After a long wait, the much-awaited reboot of Philippines' Next Top Model is finally upon us. Everyone's favorite model search reality TV show is making a comeback, with former beauty queen Maggie Wilson-Consunji as its host.
In an exclusive interview with Preview, the show's director himself, Mike Sandejas, shared a ton of essential deets that will make you even more excited about the all-new PNTM. Read on below!
Hi Mike! When will the show start airing?
"[It will air on] March 21 at 8:15PM on TV5."
Will it have the same format as Asia's Next Top Model and America's Next Top Model?
"Yes, same format. We all follow the same Top Model show bible."
Who else will part of the show? Panel of judges?
"Cast is composed of host Maggie Wilson, [And the judges are] PMAP president Raphael Keifer, celebrity fashion sylist and magazine editor Rain Dagala. Our model mentor (the one who helps the models during photoshoot challenges) is reigning Miss International Kylie Verzosa."
IMAGE INSTAGRAM/maggiewilson, raphakiefer, rainierdegala, kylieverzosa
From left, clockwise: Maggie Wilson, Raphael Kiefer, Kylie Verzosa, Rain Degala
How did you arrive at the decision to cast Maggie Wilson as host and the rest of the judges?
Maggie has had much experience as a host, model, and reality show contestant (she won the Amazing Race Asia). Rain brings in his perspective on art direction and fashion editorial; Raf Kiefer [also has an expert] perspective on the modeling industry. Lastly, Kylie [has experienced] beginning as a novice model [and rising to become a] top professional model [and beauty queen]."
IMAGE INSTAGRAM/raphakiefer
PMAP President and PNTM judge Raphael Kiefer
What can we look forward to in the show?
"The show has its own flavor owing to the unique personalities of the contestants. We designed our challenges and fashion perspective to appeal to the local millennial culture. We [also] focused more on high street fashion. [In addition], we wanted to go back to the basic top model format of being like a modeling documentary of sorts where the viewers learned skills and concepts alongside the contestants."
Any international celebrities that you'll be having as guests?
"As guests, we have more of local industry authorities. There will be a guest judge in every episode."
Catch Philippines' Next Top Model: High Street every Tuesday from March 21, 8:15PM on TV5!
Interview by Nikki Santiago-Rivera
