Reigning Misters of Filipinas kings (from left) Gerald Fullante, Michael Angelo Toledo, Zach Pracale, James Reggie Vidal, Jovy Bequillo, Marc Raeved Obado, and Pedro Red/ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — After a decade since its inception, the Misters of Filipinas pageant has expanded its platform with the establishment of an “academy” for aspiring male pageant contestants to receive training on a multitude of disciplines in order to equip them with what it takes to prosper in pageantry.
The “Misters of Filipinas Academy” will have 12 trainees under its “summer boot camp” for its initial offering this year, who will all undergo a rigorous training program, designed to develop the participants’ skills, knowledge, and confidence that will prepare them not only for pageantry, but also for the fashion and entertainment industries.
Carlo Morris Galang, president of pageant organizer Prime Event Productions Philippines (PEPPS) Foundation Inc., told the Inquirer in an online interview, “there will be three sessions per day during the boot camp, each lasting two hours. These sessions will cover a range of topics, including catwalk techniques, grooming, styling, and photoshoots, and will be led by experienced trainers and industry experts.” The program will commence in May, he added.
“The selection process for the boot camp includes various factors, including potential, but it is not the sole determining factor. Our focus for this cohort is to prepare all participants holistically, regardless of their previous experience or background. We aim to help each participant develop their skills and confidence, and ultimately become better versions of themselves,” Galang continued.
Five participants from the bootcamp will also be chosen to take part in the 10th Misters of Filipinas pageant in September, he continued. “It is important to note that all participants in the Misters of Filipinas competition have to go through a rigorous selection process, and the successful candidates who qualified through the boot camp are not guaranteed to win the competition,” Galang clarified.
The Misters of Filipinas Academy is open to male aspirants from 18 to 35 years old. Interested individuals are advised to visit the official Facebook page of the Misters of Filipinas pageant to get the link to the online application form. The deadline for the submission of applications is on April 25.
Galang said successful applicants from outside Metro Manila are “expected to take care of their own transportation,” but the organization will handle the cost of the whole program. PEPPS said each participant will receive “personalized attention and the best possible preparation to showcase their talents and stand out from the crowd.”
He said the five boot camp participants who will be included in the roster of the 2023 Misters of Filipinas pageant will be announced on May 26. “We encourage all participants to take this opportunity to enhance their personal growth, regardless of whether they qualify for the competition or not,” Galang said. EDV