This July, Lake Trystynne Cabrias and Gelo Rivero head to Rome to compete at the Elite Model Look World Final 2026—one of the industry’s most respected platforms for discovering the next generation of international modeling talent. Over the years, the competition has helped launch the careers of some of fashion’s biggest names, including Cindy Crawford, Gisele Bündchen, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Lara Stone.
As the Elite Model Look Philippines 2025 titleholders, Cabrias and Rivero will join 50 other finalists in a week-long boot camp and training program before the global finale on July 17. For both models, however, the experience is about far more than competing for a title. It is an opportunity to represent a new generation of Filipino talent—diverse in identity, yet united by ambition, resilience, and a strong sense of self.
Ahead of the competition, MEGA spoke with the two models about carrying the Philippine flag onto one of fashion’s biggest stages
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Filipino Talent in the Global Fashion Industry
Filipino creatives have steadily carved out a place in the international fashion industry, and the country’s modeling scene is beginning to follow suit. For Cabrias and Rivero, representing the Philippines is both an honor and a responsibility.
“It’s a reminder that I’m carrying something much bigger than myself. I know I’m representing not only my own journey, but also the growing presence of Filipino talent in the global fashion industry,” 19-year-old Lake Cabrias shared.
“I hope that by making an impact in Rome, I can help open more doors for future Filipino models and show that we belong on the global stage,” student-model Gelo Rivero said.
Whether on set or on the runway, both models approach their craft with purpose. Every casting, editorial, and fashion show has brought them closer to the careers they once envisioned while deepening their appreciation for the creatives working behind the scenes.
“When I started appreciating everything that happens behind the scenes and how much growth the industry demands, I knew this was something I wanted to commit to and build a future in.”
– Lake Trystynne Cabrias
Fashion as Avenue
Models are storytellers as much as they are muses, bringing designers’ visions to life through runways, campaigns, and editorial shoots. For Cabrias and Rivero, fashion has become more than a profession—it has become a way to better understand themselves.
For Cabrias, modeling became the avenue through which she discovered confidence. “Modeling taught me that presence can come from simply being secure in yourself. It encouraged me to embrace my individuality instead of trying to fit a certain mold,” she reflected. “That mindset has changed not only how I work, but also how I carry myself in everyday life.”
On the other hand, Rivero’s love for fashion started long before modeling. Having always enjoyed dressing up and experimenting with his style, working in the industry only deepened that appreciation. “Working as a model has helped me discover my personal style and express myself through clothing. It doesn’t have to be luxury or well-known brands—it just has to make me feel comfortable, confident, and authentic.”
Beyond cultivating their personal style, both models believe it is their Filipino identity that truly distinguishes them as they step onto the international stage.
Filipino Models Belong on the International Stage
Despite her young age, Cabrias has developed into a model who understands both the physical and mental demands of the industry. That maturity lends a quiet confidence to every runway appearance and editorial she takes on.
As she prepares to represent the Philippines in Rome, Cabrias draws strength from the qualities she believes define Filipinos. “We’re adaptable, hardworking, and respectful, but we’re also very open to learning from different people and cultures. As a Filipina, I hope I bring that balance of humility and determination wherever I go,” she shared.
“The Philippines has so much incredible talent, and I’m proud to be part of a generation that’s showing the world that Filipino models belong on the international stage.”
– Lake Trystynne Cabrias
Like Cabrias, Rivero hopes to challenge conventional ideas of beauty while proudly embracing his Filipino identity.
Among the finalists he will compete alongside in Rome, Rivero believes his Filipino features are one of his greatest strengths. “I’ve always had dark skin, and it’s something I’ve grown to love about myself. To me, it reflects a part of what it means to be Filipino. I’m proud to represent that and to show that our natural features deserve to be seen and celebrated on the global stage,” he expressed.
“I hope that whenever people see me, they see not just a model, but someone who proudly represents where I come from.”
– Gelo Rivero
For Cabrias and Rivero, Rome marks more than a competition but another step in the growing presence of Filipino talent within international fashion. Whether they return home with the title or not, their presence alone is proof that Filipino models are claiming their place beyond Philippine shores.
Photographed by JERICK SANCHEZ, Art direction TROY NONATO, Styling by ELDZS MEJIA, Fashion assistant KRISSIE TERUEL, Production THESSMAR LECTURA Makeup by KENRIC CARPIO, Hair by REESE ROQUE, Photography assistants KARL RIMANDO and BUDDY REYES, Styling assistants CARL ALBERTO, MIGGS LEGUERA, and BEA HILADO, MEGA Magazine, February-March 2026.
Photography, Creative Direction, Styling by TIMOTHY DUEÑAS. Photography Assistance and Videography by VANESSA SERAFICA. Hair, Makeup, and Styling by BOGGY DIAZ. Production and Art Direction by ANTON PATDU. Layout by VANESSA SERAFICA and YOBHEL VALENZUELA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Trystynne Cabrias and Gelo Rivero are the Elite Model Look Philippines 2025 titleholders, representing the Philippines at the Elite Model Look World Final 2026 in Rome this July.
The Elite Model Look World Final is an international modeling competition that has launched the careers of names like Cindy Crawford, Gisele Bündchen, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Lara Stone, drawing finalists from around the world each year.
Cabrias and Rivero will join 50 other finalists for a week-long boot camp and training program in Rome ahead of the global finale, set for July 17, 2026.
Both models see the competition as a chance to represent a new generation of Filipino talent, with Cabrias describing it as carrying something bigger than herself and Rivero hoping to open doors for future Filipino models.
Cabrias says modeling taught her that confidence comes from embracing individuality rather than fitting a mold, while Rivero says the industry helped him discover a personal style rooted in comfort and authenticity.
