Mr. Gino-o’s Ultimate Male Model 2024: A Historic Debut at the Grand Multicultural Entertainment Festival

Photo Credit: Dave Choo

The Grand Multicultural Entertainment Festival on August 31, 2024, saw the exciting culmination of the first-ever Mr. Gino-o’s Ultimate Male Model competition. This landmark event, a collaborative effort between StarCentral Magazine, RGeM Promotions and Management, and Flagcom, marked the debut of Mr. Gino-o’s mission to reinvent the Barong Tagalog, showcasing it in a modern and contemporary light while preserving its cultural essence.

Photo Credit: Dave Choo

Celebrating Filipino Craftsmanship

Mr. Gino-o; Made For Men was created to elevate and promote Philippine products and materials on an international scale. The brand incorporates traditional Filipino textiles like abaca, jusi, piña, banana fibre, inaul, inabel, and tinalak, all hand-woven and crafted by Filipino artisans. Each collection, based on the creative vision of designer Albie Prias, aimed to reinterpret the classic Barong Tagalog, making it trendy and relevant to contemporary fashion without losing its cultural aesthetic.

A Panel of Distinguished Judges

The judging panel featured some of the most respected names in fashion and pageantry.

Leading the panel was Olan Roque, an accomplished fashion designer with a rich background in tailoring and dressmaking. Trained at the Quezon City Polytechnic University, Olan gained international experience in Dubai, where he created stunning garments for celebrities and pageant candidates. As the Founding Chairman of One Designers Club (ODC), Olan continues to influence the fashion world with his innovative designs and vision.

Joining him was Cole Nocera, a dedicated disability carer and assistant director for the National Australia Miss pageant. Cole also runs Mrs. South Regency International Pacific and brings her unique perspective from both pageantry and community service to the judging panel.

Completing the panel was René Rivas, a multi-award-winning fashion designer and artist renowned for his couture costumes across various media, including film, theatre, opera, TV, and magazines. René’s work has been featured at prestigious events such as Mardi Gras and the 2000 Sydney Olympics. As a Hall of Fame awardee, LGBTQI+ icon, and international humanitarian, René has earned numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his contributions to the arts and multiculturalism in Australia.

The Competitors: Showcasing Talent and Style

The competition featured seven outstanding contestants: Eman, Lester, Ram, Robert, Sha Bala, Henry, and Jupiter. Each competitor brought their unique flair to the runway, impressing the judges and audience with their charisma, style, and confidence.

The contestants were judged across three main categories: Theme Costume, Beach Wear, and Formal Wear, with additional awards recognising exceptional achievements in each.

Results of the Competition

  • Best in Theme Costume: Eman, who wowed the judges with his unique interpretation of the theme, blending traditional and modern elements with poise.
  • Best in Beach Wear: Robert, whose confidence and style in the beachwear segment set him apart, winning him the title in this category.

  • Best in Formal Wear: Jupiter, who captivated the audience with his elegance and sophistication on stage, securing the title of Best in Formal Wear.
  • Designer’s Choice Award: Ram, who was recognised for his distinctive style and presentation, earning the Designer’s Choice Award.

As the competition drew to a close, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Robert was named the first runner-up, while Eman emerged as the winner, claiming the coveted title of Mr. Gino-o’s Ultimate Male Model 2024.

A New Era in Fashion and Cultural Representation

The success of the Mr. Gino-o’s Ultimate Male Model 2024 competition at the Grand Multicultural Entertainment Festival has set the stage for a new era in fashion, where cultural heritage is celebrated in a modern context. By combining traditional Filipino craftsmanship with contemporary fashion trends, Mr. Gino-o has shown that the Barong Tagalog can be both timeless and trendy.

This event has also highlighted the importance of collaboration within the fashion and entertainment industries, bringing together diverse talents and perspectives to celebrate multiculturalism and creativity. As the first of its kind, the Mr. Gino-o competition not only provided a platform for male models to showcase their talents but also served as a powerful reminder of the beauty and significance of cultural preservation through fashion.

As we look forward to future editions of this competition, there is no doubt that Mr. Gino-o; Made For Men will continue to inspire and elevate Filipino artistry, bringing it to the forefront of the global fashion scene.

