A Filipino has made international news once again—model Chat Almarvez.

Chat beat more the 40 contestants to become the 1^st runner-up in the recently concluded Ford Models Supermodel of the World contest held at Sao Paolo, Brazil last January 14. Chat came in second to 2009 Supermodel of the World winner Karlina of Latvia. 2^nd runner-up was Isabelle of Sweden, while Olivia of the USA came in fourth.

Ford Models Supermodel of the World is the largest and most prestigious international modeling competition. It was established by Eileen Ford back in 1980 and has since discovered some of great talents in the industry including Chanel Iman, Nataliya Gotsii, and Hyoni.

Ford Models, Inc. was founded in 1947 by fashion pioneers Eileen and Jerry Ford and has since transformed it into a global management company that helped the careers of Hollywood actors such as Jennifer Connelly, Lindsay Lohan, Kirsten Dunst and Mischa Barton.

Four days of grueling photo tests, training workshops, and press interviews in Ford Models Supermodel of the World paid off for the 16-year-old Chat. Winning the $150,000 modeling contract with Ford Modeling Agency in New York is very impressive, considering that the teenager has only about eight months of modeling experience.

The 5'9 ½" beauty is studying Business Administration at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. She was born Charlene Louise "Chat" Almarvez on January 25, 1993 to police officer Taddeus Almarvez and contractor Leah Alagon. Fashion director Cata Figueroa discovered her just last year when Chat mused for a Flores de Mayo parade in Laguna, where she is based.

Charlene was able to duplicate the feat made by Melanie Marquez in 1986. Melanie also finished second in the said model search, which was won by Monika Schnarre of Canada.