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Thailand’s Nana Jantarat hailed as SLAY Model of the Year!

Article (news)

Mary Ann Bardinas

<p>Out of the 24 transwomen model contestants from different parts of the continent who competed in <strong>SLAY Model Search Asia</strong>, Nana Jantarat of Thailand was hailed as the grand winner during the finale event held on Thursday, April 27, at the ABS-CBN Studio 10.</p><p>SLAY Model Search Asia is the first international modelling contest helmed by Slay Model Management, the world’s first and only transgender-exclusive model agency based in Los Angeles and is founded, owned, and ran by Filipino-American director, producer, filmmaker and executive Cecilio “Cece” Asuncion.</p><p>The program commenced with the introduction of all 24 model contestants, along with their three model-mentors Rain Batingana, Tyra Castillo, and Jasmine Basanes, as Kapamilya artist Maymay Entrata performed her invigorating version of BINI’s “Born To Win” while they sashayed onstage one by one. </p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E0VYFWI-QK8" title="Maymay Entrata delivers powerful rendition of &quot;Born To Win&quot; | SLAY Model Search Asia" width="789"></iframe></div><p>Taking on the hosting stints were popular impersonator-host and the first-ever transgender woman to win the 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actress accolade Jervi “Kaladkaren” Li and SLAY’s very own transman model, Cameron Scrase. Also present were Head of ABS-CBN Global Aldrin Cerrado, Chief Operating Officer for Broadcast Cory V. Vidanes, Head of Non-scripted Format Lui Andrada, Head of Star Music Roxy Liquigan, the ABS-CBN Global Team, and ABS-CBN Production Team.</p><p>Three candidates immediately stood out as they received the special awards. First off was the Best Editorial Model award, which was given to Fellini Rose of Vietnam, then the Best Runway Model to Risa Purisa of Thailand, while the SLAY Sisterhood Award was conferred to Mitch Ochosa of The Philippines. </p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QOSQUicX61w" title="The recipients of SLAY Model Search Asia’s special awards" width="789"></iframe></div><p>While SLAY is probably new to most of us, it has actually helped a lot of trans people from different races ever since its inception in 2016. Based on the AVP that explained its “heart,” it has actually opened doors for many members of the community, as it has been committed in “discovering and developing transgender models who are just as capable as their cis-gender counterparts.” The agency may have faced some struggles and sparked conversations through the years, but it was able to overcome those and even successfully fulfill its goals to be involved and thrive both in the worlds of fashion and entertainment. In fact, its talents have already appeared in several fashion shows, music videos, and internationally-released series, proving that “with passion and commitment, trans models and talents always take space and slay.”</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsaQod7EFL0" title="The Heart of SLAY: A glimpse on the prolific journey of SLAY Model Management through the years" width="789"></iframe></div><p>And among the personalities whose lives have changed ever since signing up with SLAY were models-turned-mentors Rain and Tyra, who imparted their respective journeys and gave their pieces of advice to the 24 hopefuls.</p><p>The contestants then flaunted their shimmering silver and white swimsuits in various silhouettes in the Swimwear Competition, wherein they did not only showcase their beautiful bodies, but their confidence, grace, and creativity, too, as they strutted onstage. </p><p>From 24, the number of candidates decreased to 12, with Tracy Dela Cruz from The Philippines being named as Miss Bigo Live after she got the greatest number votes from the livestream app. Joining her on the semi-finals were Nana Jantarat (Thailand), KC Cusi (Philippines), Vheny Setiawan (Indonesia), Louell Celis (Philippines), Drian Bautista (Philippines), Risa Purisa (Thailand), B Kanapat (Thailand), Abby Ecalnir (Philippines), Fellini Rose (Vietnam), Lauren Sanz (Philippines), and Sauce Chulalakkul (Thailand), who was bestowed the “The Cece Save.” Each of them was asked different questions according to their profiles, giving us a hint of their wit and grace under pressure.