Published December 1, 2022, 8:39 AM
The Professional Models Association of the Philippines celebrates 35 years of elevating, celebrating, and empowering Filipino models
Gone are the days when fashion models are seen as walking mannequins. They are no longer just muses donning designers’ latest visions. Models are now the face of the shift in today’s fashion industry. From the pages of magazines to ad campaigns online, people can of different sizes, ages, races, and gender can see themselves represented. And It is just right, because, as they say, beauty is not a one size fits all. While this change is definitely a step forward in the global modeling industry, there are more things to be done to help the modeling community thrive, especially in the Philippines.
Since its inception in 1987, the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) has been on a mission to elevate, celebrate, and empower Filipino models here and abroad. As it toasts its 35th anniversary this year, that goal remains the same, perhaps, bigger. Last Nov. 22, the local modeling organization welcomed the country’s fashion crowd to an event celebrating its legacy. It presented its iconic members and new faces all dressed in the stunning couture creations of Filipino fashion designer Mark Bumgarner. But the event wasn’t just a celebration of style, it is also a testament to the organization’s role in taking the local modeling scene to newer heights and in breaking more barriers.
“Run by models for models, we put our all into building a safe space where Filipino models can grow and thrive,” said its newly-elected president of Margarita Gutierrez. “We have never been the type of people to simply stagnate and rest on our laurels. Even though we’ve already reached amazing feats, we are not stopping.”
During the event, Margarita laid out her visions for PMAP, the dreams she cannot wait to fulfill with her army of Filipino models. During her leadership, she sees a modeling industry that is inclusive, an industry that is open to all types of models. While it is apparent now in the industry, she thinks that more is to be done to break industry norms and stereotypes.
“Modeling is about feeling confident and beautiful in your own skin,” she said. “I want every single person to be able to open a magazine or watch a fashion show and see someone to whom they can relate. Someone who makes them feel seen.”
The second thing on her agenda is to make it possible for Filipino models to work internationally. For them to be able to walk the runways of the fashion capitals of the world, star in global campaigns, and put the Philippine flag on the international modeling scene. Her plan is to foster collaborations with foreign partners in giving Filipino models the opportunity they truly deserve.
Lastly, to make Filipino models more than just models. Using herself as an example, Margarita, a model and a public servant, believes that models can also pursue other dreams. She wants to see models also become doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and other roles they have been dreaming of.
With all these on her to-do list, Margarita, together with her team in the PMAP, paints a future for models where their roles are not limited to just strutting and posing but being as catalysts for change. They deserve it, and as fashion consumers, we deserve it.
“Gone are the days when models strictly fit a certain stereotype,” Margarita said. “The PMAP now will be our battle cry for a more inclusive, diverse, and compassionate modeling community. Now is the time to unite. Now is the time to evolve—to change.”
