November 27, 2023
MANILA – A career in modeling is no easy pursuit. The industry is intensely competitive, while the physical standards often subject models to strict regimens and self-control. A model’s life is filled with routine meetings with casting directors, agencies, and designers, calling them to navigate challenges with both courage and resilience.
The Model Rev takes a groundbreaking approach as an international model search and competition with IM Agency. In its first season, the competition gave winners a chance to win a contract with IM Agency and their partner agency in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Barcelona, One Management. Through education for aspiring models, promotion of creatives, and inspiration from legends in the industry, The Model Rev aims to elevate models to the global front.
Much of the programs were guided by renowned figures in the industry, such as photographer Artu Nepomuceno and makeup artist Lala Flores.
Some of the judges and mentors who helped deliberate the winners of the contests included One Management New York’s Sharina Gutierrez and Tony Award Winner Jhett Tolentino.
In a movement towards an inclusive and diverse world of fashion, the top 7 awarded winners were Ila Dawn Diato, Joy Lu, Range Guillema, Arthur Osin, and Caitlin Mathew, with Grand Winners Jeska Sta Teresa and Lorenzo Carabio.
From casting to boot camp and now a runway show, over 1,500 models were narrowed down to 50, then just 20 finalists, after casting stops in Pampanga, Cebu, and Makati, as well as online applications. The competition winners were announced at the Finale Runway show last November 11, 2023, under the bright lights at Whitespace Manila.
The finalists walked the runway alongside IM Agency’s leading models Siobhan Moylan, Jubei Caceres, and Danielle Daza.
The three runway shows featured rugged-chic designs by Russel Villafuerte’s “Strongvillage,” edgy black-and-red looks by Kaye Morales, and classic essentials by contemporary brand Piore. In between were video snippets of the journey showing casting calls, boot camps, and photoshoots, along with mentors and guests from the industry.
At the end of the runway show, the 7 winners of The Model Rev were announced. The winners of the season are Ila Dawn Diato, Joy Lu, Range Guillema, Arthur Osin, and Caitlin Mathew, while the Grand Winners are Jeska Sta Teresa and Lorenzo Carabio. All winners are set to receive guaranteed job contracts with IM Agency, with opportunities for representation deals with One Management New York and various model agencies in Europe and Asia, with the finalists now set for international placement.
Leading The Model Rev are the minds at work with IM Agency—IM Agency CEO May Flores, IM Agency Managing Partner Clyde Rivera, The Model Rev Co-Founder Ann Colis, and One Management New York’s Senior Manager Ben Garcia.
May Flores shares her vision as founder of The Model Rev,
“Representation, love for our own beauty, inclusivity, and opportunity – these are what led us to start The Model Rev, a movement to bring the Filipino to the global scene using education for aspiring models, promotion of brilliant creatives, and inspiration from legends in the industry.”
The Model Rev Co-Founder Ann Colis adds,
“Progression starts here. This is where the freedom starts… When we met the many aspirants, we understood that what we’re doing is not just a search anymore for new talents but a journey of uncovering hopes and dreams.”