited to it],” she recalls.

One of these “go-sees” (where a person visits an agency to have his or her modelling potential assessed) was with Elite Manila, the local arm of the prestigious Elite Model Management, which represents over 2,000 models and operates in 80 countries. “I went and waited for a callback. Then, I got an email, which I found funny because they were asking me if I wanted to work with them as a booker,” she says. “I told myself that maybe I was just overqualified to be a model. And also because in my head, I saw myself as being 5’8” tall, but in reality, I was [only] 5’3”. Besides that, I was already in my thirties, but I tried my luck anyway. I was optimistic!”

Luckily, Chinie took to her new role with ease. “I’m not really used to being in front of the camera,” she admits. “I’d much prefer myself to be behind the scenes. [At Prima Stella], I’m more of a mentor because I share my knowledge and skills with my kids.”

Asked what prompted the thought of establishing her own enterprise, she replies: “I used to scout foreign models [for Elite Manila]. One day, I scouted a half-Filipino and realized that I wanted to — and should — represent my own color.” Hence, Prima Stella came to life.

“This is the very first model management [agency in the Philippines] to exclusively represent Filipinos and half-Asians,” she adds.

Against the glitzy backdrop of the fashion world, Chinie considers caring for her proteges a serious responsibility. She says: “It’s basically treating them like your own kids. You nurture them until they grow and blossom into the best version of themselves. Nakakakilig lang [it makes me feel giddy] to see them grow from being kids to adults and seeing them reach their goals.”

“Modeling for me isn’t just about having a pretty face. That’s just a plus point. Of course, this is still a business of aesthetics, but I like to add my own twist, where I say: ‘Make your personality taller than your [actual] height,’ she says. “I don’t care how tall or beautiful they are. I want an attitude with impact, a personality that one can be aspire to and a face that no one can forget.”

Active in lockdown

The Covid-19 pandemic prompted Chinie to hit pause on Prima Stella. However, that didn’t mean a passive existence for her. “This is not the time to dwell and wait for blessings to come in,” this mother of two declares. “You try to be that blessing. You go the extra mile to live and survive.”

The talent executive launched an online store on Instagram, called @heymomofficial, selling honey-lemon-ginger blends.“My idea for this project was to make the new generation appreciate [what I call] ‘Lola [heirloom]’ recipes with a twist. Since this pandemic is all about staying healthy, I had to do it,” she says.

Chinie, who reveals she cares deeply about children’s rights and the environment, supports groups such as the Cameleon Association Philippines, which champions abused women and children, Council for the Welfare of Children, Greenpeace International and World Wide Fund for Nature. To augment her education, she enrolled in online courses at the International Foundation for the Advancement of Reflective Learning and Teaching, which guides and mentors those creating initiatives for “tolerance, peace and conflict resolution.”

Alongside her business and advocacies, Chinie religiously carves out time for her children and “significant other.” “[When we’re together], we seize the moment. Sometimes, we do a lot of activities, but we can also not do anything at all, together. Our favorite pastime is being outdoors,” she says.

The model-turned-manager waits out the pandemic with unflagging optimism. She responds in the unequivocal positive when asked whether Prima Stella will bounce back after the health issues are resolved.

Helping others realize their potential is her life’s passion, and no virus is going to deter this tenacious achiever from fulfilling that goal.