CATWALK PHILIPPINES, the country’s premier modeling competition, is back for its 4th edition.
It is posed to be the biggest and most successful edition of the said competition. This 2025, it is produced by FirstSun Production with Michaela as its major presenter. FirstSun Production is a full-service media production agency providing innovative solutions for brand campaigns, business growth, digital marketing, corporate branding, and events.
What made them decide to bring back Catwalk Philippines this year?
“Most of our candidates before made it to the mainstream. The likes of Eloisa (Jauod), who just participated in the Miss Universe Philippines. I find as a building ground for aspiring models and beauty queens,” shares Designers Circle Philippines Founding Chairman and Overall Chair Johnny Abad.
How different would the Catwalk Philippines be from the other modeling competitions in the Philippines?
“Catwalk Philippines is a modeling competition. We focus on the modelling side and we don’t have a Q&A. The competition is more about how they project on stage. But it’s still a competition about beauty with a purpose,” sir Johnny Abad answers.
“I haven’t been seeing modelling competitions anymore, some still pegs pageant competition. With Catwalk, we wanted to look for new models,” VP for Internal Affairs Edwin Uy adds.
“I think what also sets us apart is that we’re a modelling competition spearheaded and organized by designers,” President Rafael Gonzalez continues.
What are the criteria for judging for the Grand Catwalk?
“We’re looking for a model’s qualification, hindi beauty lang. We need that X-factor of what a model should have. The proportion of the body also matters to us.”
“As a designer, we’re looking for models that are very much competitive.”
“One more thing that we are looking for, kasi ang dami nang gustong maging modelo, ang daming gustong maging beauty queen, ang daming gustong maging celebrity. Ako, personally, I’m looking for a good attitude kasi ‘yun ang kulang ngayon sa mga aspiring models. Importante aside from the looks, aside from the figure, aside from the catwalk, attitude is very important,” shares First Sun Production Artistic Director Rodel Mercado.
Catwalk Philippines was founded by the Designers Circle Philippines with the vision and mission to create, hone, train and launch the careers of professional male and female supermodels in the fields of fashion, pageantry and media. The first three editions happened in 2018, 2019, and 2022.
“We want CATWALK PHILIPPINES to become the most credible and influential modeling competition,” said DCP Founding Chairman and Overall Chair Johnny Abad. “The Designers Circle Philippines is committed to make it the most dynamic venue for Filipino fashion creativity and excellence.”
CATWALK PHILIPPINES 2025 is one of the many projects lined up under DCP’s new administration led by its newly elected officers and appointed committee chairs: President Rafael Gonzalez, Vice President for Internal Affairs Edwin Uy, Vice President for External Affairs Laura Santos, and Creatives & Communications Head Alfonso Emmanuel.
This year, Designers Circle Philippines found a new partner to bring the 4th edition of Catwalk Philippines to life: FirstSun Production, headed by its Artistic Director, Rodel De Jesus Mercado.
“I believe in the objective and the vision of the Designers Circle Philippines,” said 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 2025 edition’s theme is “Redux: Vintage Reimagined,’ which draws inspiration from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. The candidates don creations of participating DCP members that draw inspiration from the Gatsby-flapper era, the Art Deco movement, and the Old Hollywood-pinup aesthetic. These eras will be represented in the competition’s various runway segments: resort wear, streetwear, luxe wear, and haute couture.
Participating designers include: Bepz Torres, Jasper Adorador, Darlene Acuna, Alistair Balane, Ganda Anore, Sony Boy Mindo (Swimwear designer), Joy Aguilar Aaliwin, Cliff D, Santa Emmanuelle, Maila Alog, Geoffrey Guinto, Joemel Calma, Jehrick Dela Roca, Niño Ramirez, Mikaelah Mikhai, and partner student-designers from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines – Sta. Rosa Laguna headed by Marjorie Lee-Gumabay and Bernard Escalona..
Fully supporting 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), KFC, Ate Rica’s Bacsilog, Founders Donut, and Mogu-Mogu (Food & Beverage Sponsors), Prowess Supremacy Production Inc, Golds Gym, Studio 56, Landco Pacific (Go-See Venue Partners) .
During the Grand Catwalk, which will take place on Saturday, June 14, at the new Intramuros Convention Center, the 15 male and 19 female candidates will be chosen from the top 7 male and Top 7 female finalists for the final runway showdown.
Only one male and one female grand winner for Catwalk Philippines 2025 will be proclaimed, and each will receive a Php50,000 cash prize and modeling contracts with DCP and Ignis Novus Artist Management, the artist management arm of FirstSun Production.
The 19 females in competition are:
Calabita, Trisha Mae C.
Chavez, Shine
De Leon, Hazel
Francisco, Francesca Zoey S.
Francisco, Psalm Savannah N.
Geroy, Kenlyn Eunice P.
Gulay, Christal Mary M.
Lopez, Aia Kielle C.
Manait, Angeline Cabrerra
Maghanoy, Angela
Moustafa, Daniella Mazen M.
Norella, Anne Lorraine A.
Odiame, Jenelle Paula
Roxas, Carmela
Segundo, Nenen R.
Tarroquin, Sherlyn N.
Tilap, Carla Stephanie Bendaen
Tilap, Nicole Antoinette B.
Tolentino Keska
The 15 gentlemen contenders are:
Al-Ajarmeh , Samie Nathaniel B.
Brucal , Niño Jay D.
Chen , Kirby
Culalic ,Jairus Chauncey C.
Datu ,Mohammad Rayhan D.
Dimaano, Nico Angelo
Fernandez, Marcus
Lantin, Earl Christian
Lusabio ,Timothy
Macario , Carl Edwin R
Macawili Neshiero
Mal, Carl Ron
Mustapha, Ansary
Petate Mc Chester M.
Salonga Jonard Zandro B.
CATWALK PHILIPPINES gives birth to the new breed of world-class Filipino male and female supermodels ready to sashay and slay the runway, magazine, editorials and become the faces and bodies of brands and products.
HYPE MANIA 