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.
