Ion Perez crowned Mister Universe Tourism 2018

It's not everyday that we get to hear or read an inspiring story of a food vendor who fulfills his dreams.

On May 29, a former peddler-turned-model became the latest toast of the town when he was crowned Mister Universe Tourism 2018 during a pageant held in Pasig City.

Benigno "Ion" Perez, 26, is the first Filipino to win the international pageant that promotes tourism.

First runner-up honors went to Brata Angga Kartasasmita of Indonesia and Avjeet Singh of India was second runner up.

During the question-and-answer portion, Perez was asked: "If you could trade places with somebody, who would it be and why?"

Perez answered in Kapampangan which was translated by atty. Richard Garcia Montoya in English. He said: "I would trade places with the President because a lot of people need jobs especially in the tourism industry and I could do a lot if I were president."

Ferdinand Abejon, managing director of the pageant, said that Perez deserves to win the title.

"Though he used an interpreter, the answer of Ion Perez (in the Q and A portion) is more than enough to make him win the title, aside of course from his good face, body, and attitude," said Abejon.

Perez has admitted that he got out of focused with school but he wanted to finish his studies soon.

"Hindi ko po natapos ang 1st year kaya po ako huminto wala pa sa focus ko ang pag aaral puro barkada pa ako at kalokohan," said Perez, who went to the Tarlac State University. (I did not finish 1st year college because I was not able to concentrate with my studies). But this time, he really wanted to go back to school.

Montoya said: "The Mister Universe Tourism organization, including the judges, based their decision on the candidate who will greatly help them promote the advocacy of their pageant and the ambassador of the MUT org. At the end of the day, it is still a competition and all 20 of them may win the main title;

"Mr. Ion Perez of the Philippines proved it to the organizers and to the supporting fans that he is ready to take the responsibility;

"At this point in time, we Filipinos need to make our solid actions, collaboration and combined efforts on how we can further promote the tourism of the country and help other countries promote their tourism destinations as well," said Montoya.

Perez said: "My victory is for my family who really supported me in this journey."

The hunk paid tribute to his late father - a former passenger jeep driver - and his mother who sells sweets just to raise his 14 brothers and sisters.

"I am the 12th among the children. I always remember what my father have taught me - stay humble and be respectful," he said.

"When my father passed away, we helped my mother sell sweets. Despite the odds, we were also taught to be God-fearing. That's why I really want to give this honor to my parents," said Perez.

Perez is a rising fashion model when he competed in the annual Misters of Filipinas 2017 contest.

Prior to that, he has been chosen as one of the 69 hottest Cosmo bachelors for the 2017 edition of the glossy Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Unfortunately, organizers of the annual male extravaganza have stopped the show for three years now. So fans won't be able to watch the country's male models walk the ramp. Perez has also appeared on several print ads. He also said that he wouldn't mind pursuing a showbiz career following his stint with the prestigious male contest. - ROBERT REQUINTINA

* Images courtesy of Joy Arguil