Cebuano model/player wins 2013 Mister International Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - Gil Wagas (center), a 21-year-old professional model and basketball player from Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, won top honors at the Mister International Philippines 2013 Search held last June 21 at Flying V-Fil Oil Arena in San Juan City.

Gil was one of the top picks featured in Funfare last June 19. Aside from winning the plum, he also got the lion share of special awards that include Best in Cultural Costume, Mr. Psalmstree and Best in Formal Wear. He will represent the Philippines at the 2013 Mister International Pageant in Indonesia in November.

Mr. Dumaguete City Wilfred Placencia Jr. (left) emerged first runner-up, while another top favorite,  Mr. Bacolod City Jeffrey Sanchez (right) won second runner-up.

Jeffrey Yamanouchi (representing Fil-Japan) won the Mr. Congeniality Award and Best in Swimwear and was also chosen as finalists alongside Mr. Cainta Lezekiel Troy Cuizon and Mr. Negros Billy Villeta.

“We are very much pleased with the judges choice and are quite optimistic that Gil will bring honors for the Philippines at the upcoming Mister International Pageant later this year,” says reigning Mister International 2012 Ali Hammoud of Lebanon during an interview immediately after the proclamation. Ali together with Allan Sim (owner of Mr. International Pageant) and Mr. Singapore Ron Teh sat as judges.

— Reported by Funfare’s ‘beauty experts’ Felix Manuel, Joey Cezeare, Gery Yumping and Francis Calubaquib