đź‘–COOL NEW FACES

12 New Models to Watch

The fashion industry is always looking for its next fresh face; and this September, COOL Magazine introduces 12 new models to watch.

They are young, ambitious, curious, and, for many of them, still very new to the bizz. Some have been modeling for only a few months, while the most seasoned among them have been in the industry for just about two years. They are the fresh faces stepping into castings, editorials, shoots, and runways, ready to discover where fashion can take them.

For designers, established models bring experience and familiarity. But there is something exciting about casting someone new. Fresh faces bring a different energy, a new perspective, and sometimes an unexpected quality that can completely transform an editorial or runway show.

And yes, they are Gen Z. They are figuring things out as they go, balancing school, careers, and personal ambitions while learning the unpredictable rhythm of modeling.

L-R Marcus (Mercator) / Clysse (Farah Models) / Sean (GMA Sparkle) Alex (Mercator)

MARCUS ESPINOSA

Virgo | @marcuslucass | Mercator

Marcus Espinosa has been modeling for just three months, making him one of the newest faces in the lineup. A fun fact about him: he's double-jointed.

His current soundtrack leans toward synth-pop and new wave, particularly music with a moody and mysterious atmosphere. For fashion inspiration, he looks to Alex Schlab and his modern, minimalist aesthetic.

Marcus approaches modeling as something that complements his routine rather than disrupts it. Time management and discipline help him stay grounded while he learns the business.

And because he is still figuring it all out himself, his advice is honest: start before you have everything figured out. Growth comes from showing up and staying open to learning.

CLYSSE FILLAG

Virgo | @clyssedcm | Farah Models

Clysse is a baby model, having been scouted only last June. Just two months into her modeling journey, she is already embracing the excitement of being new to the business.

Outside fashion, Clysse has a major love for horses, equestrian sports, and horse racing. In a perfect world, she would be a professional equestrian with her own ranch filled with Arabian horses.

Her music taste is equally nostalgic, with songs like “Drops of Jupiter,” “True,” “Teenage Dirtbag,” and “Out of My League” setting the mood. Her modeling inspiration is Liu Wen, whom she admires as an all-rounder across high fashion and runway. She also looks to Gemma Chan for her chic, editorial presence.

With school and modeling began at the same time, Clysse is still figuring out the balancing act. Her strategy is to stay intentional, organized, and ready to adjust. Her advice reflects how she entered the industry herself: take the leap. Sometimes, you just have to say yes and figure it out along the way.

SEAN ENZO TORRANO

Leo | @enzotorrano | GMA Sparkle Artist Center / Asis PPOP Member

Represented by GMA Sparkle Artist Center, Sean is already familiar with the spotlight. He also made waves as the Runner-Up of Sparkle Campus Cutie Season 2 and a member of the PPOP Group ASIS, adding another milestone to his growing entertainment and modeling journey.

Off-duty, Sean has a fun obsession with curry, while his current runway soundtrack includes Justin Timberlake’s “Sexyback.” With about a year of modeling experience and Chico Lachowski as an inspiration, Sean is learning how to balance school, modeling, and his growing career by staying organized and sticking to a schedule.

His advice is simple but worth remembering: “Just keep going, you’ll get there eventually.”

ALEX GUTIERREZ

Scorpio | @alexiscgutierrez | Mercator / Eiveren Models

Alex has been modeling for two years, building a portfolio that includes beauty campaigns and fashion editorials. She is also the twin of Agatha Gutierrez, previously featured as a COOL Model.

Off-duty, Alex enjoys watching movie commentary YouTubers and CaseOh. Her music choices depend entirely on her mood, ranging from “Pray for Me” by The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar to “She's a Bad Mama Jama” by Carl Carlton. Her fashion inspirations include Dua Lipa, Zoë Kravitz, and Taylor Russell, while her modeling references extend to iconic names from the '90s and early 2000s, including Gisele Bündchen.

Alex has learned that modeling requires planning ahead. Blocking off dates early and knowing her availability helps her manage the long days that come with the industry. Her advice? Just do it. Think of modeling as a side quest worth experiencing—you never know where giving it a shot might take you.

L-R Jow (Mercator) / Erin (IM Models) / Jyron (IM Models) / Adrian (PW Models)‍ ‍

JOW ROBLES

Gemini | @jowrobles | Mercator / Fat Brain Collective

Jow has been modeling for two years, but it is only recently that he has started booking more projects and runway opportunities. Outside fashion, he loves cooking, woodworking, gardening, and anything that allows him to create with his hands.

His runway soundtrack is equally creative, moving between reverb, techno, and hip-hop—anything with atmosphere and energy.

Jow doesn't name one particular model as his inspiration. Instead, his goal is personal: to become someone his younger self would be proud of while becoming a versatile model capable of bringing different designers' visions to life. His biggest lesson so far is consistency. Be bold and resilient. Rejection is part of the journey, and everyone's timeline is different.

ERIN HUNG

Libra | @eriinhung | IM Agency

If there is one face you are bound to notice on the fashion runway right now, it is Erin. We describe her as the Muse of 2026, Erin has already made a strong impression despite having her first runway show only in September 2025.

A Political Science graduate, Erin models full-time and draws confidence from a playlist featuring Jennie, Charli xcx, and other mood-boosting tracks.

As a Libra, she refuses to choose just one modeling inspiration. Instead, she finds inspiration in many people across the industry—from those who take the job seriously while keeping it playful to those who understand the complexities of creating the final image. Her advice comes from experience: rejection is much more common than you think. Don't take it personally, and keep showing up.

