The pioneer edition of the Face of Philippines modeling competition aims to redefine modeling by celebrating the versatility, inclusivity, and diversity of Filipino talent.
Presented by House of Yugen and BRB Events and Academy, the modelling competition's finale is scheduled for Monday night, September 8, 2025, at Monarch Manila in Makati City.
From a nationwide search, the competition has spotlighted a final 10—a diverse group challenging traditional modeling norms.
The lineup includes Rain Julian Datu, Khurt Go, Aura Payawan, Jamila San, Raf Barcenal Ilagan, Haruhiko Golimlim.
There are also notable stereotype-breakers like 27-year-old Gray Prowel from Kidapawan, 4'11" Donnaliza Nopre, and trans women Zmon Barro del Valle and Kishan Garcia.
On September 6, 2025, the finalists were unveiled to the press, including PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), at Apostol Dental Clinic in Makati City.
Creative Director Rev Reyes takes pride in their pioneer batch's diversity and inclusivity.
He told the press: "I think modeling in the past couple of years, we're looking for height. We're looking for someone who's very thin.
"We're looking for someone who's very beautiful. I'm not saying that they're not [beautiful]. But if you look at them, they're all versatile.
"You have someone who's 4'11". You have someone who's six-footer."
Rev continued, "The definition of modeling has changed all throughout the years.
"I think we'd have to veer away from the modeling notion that it has to be tall, it has to be thin, it has to be super beautiful. But it can be anyone."
FACE OF PHILIPPINES SEASON 1
When asked how winners will be chosen, Rev said judges will evaluate contestants on the runway in looks by local designers Daryl Tejano, Hans Wrowen Nabong and Fern Garcia of East of Eden, as well as outfits from H&M.
Explaining how the competition will go, he shared: "So they'll be wearing four different designers on Monday. So they'll walk, change from one segment to another segment.
"So definitely, the judging will be based from how they present.
"So what we want to happen is that we don't want to judge in one look.
"We want them to make sure that we see them in different looks so that we get to see their flexibility. That's very important here in the modeling.
"So aside from the face, of course, you have your walk, your versatility when you wear these designers."
But beyond runway talent, Rev said he’s prioritizing a model who’s pleasant to work with and diligent.
He explained: "I think that when you start training it's going to be tough. Their schedule right now, it's back-to-back. They have a lot of meetings and all.
"So someone who's willing to work, someone who's willing to, to give their 100 [percent] because we're talking about representing the Philippines.
"We're not just talking about representing your area or your city or whatnot. This is going to be different. So someone who's ready to work."
Also at the press presentation were two judges: Dr. Jonas Apostol and Mister International Costa Rica 2025 Roberto Mena.
They will be joined on the panel by photographer Niccolo Cosme, Miss Earth Air 2016 Michelle Gomez of Colombia, Face of the Philippines Cycle 5 winner Jamie Saberon, Great Man of the Universe founder Shandy Lim, Kumu co-founder James Rumohr, Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwen Furnoil, and Face of Asia Kids founder Raulen Lee.
When asked for tips for the finalists, Dr. Jonas emphasized authenticity.
"Just be who you are. You think that... [there's a lot of] pressure sometimes, like struggles along the way, but just be yourself...
"Because you have your certain attributes na you possess na kayo lang. You're all unique. So just represent yourself right there and hope you all the best."
Roberto, on the other hand, just expressed his excited to see emerging Filipino talent.
"They only not just have the face, they're impressive with their skills and how they're talking. They are very well-educated.
"I'm gonna say you definitely can see now that House of Yugen have this new project, I'm gonna say the casting was amazing.
"These people is ready to kill on stage. I love it. I am ready to see them in the final. I already was able to do the evaluation digital for their challenge.
"It was definitely very nice to see their projects, how much they love it, and how good they are and how committed they are with this project.
"And now I can't wait to see them on the stage. They are amazing."
ASIA MODEL FESTIVAL
The Face of Philippines will crown two winners—regardless of gender—who will be sent to South Korea to compete at the Asia Model Festival.
Organized by the Asia Model Festival Organizing Committee (AMFOC), the annual event spotlights modeling talent from across Asia. Past Filipino participants include top models Justine Gabionza and LA Aguinaldo, as well as Binibining Pilipinas 2025 first runner-up Dalia Varde, among others.
The 20th Asia Model Festival is set for October 25–31, 2025, at the Kangwon Land High1 Resort Convention Center in South Korea.
Besides the opportunity to represent the Philippines, the winners of Face of Philippines modelling competition will also receive cash prizes, brand collaborations and management contracts with House of Yugen and BRB Events.
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