CEBU CITY – “I’m incredibly grateful and truly honored.”
CEBUANA fashion model Priscilla ‘Happy’ Melendres shows her award during the Global Filipino Icon Awards 2025 last April 5 at Dusit Thani in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Contributed photo)
Cebuano socialite, entrepreneur, and fashion model Priscilla “Happy” Melendres said this after she was awarded the Special Icon Award for Fashion and Media Excellence at the Global Filipino Icon Awards 2025 last April 5 at Dusit Thani in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Melendres was the first Cebuana to receive the award which recognized her growing influence in international fashion.
“I’m incredibly grateful and truly honored to receive this award. To be recognized by a global Filipino platform, especially in a place like Dubai, is something I never expected, and it means so much to me. I’m proud to represent Cebu and our Filipino heritage on such a stage," Melendres said.
Now in its fifth year, the Global Filipino Icon Awards celebrated the achievements of Filipinos worldwide. The event honored 48 Star Icons, 46 Special Icon recipients, and 40 business honorees.
Among the distinguished awardees was journalist Kara David, who was awarded with the Star Icon of Investigative Journalism and Media Excellence for her commitment to uncovering untold Filipino stories.
Melendres said the award was extra special as she sees herself a late bloomer as a fashion model.
Now 47, Melendres said she dedicated her younger years to raising five children. With her children grown and independent, Melendres finally had the time pursuing dreams she had long set aside, including modeling and international fashion collaborations.
“Actually, when I was younger, I had many offers, even to become an actress, but I declined because I wanted to focus on being a mother and businesswoman,” she said before flying to Dubai to receive the award. “Now that all my children have graduated, it's time for myself," she added.
Melendres was honored alongside other Filipino icons. Other awardees were actress Arci Muñoz, Miss Universe Bahrain Shereen Ahmed, Chef JP Anglo, basketball player Thirdy Ravena, Haiku Desesto, Harvey Cenit Brian de Gracia, and fashion designer Michael Cinco.
Other awardees in past editions include veteran journalist Jessica Soho, Ezra Santos, and Cinco, the designer who now counts Melendres as one of his muses.
Melendres wore a Cinco couture gown during the awarding ceremony.
“I’m very lucky that he got me as one of his muses,” she said. “I was his muse at the Cannes Film Festival last year.”
Melenderes became the first Cebuana to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in France in 2024.
“That dress showcased her exceptional style and confidence on the red carpet,” Cinco said.
Melendres marveled at her experience in Cannes as she met supermodels Coco Rocha and Bella Hadid as well as Hollywood stars Michelle Yeoh, Selena Gomez, and Demi Moore.
“I just screamed, ‘OMG! I just walked the red carpet at Cannes yesterday!’”
Melendres is also involved in real estate, agriculture, and waste management. She is also a lifestyle columnist and quietly supports various philanthropic efforts, particularly for nature and tree preservation.
“I always bring Cebu with me, especially when I walk in shows,” she said.
“Sometimes we Filipinos are not so proud of ourselves, but when I go there, I tell everyone, ‘I’m from the Philippines. I’m a Filipino.’ Loud and proud," she added.
Melendres sees the fashion industry thriving under the current Marcos administration.
“The BBM administration, especially the First Lady, promotes our culture through fashion. She (Liza Araneta-Marcos) even has all the national government agencies use local designers and local materials for their uniforms,” said Melendres.