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:
Angat ang kagandahan ni Pia Wurtzbach sa kanyang huling pag-akyat sa entablado bilang Miss Universe noong 2015 sa couture cobalt blue gown na gawa ni Michael Cinco.
Maine Mendoza wore a Michael Cinco dress for the first anniversary of her love team with Pambansang Bae Alden Richards.
It was a couture Michael Cinco gown with Swarovski crystals for Mariah Carey.
Michael Cinco was one of Liza Soberano's “fairy god mamas” when she attended her network's ball.
Michael Cinco made sure Marian Rivera's wedding gown was fit for royalty.
Jennifer Lopez stole the show at the American Music Awards as she donned her 50's-inspired crystallized fuchsia ombré couture dress by Michael Cinco.
Disenyo rin ni Michael Cinco ang suot ni Christina Aguilera para sa finale ng 'The Voice.'
Cherie Gil looked world-class in a turquoise couture gown by Michael Cinco when she attended the Berlin Film Festival.
Carrie Underwoord, fourth season champion of 'American Idol,' slayed in a fully beaded Michael Cinco dusty pink gown at the 50th Country Music Awards.
Hit singer Ellie Goulding wore a black lace dress from Michael Cinco's Paris Fashion week collection.
Miss World Philippines 2014 Valerie Weigmann loves the creations of Michael Cinco so much that she volunteers to be his “Matryoshka.”
Toni Gonzaga had her Cinderalla moment in a blue Michael Cinco ball gown.
Beyonce shows she is the queen in her striking and sexy get-up for her 'Haunted' music video.
Julia Barretto exuded with elegance as a Michael Cinco debutante.
Michael Cinco's creation made it to TV when Lady Gaga appeared in the designer's crystallized couture gown for an episode of 'American Horror Story: Hotel.'
The wedding of Rochelle Pangilinan and Arthur Solinap made it to a Dubai-based fashion magazine due to the actress's Michael Cinco couture wedding gown with a 3-meter long cape inspired by the Spanish hand fan, and made more exquisite with Swarovski crystals, beads and pearls.
Vicki Belo's blush wedding gown created by Michael Cinco proves you don't need to wear white to look elegant and classy on your big day. It took 1,000 hours for 50 skilled artisans to finish this masterpiece.
Maine Mendoza donned another Michael Cinco creation when she posed as the first ever cover girl of an online magazine
Scarlet Snow Belo wore a “Belo Blush” flower girl dress made by the renowned fashion designer to her parents' wedding.