SEAG gold medalist Michael Ver Comaling prepares for another international competition

Mister National Universe Philippines Michael Ver Comaling. Image: Philippine Daily Inquirer/Armin P. Adina

MANILA, Philippines — Michael Ver Comaling is on a roll. After bagging gold in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games for modern pentathlon, he became a “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate, appeared on TV programs, and even earned a national title at the 2022 Mister International Philippines pageant.

Finishing third in the national pageant, Comaling received the Mister National Universe Philippines title, which comes with the responsibility of representing the Philippines again in an international competition.

Since Mister National Universe pageant is scheduled to take place in Thailand next year, Comaling uses his time not only to prepare for the global tilt, but also to hone his acting skills.

“I have a movie with Nora Aunor, I portray the role of a boyfriend who is a pervert. And I also have a TV series with Ria Atayde titled ‘X-Factor’ where I also play the role of a boyfriend. I also have other upcoming movies with AQ Prime,” he told the Inquirer at the sidelines of a “sashing ceremony” at the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City on September 8. During the event, Mister International Philippines (MIPH) organization officially conferred national titles to the pageant’s four runners-up and a finalist.

When Comaling was proclaimed second runner-up in the 2022 Mister International Philippines pageant in June, the organization already announced his own global competition. Last week’s program made it official with the ceremonial conferment of his sash bearing the Mister National Universe Philippines title.

Comaling said getting into show business will be useful in his quest for an international title as it boosts his confidence when companies and brands tap him for projects. “I can’t imagine, when I was maybe 17 or 16 years old, that I would be doing this right now,” he proudly beamed.

But even if he had already given honor to the Philippines in the field of sports, embarking on a pageant would be a different quest for him.

“It’s more on intellectually and mentally, the competition, when it comes to pageants. And physically, before it’s more on cardio [but] I’m trying to gain this time,” Comaling shared. He revealed that he has been eating a lot lately to build muscle mass.

But despite having different game plans for the two international competitions, the focus would still be the same, he added.

MIPH also conferred national titles to four other men — first runner-up Mark Avendaño as Mister Global Philippines, third runner-up Kitt Cortez as Mister Tourism International Philippines, fourth runner-up Andre Cue as Caballero Universal Filipinas, and finalist John Ernest Tanting as Mister Beauté Internationale Philippines.

Mister International Philippines Myron Jude Ordillano will be the first from “Team Philippines” to compete. He will represent the country in the 14th edition of the Bangkok-based Mister International pageant, which will be staged in the Philippines next month. JMS

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