This year, Misters Of Filipinas celebrated its 10th year of bringing the essence of Filipino masculinity and showcasing the multi-pacific talents, intelligence, and charisma of our nation's remarkable young men onto the international stage. 

Over the years, some of these men have built their image and opened doors for more extensive opportunities with the help of the Misters of Filipinas and Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation Inc. (PEPPS). 

One of these contestants is the former Misters of Filipinas 2015 1st Runner-up Don Mcgyver Cochico. 

How it all started

During an online interview, Don shared that joining the pageant took him a lot of convincing. 

"It started way back in 2014 when a co-worker Eton Concepcion would always tells me na mag-join ng Misters of Filipinas pageant pero nahihiya ako and walang nakikitang reason to join, so after months of convincing napapayag din ako kasi naisip ko there's opportunity there, then pinakilala and set nya ako ng meet up with Richard Montoya," Don said. 

Without experience in pageantry, Don kept his commitment and worked on his physique as he joined Mister of Filipinas. 

"After that meeting i was finally convinced to join kaso sabi ko wala akong funds for that and any experience pero sabi nila they will help me basta committed daw ako and gusto manalo. So ayun the journey starts there," Don added. 

Competing against 30 candidates during his time in the pageant, Don eventually placed 1st runner-up. Throughout his reign as Misters of Filipinas, he shared that taking the risk of joining the pageant has taught him so many things. 

"Siguro pinaka tumatak sa akin is yung kasabihang "it is what it is". Kumbaga pag nangyari na nanjan na so there's no point complaining about it and the best na pwede magawa is to move forward and see the good things about it," Don said. 

He also represented the Philippines at the 2016 Manhunt International in Shenzhen, China, although he didn't win the crown, Don mentioned that it was a good experience for him to represent the Philippines. 

"Manhunt International competition is great, dami ko natutunan sa culture ng ibang bansa, daming naging friends and nagkaron ako ng good idea kung pano yung ng level ng competition sa international stage lalo sa Manhunt," he added. 

Life before Misters Of Filipinas 

Don worked as a Police Officer for almost 10 years. During his active years in the police service, he was assigned to the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame. He was also assigned in Butuan City for one year. 

"Police Officer, pulis ako for almost 10 years, nag business din ako ng gym with my close friend then 2015 ako nag join ng Misters," He said. 

Becoming a police officer and eventually strutting to stardom via the Mister of Filipinas, Don's world was turned into two places from modeling with different brands and making TV appearances while serving the people. It became clear that balancing the two was challenging for him. 

Where is Don now? 

From all the glam lights and recognition he received from his pageant era, Don is now happy and contented with his life as Assistant Unit Manager at Pru Life UK. 

It was in 2020 when he decided to become a financial adviser after he stepped down as a police officer and bid goobye to the pageant scene. According to Don, being part of this new line of work is an achievement.

"Being an MDRT here in Pru Life UK for three times na. MDRT means Million Dollar Round Table, isa syang award na three percent lang ng financial advisors lang nakakagawa, it's recognized among all insurance companies. You get to insure a lot of people, meaning marami kang families na protect, bonus na dun yung malaking earning and mga international travels," he said. 

Don mentioned that being a part of Misters of Filipinas in 2015 and being able to present the Philippines in the international stage was a core memory for him. He thanked all the people who trusted him in his journey. 

"Big help ang Misters of Pilipinas sa buhay ko, opportunity wise, learning and growth, may it be good or bad natuto ako, na-mold nya ako to be a better person and now nakikita ko pa rin yung impact nya sa life ko even 2015 pa yung reign ko. One of the best decisions ko talaga in life yung pagsali sa Misters of Pilipinas, I will forever be grateful sa mga taong tumulong at nagtiwala sa akin sa Misters journey ko," Don added. 

Entering the new era, Don also shared what keeps him busy and his recent achievements of becoming an Assistant Unit Manager. 

"Right now, I enjoy being Financial Advisor/Assistant Unit Manager in Pru Life UK. I am also STARCLUB Achiever and marami pa, it's really hard to explain and isa isahin sya but all i can say is dahil kay Pru Life UK nabago ko buhay ng family with better earning, free travels and for me naman recognition sa bawat achievements ko at work, good working environment din para always inspired to work harder," he said.