   

Mr. Gino-o’s Latest Collection Unveiled At The Miss Mardi Gras International Queen 2024 Pageant

Stepping into the limelight with a grand reveal, Mr. Ginoo commanded attention as he unveiled his latest collection during The Miss Mardi Gras International Queen 2024 Pageant. At the heart of this spectacular showcase was the House of Filipino Designers, widely recognized as Mr. Gino-o, which presented a contemporary reinterpretation of the iconic Barong Tagalog. In this groundbreaking display of fashion finesse, the collection masterfully preserved the cultural essence of the Barong Tagalog while infusing it with a trendy and globally relevant flair. The creative genius steering this venture was none other than Albert Prias, whose innovative vision successfully propelled Philippine products and materials onto the global stage.

On the vibrant night of February 24th, the Orion Function Center in Campsie, NSW, underwent a transformative metamorphosis into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colour, talent, and celebration. The orchestrators of this dazzling spectacle were Flagcom & Friends, curators of The Miss Mardi Gras International Queen 2024 pageant, now proudly in its 14th year. This illustrious event not only paid homage to beauty and talent but also emerged as a robust platform addressing crucial issues confronting the LGBTQI+ community.

As Mr. Gino-o’s collection took center stage, the audience was treated to a feast for the senses, witnessing the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity. The contemporary Barong Tagalog, designed to resonate with international sensibilities, became a beacon of cultural pride and innovation. Albert Prias’s ingenious approach not only revitalized this cultural icon but also transcended boundaries, promoting Philippine products and materials on a global scale.

The glittering ambiance of the event was a testament to the meticulous planning and execution by Flagcom & Friends, creating an atmosphere that not only entertained but also informed. The Miss Mardi Gras International Queen 2024 pageant served as a powerful conduit for raising awareness about the challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community, turning the spotlight on crucial issues that demand attention and advocacy.

In the convergence of fashion, advocacy, and celebration, this extraordinary evening showcased the potential of transformative events. The Miss Mardi Gras International Queen 2024 pageant, enriched by the innovative spirit of Mr. Ginoo’s collection, transcended its role as a beauty contest to become a platform for meaningful dialogue and awareness. As the glittering lights faded, the echoes of this spectacular event lingered, reinforcing the indomitable spirit of unity, diversity, and cultural pride that defines such exceptional gatherings.

Mr. Gino-o Shines At Albert Prias’ Song, Dance And Fashion Concert 2023

Albert Prias, the visionary CEO behind Mr. Gino-o, orchestrated an enchanting fusion of song, dance, and fashion in an exclusive concert held on November 24 2023 at the exquisite Villa Blanca reception venue in Bankstown. The event showcased not only the artistic brilliance of the latest Mr. Gino-o collection but also celebrated the rich cultural heritage embedded within each creation.

At the heart of the event was the ingenious recreation of the iconic Barong Tagalog, a cornerstone of Filipino cultural attire. Mr. Gino-o’s approach was marked by a deliberate effort to infuse a contemporary and trendy aesthetic without compromising the timeless cultural essence of the classic Barong. This transformation showcased Albert Prias’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion, presenting garments that resonate with modern tastes while upholding the heritage of Filipino craftsmanship.

The inception of the Mr. Gino-o House of Filipino Designers is a testament to Albert Prias’s dedication to promoting Philippine products and materials on a global stage. This visionary initiative encompasses a diverse array of materials, including the resilient abaca, the luxurious jusi, the delicate pinya, the robust banana fiber, and handwoven cloths like inaul, inabel, and tinalak. Crafted and designed by Filipino artisans, these materials serve as the foundation for garments tailored expressly for the discerning international market.

The latest collection unveiled during the concert marks the arrival of Season 4, a testament to the evolving narrative of Mr. Gino-o’s journey through the world of fashion. This collection is not merely an exhibition of garments; it is a profound expression of artistic innovation, cultural pride, and a commitment to presenting Philippine fashion on a global stage.

The Villa Blanca reception venue in Bankstown served as the perfect backdrop for this multifaceted event, providing a luxurious ambiance that complemented the sophistication of the Mr. Gino-o brand. Guests were treated to an immersive experience that seamlessly blended the rhythms of music, the grace of dance, and the allure of fashion.

Albert Prias’s unwavering vision has not only elevated Mr. Gino-o to new heights within the fashion industry but has also positioned the brand as a cultural ambassador, showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of the Philippines to the world. The concert, with its amalgamation of creativity and cultural richness, stands as a testament to Mr. Gino-o’s commitment to redefining fashion boundaries and fostering a global appreciation for Filipino design.