In a night gilded with sequins, statement brooches, and star-power swagger, the 2025 turned the into a constellation of couture.
This wasn’t merely a fashion affair—it was a coronation of modern Filipino masculinity, awash in sparkle and swathed in sophistication. With this year’s theme, “Bling”, the leading men didn’t just dress to impress—they dressed to ignite.
Some leaned into the motif with dazzling precision—velvet suits peppered with crystals, jackets that caught light like chandeliers mid-waltz—while others embraced an edgier rhythm, bending the rules and letting swagger speak louder than sequins. Whether reverent or rebellious, subtle or spectacular, each look was a proclamation: that sparkle isn’t just about shine—it’s about presence, power, and the courage to command attention.
David Licauco: Midnight Majesty and Mirror-Sharp Mystique
Crowned Male Best Dressed, David Licauco didn’t just toe the line—he embodied the motif. Dressed by Anthony Ramirez, he wore a custom mauve three-piece suit with subtle shimmer woven into its fabric. The pièce de résistance? A crystal-encrusted cummerbund and a bowtie that sparkled like Orion’s belt.
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Design Detail: The opera-style blazer added cinematic flair, evoking old-world romance with a modern silhouette.
- Mood: Old-school gentleman dipped in futuristic drama.
- Why It Worked: David anchored the sparkle with poise—his walk was slow, commanding, almost regal. He didn’t beg for attention; it chased him.
Brent Manalo: Diamond Dust and Angelic Drape
Manalo, fresh off his Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition win, stunned in a head-to-toe ivory Gucci suit, styled by Ryuji Shiomitsu, and punctuated with a Tiffany & Co. brooch from the Jean Schlumberger collection. The look was a masterclass in quiet opulence—clean lines, soft sheen, and a whisper of rebellion beneath the classic tailoring.
- Styling Spark: Tiffany & Co. accents added quiet glint—expensive, understated.
- Theme Execution: His look channeled “bling” through clarity and restraint. No disco-ball drama, just celestial charm.
- Why It Slayed: Brent carried the suit like it was armor—his grace was gilded.
Esnyr Ranollo: Scene-Stealing With Starfire
Esnyr Ranollo, Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’s third big placer, made a bold and unforgettable debut in a custom Manny Halasan ensemble that blurred the lines between camp and couture. The look featured a white and sky-blue flowing gown, complete with a dramatic train and veil, paired with white trousers for a striking silhouette that danced between fluidity and structure.
Styled with playful precision, Esnyr’s outfit was more than a fashion statement—it was a declaration of identity, theatricality, and joy.
- Accessory Game: A silver mesh veil over his hair—edgy, eerie, and unforgettable.
- Energy: He didn’t walk the carpet. He danced it.
- Why It Defied & Delivered: Esnyr may have gone left when the theme said right, but bling is nothing without bravado. He embodied both.
Mond Gutierrez: Platinum Punk Meets Sartorial Sorcery
Never one to shy away from fashion fluency, Mond arrived in a Thom Browne pleated skirt suit lined with subtle sequins and paired with a wiener dog-shaped Hector bag. The ensemble was academic yet provocative—a masterclass in juxtaposition.
- Defiant Detail: Knee-high socks with rhinestone stripes. Yes. Socks.
- Message Sent: Gender isn’t a limit in fashion. Bling lives beyond binary.
- Why He Ruled: Mond’s look was a manifesto wrapped in metallic wool.
Ruru Madrid: Refined Rebel
Ruru owned the blue carpet with champagne charisma in a Neric Beltran satin jacket, cinched with a fringe-trim belt and accented by a dazzling bejeweled brooch. The suit’s soft, luminous hue and meticulous tailoring swirled with modern romance, like a poet in polished armor.
- Edge Factor: The lapel brooch gleamed with intricate crystal work.
- Balance: Tailored elegance with a bold, romantic twist.
- Why It Popped: Ruru reminded everyone that masculinity can shimmer—and still strike.
Ralph De Leon: Earth-Toned Elegance With a Twist
ed onto the blue carpet in a brown Jot Losa suit that balanced classic tailoring with a warm, grounded palette. The jacket featured subtle satin lapels, paired with black trousers and a crisp white shirt. A black bowtie and minimalist accessories completed the look, letting the rich tones speak for themselves.
- Design Detail: The brown suit was a rare choice among the sea of blacks and metallics—earthy, confident, and quietly commanding.
- Mood: Gentleman in sepia—nostalgic, but never dated.
- Why It Worked: Ralph didn’t chase sparkle. He brought depth. His look was a reminder that bling can whisper and still be heard.
Honorable Mentions
SAM CONCEPCION
| Name | What They Wore | Why It Stood Out |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Concepcion | Mandarin-collar jacket with retro japonesque sparkle | Merged Asian elegance with cosmic swagger |
| Miguel Tanfelix | Gothic Saint Laurent with sheer shirt and smoky eye | Gave us moonlit rebellion, perfectly moody |
| Michael Sager | Maroon shimmer suit with multicolored brooch | Channelled retro disco with sleek intensity |
| Cole Micek | Classic Chynna Mamawal tux with silk bowtie | Crisp, clean, and captivatingly cool |
| Dingdong Dantes | Green velvet with glinting lapel detailing | Hall of Fame-worthy, exuding timeless power |
Final Takeaway: The Bling Was the Thing
At the Manila Marriott Hotel, the GMA Gala 2025 became a sparkling showcase of how Filipino men interpret celebration: with elegance, edge, and enough glitter to coat the galaxy. These weren’t just outfits—they were pronouncements. Whether minimalist or maximalist, these kings of glamour brought the sparkle, and left with legacy.
