Stepping into Spotlight: Catwalk Philippines returns and elevates the modeling search
The search for the nation’s next top models is on as CATWALK PHILIPPINES stages its fourth and potentially grandest edition yet. This 2025, the competition finds fresh energy under the guidance of FirstSun Production, with Michaela stepping in as a key supporter. This agency, known for its inventive approaches to brand promotion, business growth, digital outreach, corporate identity, and event execution, aims to make this year truly remarkable.
CATWALK PHILIPPINES originated from the vision of the Designers Circle Philippines (DCP). Their goal: to discover, refine, and launch the careers of talented Filipino men and women into the professional modeling world, spanning fashion, pageantry, and media. The competition previously lit up runways in 2018, 2019, and 2022, building a foundation for its current iteration.
“We want CATWALK PHILIPPINES to become the most credible and influential modeling competition,” asserts Johnny Abad, DCP Founding Chairman and Overall Chair. He further states, “The Designers Circle Philippines is committed to make it the most dynamic venue for Filipino fashion creativity and excellence.”
The 2025 staging of CATWALK PHILIPPINES is a key project for the DCP’s newly appointed leadership. This includes President Rafael Gonzalez, Vice President for Internal Affairs Edwin Uy, Vice President for External Affairs Laura Santos, and Creatives & Communications Head Alfonso Emmanuel, all steering the organization towards new horizons.
This year also marks a fresh alliance for the Designers Circle Philippines, partnering with FirstSun Production, led by its Artistic Director, Rodel De Jesus Mercado, to bring the fourth edition to fruition.
“I believe in the objective and the vision of the Designers Circle Philippines,” shares Director Rodel Mercado. “I am in agreement and laud the commitment of DCP to ascertain their dream of making CATWALK PHILIPPINES the starting point of young aspiring models in creating and shaping their professional careers. And also, with more than two decades of experience and expertise in events management and theater production, I would like to elevate the standard and maintain the integrity of Modelling and Pageantry in the country.”
The theme for the 2025 competition, “Redux: Vintage Reimagined,” draws inspiration from the stylish decades of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. Contestants will showcase original designs from participating DCP members, taking cues from the glamour of the Gatsby era, the sleek lines of Art Deco, and the allure of Old Hollywood pin-ups. These historical influences will be seen across the competition’s runway segments, including resort wear, streetwear, luxe wear, and haute couture.
A roster of talented designers is participating, including Bepz Torres, Jasper Adorador, Darlene Acuna, Alistair Balane, Ganda Anore, Sony Boy Mindo (swimwear), Joy Aguilar Aaliwin, Cliff D, Santa Emmanuelle, Maila Alog, Geoffrey Guinto, Joemel Calma, Jehrick Dela Roca, Niño Ramirez, Mikaelah Mikhai, and promising student-designers from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines – Sta. Rosa Laguna, guided by Marjorie Lee-Gumabay and Bernard Escalona.
Providing crucial support for Catwalk Philippines 2025 are Coro Hotel (Venue Partner), MUD Studio (Make up Partner), Just Nifty (Videographer Partner), Neitiviti Studios (Livestream partner), Prima.One Modelo (Shoe Partner), Sony Boy Mindo Creation (Swimwear Partner), Heseneya Aesthetic (Skin Care Partner), and food and beverage sponsors KFC, Ate Rica’s Bacsilog, Founders Donut, and Mogu-Mogu. Additional support comes from Prowess Supremacy Production Inc, Golds Gym, Studio 56, and Landco Pacific (Go-See Venue Partners).
The highly anticipated Grand Catwalk is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at the new Intramuros Convention Center. From the initial pool of 15 male and 19 female candidates, the judges will select the Top 7 male and Top 7 female finalists for the ultimate runway showdown.
In the end, only one male and one female will be crowned the grand winners of Catwalk Philippines 2025. Each winner will receive a Php50,000 cash prize and valuable modeling contracts with both DCP and Ignis Novus Artist Management, the talent division of FirstSun Production.
@randomrepublika MEET the candidates of #CatwalkPhilippines2025 🔥 One male and one female will be crowned the grand winners on JUNE 14 at the Intramuros Convention Center at 7PM. #beautyph #modelsph #modelingph #pageantph ♬ original sound – Runway walksss🤩
The 19 female competitors vying for the top spot are Trisha Mae C. Calabita, Shine Chavez, Hazel De Leon, Francesca Zoey S. Francisco, Psalm Savannah N. Francisco, Kenlyn Eunice P. Geroy, Christal Mary M. Gulay, Aia Kielle C. Lopez, Angeline Cabrerra Manait, Angela Maghanoy, Daniella Mazen M. Moustafa, Anne Lorraine A. Norella, Jenelle Paula Odiame, Carmela Roxas, Nenen R. Segundo, Sherlyn N. Tarroquin, Carla Stephanie Bendaen Tilap, Nicole Antoinette B. Tilap, and Keska Tolentino.
The 15 male hopefuls include Samie Nathaniel B. Al-Ajarmeh, Niño Jay D. Brucal, Kirby Chen, Jairus Chauncey C. Culalic, Mohammad Rayhan D. Datu, Nico Angelo Dimaano, Marcus Fernandez, Earl Christian Lantin, Timothy Lusabio, Carl Edwin R Macario, Neshiero Macawili, Carl Ron Mal, Ansary Mustapha, Mc Chester M. Petate, and Jonard Zandro B. Salonga.
CATWALK PHILIPPINES is poised to introduce a fresh wave of world-class Filipino male and female supermodels, ready to command runways, grace magazine pages, feature in editorials, and become the faces of prominent brands and products.
