Mister International pageant back in PH once again



All is set for the staging of 13th Mister International pageant in the Philippines from Feb. 18-24, organizers announced last February 5.

The prestigious male competition was supposed to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada in the US. But due to time constraints, it will be held again in the Philippines second time around.

Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation (PEPPS) President Carlo Morris Galang said that more than 40 candidates will arrive in Manila starting February 14. Then they will travel around Metro Manila and Northern Philippines to explore the most exciting places in the country.

PRESS SEND-OFF - Reigning Mister International Philippines Mark Kevin Baloaloa (left) poses with Carlo Morris Galang, President of Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation (PEPPS), during a press send-off  for the 13th Mister International competition, held at Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle in Manila.

"PEPPS Foundation is honored in bringing back Mister International in the country. The live broadcast of the competition draws millions of viewers around the world and we are very excited to showcase the best of the Philippine islands during the two-week pageant," said Galang, during a press conference held at Hotel Benilde Maison De Las Salle in Manila.

Alan Sim, President of the Mister International Organization, said the Mister International event in February 2019 will be for the 2018 edition. "Mister International 2019 will be held later this year."

Founded in 2006, the Mister International pageant was first held in Manila in 2015. The winner of the competition was Pedro Mendes of Switzerland. In 2014, Neil Perez captured its first Mister International title for the Philippines.


This year's Philippine representative is Mister International Philippines Mark Kevin Baloaloa, of Catanauan, Quezon. The 26-year-old hunk is a freelance liaison officer.

"I am very confident and proud to carry the Philippine flag in this competition. With all your support, blessings from God and of course with the best pageant fans in the world, I can't ask for more," said Baloaloa, during press send held at the same hotel.

The Filipino candidate added: "I am also very excited to show the beauty of our country, our culture and our hospitality to all our candidates."

Real estate and brokerage executive Dante Salamat (right) of PR Diamonds Realty Philippines wishes Baloaloa in his journey to Mister International pageant.

Galang said that Baloaloa will wear an all-Filipino wardrobe with cultural significance. His national costume will be inspired by the Philippines moon-eating dragon dubbed "The Legend of Bakunawa." It will be created by award-winning designer Michael Barassi. Other designers who will provide outfits for Baloaloa are Bea Bianca and Olan Roque.

Richard Montoya, Prime Event Productions Philippines, Inc. Foundation Director for Legal, vowed that there will be no favoritism, especially for Baloaloa, during the competition.

"Our Philippine representative will compete fair and square. There will be no favoritism among the candidates," Montoya said.

But Montoya believes that right attitude of a candidate will play a big part in selecting the next  Mister International.

"You may have the most handsome face or the most perfect abs. But if you don't have the right attitude, I think you will not win. That's based on what I've seen in many competitions here and abroad," Montoya said.

Baloaloa and her loving mother during press send off.

Aski Pascual, also of PEPPS, announced that Ilocos Norte will be the host province for the preliminary competition on Feb. 18. Reigning Mister International Seung Hwan Lee of Korea will also attend the official activities up north.

Hotel Benidle Maison De La Salle together with De La Salle College of St. Benilde expressed their support to the 13th Mister International competition as it hosts as official residence of the competition. The hotel opened its door to the public since 1999, said Juan Paolo Sumera, resident manager of Hotel Benilde.

The finals of the 13th Mister International pageant will be held at One Esplanade at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Feb. 24. - ROBERT R. REQUINTINA

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