Mister World Philippines bets discuss modern masculinity, why pageants still matter
I had lunch early last week with a few friends, one of whom was Arnold Vegafria — better known in showbiz circles as ALV. As a talent manager to some of today’s biggest stars, including David Licauco and Sunshine Cruz, and national director of Mister World Philippines, ALV has his pulse on the country’s entertainment and pageant scene.
Over lunch, he shared stories about the growing popularity of male beauty pageants — a phenomenon I hadn’t fully appreciated until then. Intrigued, I asked if I could interview five of the contenders of Mister World Philippines for this week’s column. They are Jesus Guinto of Bulacan, Alexei Cruz of Manila, Wendell Pamfilo of Nueva Ecija, Archan Perez of Tanauan City, Batangas and Christian Manalo of Pampanga.
Our conversation went beyond good looks to purpose, advocacy and what it means to represent the modern Filipino man.
Mister World is a beauty pageant for men. What made you decide to join the competition? Are you not afraid of being labeled just a ‘pretty boy’?
Jesus Guinto (Bulacan): “I don’t think people will see me as just a pretty boy on a national stage. I hope they see someone with a purpose. I carry the story of every Filipino man who embodies sacrifice and hope. Representing Bulacan is both an honor and a responsibility. I want my story to serve as tanglaw — a light that inspires others to find their own voice and purpose.”
Alexei Cruz (Manila): “Not really. Mister World is about so much more than looks. It’s about your story, your purpose and how you inspire others. Volleyball gave me opportunities I never imagined — it helped me finish school and shaped the person I am today. This pageant gives me a bigger platform to share that journey. If someone calls me a ‘pretty boy,’ that’s fine. What matters is the kind of man I become and the impact I leave behind.”
Wendell Pamfilo (Nueva Ecija): “I joined Mister World because I wanted to challenge myself and become the best version of who I am. Growth happens when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone. Returning from Chicago and reconnecting with my Filipino roots reminded me of the importance of purpose, humility and giving back. This competition allows me to represent Nueva Ecija while living those values.”
Archan Perez (Tanauan City, Batangas): “I joined because I believe a man’s greatest strength is not how he looks but how he serves. Mister World allows me to champion my advocacy for children’s literacy through ‘Art-Chan: The World We Color,’ where I create free storybooks for children. I hope people remember me as someone who uses creativity and compassion to make a difference.”
Christian Manalo (Pampanga): “I believe a man’s greatest strength lies not in his appearance but in his character, discipline and purpose. Mister World gives me the opportunity to inspire others and show that true masculinity is defined by leadership, compassion and integrity. If people choose to see me as just a ‘pretty boy,’ that’s their decision. My values and the lives I hope to impact will always speak louder than my looks.”
If you win the Mister World title, how do you intend to make an impact? What causes or reforms would you champion?
Jesus: “My advocacy is passion-driven and closely tied to my profession as an artist. I call it ‘Stories That Inspire.’ I believe every person has a story worth telling, and every story has the power to change a life. Sa pamamagitan ng paglalahad ng mga makabuluhang kuwento, I strive to empower young Filipinos to find their voice, embrace their identity and believe that their personal narratives can become someone else’s source of hope. That’s why we create spaces where young people can express themselves through creative storytelling. We continue to nurture their skills and talents, strengthen their passion and empower them to become agents of hope for the next generation.”
Alexei: “I want to reach more communities and create opportunities for young people through sports while helping build stronger, more supportive communities. It’s personal because volleyball changed my life. It gave me an education, taught me discipline and opened doors for me. I know there are so many kids with the same potential — they just need someone to believe in them and give them an opportunity. I hope to partner with schools and organizations to hold volleyball clinics, mentorship programs and activities that will help young people develop not only their talents but also the connections that can lead to brighter futures.”
Wendell: “My advocacy is youth empowerment through sports and education. Basketball has always been a huge part of my life. It taught me discipline, resilience, teamwork, leadership and how to keep going even after setbacks. I also believe education opens doors that can change a person’s future. That’s why I founded the ATHLAYA Youth Foundation. My goal is to give young people opportunities through sports clinics, mentorship and educational support. I want every child to know that where they come from should never limit where they can go.”
Archan: “Winning would allow me to expand my literacy movement nationwide and, hopefully, globally. I want to build stronger partnerships with schools, organizations and volunteers to increase support for accessible reading materials and promote volunteerism among young Filipinos. I truly believe real change happens when communities work together, and I want to be a bridge that connects people through education and service.”
Christian: “Winning Mister World would not simply be a personal achievement — it would be a responsibility. I want to champion programs that support working students through expanded scholarship opportunities, paid internships, flexible work arrangements and stronger collaboration between schools and employers. Success should never depend on someone’s financial status. I want to help build a society where hard work is rewarded and every young person is given a fair chance to succeed.”
The world is experiencing increasing conflict. Do you think beauty pageants are still relevant today? Why?
Jesus: “Yes, especially now. Amid so much conflict, we need more than headlines. We need stories of hope, positive role models and people who can bring communities together.”
Alexei: “They remain relevant as long as they stand for something meaningful. Pageants bring people from different cultures together, promote tourism, create jobs and allow countries to share their stories with the world. If a title can encourage people to help their communities or start important conversations, then I think it still has a place in today’s world.”
Wendell: “Yes, I do. I don’t think pageants are just about looks anymore. They’re about showing people who you are beyond the surface. A titleholder should inspire people not just through words but through the way they live and the actions they take. At the end of the day, it’s not about wearing a crown. It’s about what people remember you for and the impact you leave behind.”
Archan: “Modern pageants are no longer just about physical appearance. They celebrate leadership, purpose and social responsibility. In a world facing many challenges, platforms like Mister World inspire individuals to become role models who create positive change. Beauty becomes meaningful when paired with compassion, service and action.”
Christian: “More than ever, beauty pageants remain relevant because they are now platforms for purpose, leadership and service. In a divided world, titleholders have the responsibility to become voices of hope and understanding. We may not solve every global crisis overnight, but we can inspire people to choose compassion over hatred. Beauty with purpose will never be irrelevant because the world will always need leaders who unite rather than divide.”
The Mister World Philippines 2026 grand coronation night will be held on Aug. 2 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City. During the event, a new representative will be chosen to compete in the next Mister World competition, whose date and venue have yet to be announced.
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