Not everyone is ready to face themselves honestly, and even fewer choose to live a meaningful life while carrying wounds hidden beneath their exterior. But August Lawis, also known as Miggoy Dee, has done just that. Born in 1989 and currently living and working in Saudi Arabia as a personal care assistant for wellness, he stands as a testament to a different kind of beauty: the beauty of acceptance, resilience, and the choice to live with purpose—despite physical challenges and societal prejudices.
Emerging to fashion from a position never thought of
Working in Saudi Arabia’s personal care system might seem worlds apart from the fashion industry. But Miggoy doesn’t believe you have to “belong” to be present. He approaches beauty pageants within the Filipino community with seriousness—not out of curiosity or challenge, but because he feels he can contribute to creating a space that is beautiful, healthy, and inspiring.
Not a professional model and without agency management, he nevertheless steadily made his mark at Misters of Filipinas KSA 2022, Ginoong OFW KSA 2023, Lakan, and Mister Homeland International 2023—where he was recognized not for his differences, but for his steady spirit and commitment to his work.
Each time on the stage is a reconfirmation of trust
Miggoy does not step onto the stage driven by a desire for recognition. He walks to affirm that simply being present holds value equal to winning. Choosing to show up—not for expectations or titles—is his way of answering an important question: what does he still want to live for?
In his daily work, he listens to others as part of his professional responsibility. But in competitions, the gaze of the audience, the focused silence, and the genuine applause are the ways the world listens back to him. It’s not about praise. It’s the moment he feels fully accepted—not because of the role he plays, but because he walks with the right attitude. And every time he appears like that, he silently sends a message: you don’t need to become someone else, just hold on to the part of yourself you believe is real.
A gentle but not faint lifestyle
Miggoy doesn’t chase the image of being an “inspiration”. He doesn’t label himself as someone special. But in him, people see something clear: a constant learner, a person who lives with kindness, and someone who always creates a safe space for those around him.
His original dream was to become a flight attendant — a career about service, travel, and connection. Although now his work takes place in wellness club, that same spirit remains. He chooses to keep learning, to listen more, and to participate in events not for fame but because he feels he has something to contribute. For him, living with purpose doesn’t need to be announced; it just needs to never fade day by day.
Global Student Fashion Week: International event dedicated to the new creative generation
Global Student Fashion Week (GSFW) 2025 is the world’s first fashion week specifically designed for fashion academies and the student community in the field. As a pioneering event combining academics, creativity, and performance, GSFW aims to usher in a new era for global fashion, where students not only learn the craft but also have the right to express their ideas and identity on a professional stage.
Taking place over 7 days in Hanoi in December 2025, the event will gather 150 young designers from 30 fashion schools in Vietnam and internationally. Additionally, it will feature 999 Global Ambassadors, including 450 beauty queens and kings, 900 performing artists, and more than 6,000 guests.
Becoming a Global Ambassador of Global Student Fashion Week 2025, Miggoy doesn’t express his joy with typical words. He says, “I think this is a way to remind the OFW community that we can be present anywhere—not out of pity, but because of true value.” For GSFW, he does not represent an ideal beauty. He represents a mindset: you don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. In his role as Ambassador, Miggoy chooses to spread his message in his own way—telling stories, creating connections, and encouraging collaboration around positive values: kindness, learning, and community action. To fashion students worldwide, Miggoy has just one message: “Don’t try to avoid challenges. Let them make you stronger. And whatever your profession, keep curiosity as a habit. It is your most precious asset.”
Hailey | Cameron Truong
