Not.Your.Average.Jane. - Gem Antonio

Name: Girlie Germaine Millares Antonio
Age: 18
Birthday: October 6, 1992
Location: Roseville, California
Nationality: Filipino
Talent: Singing, Dancing, Modeling, Photography, Acting

Photo taken by: Cynthia Le

I just want to start off by saying that this girl is a star just WAITING to happen. She has so much drive to become famous that sometimes people mistake her confidence for arrogance. But you know what? They couldn't have been more WRONG. She is so down to earth, that she plays in the mud. She'll be so real with you, that 3D doesn't even come close. And I know all this from first hand experience. But anyways, I digress. Let's move on, and talk about her modeling, as that will be my main focus for this weeks "Featured Artist" - Gem Antonio.

Photo taken by: Albert Tejada

Ok, so Gem has been into modeling since she was in high school. Ever since she was just a freshman, she has always been interested in it. Especially when she was introduced to many fashion/modeling schools by a friend of hers. And from that moment on, she has been getting more and more fond of the idea. If anything, every moment/chance she can get to showcase her modeling, she takes it. She has actually done a few modeling gigs for small businesses in her local area, as well as having gone to a modeling school to enhance her craft. She's learned different ways to express emotion through modeling, as well as proper etiquette during runway walks. Although still an amateur at modeling, she does everything she can to gain the necessary experience and exposure to help her get noticed.

Photo taken by: Albert Tejada

As a matter of fact, she recently joined a modeling competition at her local mall called 'Galleria's Top Model'. This competition was also a way for certain stores in the mall to showcase their 'Back To School Clothes', such as: dELia's, PacSun, Banana Republic, Beachworks, and many others. If I am not mistaken, and please correct me if I'm wrong, there were about 20 competitors (all girls) in the contest? There were also many other extra models. The actual contest was held at the end of the fashion show. The judges were members of Westfields advertising committee, and the like. How did this weeks 'Artist' stack up against the competition? Well, I am very proud to inform you that Gem made the cut for top 3! Woo hoo! Lol. Here is a video clip of the competition and fashion show that she was in. (Gem walks at 12:22) - Courtesy of chyayyay on youtube. Thanks! (=

Photo taken by: Albert Tejada

She didn't win, but she did place 2nd overall. That is honestly a big achievement, because if you take into account the other girls in the competition, they were all taller than her. Also, she was the only asian-american in the competition. That alone says a lot, because before the actual competition, there is a try out first, by way of sending in a portfolio of your photos. So good job Gem! Way to show your pinay pride! Haha! Anyways, Gem would LOVE to continue on in modeling. Whether it is for clothing brands, make-up, or even hair. Any professional modeling gig is really the goal for her.

Photo taken by: Albert Tejada

Alright, quick break from all this modeling business. ^_^ Lets get ourselves acquainted with our future super model, shall we? Well, for starters, I asked Gem to describe herself. She said that when you first meet her, she tends to be shy. But once you get to know her and become closer to her, you'll soon find out that she is very outgoing, and not so shy anymore. She is also funny in her own way, and weird in every way. Lol! I joke. But like I said in the beginning, she's about as real as it gets. Flaws and all. Other than being talented in the arts, she is quite the tennis player. She was on her high school's varsity team. AND, as a final note about Gem (this is where all the guys should be taking notes), she absolutely LOVES chocolate. ;D

Photo taken by: Albert Tejada

So back to Gems modeling, like many other aspiring artists of any talent, she gets inspiration from other aspiring artists who chase their dreams and MAKE something of themselves. To make it on the show America's Next Top Model is one of her dreams. If anything, the show ITSELF is already enough to inspire her to keep trying. You see, it is not always in the successes of people that can have the greatest impact on an aspiring artist, but sometimes in the ones that fail too. To see their unwavering determination can honestly make you want to succeed that much more. So Germaine, don't ever give up.

Photo taken by: Albert Tejada

Well, I really hope that you guys enjoyed this weeks "Featured Artist". And I hope that her story inspires you to keep reaching for your dream as well. There's a saying that fits perfectly with Gem and everyone else like her who isn't phased by failure. It goes, "Winners never quit, and quitters never win." That is the ULTIMATE advice you can give to aspiring artists. And you can't just agree with it. You have to take it to heart. LIVE by it. Because in the end, it is you who will reap of YOUR own hard work, and no one else. =)

Yours Truly,
AJ T. (: