Cop Neil Perez vies for Mr. International crown Thursday

Neil Perez during media sendoff: “I dedicate this fight to the SAF 44, especially my seven batchmates.”

Even men can learn a thing or two from the Miss Universe pageant.

Police Officer 2 Mariano Flormata, also known as Mister International Philippines Neil Perez, said, “That’s why we’re showing you my national costume and formal wear. They are made by Filipino designers.”

In the Miss Universe pageant held last month, the national costume and evening gown used by Philippine representative Mary Jean Lastimosa were heavily criticized, spawning a slew of memes that likened the outfits to a cake or a shuttlecock. Both outfits were made by Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza.

Netizens and pageant observers blamed Barraza’s garments, particularly the white frock Lastimosa used in the evening gown competition, for the Philippines’ exclusion from the Top 5—after making it four years in a row in the final cut.

Designer Edwin Uy said the Dinagyang Festival inspired him to create a colorful costume for Perez that would be flashy enough for an international pageant stage. Olan Roque tailored a tuxedo set for the police officer.

Asked how he would respond to the Miss U final question, “What is your country’s greatest contribution to the world?” Perez cited the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“Their dedication, their skills, their craftsmanship contributed to the progress of other countries,” he told Inquirer Entertainment during his media sendoff at One Esplanade in Pasay City.

Perez is now in Seoul, South Korea, to compete for the Mr. International 2014 title against 43 other representatives from different countries. The final ceremonies will be held Thursday night at the Wapop Hall. (No Filipino has bagged the title in the tilt’s nine-year history.)

Two this year

On account of several postponements, organizers will hold another competition later this year, which will be considered its 2015 edition.

The postponements bought Perez more time to prepare for the big league. The officer, who was assigned to the Airport Security Group (ASG) before winning the national pageant, took time off for training.

“I practiced on the runway, in front of the camera…. We also worked on my communication skills—I felt I needed to improve on that,” Perez shared with the Inquirer.

He had more reason to fight for the elusive title now, he said, so he could dedicate it to the SAF (Special Action Force) 44.

“Seven of them were my batchmates, from the Mabalasik Class of 2008 [of the police academy],” Perez said. “I am offering this fight to them, as I condole with their families. I would also like to thank the [Philippine National Police] for the support they are giving me in this endeavor outside the force.”

Asked for his opinion on the incident, Perez said, “There are police operational procedures [in place]. Perhaps there was a miscommunication.” He declined to elaborate.

His mother, Grace Flormata, thanked the PNP for supporting all its members, not only his son. “He is a very good person, kind and humble. I thank the Lord for giving me a son like him,” she said. “We did not expect any of these recent events. I promise you that after [the pageant, my son] will go back to work.”

Folow Perez’s journey via MisterInternational2014 and Mister-International-Philippines on Facebook, or visit www.mistersofthephilippines.com.)