The Professional Models Association of the Philippines celebrated its 35th anniversary with a game-changing announcement.

The event, held on 22 November at the Hilton Hotel and hosted by Joey Mead King, welcomed the group's new leadership and a much-awaited change. In recognition of the importance of diversity, the PMAP pledged an initiative that will champion representation and inclusion.

The modeling industry trailblazers took their spots one by one, wearing creations of designer Mark Bumgarner. New-generation models and former PMAP presidents Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, Apples Aberin, Grace Molina, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Phoemela Baranda, Angel Agustin, and Ana Sideco graced the evening's runway as PMAP fittingly commemorated 35 years of success with a fashion show.

"I have been through five presidencies of PMAP and I have experienced first hand how it was to model back in mid-2000s to present. The industry has changed so much when I started modeling in 2006. Year 2018, I was elected as president of PMAP, and I would like to think that my presidency is the last of the 'old generation' of PMAP models.

"Before stepping down, I told the new board of my vision for a new PMAP. It's very timely to launch a new generation of PMAP models post-pandemic through our new campaign: #PMAPNow. I am hopeful that with #PMAPnow, PMAP has adapted and has shown resiliency throughout the years with the ever-changing world of modeling," said Sideco.

Clad in a blood-red gown, PMAP's new president, Atty. Margarita Gutierrez, took the opportunity to emphasize her vision — a PMAP that will open doors to all types of models, for more local models to model abroad, and for them to become active contributors to society.

"Now is the time to unite. Now is the time to evolve. Now is the time to change; join in on the campaign and be the change we want to see in the industry," Gutierrez said in her speech.

Distinguished guests included entrepreneur Tim Yap; fashion designer Mark Bumgarner; PMAP alum Wilma Doesnt, Gerone Olorocisimo; Cosmopolitan Philippines' former
editor-in-chief Myrza Sison; and Jessica Yang.

The concept of inclusivity in the modeling industry is nothing new, as other countries and designers such as Dolce & Gabbana and Versace have made great strides in the last decade, having plus-sized models strut down the runway.

However, seeing that happen on our shores will be nothing short of groundbreaking as we are trying to break the mold of the ideal beauty.