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Michael Cinco is one of the most well-known Filipino fashion designers known internationally.
His clientele include Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Beyoncé, among many others.
He recently reunited with TV host Jessica Soho for a one-on-one interview. The fashion designer was first featured on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho in 2011.
Michael recalled the interview, "It was my first TV exposure, it was my honor. This was my first ever, and I'm so proud and I'm very grateful na ikaw yun," he told Jessica Soho.
In his recent interview with Jessica Soho, Michael Cinco shared his humble beginnings in Catbalogan, Samar, where he grew up.
His sister, Myla, also sat down with Jessica Soho and described their childhood. "Noong mga bata kami, wala kaming electric fan. Meron lang kaming ilaw. Lagi lang po kami naglalakad 'pag pumapasok sa eskwela. Wala kaming sariling bahay."
Myla said Michael had a creative mind from a young age, "Bata pa lang, pangarap na ni Michael na maging isang fashion designer."
She recalled how Michael would design clothes with his friends and make Myla their model. "Noong mga bata po kami, 'pag naglalaro ng mga Miss Universe, siya po 'yung nagdadamit sa akin.
"Mga kumot lang po 'yun. At tuwing walang pasok, nandun sila 'yung mga kaibigan niya. Naggugupit-gupit po sila ng mga paper dolls," Myla said.
After graduating from college in Manila, Michael worked in the fashion design industry and eventually moved to Saudi Arabia in 1993.
"Na-culture shock ako doon, but being Filipino, I easily adapted to the culture," Michael said.
In 1997, he moved to Dubai and worked for one of the biggest fashion houses in the country, and had members of the royal family as his first client.
Despite his success, Michael remained reserved. He also confessed why he always wears big shades.
"I'm a very shy person. 'Pag maraming tao, 'pag nakita ka nila ang laki-laki ng salamin mo, so hindi sila makatawad. Kasi, pagdating mo pa lang, walang tawad-tawad dito, madam," Michael said jokingly.
He continued, "Actually, the real reason, I think in 14 years ago, talagang I had a very severe vertigo attack na akala ko mamamatay na ako. Sabi ng doctor ko na huwag ka daw masyadong ano sa mga maliwanag."
Michael also thanks his family, especially his mom for supporting his dreams and teaching him the value of faith.
"My mother is very religious, she's the one who taught me to believe in God and always have good faith."
After persevering and achieving worldwide success, Michael is an inspiration to young Filipino designers, his advice is to work hard and never stop dreaming. "Anything in this world is possible, kahit saan ka galing. If you believe that you can make all your dreams come true, if you work hard, then dreams will happen."
Meanwhile, here are some of the celebrities who wore a Michael Cinco creation:
