Manhunt International runners-up Marcel Ignacio Riera (left) and Vincenzo Melisi/ARMIN P. ADINA
Two contestants of the recently held 22nd Manhunt International Male Supermodel contest in Thailand have expressed support to the local Pride Month celebration, as well as cheer on reigning Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo on her pageant journey.
Manhunt International fourth runner-up Vincenzo Melisi from Italy and seventh runner-up Marcel Ignacio Riera from Switzerland sat with a select group of local scribes at the Aristocrat Restaurant in Makati City on June 1, the first day of Pride Month for the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and others) community.
“Enjoy the month, and let’s party this, and let’s support. Because this is about love, this is about being themselves. And I think it’s a very good thing to support. Be strong,” said the Swiss violinist, an international pageant veteran whose previous global tilt was held in the Philippines.
The 19-year-old Melisi said he agreed with Riera, and added, “just be yourself.” The Italian lad, a college student, had just embarked on his first international competition, and said he was so happy to place as a rookie.
The European hunks were fielded by Los Angeles-based The Authority Productions (TAP) headed by Filipino director Joselli Rojas. They were also in the Philippines a few days before flying to Thailand for some last-minute preparations for their competition.
Cheers to Chelsea
Still on a high after cracking the Top 5 in his own contest, Melisi shared his well-wishes for Manalo. “I hope you will win also this pageant, and good luck,” he said.
For his part, Riera said, “big congratulations to you, Chelsea. You’ll do amazing things and I’m sure you’ll achieve your dreams and goals. It’s very powerful. I wish you all the best and all the success.”
The Manhunt International finalists also celebrated Manalo’s feat as the first Filipino of African-American descent to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant’s 73-year history.
“It’s better, the skin color, because she is more unique. And she won here, so congratulations,” Melisi said. Riero approved, and said, “it’s not only the skin color, but the personality, the way she moves, the way she is. It’s well deserved, and she’ll do amazing things.”
Manalo also had her first Pride Month celebration on June 1 at Pride Night 2024 held at the Bridgetowne Open Grounds in Pasig City. There, she also met 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, a long-time ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, and a loyal ambassador of LoveYourself Philippines that mounted the event.