The recent crowning of an openly lesbian Miss Philippines has signaled the start of a new era in Philippine pageantry—one that is more inclusive, accepting and certainly, groundbreaking. Now, pageant norms are slowly being challenged.

During the recent 8th edition of the Misters of Filipinas (MOF), the country’s most prestigious male pageant competition, the breaking of some stereotypes was, once again, brought to the fore when this year’s candidates and eventual winners obviously represented men of different shapes, sizes, convictions and yes, as some pundits say, even gender orientations.

I recently got the chance to spend two days with the people involved in the pageant, including the winners, during their stay in Resorts World Manila recently. Getting really close and comfortable with them gave me the chance to ask questions that most people would shy away from asking.

Dr. Mark De Luna Alvero, MOF Talent Management Director confirms the pageant’s deliberate move to be more inclusive in its selection process, opening doors to all, including those who may not have a straight preference: “Kung before, big deal yun. But now I think wala naman nang dapat maging problem dyan. Nasa candidates yan kung paano nila ipe-present ang sarili nila. Nasa kanila yun kung paano nila ica-carry ang sarili nila.”

Cebu City’s Junichi Yabushita, who emerged as First Prince in this year’s competition, is among those being heavily bashed and questioned on social media for being “soft” and “effeminate” despite his insistence of being a straight guy. He explains: “Growing up I’ve always been bullied on the same type of topic or context. I’m not as masculine as everybody else or the way I talk. I can’t change how deep my voice is. These are things I can’t control and I was raised in a very demure family, especially, I grew up with my mom and I grew up with my cousins who are girls. I have that influence of femininity when it comes to my movements.” This is precisely why, he is serious in advocating for the "breaking of societal stereotypes" during his reign: "I need to be that trailblazer to give that road to people that it’s ok to be them and you’re not lesser of a person if people will tell you, you are different."

The same types of comments are usually thrown at Caloocan City’s Romel Ayag, the competition’s Third Prince. “They tell me, Rommel mukha kang tomboy. Rommel mukha kang bakla. I say thank you. I look good.” The hunky gym coach further elaborates: “I find it really funny. The reason why is we can’t please people. We can’t force everyone to love us. They even criticized me for being gay or bi, but I’m straight, but I do have a lot of gay friends. So, I don’t mind. What I usually say is, I take that as a compliment, because gay people right now are looking good.”

Second Prince, Derick Allen Lauchengco of Laguna, who is said to be among the unquestionably straight pageant candidates says he is aware of having to compete with men who may be of a different orientation. He says: “Expected naman po natin kahit saang pageant. Given po na meron ganun, merong tinatago po nila, nahihiya po sila. Meron naman din pong showy. Pero we were told na protektahan na lang po natin yung mga kapatid natin na ganun.” The student-athlete says he doesn’t really mind the differences he may have with his co-competitors who he now considers as his brothers. “Wala naman po yung ilang na tinatawag natin. As a candidate mafe-feel din po naming na ganun pero kumbaga sarili na naming pag-intindi yun, ganyan. If ever man na ganito, mapo-protektahan namin sila sa lahat ng negative thoughts na maaaring ibato sa kanila.”

The winners agree they now belong to a new generation of pageant competitors. Yabushita emphasizes: “We are now in a generation where we are very equal. We can be who we are. I think we should just celebrate our differences instead of bashing and fitting into a certain standard.”

For his part, Misters of Filipinas Man of the World, Nadim Elzein of the Filipino Community of the United Arab Emirates believes having a diverse set of winners creates a learning opportunity for everyone in their circle to even expand their perspectives: “Gender equality. It is all about gender equality. We’re joining a pageant, we’re meeting people. What are you going to say? Oh, are you like this? Are you like that? No. We’re learning from each other. Whatever who he is, we’re gonna learn something from him. He’s gonna learn something from me.”

BONUS: JOKE TIME!

A lot of things can be gleaned from the kind of sense of humor a man has. So, for purposes of ending our chat on a light and fun note, I asked them a common question, which is: “Women find men with a good sense of humor sexy. Prove to us that you are sexy by cracking a joke.” (Be the one to judge who your winner is, based on their jokes!)

Nadim: “How to be a gentleman. You know a lot of people see me looking like already 65. Are you lost baby girl?” (Well, that’s a cute pick-up line!)

Junichi: “Do birds have hands? (of course, I said, “None.”) Then, why do birds...suddenly apir! (We can sing together!)

Derick: ”Close your eyes sir, ano po nakikita nyo sir? (I said, “Madilim.”) Ganyan po yung mundo ko kapag wala kayo. (Para pala akong Meralco! Me liwanag ang buhay!)

Romel: “Ano tawag sa maitim na nagtatampo? (I asked, “Ano?”) Tamporado.

Okay, okay. I’d say these guys are great! And a lot of fun. I’ll have to agree it really is a non-issue whether or not they are straight. What’s important is that all of them are setting their visions straight in representing the country well in their respective international pageants. The country’s sash in male pageantry is surely in good hands. Congratulations, Prime Events Production Philippines (PEPPs). All the best to you, guys!