What Ion Perez will receive as Mister Universe Tourism 2018

It's a prize package fit for a king!

Days after Beningo "Ion" Perez won the Mister Universe Tourism 2018 pageant, the former food vendor from Tarlac will enjoy a prize package that's nearly similar to that of a Miss Universe title holder.

The Mister Universe Tourism 2918 is only one of two international male pageants in the world that gives fabulous perks to the winner during his reign.

Perez, 27, will receive a year-long salary, one-year stay in a luxury apartment, a car service with driver, an assistant, and a bodyguard, gym membership, enroll in a personality development school, and other free stuff.

Ferdinand Abejon, managing director of the Mister Universe Tourism pageant, said that the life story of Perez might soon be featured in an episode of a popular drama anthology on television.

"A staff member of the television program has already interviewed him for the drama anthology," said Abejon, who just announced the complete prize package for Perez.

In an interview on ABS CBN, Perez recalled those days when he would help his mother sell sweets in Concepcion.

"Tumutulong po ako mag-pack ng kalamay na inilalako nya. Minsan kasama rin ako sa pagbenta ng kakanin," he said.

Perez said that he joined the local pageant search Misters of Filipinas in 2017 when he saw an opportunity to help his family.

The model from Tarlac also admits that he is a shy person. "Sobrang mahiyain po talaga ako. Siguro dala na rin na pagiging probinsyano ko. Pag-sinabing probinsyano, mahiyain talaga."

Perez got emotional when he looked back at the days growing up in Tarlac.

"Simula pagkabata po hindi ko sila nakitang nagsuot ng pormal. Sinasabihan nila ako dati na pangit, mabaho, maitim. Eto na po ako ngayon," he said.

Abejon said that the organization will also open a bank account for Perez where his earning during his reign will go.

Perez promised to finish school after his stint in the male pageant. - ROBERT REQUINTINA