Meet PMAP’s President Who Is Also a Lawyer and Public Servant

Throw all your stereotypes about models down the drain because Atty. Marge Gutierrez is here to break all of them. Not only is the statuesque beauty a staple at fashion runways, she is also pushing for industry inclusivity as the President of the Board of the prestigious Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) and at the same time working as the Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs and Communication of the country's Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). 

What's even more impressive is the fact that she makes juggling these incredible feats look easy. The multi-hyphenate doesn't break a sweat and humbly remains grateful for the opportunity she is given to pursue her passions. "My dream job is the one I have now: working as a model, lawyer, and public servant all at once," she tells Preview.

Read the empowering interview below and get to know Marge Gutierrez a whole lot better!

Preview Go-See: Model and PMAP President Atty. Marge Gutierrez Bio

1. How did you get your start in the modeling industry? Tell us the story of how you got “discovered.”

"I was in my third year of college at De La Salle University when I was discovered by Francis Libiran and his partner. They were part of a fundraising fashion show event back then that featured student models and I was one of the students chosen to walk the runway. After that show they asked some of us to do a go-see for their gala fashion show with Swarovski. I was casted in the show and as people usually say, the rest is history."

2. How long have you been a model and what do you love the most about it?

"Although I was discovered in college, it wasn’t until I was in law school that I started modeling semi-full time. My modeling journey has been filled with learning experiences and teaching moments. It’s a bit hard to believe, but it’s been more than a decade already."

"At first, I was spurred by my need for a little extra money for law books and other expenses, but I truly loved what I was doing. To me, modeling is an art—it’s a form of self-expression and representation, and through it, I feel that my creativity can truly shine."

3. Would you say being a model is your dream job? Why or why not?

"Modeling was my first love, but I wouldn’t say that it is my dream job. My dream job is not just any single job—it’s the ability to wear many hats and take on many roles that satisfy the different parts of who I am. My dream job is the one I have now: working as a model, lawyer, and public servant all at once. [Through these areas,] I’m able to exercise creativity, passion, and be in a position to effect change on a national level. In fact, I would say that I’m living my dream life, and for that I’m incredibly grateful."

4. What was the biggest struggle you’ve faced in the modeling industry and how did you overcome it?

"The biggest struggle I’ve faced in all my years of modeling is definitely the fear of rejection. When I first began modeling, I was anxious every go-see because I didn’t know if I would be hired for the job or not. I always wondered,“will I be good enough this time? Will I stand a chance?” But ultimately, my love for modeling was greater than my fear."

"In time I learned to live with the fear of rejection and accept that it was a part of the job. I also accepted that sometimes, a client is searching for a certain look or feel from those they hire, and that has nothing to do with my skills or capabilities as a model. I’ve come to realize that failure is inevitable; what’s important is that after each rejection, you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and come back stronger than before."

5. What would you say is the most memorable project you’ve done as a model so far?

"One of my favorite projects is when I became brand ambassador for Celeteque’s Smart Beauty Campaign. The campaign was all about beauty that is more than skin deep, which is one of the very things that I advocate for in the modeling industry. I believe that true beauty is all about who you are, and it was so fulfilling to be able to inspire others to look beyond just the physical and see the beauty that lies beneath the surface in each and every person."

6. How do you see your career progressing in the future? Do you have a dream modeling gig?

"To be honest, I have shifted my focus to my duties as the President of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines and our new campaign: #PMAPNow. The campaign is all about showcasing how much the modeling industry has evolved. Gone are the days when models strictly fit a certain stereotype, and #PMAPNow is our battle cry for a more inclusive, more diverse, and more compassionate modeling community. We’re doing our best to be the change we want to see in the industry; this campaign and the organization have my heart, and will be the focus of my modeling career for the foreseeable future."

7. What’s something unique about you that sets you apart from all other models?

"Probably the fact that I would classify myself as a “multi-faceted model”. As I mentioned, I’m not only a model, but I also strive to be a community builder through my work as a public servant and lawyer. Beyond modeling to scratch my creative and artistic itch, I dedicate myself to using my influence and skills to contribute to society. In this way, I hope that I can be an inspiration to my fellow models."

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8. What’s your go-to model-off-duty look?

"When I’m off-duty, I prefer to go simple and casual with just regular jeans and a shirt. I’m all about comfort, so the less fuss and frills, the better."

9. In your own opinion, what are the characteristics of a great model?

"To be a great model, you need 3Ps: Patience, Persistence, and Perseverance. Modeling isn’t instant gratification; it’s a long, long journey. You have to be willing to put in the work, accept multiple failures and rejections, and just keep going. Your mindset should be that you can always do better, and that you’ll do everything in your power to make sure that you will do better."

10. What’s your advice to aspiring models?

"I mentioned previously that I am an advocate for beauty that goes beyond physical appearance, and that I pride myself on being [both] a model and a community builder. So it should come as no surprise that my advice to aspiring models is to be more than just a pretty face. Let’s break the stigma which tells society that models’ worth is based on their appearance; many of the models I know have hearts of gold and the brains to match. My advice is to use that to your advantage and to make the world a better place for others. I want aspiring models to know that you can be a model and a public servant, a model and a lawyer, a model and a doctor, and anything else you set yourmind to–let’s show the world exactly what a model can do."

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