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2 Filipinas make it to Asia's Next Top Model competition

Katarina Rodriguez

Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez, who are representing the Philippines in the second season of "Asia's Next Top Model (ANTM)," are determined to win the title for the country.

The two are among the 16 models who made it to the prestigious competition, which is the Asian franchise of America's Next Top Model (ANTM).

"Sobra lakas ng fighting spirit ko. Kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko, I won’t be pressured kapag andoon na ko sa model house. I’m here, I will focus, I’m here to win and I’m here to give pride to the Philippines. So more of excitement yung naramdaman ko kaysa pressure kasi I really enjoyed being there. I really enjoyed every challenge," Jodilly said.

Katarina, a student of  De La Salle University, strongly believes in the strength and talent of Filipino women. She credits ANTM first season runner-up Stephanie Retuya for "setting the bar high."

Proud to represent PH

"I'm very proud to represent the Philippines because as we all know the country has a wide variety of beautiful women. Like in beauty pageants, it's either we're winning or placing as a runner-up. The pressure is on, especially with (the feat of) Stephanie."

Katarina recalls her impressions of  Stephanie.

"She's very beautiful. When I was there, I was like 'I have to win or at least be a runner-up.' She made our country very proud. My mentality during the show, I’m not only representing the Philippines, but I’m also representing all the younger girls."

Jodilly was a self-supporting college student because her father passed away.

"Ang hirap punan kasi mahal rin yung tuition sa UST. Independent pa ako. Iyon ang nagmold sa akin na mag-isip na sa lahat ng gagawin mo, dapat isipin mo muna. Inuna ko ang pagtatrabaho at pag-aaral. Nung nag-graduate ako, sabi ko, gusto kong maging model. Hanggang ngayon proud ako na nakatapos ako ng ako lang."

Katarina, on the other hand, grew up in the U.S. and didn't have modeling background. She is thankful to her friends who believed in her and pushed her to try modeling.

"They were saying, ‘You’re 21, you’re getting old. So you need to go for it now.' I auditioned and actually got in."

Friends and rivals

Jodilly and Katarina may be competitors because only one can win the title. But they make it a point to help each other.

 "Her height is a big asset because she's quite tall. She also has an ideal physique. She has experience in modeling. She's also respectful," Katarina describes Jodilly.

Jodilly, on the other hand, admires Katarina's determination.

"I love her being open and fearless when it comes to photo shoots. She follows instructions and tries her best to improve herself."

"Asia's Next Top Model" is hosted by Nadya Hutagalung, with Joey Mead as one of the judges. It airs on TV5 every Thursday after "For Love or Money."