Tom Rodriguez walks the runway for Ryan Chris’ charity fashion show

Tom Rodriguez (left) and designer Ryan Chris. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina

After staging a successful showbiz comeback via an episode on the drama anthology “Magpakailanman,” Tom Rodriguez also returned to modeling by gracing the runway of the charity fashion show “Aspirations and Inspirations” by designer Ryan Chris.

The American-Filipino actor took the runway in an off-white ensemble accentuated with clear beads on the shoulders. He also did not have a shirt under his suit, so part of his chest was exposed. The show was held at the ballroom of Hilton Manila in Pasay City on Thursday, March 21.

Rodriguez told INQUIRER.NET that it was “very exhilarating and nerve-wracking” to be back to modeling since his last trip to the runway “a long time ago.” He shared that he was worried he would have “Bambi legs” as if they’re made of gelatin as he strutted the runway. “But thank God I got to do it,” he said.

READ: Tom Rodriguez reveals dating a new girl

Reigning kings from the Misters of Filipinas pageant also graced the runway, including new Man Hot Star International winner RJ De Vera and newly proclaimed Mister Teenager Universe Lloyd Figueras. The male tilt’s head, Carlo Morris Galang, a former model and male contest veteran, also walked in the show.

“Tawag ng Tanghalan” Season 4 grand winner JM Yosures, “Pinoy Dream Academy” Season 2 winner Laarni Lozada and “Magandang Dilag” crooner JM Bales also rendered song numbers in between the models’ segments.

Rodriguez said he was very grateful to be invited to walk for the designer’s birthday celebration because the charity fashion show was meant to raise funds for those seeking medical assistance. “It’s such a good cause, for ‘Bahay Aruga.’ That’s very near to my heart, especially they help cancer patients. That is why I’m happy that Ryan has been championing this cause,” he said.

The Kapuso actor shared the runway with finale model Elda Louise Aznar, who finished second in the 2023 Miss CosmoWorld pageant held in Malaysia. Actor Teejay Marquez also took the catwalk, which also saw several cancer survivors from Bahay Aruga strutting in designer outfits.

Rodriguez said he was open to doing more runway shows in the future while preparing for his upcoming Kapuso series. “I’m so excited, it’s a great role to play. If I enjoyed playing the role of Bryan Libradilla in ‘The World Between Us,’ this is gonna be another one that I can’t wait to sink my teeth into,” he said.

Because he had a long acting break, Rodriguez said he felt that he needed to prepare as early as now. “I really wanna do my best. And I’m enjoying the craft, falling in love with it again, rekindling the passion with acting, it feels so good!” he exclaimed.

Rodriguez also earned rave reviews for his comeback acting gig for “Magpakailanman” when he essayed the role of his “Mulawin Vs. Ravena” co-actor Bryan Benedict. “I’ve been so overwhelmed with the support sent to [manager] Popoy [Caritativo]. I hear it from my mom, from her friends. I heard Arniel, my assistant, also cried,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to Benedict for the support he got for playing the role. “I thank him for being such an amazing person. His story is really something, and I feel so honored to have been the one chosen to play as him, it warms my heart,” Rodriguez continued.

Rodriguez also shared how he will spend the coming Holy Week. “I plan to just be still, be quiet, just spend time with the Lord. And at the same time, I get a chance to be alone with my books that I missed.”

He said he is also looking forward to spending some time doing the things he is passionate about, such as programming and arts. Rodriguez plans to do all this just in the metro. “I missed my condo so much. So I’m very happy being in my little cave,” he said.