Man Hot Star International winner Jovy Bequillo of the Philippines (center) is flanked by his runners-up after the competition. Image: Facebook/Man Hot Star Thailand
MANILA, Philippines—Just barely a month after capturing his national title in the Misters of Filipinas pageant, Jovy Bequillo became the winner of the inaugural edition of the Man Hot Star International contest in Thailand yesterday, Nov. 25.
The Naga City-based Bequillo received THB500,000 (P794,000) as the top winner in the contest that pit Thai contenders against competitors from different countries. He also received a voucher from luxury label Guy Laroche worth THB50,000 (P79,400), plus gifts from other sponsors.
Bequillo was also proclaimed “Best in Social Media” earlier in the competition, which came with a THB10,000 (P15,890) prize.
The Misters of Filipinas pageant had already commenced its 2022 edition when it announced the addition of the Man Hot Star International in the roster of global competitions, where it would choose the Philippines’ representative. The national organization has referred to the international contest as “the newest luxurious pageant in Thailand” that is looking for a “luxury brand model to meet the needs of the national business class.”
Bequillo captured the Misters of Filipinas-Man Hot Star International title in the national finals held on Oct. 16, and left for Thailand a month later.
Jovy Beguillo (third from right) is joined by Misters of Filipinas head Carlo Morris Galang (third from left) and his fellow 2022 kings (from left) Michael Angelo Toledo, Zach Pracale, James Reggie Vidal, and Marc Raeved Obado. Image: Philippine Daily Inquirer/Armin P. Adina
The new global competition said the winner will receive opportunities in modeling, acting and hosting in Thailand, with some of the biggest international luxury brands. Before he left for the contest, Bequillo said he is ready to be based in Bangkok if he wins, to fulfill the responsibilities the international organization will give him as well as to take on projects in the fashion and entertainment industries there.
During the question round of the competition, Bequillo said the language barrier as a Filipino in Thailand does not deter him and that he is willing to learn to speak Thai to enable him to work more easily there.
Bequillo now belongs to the elite roster of Misters of Filipinas kings who became the Philippines’ first winner in their respective international competitions—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 2022 Runway Model Universe Junichi Yabushita.
The rest of the national pageant’s 2022 kings, Bequillo’s batchmates, will be sent to different international competitions next year—James Reggie Vidal to Man of the World, Zach Pracale to Mister Model Worldwide, Michael Angelo Toledo to Fitness Model World, and Marc Raeved Obado to Mister Super Globe. /ra
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