Jill Sebanes Is Saying Yes to a New Chapter in Fashion
From the operating theatre in Ireland to an upcoming runway in Paris, Jill Sebanes is proving that a career, a new dream and the courage to reinvent yourself can all exist at once. After becoming a Top 15 finalist at Miss Bikini Ireland 2026, she is now stepping further into the international fashion world.
For Jill Sebanes, modeling began with a decision to step outside what felt familiar.
Born in Manila and now living in Ireland, Sebanes has built an accomplished career far removed from the runway. She works as an operating theatre nurse and holds a Master's degree in Perioperative Studies.
Fashion, however, gives her an opportunity to explore another side of herself.
“I think it's important to show that you don't have to fit into one box,” she says. “I have built a career in healthcare while also allowing myself to explore fashion, modeling, fitness and content creation.”
The Confidence to Begin
That exploration took an important turn when Sebanes entered Miss Bikini Ireland 2026, ultimately becoming a Top 15 finalist.
More than a competition, the experience helped her rediscover confidence she felt she had lost—and encouraged her to consider modeling as something she could pursue seriously.
Now selected as one of Paris Runway Official's Top Emerging Models for 2026/2027, Sebanes is preparing for her next milestone: an upcoming runway opportunity in Paris this October.
“I’m most excited about the opportunity to walk an international runway and to experience the fashion industry from a completely new perspective,” she says.
Her ambitions extend beyond one show. Sebanes hopes to build an international portfolio, work with designers and photographers, appear in fashion and lifestyle publications and continue developing her presence as both a model and content creator.
Becoming Her Own Standard
There is another motivation behind Sebanes' new chapter.
She wants women watching her journey to understand that starting something new doesn't require abandoning everything they've already built.
“I hope that by pursuing these opportunities, I can become a role model for other women who may be in the same boat as me... women who have dreams but might wonder if it's too late, or if they are capable of starting something new.”
Her approach to life is summed up by a phrase she has increasingly learned to embrace:
“Just say yes to new experiences.”
It's a simple philosophy, but one that has already taken Sebanes from healthcare into pageantry and now toward an international runway.
For her, success isn't about comparing that journey to someone else's. It's about becoming her own standard embracing who she is, continuing to challenge herself and discovering what might happen when she says yes.
Paris is next. And for Jill Sebanes, it may only be the beginning.
Follow Jill on Instagram: @itsjillbabe