24 hunks vie for Misters of Filipinas 2017

The 24 official candidates of Misters of Filipinas 2017 were presented to the press during presentation held at the Matrix Creation Events in Quezon City last September 17.

This year's official candidates are Clint Karklins Peralta, Ion Perez, Vann Ramos, Rosky Perez, Ryan Guiao Hernandez, Bap Nograles Petel, Rubi Kust, Yves Campos, John Joseph Hipolito, Jeffrey Camus, Carlo Pasion, Raven Renz Lansangan, Chris Capistrano, Renz Cutanda, Joe-Mharr Padilla Mangi, Julio Paolo Evina, Neil Erwin Regis, Jonathan Maniquis, Amir Don Abbo, Andrei Acorda, John Marben Segui, Mark John Mancenido, Aki Cerro Montibon and Kit Gonzales.

                                               Media's Choice - Mr. Laoag Carlo Pasion

                                           Media's Choice 1st Runner-Up - Clint Peralta

                                             Media's Choice 2nd Runner-Up - Ion Perez

The candidates will vie for the titles of Mr. International Philippines, Man of the World Philippines, Mr. Supranational Philippines, Man of the Year, and Mr. Universe Tourism Philippines.

Manhunt Philippines, which used to be one of the titles awarded in previous years, has been temporarily excluded from this year's pageant.

"Manhunt Philippines pahinga muna. If ever, we're planning na ihiwalay s'ya ng pageant pero pahinga muna ang Manhunt Philippines contest," said Carlo Morris Galang, president of Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation Inc. (PEPPS), organizer of the annual male contest.

Galang has expressed confidence in this year's batch of 24 candidates.

"We have more than 120 applicants nationwide. Then may mga regional winners kami duon pa lagng sobrang dami na," he said.

Asked to give advice to the candidates, Galang said: "Be yourself. The reason why nakuha sila dito may something sila na napili ng PEPPS kasi nga over-all package sila - personality and physique."

Galang also lauded the officers and members of PEPPS who made the pageant possible this year.

"For five years na, na-experience namin yung iba't ibang bagay. May mga nangyari na rin sa amin na mga taong hindi maganda. Pero ang kagandahan kasi sa grupo namin sama-sama yung mga talented na tao dito. So yung spirit na pagmamahal ng isang pamilya, yun ang ginagawa namin," he added.

* Key to success

Previous winners of Mister of Filipinas contest gave their unsolicited advice to this year's candidates.

Cj Querol, who will represent the country in the Mr. Tourism Universe contest in October, said: "Hindi kami competitive. Pagdating lang duon sa mga pre-pageant competitions, duon lang kami nagiging competitive. Parang magkakapatid na yung turing namin. So siguro ganun lang ang gawin nila. Tapos dun lang sila mag focus at mag excel."

Vincent Jarina, who will vie for Mr. Ocean in Taiwan on Nov. 25, said: "Siguro wag nilang isipin na competition ito. Enjoy lang nila kung anung meron sa competition. Wag masyadong magpa-pressure at ipakita lang nila ang tunay na sarili nila. Importante talaga disiplina kung paano ka makitungo sa mga co-candidates mo at sa mga taong  nasa paligid mo."

Miguel Mari Guia, who competed in 2016 Mr. International pageant, said: "Kung may mga doubt sila sa sarili nila, focus lang sila. Aim nila yung title na gusto nila. Kasi pag ginawa mo 'yung performance mo, tuloy-tuloy na 'yun hanggang finals."

AR dela Serna, who represented the country in Mr. Supranational contest, said: "Work harder than usual. Wag mag relax. Kapit lang wag bibitaw kasi sobrang saya pag nanalo."

The grand finals will be held at One Esplanade at the Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City on Sept. 30. - ROBERT R. REQUINTINA

* Images courtesy of Noli Berioso/OPMB.