You may have seen this lady serving you some hot beats during that popular “Jowa Night” but who is she really?
Jodilly Pendre, first runner-up from Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2 is a Program Management international student. The Filipina beauty chose to study in Australia because of cultural diversity and its laid-back environment.
Student life
It is true that living on your own and starting a completely new life can be tough at times. When Jodilly arrived in Melbourne three years ago, she mentioned that there were times that she would feel homesick and find making new friends a challenge.
“I’ll say I didn’t find it difficult but rather challenging moving to a completely different country alone with different culture and laws – let alone incorporating your studies with these challenges and making sure you still have a good mental health.” Jodilly added.
Life and career
During the interview with Jodilly, she explained the huge difference between her modelling career in the Philippines and Australia to the extent that she had to redo her modelling book to fit the Melbourne fashion market. She mentioned that the Australian fashion industry has a specific appearance that they look for, but they are now more open to different and unique looks.
During the peak of her modelling career back in the Philippines, Jodilly described how she had to run between each job and do her triple bookings.
“It was very fulfilling, and I am very lucky to be able to do what I am passionate about. The whole AsNTM experience was phenomenal and indeed life-changing. I love my country and representing the Philippines in an international competition will always be something that I am proud of.”
In the past 10 years, Jodilly worked with countless local and international brands and designers such as Pinko Milano, Michael Cinco and Furne Amato. In Australia, her personal favourites are the campaigns she did with brands like Dangerfield, Bevilles, Salera’s, Uniqlo and her cover for Cool Magazine Australia.
Apart from being a model, Jodilly also started her career as a DJ back in 2019 for weddings and parties at that time. In 2021, Jodilly decided to formally enter the scene of special events in bars and clubs.
“I love making people dance and seeing them letting it all out like no one’s looking – it’s fulfilling.”
Jodilly is an optimist and a goal-setter. And her advice to those who want to take a leap of faith in their life journey?
“I’ll say just do it. You will never be ready, so don’t wait for it. Life is too short to only spend your time waiting to be ready in doing what your heart desires. Risks will always be present, they’re part of our lives – break them down and take them head on one step at a time and you’ll realise that they’re easier than you think.
“I get inspired by a lot of people from different walks of life, even anime and TV shows/movies. I love hearing their stories of failures and success and how they managed to get through everything. I love their growth, persistence and commitment. Some of them are Michael Jordan, Connor McGregor and Naruto. With TV shows/movies, some of my all-time favourites are Eddie the Eagle, the Pursuit of HAPPYness and The Shawshank Redemption.”
READ MORE
- Government to make it easier for international students to enrol in Australian courses
- Young Filipino-Australian wins prestigious journalism fellowship award
- Victorian International Student of the Year on the value of volunteering and bayanihan