Issue 1: Maureen Wroblewitz

Shot in Brooklyn during a tight two-hour window in the middle of New York Fashion Week, Maureen Wroblewitz presented a story of grace told through fashion, presence, and vulnerability. As FML’s first-ever fashion cover star, Maureen doesn’t just model clothes, she embodies evolution.

From winning Asia’s Next Top Model Season 5 to making waves in both the Los Angeles and New York fashion scenes, Maureen has never stopped growing. She reflects on navigating an industry that is constantly shifting, and how authenticity has become her guiding principle. With roots in multiple cultures and experiences that span continents, Maureen’s journey is marked not just by accolades, but by self-awareness and a commitment to using her platform with purpose.

Dress: Tabbe Design, Bracelet: Flying Solo

Here, she sits down with FML to talk about confidence, culture, reinvention, and what success really means in a world that’s always moving.

FML: You’ve lived in Saudi Arabia, Germany, the Philippines, Los Angeles, and now New York. How have those diverse cultural experiences shaped who you are today both personally and professionally?
MW: From a very young age I’ve been exposed to many different cultures, religions, walks of life. I feel like it’s made me a more open minded, empathetic and understanding person. It helps me connect on a deeper level and gives me the ability to work with all kinds of people from all over the world.

FML: How did you find confidence in a new country and a competitive industry at such a young age, especially when you were still figuring out your voice and vision?
MW: I was privileged to have the right people who supported my visions and ideas and who always made me feel safe to use my voice. I had a management that felt like family, they never forced me to do anything I was uncomfortable with and they always respected my opinions.

Full Look: Wenjue Lu , Gloves: Wing & Weft

Full Look: Sanyam Sharma

FML: Winning Asia’s Next Top Model Season 5 was a major turning point, and you made history as the first Filipina to win. What do you think set you apart in that competition?
MW: It was being the only model who was inexperienced. Instead of having to change what had always worked for me as a model, I was eager to learn and apply everything that I had learned. I had so much room to grow and I was determined to improve every week and succeed by doing so.

FML: You’ve spoken before about the criticism you received during the show; people calling you “just a pretty face.” How did you respond internally, and how did it shape the way you carry yourself now in the industry?
MW: I wanted to do everything I could to prove to everyone that I was more than just a pretty face. Until today I still have that thought in the back of my head, that I always have to prove myself worthy. I have to keep reminding myself that I have a place in this industry.

FML: You joined Eat Bulaga! in 2018 as a co-host, a shift from modeling into TV. What was the biggest learning curve in hosting live television?
MW: It was a great experience but I learned early on that it wasn’t for me. I learned that it wasn’t as fulfilling as acting or modeling.

FML: In 2021, you took a leap into pageantry and placed first runner-up at Miss Universe Philippines. What inspired you to enter that world, and what did you want to represent as a candidate?
MW: People had always told me to join but the thought of being vulnerable in front of a big crowd was terrifying to me. During the pandemic I was back in my shell and felt a little stuck. I knew I needed to get out of my comfort zone again. I had a strong intuition about Miss Universe and knew it was time to give it a try. I knew I would regret not ever joining. I wanted a bigger platform to share my advocacies, to use my voice to make a difference in people’s lives.

Full Look: Quine Li

FML: Modeling, pageantry, hosting, acting; how do you decide which creative lane to pursue at any given time? Do you follow instinct, opportunity, or something else?
MW: It’s whatever opportunity falls into my lap. Of course I use my intuition to decipher if it’s something I actually want to do.

FML: You’ve been open about facing self-doubt and learning to find your voice. What helped you build that confidence, especially in the public eye?
MW: Spending a lot of time with myself and with people that matter helped a lot with my confidence. I also love getting outside of my comfort zone because I always learn new things about myself. That’s the main reason I love challenging myself, I do it for growth.

FML: Social media has become both a tool and a pressure point for public figures. How do you maintain authenticity online without feeling like you have to share everything?
MW: I share what matters, what I think can help others. I always wanted a platform where I can inspire people. When I was struggling with my mental health as a teen I always wish I knew someone who was going through the same thing. Today I want to be that person for others. You don’t know who you can help out there by simply sharing your story.

Jacket: 2200 CC, Skirt: Flying Solo

Jacket: 2200 CC, Skirt: Flying Solo

FML: You’ve often spoken about body positivity and breaking stereotypes in modeling. How important is it for you to use your platform for representation, especially for young Filipinas?
MW: That’s the main reason I feel blessed to have a platform. I’ve always wanted to inspire young Filipinas and Filipinos to dream and to pursue what their hearts desire.

FML: When young fans or aspiring models reach out to you, what’s the biggest piece of advice you give them especially about maintaining self-worth in such a competitive world?
MW: I tell them to stay true to who they are and to surround themselves with people who love and support them no matter what.

