Pinay supermodel Kelsey Merritt has set social media on fire considering it's already the rainy season in the Philippines.
On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, the 24-year-old Filipina model makes her comeback on the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
Kelsey puts out on Instagram some of the photos shot by British photographer Ben Watts in Hollywood, Florida.
In her caption, Kelsey expresses how proud she is to be part of an amazing roster of exceptionally beautiful ladies.
Kelsey writes, "@si_swimsuit 2021 is out today!! [emoji] so incredibly grateful to be back again with the most amazing family @mj_day @hillarydrezner @ja_neyney @margotzamet @darcieburroughs!
"I am so proud of the roster of girls in this issue, so happy to see so much diversity in every aspect of it. Kudos @si_swimsuit! [emoji]
"This is one of my favorite shoots with @si_swimsuit so far!! Shot with the best @wattsupphoto [emoji]"
In a short feature on the magazine's official website, Sports Illustrated editor MJ Day explains why Kelsey was included on this year's list.
MJ says, "Brains and beauty is our favorite combo and that is exactly how we describe Kelsey.
"She prioritized her education before entering the modeling space and her career has been full steam ahead ever since.
"Kelsey's pride in being the first Filipino model in the SI Swimsuit issue is matched by her commitment to sustainability and her dedication to using her platform to inform and educate.
"Kelsey’s infectiously warm personality makes her extremely lovable and we are so excited we get to work with a woman who is beautiful inside and out."
This year, Japanese-Haitian tennis superstar Naomi Osaka and American rapper Megan Thee Stallion also make it on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
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Filipino-American model Leyna Bloom also makes history as the first-ever trans woman on the cover of the 67-year-old publication.
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