Who will cross over from modeling to showbiz?

Show business and modeling make good bedfellows. The Style Eye Catchers Model Search created by Style Magazine is a testament to this long-standing friendship as it presents 10 male and 10 female contestants who can be the next matinee idol or female sensation.

Modeling world’s gain could be local tinseltown’s gain, too. Besides, crossover is the trend these days.

As a modeling competition, Style Eye Catchers is on the look-out for a contestant’s unique style, which goes beyond personality, looks and physique.

What makes Style Eye Catchers different from other modeling searches is that it doesn’t have a specific look for the would-be winner. It accepts contestants whose looks range from Eurasian, Oriental or Pan-Pacific.

The organizers hope to find in the winners (one male and one female) a chameleon-like quality that will make them adapt to the changing demands and needs of advertisers and products they will endorse someday.

That’s why the hunt for finalists of the search’s Season One took more than a year to complete.

Style Magazine held screenings or go-sees in certain universities in Manila. Over 200 applicants passed the first round of competition. Model-wannabes were divided into batches or legs and trimmed down to 20 finalists. Before the final cut was made, aspiring models competed in a series of fashion shows where they showed their beauty, brawn and body. They hit the ramp in casuals, swimwear and formal outfit.

In the search’s recently-concluded fashion show at Embassy Cuisine, Chandler Pineda, Cris Lomotan and JM Fernando registered well among the contestants.

JM reminds one of Dionne Ignacio and Joshua Jackson. His boy-next-door looks is perfect in feel-good and romance TV and movie projects. JM’s smile will surely win many a young girl’s heart.

Cris is the rough version of Hale lead vocalist Champ. His Chinito features and Pinoy complexion will land him character and off-beat roles.

Chandler is a dead-ringer for Karla Bautista, Bb. Pilipinas-World title holder and Miss World finalist and Continental Beauty (Asia).

Although she is every inch Pinay, Chandler oozes with confidence and can do kontrabida and women empowering roles.

Completing the list are female finalists Jiao Dorotheo, Cara Eriguel, Missy Co, Ima Cerbito, Bamba Jose, Arriahne Navasero, Cyril Garcia, Kaykay Tuparan and Hannah Sison. The male finalists are JP Ervas, Glenn del Rosario, PJ Reonisto, Aaron Canlas, Dale Dizon, Kerwin Caballero, Ton Darlucio and Edz Hipolito.

They will compete in the finals night on Aug. 11, 6 p.m. at Glorietta 3 Park.