Two young gentlemen from Cebu and Quezon will represent the Philippines in separate international pageants after they were crowned Misters of Filipinas 2018 during a contest held in Greenhills, San Juan City last Wednesday night. Mark Kevin Baloaloa, of Catanauan, Quezon was crowned Mister International Philippines 2018 while John Paul Ocat of Cebu won Man of the World Philippines 2018. They will compete in international pageants in 2019. Baloaloa, 26, is a freelance officer specializing in motorcycle sales. He says that he wants to become a model and businessman. Ocat, 23, is a model who finished international studies. He also wants to put up an orphanage and a foundation to advocate for mental health. Other winners were: Casius Panopio, Batangas, 1st runner-up; Federico Palejon, Filipino Community of Florence, Italy; 2nd runner-up; and Ruben Anthony Timbol, Tarlac province, 3rd runner-up. Twenty-three candidates competed in the annual male search that promotes masculinity and responsibility. PEPPS President Carlo Morris Galang says despite the challenges, the male pageant is going stronger. "I wouldn't say that the entire six years were smooth. Like any other organizations, we are currently evolving and facing challenges. But I thank God for my team because we have faced obstacles and survived if not come out victorious," says Galang. These challenges include the breakdown of partnership, the issue on resigned Mister Universe Tourism 2018 Ion Perez, and even the change in the venue of the finals for Misters of Filipinas 2018. Galang adds: "Misters of Filipinas is more than having a handsome face and gorgeous body. It is having a developed a sense of community and becoming the best versions of themselves so that they can contribute to society."