Breaking stereotypes and conquering runways

I see it, I tell myself that all that diet and workout is paying off,” she coyly laughed.

But as for her X-factor, Danica recalls what her mom told her: “Let God be your X-factor.”

“The physical aspect changes—your body changes, but you cannot change the expression on your face—that presence that would make people remember you. Yung expression na pinapakita mo ang pinakaimportante—hindi yun maa- alter. [It’s the expression on your face that’s most important; it cannot be changed],” she shared

Danica says she believes that it was God who brought her to where she is now, and this gives her the confidence to hold her head high before an international audience.

“There will always be people who won’t like what you’re doing, and will criticize you, so instead of trying to please people, I just give my best each time I perform.”

Another advise her mom and sister gave her was just to enjoy life. “My mom told me to enjoy the moment, to enjoy everything because at the end of the day it’s all going to be a memory, and if that memory is not good for

you then it’s not worth it.”

Beyond the runway

Danica’s 10-month stint in the models apartment in New York made her discover things she never would have learned in school. “In school, you’re more concerned about grades,” she revealed. “Now I know that it’s not everything. Natutunan ko [I learned] what life is.”

She is also aware that her modeling career wouldn’t last forever, that’s why she says she wants to finish her studies even through online programs.

“Modeling is a business and we models are like goods, ‘ di mo maiiwasan [you cannot avoid] to have shelf life. The important thing is to know where or what you are going to do next. You should always know your next step. Just like Heidi Klum or Tyra Banks—they have found more successful careers after modeling.

“Tyra is not just a beauty icon, she has also become a successful businesswoman and popular media person too,” she related.

Will she be following Tyra’s footsteps and join the entertainment business as well?

“Yes, I’m open to the idea but I haven’t actually thought about it seriously,” she answered.

If given the chance, Danica says she’d like to try hosting and do light comedy roles.

So far, she hasn’t received any showbiz offers, and says she’d like to focus on her modeling career.

“For now, I’ll focus on my modeling po. Kasi, while you’re here, why not give it your best shot. Tapos afterwards, whatever God wants me to be, kung ano ang destined sa akin ni Lord, [whatever the Lord has planned for me], I’m going to enjoy it,” she said with a smile.

What about joining Bb. Pilipinas? Danica answered, “They say my sister is much better suited for beauty pageants— ako daw ang pang [I’m the] model.”

Danica will be going to Singapore in March to explore her opportunities there, fully aware of the demand for more Asian models. She goes back to the Philippines in April for the Philippine Fashion Week.

“I always knew that after everything I’m coming back to the Philippines. This is where my heart is. This is my home.”