We braved the heavy downpour and drove through the flooded streets amid the expectedly horrible payday-Friday traffic to attend the grand reunion of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila.
The PMAP is celebrating its 30th year and for one special night, all the beautiful people that have been part of this organization through the years gathered to celebrate and party big time.
It was a truly beautiful night and we were happy to see old and new faces, models and celebrities from different generations and friends from the fashion industry that have contributed in one way or the other to the success of the PMAP.
Most of the señoras (the term the industry gave to the veteran female models who still walk the runway once in a while in special shows) were present: Izza Gonzales-Agana, Suyen Chi-Sia, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales and Desiree Verdadero-Abesamis.
We were very happy to see magazine editor Myrza Sison, Jo-Ann Bitagcol, Jack de Mesa, Gem Padilla-Thomas, Sarah Jane Paez-Santiago, Maricris Perez, Lala Flores, Lito Gruet, Alvin Degamo, Chris Badiola, Gerald Lauron, Phoemela Baranda, Gerone Olorocisimo, Apples Aberin, Lou Bunyi, Evan Spargo, Gerard Go and Julio Alberto de Leon.
Also adding chutzpah and sparkle were fashion designers, show directors, beauty gurus and friends of PMAP like Patrick Rosas, Jojie Lloren, Barge Ramos, Frederick Peralta, Vic Barba, Robbie Carmona and Tippy Ocampo.
Over the years, some PMAP models from different generations have spread their wings and branched out into acting for film and television. One of the more notable names is Marina Benipayo. Crowned Bb. Pilipinas Maja International in 1992, Marina was sent to compete at the Miss World pageant in the same year as a substitute to Marilen Espino, who was afflicted with chicken pox a few days before her flight.
Benipayo reigned in the catwalks for quite a spell and inspired a lot of younger models to pursue their dreams. She did a few roles on film and televisionm and made a mark in ABS-CBN’s My Binondo Girl. This year we saw how much she has improved as an actor in Hahamakin ang Lahat on GMA.
Marina is set to start on two films, one of which would give her the opportunity to act alongside Sharon Cuneta. “I’m grateful that modeling has allowed me to build my confidence and helped me branch out into acting. My years in PMAP have transformed me into the kind of model I wanted to be. When you think about it, the basics for success are almost the same in many careers: Be punctual. Be professional. Be pleasant. Be real. Be your best.”
Show business has been good to Marina, and she has even found love and romance again because of her new passion. A few years ago, Marina met the calm, collected and very charming Ricardo Cepeda, also a PMAP alumnus (who was known as Richard Go during his modeling days), and the two have built a strong relationship as a couple for some time now.
Another PMAP member who made heads turn during the PMAP event was Paolo Paraiso, who was dressed up in a Bang Pineda ensemble. Paolo continues to pursue his passion in acting up to this day, aside from being a restaurateur and a businessman. Paolo shared that he has just wrapped up two films: the action thriller We Will Not Die Tonight from filmmaker-production designer Richard Somes; and Giancarlo Abrahan’s Paki, an entry to the coming Cinema One Originals Film Festival this November.
Another PMAP alumnus who made an acting comeback recently is Lawrence Pineda. Looking good with silver gray streaks that night, Lawrence told us that he was part of the action-drama movie AWOL, starring Gerald Anderson and directed by Enzo Williams. “I miss making good films,” he volunteered, adding, “I’d love to act some more if there are meaty roles in the upcoming films of good directors.”
We also saw Eric Quizon at the ball, and he is looking very good these days. Now Hong Kong based, he flashed his signature boyish smile and gave us a warm, tight hug upon seeing us. His last outing on television was on My Dear Heart, where he convincingly played an evil, scheming doctor. Eric became a PMAP member after joining the first ever Bodyshots model competition.
Maxine Medina and Marx Topacio were, perhaps, the sweetest model-couple that night. Maxine is the latest addition to the many beauty queens who heeded the call of show business. She will be introduced in the the horror film Spirit of the Glass 2, directed by Jose Javier Reyes. Maxine’s longtime boyfriend Marx looked dashing and is raring to land more acting roles. He was last seen in the GMA hit Encantadia.
At the ball, we also saw former PMAP members who have penetrated the international circuit. Marc Nelson and Joey Mead have proven that they are world-class hosts, and both continue to fly from one Asian country to another to showcase their five-star hosting skills.
Celebrating 30 years is indeed a milestone. Congratulations, PMAP.