Melendres wins Special Icon award in Dubai

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CEBU CITY — A Cebuana socialite, entrepreneur and fashion muse was honored with the Special Icon plaque for fashion and media excellence at the Global Filipino Icon Awards 2025 in Dubai on April 5, 2025.

Priscilla Melendres, known in the fashion world as Happy, received the award in recognition of her growing influence in international fashion and her inspiring personal journey that defies age and expectations.

"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," she said.

The annual Global Filipino Icon Awards, now in its fifth year, celebrates the achievements of Filipinos worldwide.

Held on Saturday at Dusit Thani Dubai, the event honored 48 Star Icons, 46 Special Icons and 40 business honorees.

Among the distinguished awardees was journalist Kara David, recognized with the Star Icon in investigative journalism and media excellence for her commitment to uncovering untold Filipino stories.

RECOGNITION Happy Melendres of Cebu receives her Special Icon plaque at the Global Filipino Icon Awards 2025 in Dubai on April 5, 2025. PHOTO COURTESY OF HAPPY MELENDRES

Timeless dream

Now 47, Melendres has reemerged as a force in fashion after dedicating her younger years to raising five children.

With her children now independent adults, Melendres said she is finally 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.

Michael Cinco muse

Wearing a Michael Cinco couture gown, Melendres was celebrated alongside other Filipino icons.

Other awardees in past editions include veteran journalist Jessica Soho, Ezra Santos and Cinco himself, the same designer who now counts Melendres as one of his muses.

"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."

Her debut at Cannes in 2024 marked a milestone; she became the first Cebuana to walk the red carpet of the prestigious international event.

Melendres wore a pink gown with a 3-meter train and an ombré green-blue gown, both created by Cinco.

Melendres recalled feeling overwhelmed with gratitude the morning after her Cannes debut.

"I just screamed, 'OMG! I just walked the red carpet at Cannes yesterday,'" she posted.

At the Cannes, Melendres had the chance to meet supermodels like Coco Rocha and Bella Hadid, as well as Hollywood stars, such as Michelle Yeoh, Selena Gomez and Demi Moore.

This May, she is set to walk in another Cinco show in New Delhi, India.

"A few years ago, I dreamt of going to India to model, and I didn't tell anyone. Then one day, Michael asked me to walk for him there. It's very important to dream," she said.

Melendres said that dreams do not come with an expiration date.

"I'm a testament that girls have no timeline. You can still enjoy life, be beautiful, and be up there no matter what age you are," she said.

Proud Cebuana

Aside from fashion, Melendres is involved in real estate, agriculture and waste management.

She is also a lifestyle columnist for Cebu BusinessWeek, all while quietly supporting various philanthropic efforts, particularly for nature and tree preservation.

"I always bring Cebu with me, especially when I walk in shows," she said, proud to represent her hometown on the global stage.

"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.