‘Top Model’ finalist finds a home in Manila

ALLISON Harvard

“America’s Next Top Model” alum Allison Harvard, who’s currently based in Manila, is not closing doors on the possibility of doing acting projects here in the future.

“My goal this year is to keep being open-minded and to not readily say no to anything. After all, I’ve done a bit of theater acting back when I was in high school and college,” Allison said at her recent launch as the newest endorser of the beauty center chain Bioessence. “Let’s see if the opportunity presents itself.”

Asked if she plans to study Filipino, Allison—who was last seen as one of the judges in TV5’s “Celebrity Dance Battle”—said that she had gotten names of potential tutors.

“I’ve actually had a couple of lessons before, but my former teacher became busy. I hope to take them again soon,” related Allison, who placed second in both the 12th and 17th seasons of the reality modeling competition hosted by TV personality and former supermodel Tyra Banks.

Prior to her judging stint in “Celebrity Dance Battle,” Allison hosted “Mega Fashion Crew: Reloaded” on ETC channel. The 26-year-old model has likewise walked in a few shows at the 2012 Philippine Fashion Week, and has since worked with Filipino designers like Michael Cinco, Albert Andrada and Avel Bacudio.

Fragrance campaign

The model from Spring, Texas related that it was Michael Carandang, one of the producers of “Top Model,” who first brought her over to the Philippines for a fragrance campaign for a fashion line.

“I’ve been doing a lot of work here and ended up basing myself here,” Allison related, adding that she’s been in the country for about nine months now. “It’s been great so far.”

Earlier this year, Allison signed a five-year management contract with Arnold Vegafria’s ALV Talent Circuit.

“I made a lot of friends here and met some of the nicest people I’ve ever worked with. The environment has been comfortable. I would love to stay [and work] here as long as [possible],” added Allison.

Allison, who stood out in “Top Model” for her crazy-big eyes and doll-like look, admitted that she does get homesick once in a while.

“I just think that not many people get to do what I do. I’m so happy with my job right now,” said Allison, who intends to further connect with her Filipino fans through social media.

Meanwhile, Allison also had some encouraging words for the local fashion industry.

Supportive

“I think that it has grown by leaps and bounds when it comes to the talents and models, and in terms of the scene’s direction,” she said. “Everyone here is supportive and determined.”

Her advice  for aspiring Filipino models? “Have a solid background of the industry,” Allison pointed out. “You’ll get turned down a lot more than get ‘yes’ for an answer. But anything that’s worth anything to you is worth working hard for.”

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