Reigning Misters of Filipinas kings Nadim Elzein (right) and Junichi Yabushita show one of the crowns at stake in this year’s pageant. Image: Philippine Daily Inquirer/Armin P. Adina
MANILA, Philippines—As the ninth edition of the Misters of Filipinas pageant is nearing its conclusion, the reigning king reminded the 2022 aspirants of the bond fostered beyond the competition.
“What you’re building up right now is brotherhood,” 2021 Misters of Filipinas winner Nadim Elzein told the contestants at the preliminary competition held at the grand ballroom of Winford Manila Hotel and Casino on Thursday, Oct. 13.
“Trust me, whoever wins among you guys, you have to clap for him, you have to carry him up, because he’s going to represent the Philippines. So, meaning to say, he’s worthy enough to showcase the Philippines on the international stage,” continued Elzein, who finished third in the 2022 Man of the World contest.
Thirty-five aspirants from all over the country and the Filipino communities in the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are vying for five national titles—Misters of Filipinas Man of the World, Misters of Filipinas Model Worldwide, Misters of Filipinas Man Hot Star International, Misters of Filipinas Fitness Model World and Misters of Filipinas Super Globe.
“After this all, trust me, you’re gonna miss each other,” added Elzein, who bagged the major prize in last year’s staging of the Misters of Filipinas pageant in Dumaguete City, held after a break in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Junichi Yabushita was proclaimed Elzein’s “First Prince” last year and went on to represent the country in the inaugural staging of the Runway Model Universe contest in the Philippines where he won in the male division.
“When I was a kid, I [told] myself that I cannot join that kind of competition because of the height requirement. So, during my time [Misters of Filipinas] lowered the height requirement to 5’8” so I took up all my courage and joined,” Yabushita shared.
He said he has made it his mission to advocate breaking stereotypes and societal standards, “so that [there will be] places for people like me, or children like me.”
Since its inception in 2012, the national male competition has produced several global titleholders who were also the first winners from the Philippines in their respective tilts—2014 Mister International Neil Perez, 2016 Man of the Year Karan Singhdole, 2018 Mister Tourism Universe Ion Perez, 2018 Mister Model Universe Carlo Pasion, 2019 Mister Tourism and Culture Universe Yves Campos, and Yabushita.
Prime Event Productions Philippines (PEPPS) Foundation Inc. organizes the annual search. For the ninth edition this year, it has partnered with Ormoc City-based household and personal-products marketing company WELLife.
The 2022 Misters of Filipinas grand coronation night will be staged at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Newport World Resorts in Pasay City Sunday, Oct. 16. /ra
RELATED STORIES:
Misters of Filipinas candidate breaks barriers for LGBTQIA+ representation
Misters of Filipinas pageant elevates national costume competition