Rowena Galam
Breaking the Rules
Text & Photos by Michael Ferrara

When we first set out on building the DRAG Sport title, one of the rules that we set is that we would bring new faces and personalities to the industry with every cover. To date, we've kept to our pledge by bringing 10 beautiful models to our readers in our first 11 issues. This month, we decided to bend the rules. Arguing the technicality that "you never really met her and that now she's grown up." We are happy to be introducing Rowena Galam.

DS: Did you know that we have an unwritten policy not to use models previously on the cover of other import magazines?
RG: I heard that, but look I was a girl back then and now I'm a women (laughing). Anyways, there wasn't even an interview back then.

DS: Are you sure? (as we rummage through our library to verify)
RG: Yeah. There was just a cover shot and a single picture inside.

DS: Wow. So you've kind of been involved since the creation of "import models."
RG: It's weird to think about it that way, but I guess that's right. I have really enjoyed modeling and I hope to stay involved beyond the time that I'm able to be a model myself. I'm currently working to book models for shows on the side.

DS: How did you get started in modeling.
RG: A friend of mine spoke with the staff at Import Tuner and that cover was my first real modeling job. It kind of took off from there.

DS: Were your friends in high school surprised that you started modeling?
RG: I wasn't in the popular crowd in high school. After I started modeling, I would bump into people from high school and they would all of the sudden want to hang out.

DS: How has the last five years of modeling been?
RG: I've really enjoyed it. I think a lot of girls have the dream of being a runway model. At 5'6", I'm two to three inches short of the cut. My modeling experience has been mainly with print and shows.

DS: Which do you prefer?
RG: I really like print because you always have something to look back on. The show scene is fun when you travel to places for the first time.

DS: How has the scene changed in the last five years?
RG: Overall, I think that the scene has expanded. The import culture is more diverse today than it was in 1999.

DS: Have you ever done any mainstream print, film or TV work?
RG: I was an extra in Rush Hour II and a J-Lo video. I've also been the spokesmodel for Valvoline for three years.

DS: In addition to modeling, do you have a normal 9-to-5 job? RG: Yes, I'm a pediatric occupational therapist. I work with special needs children.

DS: That sounds like our staff.
RG: Actually it's children with autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, ADHD. These are developmentally delayed kids and I work with them to help accelerate their skills while learning to cope with their challenges.

DS: Do you find the work both rewarding but somewhat depressing on another level?
RG: I find it very rewarding, but not depressing at all. These kids were born with their disabilities and they're basically unaware of they are not normal. They can be just as happy as "normal" kids.

DS: Enough about work. How do you have fun?
RG: I just got back a month ago from a trip that I took to Europe with five of my best girlfriends. We backpacked the whole way to have more money for shopping. It was a really great experience. It was far from luxurious.

DS: What should people know about you?
RG: I'm very genuine, very friendly. I treat people as they treat me. On that note, I can be a real bitch too. I speak what's on my mind andI don't keep too much inside.

DS: We've notice that some models are eternally single. Are you?
RG: Of course (laughing). Actually, I'm probably a couple years away from settling down when I find the right guy.

For pictures and chat on Rowena grab a copy of DRAG Sport on newsstands and tuning shops nationwide.