</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EXva4FxLwVI" title="Find out who made it to the Top 12 of SLAY Model Search Asia!" width="789"></iframe></div><p>Of course, a talent search wouldn’t be complete without a panel of judges, right? And for <strong>SLAY Model Search Asia</strong>, it was comprised by magazine editor and stylist Carole Cuasay Tagle; entrepreneur Richelle Bello-Casurao; Palanca award-winning writer Myrza Sison; multi-awarded celebrity photographer Jan Mayo; global cosmetic brand general manager Audrey Laglagaron; pageant producer and visual stylist Izza Dungca; multi-awarded Filipino designer Zarah Juan; Flux International President Queen Victoria Ortega; Dubai-based multi-awarded writer, magazine owner, and National Director for three franchises of the Miss Universe Organization Josh M. Yugen; entrepreneur Trisha Bantigue; host and award-winning filmmaker Dwight Allen O’Neal; and unkabogable TV personality, phenomenal concert artist, and box-office superstar Vice Ganda.</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-H-BjY6OwR8" title="Meet the panel of judges for SLAY Model Search Asia" width="789"></iframe></div><p>The Top 12 model contestants went on to set the stage on fire during the Head-to-Head Challenge, wherein they had a do-or-die face-off as they ramped in pairs while cladded in fashionable casual outfits. In the end, Nana Jantarat (Thailand), KC Cusi (Philippines), Louell Celis (Philippines), Risa Purisa (Thailand), Abby Ecalnir (Philippines), and Sauce Chulalakkul (Thailand) were the ones who dominated this Knockout Round and proceeded to the next level.</p><p>For a little bit of a breather from the scorching competition, Kaladkaren and Cameron chatted with SLAY Model Search 2022 North America winner Jasmine Basanes, as she talked about how it has been to be a talent of SLAY Model Management. </p><p>All the eliminated contestants went back onstage to open the Evening Gown showdown, wherein the Top 6 semi-finalists made our jaws drop with how ethereally gorgeous and mesmerizing they were in their fabulous frocks. Everyone was then serenaded by Tarsier Records’ very own artist Sam Hashimoto, who swooned us with his performance of his single “Before The Night Disappears.”</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-hjnrBWXni0" title="The stunning Top 6 finalists of SLAY Model Search Asia" width="789"></iframe></div><p>With how they nailed the previous round, Sauce Chulalakkul (Thailand), Nana Jantarat (Thailand), and Abby Ecalnir (Philippines) were named the Final 3. </p><p>Before moving on to the final stretch of the show, the hosts called in jurors Myrza Sison and Carole Tagle to ask them about their experience in assessing the performances of the model contestants, as well as Vice Ganda for her point-of-view regarding SLAY’s significant role in elevating the space of transgender women and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community.</p><p>The It’s Showtime host conveyed, “This kind of event, this kind of competition showcases the limitless talent and the beauty of our trans sisters. As you said earlier, visibility and representation are both very, very important to the community. And hopefully this event opens limitless opportunities for the members of our community because all these girls are slaying...and they deserve a spot and a space to slay. As you said earlier, trans is history, trans is now, and trans is the future.” </p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y8Y7QltJNeo" title="Vice Ganda defines what makes a woman slay | SLAY Model Search Asia" width="789"></iframe></div><p>She was also quizzed on how she would define what makes a woman slay, to which she retorted, “A woman slays when she is confident of herself, a woman slays when she believes in herself. Because being yourself is the easiest thing to do in this world.”</p><p>Sauce, Nana, and Abby attempted to leave final impressions prior to the announcement of the winner by making the room shimmer in their gold gowns. It was succeeded by a hearty closing remark from founder and director Cece Asuncion. </p><p>Declared as the 2nd runner-up is Sauce Chulalakkul of Thailand, while Philippines’ sole bet in the Final 3 Abby Ecalnir is 1st runner-up. Nana Jantarat of Thailand was hailed as the grand winner. Aside from getting signed by SLAY Model Management, she also would bag over 1 million worth of prizes and would be the brand ambassador of two of the event sponsors.</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j2FjnUzn3qE" title="Thailand" s="" rep="" Nana="" Jantarat="" named="" as="" SLAY="" Model="" Search="" Asia="" width="789"></iframe></div><p>Relive all the excitement during the finale event as <strong>SLAY Model Search Asia</strong> will be aired on MYX this April 29 (Saturday), and on TFC, Metro, <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-kapamilya-channel-12340" target="_blank"><u><strong>Kapamilya Online Live</strong></u></a> and <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/abs-cbn-goes-full-blast-on-digital-launches-kapamilya-online-live-on-youtube-and-facebook-12718" target="_blank"><u><strong>Kapamilya Channel</strong></u></a> on April 30 (Sunday)! <br/> </p>

Thailand bet Nana Jantarat slayed the strongest in the SLAY Model Search Asia as she was hailed the grand winner during the finale held on Thursday, April 27.