Talisaynon hailed Mister Island Tourism PhilippineS 2023

CEBU, Philippines — The first edition of Binibining San Fernando revealed 13 candidates during a sashing ceremony held April 29 at Pulchra Resort in the municipality of San Fernando, south of Cebu.

A 21-year-old Talisaynon bested 19 other finalists from all over the country to be crowned the second Mister Island Tourism Philippines winner, succeeding the inaugural title-holder, Rafael Tan who is a Cebu-based Bulacan native.

William Paul Zenz, a sophomore Communication major at the University of San Carlos (USC), was crowned Sunday, April 30, at the Golden Peak Hotel & Suites, in a coronation night that saw the gentlemen compete in Swimwear, Ako’y Pilipino Fun Wear, and Modern Barong segments.

The six-feet-three looker was also awarded Mr. Cabalen, Mr. Photogenic, Best in Festival Costume, and Best in Modern Barong. He will represent the country this December at Mister Island Tourism International to be held in Cebu.

This is the first pageant for Zenz who was signed up without prior approval by his girlfriend to screen for Mister Island Tourism Philippines, a Cebu-based national pageant organized by Team Forte in partnership with LoveYourself Cebu.

Zenz – from Purok Durian, Sitio Caduldulan, Lawaan 3, Talisay City – is a Fil-Swiss-German hoping to have a career as flight attendant and a voice actor. His interests include playing tennis, joining university e-game competitions, and exploring music.

He was emotional and had a bit of impostor syndrome after his crowning, telling The FREEMAN that having spent considerable time with his co-candidates, he felt many were more deserving of the title.

First runner-up is Kyle Brent Kimayong, 21, of Kibungan, Benguet. A resident of Brookspoint Aurora Hill, Baguio City, the Industrial Engineering student at Saint Louis University was likewise named Mr Innosense Collection, and Best Tourism Video.

Second runner-up is Fil-Nigerian Anthony Kenneth Ekwenugo of Oslob. This 23-year-old is studying Industrial Engineering at USC.

Placing third runner-up is Jemuel Brown Arnaiz, 20, of Negros Oriental. This junior high school student at at Silliman University hails from Mango Avenue, Dumaguete City.

Completing the top five finalists is fourth runner-up Kenneth Vincent Cabungcal, 23, of Taclobo, Dumaguete City. This Civil Engineering major at Silliman University was chosen Darling of the Press.

Other awardees are: Wilson Gloria Jr. (Lapu-Lapu City) as LoveYourself Ambassador; John Michael Narvaez (Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte) as Mr. Quest Smile, and Mr. MIGAG; Jeurvil Jamero (Surigao del Norte) as City Center Suites Ambassador; Delefher Comising (Itogon, Benguet) as Best in Arrival Outfit; and Shane Ikerr Dave Baron (Cordova) as Best in Swimwear Shane Ikerr Dave Baron (Cordova). — (FREEMAN)