Alo-hapas!: ANTM 13×09 Recap

Woo Hoo! Our current ANTM AA representation-sensation, Jennifer An,  has made it past another judging week! And in the absolutely sickeningly gorgeous state of Hawaii no less!

The lucky-duck models will strut their sexy stuff in Hawaii from now on until the end of the competition. The highlight of this episode was the main photoshoot, where the girls had to model as different variations of Hapas (Hawaiian term for half). Since Hawaii is Asian-centric, four of the models were assigned to take on four distinct Asian races: Tibetan, Indian, Japanese, and Polynesian.

Erin annoyingly declared, “All I know about Tibet is that it needs to be freed.” Yes, well, even that sense of “freedom” did not resonate in your photo, hon. You look straight-up con-fused-stipated. Fail.

Brittany totally disappointed me with her representation of half-Indian/half-Native American. “I wanted to be poised and stoic.” Yeah, but, expressive dance/body movements are integral cultural components to both races, boo. I’m sari, but you managed to figuratively fall flat on your face while literally standing straight up here. Double fail.

Nicole wow-ed everyone with this one. She successfully represented both Malagasi (Madagascar) and Japanese races. You could cut the fierce tension here with a dull, rusty samurai sword! Win-win.

Um, I did not know what to make of Jennifer’s half-Botswanan, half-Polynesian representation. The judges said it was “National Geographic-esque” and I agree, but I feel like there’s something missing. At least her eyes don’t look crazy here, thank GOD. Winningly failed?

Actually, Tyra (who photographed them this week) was initially panicking over Jennifer’s uninspiring look. Not only was Jennifer not posing right, but the dark make-up accentuated the fashion-negative aspects of her face: small eyes, kinda-protruding teeth. But she pulled through. Phew.

One last comment, I’ve been noticing that Jennifer is the most animated of the remaining beautiful bunch, and I’m glad she’s showing America that AA girls can be loud, spunky, and fun. Seriously, this girl spits out joy and  bursts out of the screen every time she talks to the camera. You go girl! Now please work on your poses, so you have a real shot at winning, thanks.