At just a year shy of 30, he's considered old in the modelling world.

But it didn't stop June Macasaet from bagging the Manhunt International 2012 title, making him the oldest winner in Manhunt International history.

The Filipino, who beat 52 contestants to the pageant's 16th sash in Bangkok, Thailand, last November, was in town recently for a short holiday and to catch up with his friend, Manhunt Singapore 2012 winner Jason Chee.

Macasaet told The New Paper that he is not overly concerned about his age.

"Now that I hold the title, it shouldn't be too big of a barrier," he said.

"In New York and Europe, they use models who are around my age for important shows."

During the pre-competition briefings, it was his memory power that worried him.

"Hey Philippines, what are you doing? Are you doing your assignment?" the other contestants would jibe when they saw him religiously taking notes.

"It totally helped me win because it's not easy remembering everything they said," said Macasaet.

"By the end of a briefing, I would have two pages' worth of notes and yet I still couldn't fully understand what they wanted.

"What more if I didn't take notes?"

At 1.83m, Macasaet was the shortest of the top five winners in the worldwide pageant last year.

First runner-up was Peter Bo Jonsson from Sweden, followed by Martin Wang from Macau, Jimmy Perez Rivera from Puerto Rico and Jason Chee from Singapore.

Life has changed drastically for Macasaet, a former Class A model.

Class A means a model is good enough to be on the runway for renowned brands like Levi's and Oakley, which he had done.

These days, Macasaet can be seen on billboards, the face for a wide range of products from Robinsons Bank to Papaya soap to Philippines' most popular Chinese wine Vino Kulafu.

"It's easier now that I've got a year's supply of soap," he joked.

"But seriously, I'm earning a lot more and it's great that I am able to help my family live better."

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