FML: Looking back, what’s something you used to believe about success that you’ve completely changed your mind about?
MW: I understand now that there’s different ways of looking at success. It’s definitely more about the journey because once you get to the destination you usually think ‘what’s next’. It feels like you never reach your goal if you don’t stop and appreciate what you have accomplished. I’ve since changed the definition of success by how much I’ve grown as a person. As long as I’m still growing, I’m always succeeding.

FML: You’re now based in New York, one of the world’s fashion and creative capitals. What inspired the move, and how has life in New York pushed you creatively?
MW: The initial move was because my boyfriend is going to medical school but for some reason I felt a pull to this city, I knew there was something out here for me. I have yet to figure that out but I definitely feel like I’m more productive, more inspired and more independent.

Dress: Tabbe Design, Bracelet: Flying Solo

FML: What does a “day in the life” look like for Maureen Wroblewitz in Los Angeles and in New York?
MW: My days always look different, it’s hard to say. I usually start my day by writing in my 5 minute gratitude journal (I never forget this). I used to soak in the sun in LA while journaling, now I sit in front of a SAD lamp. I say affirmations everyday. I take electrolytes, collagen and creatine and then have a light breakfast before I hit the gym. After that my day always looks different. When I’m not working in New York, I love exploring the city.

FML: The modeling industry in the U.S. is very different from Asia. How have you had to evolve whether in mindset, skillset, or even branding, to stay competitive?
MW: I had to pretty much have a mindset of starting over again. To be honest I was excited to do that, since I always love challenging myself. I had to learn to be okay with rejection and also to speak up for myself. I had an amazing management in the Philippines that really took care of me but here I had to learn to fend for myself.

FML: Do you see yourself branching into other industries, maybe launching a brand, starting a creative business, or exploring entrepreneurship?
MW: I definitely think about starting my own brand but I don’t see that happening any time soon. I’m more committed to my modeling and acting career as of now.

FML: What does long-term success look like for you now, five years, ten years from today?
MW: As long as I’m growing and becoming a better person each day, I’m always successful.

FML: If you were to sum up this new chapter in one phrase, what would it be?
MW: Be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

FML: What’s one cause that you’re passionate in supporting and amplifying? What change do you wish to see in the world right now?
MW: Mental health. I’ve struggled with it most of my life and it’s something I will always talk about since I think it’s so important. I also hope that AI doesn’t completely replace human interactions. We’re social creatures and rely on human connection.

FML: If you could turn back time and meet your younger self, what would you tell her?
MW: I would hug her, tell her how much I love her and that I’m so proud of her. I would tell her that she’s beautiful even if she doesn’t see it. I would tell her to keep going because one day she’ll be able to make her dreams come true. That all the hard work will pay off.

In a world obsessed with appearances and quick wins, Maureen’s quiet strength and self-awareness offer something far more enduring: grace. Through every pivot in her career, whether modeling, hosting, acting, or stepping into pageantry, she has remained rooted in growth, purpose, and authenticity. Her journey is not defined by accolades alone but by the courage to keep evolving while staying true to herself.

Maureen Wroblewitz is not just navigating the ever-changing fashion and entertainment industries; she is quietly reshaping them. As she continues building her path in New York and beyond, her story reminds us that real power comes from knowing who you are and using that clarity to light the way forward.

Maureen’s #FMLFaves

Favorite Song: not a song but I’ve been listening to a 90s playlist

Favorite Movie: current fave is Past Lives

Favorite Dish: I love pasta!

What’s in your bag?: too much!! My phone, wallet, hand sanitizer, lip liner, lip balm x 5, perfume, keys, pepper spray, earphones, meds, lactase tablets (I’m lactose intolerant but I love dairy), tissue, gum and more

Top: Diana Couture, Gloves: Wing & Weft

EIC:

Gina Kim-Park ( @ginakpark )

Photography & Creative Direction:

Reinhardt Kenneth ( @reinhardtkenneth )

Muse:

Maureen Wroblewitz ( @mauwrob )

Production Manager:

Min Lee ( @lee.a.min )

Fashion Stylist:

Jessy Suarez ( @jessssuarez_ )

MUA:

El Debratto ( @el__debratto )

Hair Stylist:

Alexandra DiRoma ( @alexandradiromahairmua )

Lighting Director & BTS:

Danny Lairon ( @dannydidthat_ )

Digitech:

Briton David ( @briton.jpg )

Gaffer:

Joey Chi ( @joeychi.dng )

Grip:

Dhruv Pandiri ( @druvpandiri_photography )

Dre Anderson ( @drephotography11 )

Photographer’s Assistant:

Dilpreet Shah ( @dilpreeeeeeet )

Dora Chang ( @doraachang )

Fashion Assistants:

Raevyn Skylar ( @raevyn.skylar )

Alexa Infante ( @alephantee )

Retoucher:

Valeria Mediana ( @mediana.retouch )

#FMLMagazine