Philippines Embraces Hyper-Realistic 3D Figurine AI Trend, Sparking Debate on the Future of Digital Art

Recently, the Philippines has witnessed a surge in a novel AI-driven trend that turns individuals into strikingly lifelike 3D collectible figurines. This craze follows a previous wave of AI-generated Studio Ghibli-inspired portraits that swept the internet earlier, captivating users with their dreamy, hand-painted aesthetics. However, this new phenomenon offers an even more immersive experience by rendering users as tangible miniature figures displayed in realistic settings. Celebrities have quickly joined the trend, with actress Andrea Brillantes sharing her own figurine version created by a fan, jokingly admitting she "fell for it" due to its astonishing realism. For many who grew up collecting action figures, this development feels like a fascinating reversal: rather than admiring idols from afar, people are now presented as the collectible themselves. Unlike conventional flat images, these figurines appear to be sculpted with intricate detail akin to professional 3D modeling software like ZBrush, positioned on desks with ambient backgrounds, lending a tangible depth that invites viewers to ‘‘reach out and touch." This trend is powered by Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, an AI tool celebrated for its cutting-edge capabilities such as multi-image fusion, style consistency, and interactive editing. Unlike many AI platforms that restrict advanced features behind paywalls, Gemini 2.5 Flash Image is available for free, contributing to its widespread appeal among both casual users and digital creators. The launch of Gemini 2.5 Flash Image follows the earlier popularity of ChatGPT-4o’s Ghibli-inspired AI portraits. However, industry experts emphasize that these trends are supported by fundamentally different technological engines. Beyond the surface excitement, this figurine trend prompts broader reflections on the evolving role of AI in 3D art. Vasilis Koutlis, representing RebusFarm, a leading rendering service, acknowledges AI’s undeniable presence in creative workflows, noting its potential to improve speed and efficiency. Nonetheless, he cautions against overreliance, stating that "creativity, in terms of an artist’s skills, is dying as it tends to be replaced by machines." He also highlighted challenges for smaller studios and freelancers facing market pressures and the persistent necessity for human oversight to correct AI-generated imperfections. Similarly, 3D artist and educator Michael Tanzillo discussed the dual nature of AI in his newsletter, The 3D Artist. He praised AI’s ability to generate adaptable scene elements while underscoring its current inability to maintain consistent quality across different angles and lighting. According to Tanzillo, the hype around AI has mellowed as the industry confronts the demanding "final 20 percent" of technological refinement—where precision and dependability become critical. He stressed that "companies will need experienced professionals to integrate these technologies effectively." Together, Koutlis and Tanzillo convey a shared perspective: while generative AI is transforming artistic practices, it does not replace human expertise. Koutlis summarized this sentiment, asserting that "AI is unlikely to completely replace 3-D artists, 3-D modelers, photographers, or architects in the near future," but it undeniably reshapes their workflows. Tanzillo concurred, emphasizing that AI technology "cannot stand alone," and skilled creators remain essential to harness its full potential. The fascination with becoming a digital collectible figure exemplifies the rapid pace of AI innovation and its ability to engage the imagination. However, it also serves as a reminder that the essence of 3D artistry continues to rest firmly with talented human artists, who will guide the integration of AI into the creative fields for years to come.