Victoria's Secret Model Janine Tugonon Is the Brand's First Filipino Spokesperson
Last Fall, Janine Tugonon made history as the first Filipino model featured in a Victoria’s Secret campaign. Her appearance in an ad for their little sister line, PINK, was so groundbreaking it was met with praise across the internet: a video about her new gig garnered over 10 million views. But Janine's career began long before she landed a job at Victoria's Secret. The NYC-based stunner has pageant titles (first runner-up in Miss Universe!) and a background in pharmacy to her name. Click through the slideshow to learn a little bit about the model who is breaking down barriers at the biggest lingerie brand in the world.
1/11Here are 10 things to know about Janine Tugonon, the first Filipino Victoria's Secret model.
2/11Janine was studying pharmacy in the Philippines when it was suggested she join a school pageant. She represented her section of the class and was called “Miss Pharmacy.”
3/11That first pageant started it all and she went on to win Miss Universe Philippines. With a major title under her belt, she entered Miss Universe in Las Vegas (her first time in the US!) and won first runner-up.
4/11After seeing a flier for the New York Film Academy, Janine took it as a sign that, though she would not enroll in the school itself, it was time for her to spread her wings and move to the US.
5/11After only a few weeks, she was calling Los Angeles, California home, had a green card to make it official, and was already signed to her agency, MSA.
6/11Victoria’s Secret inspired her to move to New York City. She told Elle, “The first thing I asked my agency was, ‘Do you send girls to Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?’ and they were like ‘No, they’re booked in New York.’ So that’s when I decided I’m going to New York. If I’m going to pursue modeling, I want to be the best in it.”
7/11Always at the top of her class and easily succeeding in the pageant world, it was tough for her to experience the rejection that often comes with modeling. She sees that part as the biggest challenge of the job.
8/11She was cast in the Victoria's Secret PINK video when she was in LA, calling the opportunity “A foot in the door.”
9/11After a video was made about Janine as the first Filipino Victoria's Secret model, the news went viral and the video got more than 10 million views.
10/11Janine is an inspiration to many young girls, saying, “It’s also king of tough sometimes because you know, especially for young girls, they look at you and a lot of people are messaging me: ‘Oh, you inspire me so much!’”
11/11This is only the beginning for Janine. It’s always amazing to see young women who are changing the face of whatever they are passionate about and take their role as a mentor to heart—inspiring young women who look to them for guidance.
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