Mister Pilipinas Worldwide candidates during the press conference in Ascott Hotel with the event's emcee, Miss Charm International 2023 first runner-up Annabelle McDonnell.

Nineteen fit and empowered Filipino men will vie for the top three titles in the maiden staging of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide (MPW), the newest and only male pageant under the portfolio of Empire Philippines - the same company which owns the franchise for the prestigious Miss Universe PH.

MPW will hold its grand coronation night on May 6 where it will hand over the titles to the rightful winners - Mister Pilipinas Supranational, Mister Pilipinas Global, and Mister Pilipinas Manhunt Supermodel. Partners for the launch are Jojo Bragais and Oxin Films.

Empire executives said MPW  "is a consolidation of three pageants" namely:  Mr. Supranational Philippines, Mr. Global Philippines, and Mr. Manhunt Philippines. What this means is that there will no longer be a separate staging of the said three male pageants this year as they have been put under one umbrella of MPW.

Leading the launch were (from left) Jonas Gaffud and Voltaire Tayag of Empire Philippines, noted shoe designer Jojo Bragais and Xion Lim of Oxin Films.

Athlete Joshua De Sequera, who was first runner-up in the Manhunt International Male Supermodel search in 2022, is MPW's national director. "Even with the short time span that we had in terms of scouting and looking for talents that will represent Mister Pilipinas Worldwide, I am proud to show everyone that our candidates are ready to go."

He said that he told the boys the importance of commitment. "While most of them go to school or have jobs, sacrifices will have to be made if they will have to do something required by the organization. I reminded them that you went here to make a name for yourself, so make the best out of the opportunity given you. Most of all, don't forget to have fun!"

In a separate presentation during the MPW press conference held at Ascott Hotel BGC last April 21, Empire PH accredited partners director Joseph Rivera announced that they are also targeting to launch one other project this year. The Miss Philippines fashion and beauty pageant.

MPW national director Joshua de Sequera with Mr. Mandaluyong City Ken Stromsnes

Rivera pointed out that MUPH, MPW and The Miss Philippines will form together "a network of Philippine pageants that will champion the advocacies, culture and heritage of the Filipino people. With all these three pageants that we are introducing this year, we are going to give several major titles that are going to be awarded in just one year."

Rivera added that beginning next year, there will be major changes in the selection of local candidates as the job will be handed over to their "accredited partners." As of this writing,  some have already been named as partners after passing background and financial capability checks. Recruitment for accredited partners is ongoing as some key territories still have to be filled up.

Mister Pilipinas Worldwide candidates for 2023 are:

Joseph Pesay Valler - Bohol
Rei Aldrich Gregorio - Bulacan
Gilmer Galaros - Cavite
Kenneth Estopace - Camarines Sur
John Tanting - Cebu City
Lorenzo Isip - Cebu Province
Oliver Dalman - Dipolog
Johannes Rissler - Davao Del Norte
Karl Maristela - Ilocos Sur
Gion Layug - Laguna
Joshua Dinio - Naga City
John Dave "Adam" Apostol - Nueva Ecija
Ken Stromsnes - Mandaluyong City
Adrian Paulo Araneta - Pampanga
Drigo Francia - Rizal
Van Aikon Ignacio - San Jose City
Christian Annipot - Sorsogon
Jefferson Bunney - UK Filipino community
Tyler Gaumer -USA Filipino community