Captivating smile. Expressive eyes. Sun-kissed skin. Chiseled physique. Tousled dark hair. In other words, the perfect example of TikTok’s viral TDH checklist: Tall? Check. Dark? Check. Handsome? Triple check. One look at Anthony Constantino and you’d think he was crafted by the gods of aesthetics.
It’s almost too perfect, like he walked straight out of an Instagram explore page or a fashion billboard. But here’s the thing: being a model isn’t all angles, lighting, and curated feeds. Behind every perfect photo lies the hustle, discipline, and the kind of resilience that doesn’t always make it into the shot.
From scrolling through his content to spotting him in local campaigns, it’s easy to assume Anthony’s life has been smooth sailing. Face card never declines, height for days, and a look that turns heads. But success, especially in an industry as ruthless as modeling, doesn’t get handed to you on a silver platter. Behind the camera flashes are countless hours of prep, pressure to stay camera-ready, and the courage to step out of comfort zones. For Anthony, that meant leaving behind a life in California, two college degrees, and a familiar routine to return to a country he knew only through stories, vacations, and heritage.
What does it really mean to be a model, though? Not just the kind that poses, but the kind that inspires. That’s exactly what Anthony is slowly becoming—an image of drive, ambition, and heart. The kind that reminds you that yes, dreams are scary, but they’re also worth chasing.
Coming Home to the Philippines: Reconnecting with His Roots
While many Filipinos dream of heading abroad for bigger opportunities, Anthony Constantino did the opposite. After graduating from California Lutheran University with degrees in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration in Marketing, he made a life-changing decision: he packed his bags, booked a one-way ticket, and flew back to the Philippines to chase something entirely different.
“I feel like my transition to the Philippines was honestly very smooth,” Anthony shares. “Instantly. Like, when I touched down here in Manila, I felt the love and hospitality from the Philippines right off the plane.”
Born and raised in California to Filipino parents, he wasn’t a stranger to Filipino culture, but living in the Philippines full-time was still a huge adjustment. Still, Anthony dove right in. He embraced the new lifestyle, the language, and even the surprise reactions he got from locals. “When people hear my voice, see my height, they’re like, ‘Who’s white, your mom or dad?’” he laughs. “And then they’re always shocked to see, to hear that I’m full Filipino. That’s something I’ve very proud about—and I have my heart on my sleeve saying that.”
Anthony’s pride in his heritage isn’t performative. It’s present in the way he talks about his passion, family values, and how important it is for him to represent the country in his work. One of his proudest moments so far? Being chosen to model the Philippines’ official Olympic uniform for the 2024 Paris Games—a modernized Barong Tagalog with a sleek sling featuring the colors of the Philippine flag.
Trading a 9-to-5 for Lights, Camera, Action
Most parents would probably expect their college graduate to take a stable, well-paying job in tech or business. That would’ve been the safer route, especially with two degrees in his back pocket. But Anthony wasn’t built for beige cubicles or a clock-in-clock-out lifestyle.
“And one week after my graduation, I flew into Manila and started working instantly modeling,” he recalls. But like many other big life decisions, it didn’t come easily. “I really did bet on myself and honestly had a lot of courage to come here to Manila and essentially won against what my parents said. They support my decision, but they’re not supporting me financially in any way. So the decision to come here was fully on myself.”
Risky? Absolutely. But that leap of faith led to opportunities that kept pouring in. From print campaigns and brand endorsements to modeling contracts and acting stints, Anthony started building momentum in an entirely new environment. “Looking back at it now and seeing how things are turning out, I’m very happy that I’ve made this decision. Being in this industry feels like it is more fun than a nine-to-five.”
Before moving to the Philippines, Anthony was already signed with Otto Models, a prestigious agency in Los Angeles. That experience gave him the much-needed experience and understanding of how cutthroat the industry can be.
“Within the modeling industry, it’s never really stable. You’re never really safe. There’s always a new face coming in. So, you’re really on your toes all the time.”
What Lies Behind the Face Card
For those outside the fashion and entertainment world, modeling might look like a glam job—just smile, pose, repeat. But as Anthony shares, there’s so much more that goes into it. That’s more than how you look. “There are a lot of good-looking people in this industry, but if you really have a bad attitude, it can make you look worse.”
Anthony values humility and kindness, not just in his work but in how he connects with people. That’s probably one of the reasons he stands out, not just for his features but for his vibe. There’s a sincerity in the way he talks, a grounded energy that makes him relatable despite his success. And while he’s fully aware that his looks open doors, he knows charm and character keep them open.
If you’ve seen Esnyr’s YouTube series High School Hell Week Moments, you’ve probably seen Anthony, too. The show gave him a chance to test out his acting chops, and he’s eager to do more. He’s been watching a ton of local romcoms, including Filipino household staples from DonBelle and KathNiel, hoping to learn from the best and improve his Tagalog in the process.
He hopes to give romcoms a try, bring something new to the table, but still capture what people love about those stories. “Hopefully, I’m able to display some of their traits on the big screen.” At present, he’s focused on learning the ropes of the entertainment industry, sharpening his skills, and connecting with fans through content. “There should be some exciting news coming up, and I’m just excited for people to see how that goes.”
Keep Going, Keep Growing
To anyone chasing a dream, especially in unfamiliar territory, Anthony is a reminder to trust the process and to hold on to that faith. It’s more than just a good face card or being in the right place at the right time. It’s about taking bold chances, moving with intention, and choosing the path that feels right, even if it doesn’t make sense to everyone else.
Whether you’re pursuing a creative career, moving to a new place, or just figuring life out post-college, Anthony reminds us that it’s okay not to have it all figured out. What matters is the willingness to try, to learn, and to stay true to who you are along the way. You don’t need to have everything planned out. Just be open, be kind, and be ready to work. Good things will come.
So, if you’re in your 20s, wondering if it’s too late to switch paths or too risky to follow your passion, consider this your sign. It’s never too late to chase something you care about. And if you’re lucky, like Anthony, you might just discover that the scariest decisions can lead to the most exciting chapters.
What passion roots within you? What would you want to connect to? What aspirations have you tucked away, waiting for the ‘right time’? Maybe today’s the moment to dust them off, leap, and start building your own version of a beautiful story—one frame and one focus at a time.
Creative Direction & Photographed by Em Baun
Assisted by: Stephen Singson
Hair & Makeup by Kim Roy Opog
Styling: Myrrh Lao To, Joshua Galang, Carlie Lajara
Video: Mary Jane Manglicmot | Assisted by: Antonette Duka
Overall Coordination: Angel Altura | Niccole Mendoza
