As a young girl, Tabukeña model Cynthia Ruth Somera experienced bullying due to her skinny physique and dark complexion.
But those very features put her on the pages of Vogue Philippines, making her the very first Kalinga model ever to achieve this feat.
For Somera, those were the distinct Filipina features which she proudly embraces and has no intention of changing, that made her a perfect fit for the fashion magazine’s February 2025 issue which highlighted Cordillera fashion, culture, and people.
“This is me, my identity, my edge,” she said in an interview.
𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐏 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬
Somera traces her roots to the Tobog tribe, descended from the Bitanga Clan on her mother’s side, while her father is from Ilocos. She grew up in Barangay Magsaysay, Tabuk City.
Among eight siblings, she and two of her siblings were able to finish college. They lost their mother at an early age.
Somera managed to finish a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at the Kalinga State University in 2022.
However, her father passed away in 2023, leaving her and her siblings heartbroken once again. But his memory continues to inspire her even if he never knew about his daughter’s modeling dreams.
She wishes that he could have seen what she has achieved now.
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
Somera joined the Search for Miss Tabuk City 2023, representing Brgy. Magsaysay, her first time joining a pageant. She may not have won a title but that, and all the people who have supported her and have expressed admiration to her potential, pushed her to pursue a modeling career.
Known as “Fo Fa-i” on her social media accounts, Somera first started walking the runway, which led her to her modeling career when she was discovered at the 2024 Laga Fashion Show in Lubuagan by a renowned scout and master photographer.
According to Somera, it was fate that led her to Lubuagan. At that time, she was struggling financially, but she took the opportunity to go to the Laga Show anyway, her first time going out after years of taking care of her sick father.
After being scouted, the young model went to Manila and immediately signed a contract with Empire Mercator, a talent agency owned by Jonas Gaffud, a well-known figure in the pageant industry.
Gaffud is also a co-founder of Aces and Queens, a beauty pageant boot camp that has produced several national and international winners, including Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss World 2013 Megan Young, and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa.
Somera is still interested in joining beauty pageants if given the opportunity.
“Naka-contract nak metten iti agency nga assideg iti maysa a pageant personality, ket nu maikkan a ti opportunity, why not?” she said.
𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡
With everything that she had gone through and the odds she overcame to get to where she is now, Somera stressed the importance of believing in yourself.
Being bullied is terrible, but she believes that what’s worse is when you are the one who is bullying yourself.
“I-com-compare mo ti sarilim ti sabali nga tao, mahirap ‘yon. Mahirap kalaban ang sarili mo,” she said.
Her advice – Rise against all odds by owning who you are and focusing on your goal because at the end of the day, it is you who will help yourself and it is for you that you’re dreaming.
She also stressed her deep faith in God, leaning on Him for strength and guidance during her most challenging times. “Ni God talaga kummamangak idi times nga down nak ken inggana itatta ket isuna ti guiding light ko,” she said.
Somera is indeed a woman worth mentioning this National Women’s Month for proving that anyone is capable of achieving their dreams, even how impossible they may seem.
Success is within reach regardless of one’s background or circumstances. “Umay tu latta,” she said. Her determination, resilience, and commitment to self-acceptance make her a true role model for young women in Kalinga and beyond.
“Always believe in yourself, uray nu adda agibagbaga nga haan ka suited for your dream ngem nu determinado ka ken persistent ka, kayang-kayam dayta. Just do it with love and passion.” By Rio Bassong
