MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco owes the fame he is now enjoying to Tyra Banks, who focused the spotlight on him in Cycle 16 of her top-rating reality model search “America’s Next Model.”

Cinco instantly wowed American audiences with his intricately designed creations for the “eco-couture” episode.

Cinco is coming home to stage his very first solo show for this year’s “Red Cross Fashion Gala” on Oct. 16 at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

Cinco’s show is organized by columnist Tessa Prieto-Valdes and philanthropist Kaye Tinga to raise funds for the Philippine National Red Cross-Rizal Chapter and the Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation.

Dubai-based Cinco made a name as a fashion designer in the Middle East where he became known for his dreamy, elegant pieces.

Since moving to Dubai in the late ’90s, Cinco has become a favorite among the Arab elite for his beautifully crafted wedding gowns and evening dresses. His brand of luxurious fashion soon conquered international runways and red carpets as well, with celebrities like Paris Hilton and Lily Allen showing up in Cinco’s creations.

His sketches made their way to Banks. Cinco was then called in to design for the final six contestants in Cycle 16 of the model search, with the challenge to create glamorous looks from recyclable materials.

Using safety pins, broken mirrors, rubber bands, recycled parachutes and forks and spoons as accessories, Cinco designed 10 different pieces for the show’s eco-friendly theme. The shoot was held on a landfill.

Alwyn is no ordinary actor

Alwyn Uytingco is no ordinary actor.

Talking to Alwyn will make one realize that he is a very serious actor. The craft is not just another form of livelihood, but something that has to be developed.

Presently, he appears as Alfonso, one of Nora Aunor’s children in “Sa Ngalan ng Ina” which begins airing on Monday, Oct. 3 on TV5.

“It’s a great break for me… and I can’t still believe that here am I appearing face-to-face with the country’s one and only superstar!” Alwyn said.

He continued expressing how much he admires Nora as a real actress and superstar. “Her power and grasp of the craft is still very much intact,” Alwyn said. “During our first scene together, I was intimidated. But I recovered in time for our ‘confrontation scene’ to go on smoothly.”

Alwyn joined showbiz when he was seven, playing bit roles. Along the way, he participated in acting workshops.

Alwyn also appears in “Enteng ng Ina Mo,” a Metro Manila Film Festival 2011 entry starring Vic Sotto.

“You’ve got to be versatile,” Alwyn added. “For instance, in ‘Enteng ng Ina Mo,’ I play a comic role while in ‘Sa Ngalan ng Ina,’ I play a very serious role. To improve my ‘character’ acting, I watched the movies of Al Pacino, particularly the whole series of ‘The Godfather.’” Alwyn explained.

At 23 years old and standing 5’ 6 1/2”, Alwyn looks up to the like of Ronnie Lazaro, Bembol Roco, Christopher de Leon and Eddie Garcia for inspiration.

Erich endorses The Birch Tower

Erich Gonzales, who topbills the toprating telenovela “Maria La Del Barrio,” joins Arch. Dick Goduco 11 in promoting new rising condominium The Brich Tower.

A graduate of Adamson University, Goduco is the man behind The Birch Tower, a 50-storey high-rise condominium built by Mirobeni Property Holdings.

Goduco established his own firm, the Dick Goduco Design Associates after successful undertakings here and abroad.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Sunday, Oct. 2, go to Atty. Adel Tamano, Ma. Theresa “Maite” T. Defensor, Chit Guerrero, Rose Hilario Libongco, Angie Favis, US-based Terry Aldeguer and Anna Josefil “Jojo” B. Cadiente, Angelita “Lita” V. Castillo, Emily Joy Legados, Edgardo Cepe, Graciebelle Banaria Espiritu, Almond Aguila, and Zeny Yumol-Sato…