Text by Carlo P. Mallo
Photograph by Ghea Jabile
Make-up by Buddy Congson
Hair by Hairs and Nails Salon
There are models and there are Glam Models. Ask anyone in the fashion industry in Davao City about modeling, whether for ramp or for commercial, only one name comes to mind – Glam Model House.
Established in the year 2000 by Jon Nuñez, Glam Model House has emerged to become the city’s longest running modeling agency.
One of the basic rules that any model should know is how to walk with your chin up. Not only does it show proper posture but also, it helps the model exude confidence.
If there is one thing that set Jon apart from all other managers of modeling agencies, it is his passion and how he takes care of his talents. “From the very start I make it clear that modeling is something that they should do during their spare time, studies must always come first,” Jon said.
To make sure that his talents have the right priorities, Jon makes it a point to meet with the parents and discuss with them how the modeling industry in the city works. “It’s my way of earning the trust of the parents and to show that we are a legitimate modeling agency.”
“In this industry, you only have your name as proof, that is why it is very important that you take care of it, whether you are a model or a manager,” Jon said, stressing that his agency is only involved in the strictest sense of modeling. “I do not allow my models to go out on dates with clients, that is why I deal with the clients directly so I can also set down the rules.”
If other modeling agencies tolerate unbecoming behavior of their models, it is something that Jon won’t turn a blind eye on.
“I want to mold them to become, not only models, but as role models. As people that the rest of the community will look up to. People to be respected. But to achieve that, they must also respect themselves,” Jon said.
Another perception that Jon tries to refute is that models are just beautiful or handsome, with minimal gray matter.
“People still think that models are dumb. But that’s not the case with the models we have here. Several of the talents that we have are able to graduate from college in 4 years, while others graduated top of their class or with honors,” Jon said, adding that it makes him proud. “My role in their lives is not as a manager but more of a ‘tita’ who guides them.”
Jon started his career early in the modeling industry, at 15 years old. “Even when I went to Manila to study my pre-medicine course at the University of the Philippines-Manila, I would still make sure to do shows and shoots every time I am in Davao during summer breaks. It is something that I just love to do,” Jon said.
Finally listening to his heart’s song, Jon went back to Davao and put up Glam Model House in 2000. And as they say, the rest is history.
Despite his success, Jon continues to walk the busy streets of Davao, rides the jeepney, and scouts the malls for potential talents, while maintaining to be under the radar. In the sidelines, doing what he has always loved, Jon looks on as his roster of models strut down the catwalk chin up, knowing that they have been molded not just for print ads or the runway, but also to be role models of tomorrow’s youth.