JYRON NGO

Taurus | @jaywhy.ngo | IM Agency

At just 18 years old, Jyron is a freshman in college and often finds himself as the youngest model in the room. While that can be intimidating, he embraces being surrounded by people he can learn from.

Jyron has been modeling for around a month and already has his sights set on an international career. His inspiration is Francisco Lachowski, while his ambitions include working with luxury houses such as Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton. His runway practice soundtrack includes “Fashion” by Britney Manson, alongside plenty of R&B and hip-hop.

As a student, Jyron plans his schedule ahead and prioritizes his responsibilities. His advice to anyone thinking about modeling is to take that leap of faith. Confidence goes a long way, and every opportunity can be a chance to learn.

Jyron is also currently competing in Mr. Chinatown Global, adding another chapter to his already busy introduction to the spotlight.

ADRIAN BAQUILID

Aquarius | @adriwop | PW Models

Adrian is a little over a year into modeling, bringing an interesting mix of personality, discipline, and early-2000s fashion nostalgia to the industry. Fun fact: he is ambidextrous—he writes with his left hand but does almost everything else with his right.

His style inspiration comes from early-2000s David Beckham, while his playlist includes the high-energy “SPEED DEMON” by Lucy Bedroque. As a student and model, Adrian has learned not to overwhelm himself and to recognize when it is time to step back from pressure.

His modeling philosophy? “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” So instead of overthinking it, follow your passion and take the shot.

L-R Tiffany (BGBMPH) / Hans (Reign Models) / Sharlene (PW Models) / Francis (BGBMPH)‍ ‍

TIFFANY LIM

Virgo | @tifflimm | BGBMPH

Tiffany has been modeling for six months and is already exploring the many sides of fashion. A competitor in Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines 2025, Tiffany loves experimenting with different looks because she believes every style can reveal another side of her personality.

Her runway playlist includes “Instruction” by Jax Jones featuring Demi Lovato, bringing the energy she needs to step into character. Rather than naming one specific inspiration, Tiffany admires models who leave a lasting impression—not simply because of how they look, but because of how they carry themselves. Confidence and authenticity are qualities she hopes to embody herself.

Tiffany also balances modeling with her career, making discipline and planning essential. For her, modeling provides an outlet for self-expression and confidence while teaching her skills that complement her professional life. Her advice is a reminder that there is no perfect moment to begin: don't wait until you feel ready. Just start.

HANS ZACHARY

Taurus | @zachawyyy | Reign Models

With Reign Models MNL, Hans is one fresh face bringing a distinctive look to the local modeling scene. He is also a former P-pop member, adding performance experience to his growing fashion journey.

Hans is often told that he has an East Asian look, which makes people especially surprised when they learn that he has Spanish blood. His musical taste runs heavily toward hip-hop, with artists like Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, and Don Toliver making regular appearances on his playlist.

Only a few months into modeling, Hans looks to Josh McGregor for inspiration. Between school and modeling, he makes sure to finish his academic responsibilities first before using his free time for shoots and projects. His advice? Trust the process, put yourself out there, and never be afraid of rejection. Every successful model has to start somewhere.

SHARLENE CANO

Capricorn | @csharlenee | PW Models

With more than two years in modeling, Sharlene brings experience together with a distinctly playful personality. Her fun fact? She has really strict parents—a detail she delivers with a cheeky smile.

Her runway playlist is all Taylor Swift, while her biggest modeling inspiration is Ming Xi. Sharlene admires the way Xi handled her famous Victoria's Secret runway fall, seeing in it an example of courage, confidence, and grace.

After starting modeling following college, Sharlene has learned that juggling commitments is all about knowing where to put her energy. And for anyone thinking about entering the industry, she has one message: be your own greatest cheerleader.

Believe in yourself, have fun, be confident, and don't forget your brightest and fiercest smile.

FRANCIS VILLOSO

Taurus | @tatiz.vllz | BGBMPH / ASIS

Francis is stepping into modeling at an exciting new chapter of his life. A newly graduated Marine Transportation student, Francis is now giving himself more time to explore modeling and performing—two creative pursuits that genuinely excite him.

He started modeling last year but remained relatively inactive while completing his degree. Now that he has graduated, he is ready to discover his personal style, identity, and brand while seeing how far he can go in fashion.

As a PPOP Member, his playlist changes with his mood, moving from strong runway beats to softer, chill tracks that help him feel confident before a shoot.

Interestingly, Francis says he doesn't have one specific modeling inspiration. Instead, he uses rejections, doubts, and negative comments as motivation to improve and build something that is truly his own. His advice to aspiring models is to start with what you have, put yourself out there, accept constructive criticism, stay humble, remain professional, and trust the process.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

Models come and go, but every established name in fashion was once a fresh face waiting for someone to take a chance on them.

For these 12 COOL New Faces, the journey is only beginning. Some are still learning how castings work, and some are discovering their signature look. There will be rejection. There will be long days, unexpected opportunities, and moments when things don't go according to plan. But there will also be new designers to work with, new runways to walk, and new versions of themselves to discover.

So, to our COOL New Faces: good luck, explore, have fun, and don't take it all too seriously. Go with the flow and keep showing up. Because somewhere down the road, these fresh faces may just be the ones we see on covers, fashion campaigns, and commercials. For now, welcome to the fashion game. Your story is just beginning. #CoolisinSession #COOLNewFaces #CoolFashion

Creative Direction: Rxandy Capinpin

Photography: Raffy Dela Cruz

Video: Ron Canonero

Styling: Edrick Paz

Hair and Makeup: Lars Cabanacan and Wei Wei Saculo


Special Thanks to Mercator Models/Farah Model/IM Models/Reign Models/

PW Models/BGBMPH

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