Meet Asia’s Breakout Models of the Moment
Flying in from all corners of the continent for a monumental cover shoot, these eight models stand as one to send a clear message: Asia is where you’ll find the next big things in fashion and pop culture
Model citizens
VMAN Southeast Asia began 2025 with a production of epic proportions, gathering eight of the region’s rising models—a collective of diverse faces, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives in life—under the sweltering heat of Manila.
While “unity in diversity” sounds trite, it never fails to impress when it’s interpreted visually, especially when you have a casting like this: from the Philippines, Sunil Aku, Gelo Rivero, and US-based Filipino-Japanese model Troy Untalan; Thai-Turkish model Yunus Yanin Abdullahoglu and Thai-Singaporean model Elijah Tan; Khánh Duong from Vietnam; Malaysia’s Ricky Wong; and Thailand-based Taiwanese model Taihua Liu.
Perhaps since they’re united by one creative brief, or because they share many common experiences as models, but the energy on set never waned all day. The shoot changed into something else—it was like seeing a band of brothers hanging out with carefree spirits and unbounded energy. Breaks were filled with laughter and the banter of boys being boys: exercise challenges, lighthearted play, a fist bump there, a high-five there.
But in front of the camera, they suddenly transformed into proud Southeast Asian men—consummate professionals locking on and showcasing the best of the region’s fashions and aesthetics. And all done amid the humid climate of the Philippines? Not an easy feat.
“It’s awesome to see models from other Southeast Asian countries and work with them on a project like this. You don’t get to see that often,” says Yunus.
“We come from various parts of the world, but we share more commonalities than differences. It’s cool that we can all click on different things even though most of us have never met each other before,” Troy affirms.
For the younger models of the bunch, cover shoots like this one become a formative experience.
“As you get to know your fellow models better, the shoots tend to become more fun, exciting, and even experimental. You feel more relaxed, and it’s great when more experienced models share tips and advice with me on how to improve. Since I’m still new to modeling, I have so much to learn, and their guidance has been incredibly helpful,” says Elijah.
It’s also a way for newer models to discern how they can navigate the industry, both within and outside of their home countries.
“Having someone to talk to about your experiences is such a blessing because you get to understand how the industry works. It’s a powerful way of helping each other grow professionally and personally. You get to connect and be part of conversations like understanding the dos and don’ts within the industry, what castings and jobs are worth it, and more,” Sunil remarks.
As such, the conversations among the cover stars became a healthy discussion on how different models—and their respective countries— approach their profession.
Subscribe to VMAN Southeast Asia’s e-magazine to view the full cover feature and images!
Photography Doc Marlon
Creative direction Stephen Gan
Chief of Editorial Content Patrick Ty
Fashion Rex Atienza
Words Angelo Dionora
Grooming Cats del Rosario and Xeng Zulueta
Hair Mong Amado and Patty Cristobal
Art direction Mike Miguel
Models Ricky Wong (Icon Models Management), Taihua Liu (Morgan & Preston Models Bangkok), Gelo Rivero (Monarq Agency), Elijah Tan (NOW Model Management), Sunil Aku, Troy Untalan (The Audacity Management), Khanh Duong (Mod Management), and Yunus Yanin (JEM Models)
Retouching Summer Untalan
Photography assistant Joel Ramos
Fashion associate Corven Uy
Casting Anton Patdu and King Bryan Sy
On location EDSA Shangri-La
Special thanks Jeanger Navarro (Louis Vuitton), Debbie Galang and Stanley Lo (EDSA Shangri-La), and Philippine Airlines
