A pageant veteran-turned-history teacher arrived home after he was crowned Mr. Star Model Universe 2018 during a pageant held in Lima, Peru recently.
PINOY TEACHER WOWS IN PERU - Mark Andrew Baron holds the Philippine flag after he was crowned Mister Star Model Universe 2018 in Lima, Peru recently. (Instagram/ Manila Bulletin)
Mark Andrew Baron, who was born in Surigao del Sur but raised in Navotas City, has been joining several pageants here and abroad before he finally clinched an international title. Baron said that this would be his last stint in the pageant world.
"This will be my final pageant. After this, I will focus on being a teacher," said Baron, during an exclusive interview at his victory press conference held at the Kagandahang Flores beauty camp in Quezon City last Friday.
Baron came home with Joey Mancilla, national director of Mr. Star Model of the Philippines. He also thanked popular fashion designer Edwin Uy for creating his national costume.
Other winners of the inaugural pageant were Mexico, Mr. Star Model World 2018; and Peru, Mr. Star Model International 2018.
The social studies teacher recalled that he had cough and sore throat when he went to Lima. He said that he traveled to Peru for two days on a plane as he adjusted to the time zone of the host city. "First I had a sore throat. Then I lost my voice one day before the finals. Thank God I recovered.''
Mancilla, who personally handpicked Baron for the international pageant, said that Baron made a good impression in Peru being the only Asian contestant in the field.
"Baron is an educator who has discipline and good values. He is also involved in several charity works. The Peruvians were impressed, especially when he spoke in Spanish," Mancilla said.
Asked to give an advice to aspiring male pageant contestants, Baron said: "Never give up on your dreams! Always try until you succeed."