Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen Wroblewitz
Maureen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia to a Filipina Mom and a German Dad. I have 3 sisters and we’re all just a year apart. I was extremely shy growing up and my sisters have always been my best friends. I used to be afraid of telling people about my dreams in life. I remember just copying whatever my sisters would say. One of my sister’s said she wanted to be a vet, so I told everyone I did too.
I always knew I wanted to be an actress, I just never shared it with anyone because I was embarrassed and I thought I was different. It would freak me out how extroverted some child actors were during their interviews, I started having doubts if I would ever be able to make it.
After my Mom passed away when I was 11, my Dad decided for us to move to Germany from Saudi Arabia for a better education.
I was very close to my Mom, so losing her took a toll on my mental health. I was depressed and started having anxiety/ panic attacks. It didn’t help that I had a hard time fitting in my new school.
At 12 after watching Germany’s Next Topmodel, I thought maybe I could be a model instead. I thought maybe I can join the modeling competition when I reach the required height of 5’9, but I never did.
At 13 my mental health deteriorated and I wanted to end my life. Fortunately, my younger sister told my parents and we all decided it was best that I start seeing a therapist.
I only got better once I started changing my mindset. My Dad had gifted me a book written by Nick Vujicic and I read a part of him trying to drown himself in a bathtub. He ended up not doing it and he said that he’s glad he didn’t because he wouldn’t have been the person he is today if he had and he wouldn’t be able to achieve all the things that he did.
I realized that at 14 I had my entire life ahead of me, I could make any of my dreams come true. Ever since I changed my perspective, I decided that nothing and no one could stop me from achieving my biggest dreams.
I started a fashion blog and started posting videos online. I got scouted by my manager Chinie on Instagram at the age of 15. I wasn’t tall enough for Europe but I was for Asia. Chinie asked if I ever thought of modeling in the Philippines.
At 18 after finishing school in Germany, I finally made the move to the Philippines to pursue my dreams. Not long after, I became the first Filipina winner of Asia’s Next Topmodel. I knew I wanted to maximize my growth as an artist in the Philippines. I had the privilege to join a well-known noon time show called Eat Bulaga and became one of their hosts. I also joined Miss Universe Philippines in 2021 and placed First Runner Up. But after everything I’ve done, it’s like God brought me back to my first ever dream and that is acting. I shot my very first film, in which I was the lead of, called ‘Take Me To Banaue’ by Danny Aguilar. That is when I knew where my passion lies. I’ve lived in Saudi for 12 years, in Germany for 6, in the Philippines for 6. I had done everything that I wanted to do in the Philippines and it was time for a change, it was time for growth. That’s why just last year I moved to Los Angeles. I’ve learned to love getting out of my comfort zone, because it has given me new experiences. I’m excited for what’s next for me!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have always been my biggest competitor so overcoming myself was the biggest challenge.
Sometimes I was my biggest supporter and sometimes my biggest hater
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets me apart is my work experience. I have not only focused on modeling and acting but I tried out being a host and a beauty Queen.
I’m most known for winning Asia’s Next Topmodel in 2017 and being the first Filipina to win the competition. I enjoy new challenges and not being restricted to just one profession.
Any big plans?
Moving to Los Angeles has been the biggest change right now. I’m hoping to work as both a model and actress, and maybe even explore more career paths.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauwrob?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mwrob?_t=8nNB2EWTBpg&_r=1
Image Credits
Randy Tran for Gr8t Cover
Empire Philippines for Miss Universe Philippines photos
