Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco named as one of Philippines's 'People of the Year'

Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco has been named as one of People Asia 's People of the Year. The fashion designer was honoured at an awards ceremony in his native Philippines last week, hosted by People Asia . Cinco was one of 15 people to be celebrated at the annual awards ceremony, which honours the achievements and success of Filipinos across different fields. "So honoured and humbled to be chosen as one of People Asia 's People of the Year 2020 along with Asia's great and outstanding achievers and leaders who elevate the Filipino talent and culture to the world," Cinco said in an Instagram post after receiving the award. Also honoured on the night were actress Kathryn Bernardo, AirAsia’s Sheila Romero and “doctor to the stars” Dr Vicki Belo. Michael Cinco founded his eponymous label in Dubai in 2003, after moving to the UAE from the Philippines. He was initially lured into the world of fashion after seeing Audrey Hepburn in her white dress in My Fair Lady . Throughout his career, he has dressed the likes of Beyonce, Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga and Mariah Carey. "If there's one thing world-renowned Filipino designer Michael Cinco has proven after being in the fashion business for nearly 30 years now, it's that success, no matter how good you think you are, will never be handed to you on a silver platter," People Asia said of Cinco's award. “But unlike most people who dwell on the good and gloss over, or even deliberately forget the bad, the Dubai-based Michael, a native of Catbalogan, Samar and, once upon a time, a graduate of Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, uses both positive and negative experiences that come his way to fuel his creativity.” This is not the first time Cinco has won an award in the Philippines. In 2014, he was honoured with a presidential award. But he is modest about his fame in his home nation, stating humbly in an interview with The National in October: "I just do what I do and I love representing the Philippines to the world." But, he added, Filipinos are “ the best fans in the world”. “They really, really fight for you; they really support you until the end. And if they like your work, they will really try to promote you.”

Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco named as one of Philippines's 'People of the Year'

Cinco said he was 'so honoured and humbled' to receive the award in his home country