The P-pop scene has come to know Onie De Guzman as one of the trainees on Dream Maker, ABS-CBN's idol reality program. But in the local fashion industry, brands and designers have recognized the 23-year-old for his versatility and temerity in modeling. Often fronting menswear campaigns and walking for the country's top designers, Onie evidently approaches the craft as an art form, always unafraid of sporting daring and unconventional looks.
In August 2024, for instance, Onie took on the role of Neric Beltran's muse, one of Preview's Best Filipino Fashion Designers (BFFD) of 2024. For the editorial shoot, the 6'1 model was clad in a silver embellished, sheer column dress–a standout look from Neric's 2023 BYS Fashion Week bridal collection. While initially worn by a female model on the runway, Onie made the look entirely his own, carrying it with effortless finesse.
Signed with Mercator Models Management, Onie is steadily cementing his place as a fixture on fashion campaigns, magazines, and runway shows–both locally and abroad. In this edition of Preview Go-See, get to know why he's become one of the most in-demand faces in Filipino menswear fashion today.
Preview Go-See: Onie De Guzman
How did you get your start in the modeling industry? Tell us the story of how you got “discovered.”
"Being in the fashion and modeling industry has always been my dream–even though I often thought that as an introvert [who had] zero experience, I’ll never be able to be a model. So, as someone with no experience, I thought one day, 'Should I try posting online?' To my surprise, agents began messaging me! I’m happy with where I am now and what I chose."
How long have you been a model and what do you love the most about it?
"I’ve been a full-time model for four years now and what really motivates me to be better is the love and passion from the people I meet when I work. May it be through campaign shoots and runways, the collective expression of being yourself is seen with the people I work with. Being with these types of people makes me feel that I belong and that I’m appreciated in the craft that I’m passionate about."
Would you say being a model is your dream job? Why or why not?
"Coming from a family who’s in the field of medicine, I’ve always been the odd one out, and working in medicine hasn’t always been my interest. As a young boy, I’ve always wanted to be in entertainment—to walk on runway shows, do work in the fashion industry, and be in fashion magazines! Now that I’m living the dream that I’ve manifested, I continuously strive to show a better Onie to everyone and to hone the passion and love I have for being a model."
What was the biggest struggle you’ve faced in the modeling industry and how did you overcome it?
"Back when I was just starting with modeling, I applied to a runway casting, but I backed out because I saw the other [models.] I got scared and went home and thought to myself that if I ever wanted to be out there, I should be at my 100 percent. The first casting I'll do is a make-or-break moment.
"So, I told myself, 'When I come back for that casting, I will be at my best.' And through consistency, dedication, and hard work, I was able to walk for that casting recently—it was for Bang Pineda."
What would you say is the most memorable project you’ve done as a model so far?
"Just being able to see myself in big fashion magazines is a dream that I’m happy I was able to do. Also, being able to model for huge international brands such as UNIQLO, H&M, and Crocs is a huge milestone."
How do you see your career progressing in the future? Do you have a dream modeling gig?
"My utmost dream is to be a pioneer of menswear fashion in the country. I want to show the local industry my capabilities, and share with the global market the creativity, culture, and potential our country has."
What’s something unique about you that sets you apart from all other models?
"It would definitely be my diversity— I [look] Pan-Asian but I’m full Filipino. I can look Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, or Chinese, and play around with different looks and styles.
"Aside from the diversity, I guess we can also say my ability to adapt and understand the people around me. In this industry, what makes models who they are is their level of patience and understanding. I personally have this rule to myself–to always put your best foot forward and treat everyone with kindness."
What’s your go-to model-off-duty look?
"The classic black shirt and black pants look is my staple! Being comfortable but still looking stylish is something I prioritize. As models, we often get last-minute jobs and castings, and sometimes, we don’t really have the leisure to dress up. So being in a comfortable all-black-look is my definite go-to model on and off-duty look."
In your own opinion, what are the characteristics of a great model?
"It’s the attitude. One of my mentors told me [upfront], that there will always be someone out there who’s going to be better, taller, slimmer, or younger, but if you, as a model, have a great attitude, this characteristic will transcend all of the superficial attributes other models have. If you make a mark on someone, that in itself is a win. We should always strive for good personality, performance, and the best attitude."
Any advice to aspiring models?
"A loss is more important than a win. Losing is hard, but if we use losing as a way to uplift and encourage ourselves, we can become better people and better models. Never be afraid of making mistakes, as these mistakes can help you build your own character—someone who is authentically you."
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