Image: Instagram/@iloveruffag
The ageless Ruffa Gutierrez was feeling a bit nostalgic recently when she shared a throwback photo of her during her time in the Elite modeling competition in New York as a 17-year-old. This was back in 1992, a year before her stint in Miss World 1993 where she placed second runner-up.
Gutierrez’s reminiscence was timely, as she hosted Miss World Philippines 2018 yesterday, Oct. 7. In her post which she shared on the same day, Gutierrez showed a picture of 17-year-old her in The Plaza Hotel, New York City during what looks to be a photo shoot for the “Elite Look of the Year” modeling competition.
“Hi, I’m Sharmaine Ruffa Gutierrez, 17 years old from the Philippines!” wrote Gutierrez. “This polaroid was taken at the Plaza Hotel in New York when I was handpicked by Mrs. Stella Araneta to represent our country in John Casablancas’ ‘ELITE LOOK OF THE YEAR’ modeling competition.”
The now-defunct Elite Model Look was an annual fashion modeling event by the Elite Model Management. It ran from 1983 to 1995 and saw the likes of supermodels Cindy Crawford, Alessandra Ambrosio, First Lady Melania Trump and Gisele Bundchen, among others.
As per Gutierrez, this modeling competition was a “once in a lifetime experience.”
“This once in a lifetime experience 26 years ago paved the way for me to be a beauty queen and gave me the opportunities I am enjoying today,” she continued to say.
She also wished the contestants of Miss World Philippines 2018 the best of luck for their grand coronation night.
“Tonight, 40 candidates vie for the MISS WORLD PHILIPPINES 2018 crown. Good luck, ladies! May the best queen win!” she said.
Despite the new generation of beauty queens and models these days, Gutierrez sure held her own as host of the Miss World pageant. Last night, she re-shared a clip of her hosting, from producer-director Mike Carandang.
In the clip, Gutierrez can be seen looking regal and gorgeous in a black gown with a thigh-high slit as she took to the stage.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram Stories/@iloveruffag
She also shared a throwback picture of her on her Instagram Stories during Miss World 1993 wearing her national costume, created by iconic Filipino fashion designer Ben Farrales.
“Sun City, South Africa national costume by Mang Ben Farrales,” wrote Gutierrez. “Miss World 1993.”
Image: Screengrab from Instagram Stories/@iloveruffag
As for last night’s coronation, it was Miss Intercontinental Philippines 2017 Katarina Rodriguez who took home the crown. Aside from being Miss World Philippines 2018, Rodriguez also won beach body, Miss Resorts World and best in gown. JB
RELATED STORIES:
Ruffa Gutierrez and daughters harassed by ‘old men’ in Malaysia theme park
LOOK: Ruffa Gutierrez, daughters revel in ‘City of Stars’ LA