Motor shows won't be complete without models, and in the 3rd Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), they were as varied as they came: beautiful and sexy in their minis, hot pants, and even red-carpet gowns, gamely posing with visitors-turned-overnight paparazzi.

Yet there is more to the models than meet the eye.

In an informal poll on this website that has been running since July 24, almost a third of 291 web visitors who were asked, "What excites you most in a motor show?" ranked "sexy models" highest. But new car models still topped the poll with 31.3% of the votes as of Aug. 26.

At the recently held 3rd PIMS, the women of PGA Cars, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Porsche and Audi, vied for attention in their long, flowing dresses and matched the sophistication of the Audi RB V10, Audi Q5, and other luxury models. Suzuki, meanwhile, attracted a male following with models in Japanese schoolgirl outfits.

Not all models are certified car lovers, but model Risha Sotto at the Ford Philippines booth professes her passion for wheels.

“I always inquire about the latest cars and their specifications,” said Risha, a proud car owner herself. “I was almost this close to trading in my car at the motor show!” The 19-year-old tourism student of the University of Sto.Tomas stands 5’5” in height and has been modeling for events on the side for two years now.

Modeling the Nissan Sentra in her glittery mini dress, Maria del Carmen Garcia is a girl who – just like what a Cyndi Lauper classic says –  "just wanna have fun."

“The best things about doing motor shows are meeting new people and getting more exposure. Events like PIMS open up a whole new set of opportunities for models like me,” says Carmen, who particularly liked the Nissan X-Trail for its masculine appeal.

The 21-year-old Spanish-Filipino stunner started in the industry when she was just 13, and has since become an “all-around” print, television, and ramp model.

Isabella Manjon, who may look familiar because she once did a television commercial for Goldilocks, in addition to other ramp and print projects, says sharing a common passion with PIMS visitors got her hooked in the gig.

“I love seeing people who are just passionate about cars,” says the 23-year-old model. In her tight yellow ensemble that matched the color of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, Isabella says, “Everything here is just so alive!”