Gone are the shabby clothes, dirty feet, and disheveled hair.
Former street urchin Rita Gabriola, also known as “Badjao Girl”, stuns in her first photo shoot.
She was first photographed by photographer Topher Quinto Burgos while she was begging in the streets of Lucena, Quezon. Her photos, which Burgos posted on his social media account, quickly went viral as netizens noticed her undeniable allure.
See more of her stunning looks on the next page
On Sunday, pictures from Gabiola’s first photo shoot, courtesy of fashion photographers Wilmark Jolindon and Stephen Capuchino, were unveiled on ABS-CBN.
Gabiola’s story, along with the pictures, were featured on Rated K!
But aside from this once-in-a-lifetime modeling opportunity, Gabiola’s dream of finishing her studies is now within grasp. Rated K, along with Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, has gifted Gabiola with a scholarship.
Read: “Badjao Girl” hopes newfound fame will bring a brighter future for family
Lucena City likewise committed to provide employment for her family.
“Kaya ko po gustong maging guro, gusto ko pong matulungan ang tulad ng mga kapatid kong bata. Gusto ko rin po sila maipag-aral. At sabi sakin ng tatay ko, gusto niya kong mapag-aral. Kasi kami na lang po ang pag-asa naming magkakapatid,” she said in an interview with Lia Manalac del Castillo on 24 Oras.
(“That is why I want to be a teacher. I want to help others like my younger siblings. I want to send them to school. And my father told me, he wants me to study. Because we are the only hope our siblings have left.”)
With her long straight hair, high cheek bones, almond eyes, slender physique, and golden brown complexion, Gabiola is a true Filipina beauty.
She is the latest internet sensation to enter the modeling world following “Carrot Man”.
LOOK: Carrot Man’s latest modeling photos
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