The past few weeks have seen the men taking the spotlight in the world of pageantry, with male competitions happening almost one after another. Of late, all the attention has been hogged by what is considered the most prestigious men’s search in the country, Misters of Filipinas, which is now in its 9th year. Originally, 35 good-looking men have been chosen to be part of this year’s official roster of candidates, but just a few days before the finals, that number has seen a lone fallout and has gone down to 34. While the finals was already held last night at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of the Newport World Resorts in Pasay, it would be such a waste if some of the gentlemen who turned out for the competition will not be given the appropriate attention now that the winners have already been named.
I have had the privilege to judge from the final callback to the preliminary competitions to the final coronation night, and I’d say I have gotten to know these gentlemen well. So here are the candidates who, I believe, have a clear future in pageantry, whether in Misters or in some other competitions. Here they are in alphabetical order and with their plans, just in case they win:
Bicolandia. Kenneth Lloyd Estopace. Magpapa-alam po sa mga co-candidates ko and then kasi manonood po yung family ko kung sakali, ihu-hug kop o sila at miss na miss ko na sila. Medyo matagal na akong nag-stay dito eh. First time ko rin lumuwas ng Manila na solo talaga ako.
Cagayan de Oro. Eljohn Taguba. If I win this competition, I will continue going to the gym. First and foremost, it is our physical fitness that is of utmost importance, especially since, I am manifesting to get one of the crowns. I also want to pursue my advocacy on HIV and AIDS awareness, which I am already working on in Cagayan de Oro City.
Camarines Sur. Gerald Fullante. Gusto ko talaga ma-inspire yung mga kabataan ngayon lalo na at yung advocacy ko about active lifestyle, so napaka-importante talaga during this pandemic na mahalin natin yung mga sarili natin at magpaka-healthy tayo.
Cebu City. Michael Angelo Toledo. I will continue with my advocacy which is mental health awareness for men, that all establishments in the Philippines should have at least a minimum of one week mental health break so that they can still be productive, and they can rest from all the hard work they have done.
Isabela Province. Ryan Manglicmot. I will celebrate my win. The next day, I will go back to my home province because it’s not every time that there is an Isabeleno who represents the province on the national stage. I’d like to give back the support given to me by the government of Isabela because they gave an all-out support to me.
Laguna Province. Zach Parcale. The first thing I will do is celebrate the moment with my family. Also, I will be able to win this pageant, I will do it by giving a reminder to everyone. I want to leave a message on stage and be a role model for the youth.
Minglanilla, Cebu. Joshua Canedo. Oh, my God, I haven’t thought about that, actually! The first thing that comes to mind is to continue my advocacy. I advocate for affordable education for all.
Naga. Jovy Bequillo. The first thing I’ll do if I win is to relax. Kasi wala kaming pahinga for a month. The second thing is to prepare myself for the international competition.
Nueva Ecija. Pedro Red. Ipo-promote ko po yung advocacy ko yung support natin yung local products. Support po natin yung local farmers para po makatulong sa economy at para makatulong sa mga kapwa nating Filipino na binibigay yung best nila para makapagbigay ng local products para sa atin.
Ormoc. James Reggie Vidal. The first thing I would do is go to the church and be thankful for the blessings that I have been given and appreciate what I have achieved. I also want to promote my advocacy to those people who are in need, especially the ones who are giving up because of their physical state. I just want them to know that they are not alone.
Pampanga. Kenneth Cruz. Magpapasalamat po ako sa mga sumuporta, to my manager and sa mga friends, family na nagtiwala sa akin. After that, I will continue kung ano naumpisahan ko sa sarili ko ngayon. Itutuloy ko yung laban para i-represent yung Philippines.
South Cotabato. Charlie Sucaldito. I’ll give thanks to all the people behind my success. I want to be a good role model to everyone and we shouldn’t forget all the people behind our backs during this journey. I also want to push for my advocacy, which is mental health awareness.
Tuburan, Cebu. Mark Raeved Obado. I’ll eat everything I want because as we all know we did a lot of sacrifice especially in dieting.