Only two common themes are shared by the pageants all over the world since the COVID-19 pandemic struck early last year: postponements and going virtual. The country’s longest-running Binibining Pilipinas competition had to wait over a year before it was able to crown its 2020 candidates last July. The Miss Universe Pageant had to put its 69th edition on hold until May this year, allowing South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi to enjoy an extended reign of almost a year and a half. For the second consecutive year, Japan-based Miss International announced it is not staging a 2021 edition. Miss World Philippines has yet to declare a successor for its 2019 winner, Michelle Dee. Only the Miss Earth Organization was able to continue on its annual tradition, albeit virtually.
Given these developments in the beauty pageant front, male counterpart competitions are surely facing even tougher and more challenging positions in getting their events on ground. Now on its 8th year, the Misters of Filipinas search, the country’s most respected and reputable male personality contest also had its share of delays and setbacks in getting itself organized. Prime Events Production Philippines (PEPPS) Foundation President Carlo Morris Galang admits it was extra difficult staging a pageant during a pandemic: “Mahirap siya kasi we all know that we are all affected by pandemic, especially as far as sponsors and partners are concerned.” More than the funding, however, realities under a highly-restricted environment did not allow them to realize all their creative intentions for the pageant. “Struggle namin ngayon is quite different from pre-pandemic scenarios because there are more restrictions. Lagi kami dapat naka-follow sa government rules, sa IATF. Of course, number 1 is always the safety both of the candidates and the members of the production crew.”
Despite these limitations, pageant organizers refused to boxed with just their old offerings and are promising something new for fans to look forward to come coronation night. Galang explains: “Fans can expect something different from this year’s pageant. First time magkakaroon ng crowning moment for the grand winner. The Misters of Filipinas crown is made by Mr Manny Halasan and is valued at P1 million. For this year, since we’re already in the new normal, we are embracing the online, virtual world.” This explains why fans will surely have a bigger hand in choosing this year’s winners as they now get to vote for their favorites via YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
The pageant’s format will likewise be different, with the 30 candidates initially being whittled down to the top 16 (3 of those who’ll make it to this round will be via the intro video, multimedia, and KTX voting fast-tracks) who will then have to squeeze themselves in for the top 10. Five winners will then be declared from this final group. Galang assures there will also be a new, special round of competition that fans will surely enjoy.
The pageant is set to culminate in a grand gala night in Negros Oriental on October 30. It will be streamed live via KTX.ph. Proceeds from the online ticket sales will go to the reconstruction of the Maqueda Elementary School in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, which was badly devastated by typhoon Rolly. This year’s top winner will represent the country in the Man of the World competition and will win a one million peso prize package. Among the most notable Misters of Filipinas winners are Mr. International winner, Neil Perez; Ion Perez; and Eat Bulaga Bae, Thomas Penaflor.