Misters of Filipinas 2023 candidates on re-defining ‘Masculinity with Responsibility’

CEBU, Philippines — After two weeks in Manila for workshops, the Festival Costume Competition, and a Gala, the 35 candidates of the 10th Misters of Filipinas pageant flew to Cebu for the Swimsuit Competition, September 9, at the Apex Superclub Cebu in Mandaue City.

For the hometown finalists, they felt good to be back, albeit briefly, as they will head back to capital for the Sept. 17 finals at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.

“I felt homesick. We missed our loved ones here,” said Samboan bet Kenn Brylle Catubay during a press conference Friday at the SM City Cebu Activity Center.

Cebu City’s Brent Oliver Dalman quipped, “I feel pressured but somehow it motivates me to do my best for the swimwear competition.”

Talisay City’s Hans Christian Tarona shared what his parents taught him which is helping him in the tilt. “My best quality is my passion for learning. Every day is an opportunity for us to grow and if there’s something I learned from my parents is that no matter how many times we fall, we just make sure that we move forward.”

Asked how they will represent the country, Gerona, Tarlac representative RJ De Vera stressed the importance of sharing Philippine history to the world. “The Philippines has been colonized three times: from the Spaniards to the Americans, and the Japanese. When we represent the Philippines in international pageants, we can share our experiences so that no matter the adversities we face,  we will continue to look forward and get back on our feet,” De Vera said.

Bohol’s Louie Palacio Alaba said, “When I was working abroad and I would be asked about the Philippines, I showcase what we have, from the food to the culture. It’s bringing an example that we are respectable people. I’ll use social media like posting on Instagram and TikTok about the places in Bohol and promote them as a paradise.”

Bamban, Tarlac’s Jov Morante shared, “My mother has been working abroad for 17 years and she is a hardworking Filipino. That’s what I want to showcase about the Philippines because Filipinos have so much to offer.”

Delegates from Filipino communities (FilCom) abroad also talked about how they keep in touch with their roots. FilCom of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) candidate Ramm Paduit said, “We are always making sure we come home to our families and friends here.”

For FilCom of Canada bet Randall Mercurio, it’s about sharing who Filipinos are with other nationalities. “Wherever I go, I always tell stories of our heritage,” he said, “and I always show them how hospitable we are.”

Masculinity with responsibility

In an era where gender roles and stereotypes aren’t as black and white, how would they preach about the pageant’s tagline, “Masculinity with responsibility”?

“We don’t actually need to be masculine or be physically fit to be responsible. As an advocate of mental health, we must know how to be responsible for our own emotions,” explained Dalman, who is joining the pageant for the second time after his first attempt last year.

“My interpretation is that we are not just being physically fit and handsome, but we should also set a good example to our community,”  Alaba said.

“For someone to be Misters of Filipinas, one must be relatable. I was diagnosed with anxiety and emotional stress disorder and I was able to overcome my traumatic experiences with the help of professionals,” Morante shared. “I am here to advocate for mental health awareness because you deserve to be heard and you matter.”

Ben Espina of Fairview, Quezon City declared, “Masculinity with responsibility doesn’t believe in gender stereotypes and gender roles. He’s someone who fosters inclusivity.”

As for Lipa City’s Allen Denmark Lina, he said ‘Masculinity with responsibility’ translates to being a “man of his home.”

“This pageant is a big chance for us to speak our advocacy and we must learn to be responsible for our actions. Masculinity with responsibility is a symbol of bravery, a symbol of confidence, a symbol of being a man,” Lina added.

Selected as top five finalists for the Darling of the Press award were Dalman, Tarona, Cabungcal, Arias, and De Vera. — (FREEMAN)