Photographed by: Jay B. Gaerlan (@bilgaer25)
Makeup by: Contessa El-Kazzi
Kristin Venae
Kristin Venae is an Australian actor, singer, songwriter, and model – she graduated from the Sydney Academy of Film and Television. She was a host of the documentary series ‘Topical Punch,’ and she’s due to appear in the upcoming Kyle Lovett feature film ‘Lickerish.’ Kristin also happens to be a triple threat performer with soulful and rhythmic vocal tonality. Starting her live performance tours and artist development as a member of various bands such as the Latin group ‘Ritmo De Tropical’, ‘Loose minds’, and The Magnificent Companeros;’ She launched her debut album ‘Black Widow’ last year – a nostalgic and refreshing blend of Pop/RNB/Rock & soul.
Her debut single ‘Still Here’ has been described as an ‘ode to love.’ Its first review described Venae as having ‘the same gripping and soulful vocal eminence as Shania Twain, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey. Keep an eye out for her next single release, ‘I am Woman’. ‘Still Here’ and ‘Lullaby’ which are available now on all streaming platforms.
Tariq Muhammed
With his positive attitude, Tariq Muhammed was chosen to compete in the Mr. Culture World International 2019 pageant in Vietnam – he represented the Australian culture as an immigrant living in Australia. He was eventually awarded the 2nd Runner-up title. Tariq is a fashion model with experience walking runways for local and international designers as well as charity and fundraising shows. Besides being a model, he also has a master’s in business (international business and marketing) from Charles Sturt University, Sydney.
Joanna Gunay
Joanna Gunay is a 34-year-old wife and proud mother of two beautiful children, a 6-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. She was born in the Philippines and raised here in Sydney, Australia. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Oral health from the University of Sydney in 2008 and currently works at a specialist Orthodontic practice.
Joanna enjoys an active lifestyle, being outdoors, and spending time with her family. Some of her passions include fitness, fashion, health, and well-being. She started modelling after being scouted by an agency and since then has worked with different photographers and walked the runway for various well-renowned designers.
Her pageantry journey started ten years ago when she won the Miss Philippines-Australia 2012 crown. She is the current Mrs. Universe Australia official 2022, and her advocacy promotes awareness of women and children suffering domestic violence and to help create change. She believes that true beauty radiates from within and would like to use this platform to inspire, uplift, and empower other women to value their self-worth and reach their full potential.
Gwen Barcenas
Gwen Barcenas was born and raised in the Philippines. She went to University in Cebu, where she graduated with a double degree in Physical Therapy and Nursing. Gwen immigrated to Australia in 2017 to pursue a career in Nursing. She continues to explore new horizons in her interests. Fashion has always been a passion of hers. Gwen’s creativity is not only in fashion; she also has a flair for interior design. These days, she struts her stuff on both the runway and the hallways of healthcare, taking care of people in style.