BY: JOBETH BEJASA AND ASTELBE SALATIC (BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY INTERNS)
She walks with grace, poise, and elegance, but behind Cynthia Ruth Somera’s stunning presence on the runway is a story of pain, self-doubt, and ultimate triumph.
Cynthia, a proud native of Tabuk City, Kalinga, is now making a name for herself in the fashion world, having modeled for prominent designers like Michael Cinco, Rajo Laurel, and Val Taguba.
But before her rise to fame, she was a victim of bullying.
“I used to bully myself, too,” she recalled. “People said I was too skinny, that I looked like a skeleton, or that my nose wasn’t pointed enough.”
These criticisms crushed her self-confidence.
Despite joining pageants as a child and dreaming of becoming a model, the harsh words made her doubt herself.
But everything changed when she was discovered at the Laga Festival in Lubuagan, Kalinga last year by a Manila-based fashion photographer.
“He told me, ‘You’re beautiful. I want you to be my model in Manila,’” Cynthia said. That encounter reignited her self-worth.
“They appreciated me for who I am. I realized I didn’t need to change anything, not my skin, not my nose. Real modeling isn’t about surgery; it’s about authenticity,” she added.
Today, modeling is more than just a career for Cynthia, it’s a platform for empowerment.
She now supports her family through her work and encourages others to embrace their individuality.
“Modeling is not just about popularity or wearing fancy clothes. It’s about growth, building confidence, and realizing your worth,” she said.
Each time Cynthia walks the runway, she carries with her not only style but also strength, a reminder that beauty begins when you believe in yourself.
