Christian Bautista is McJim’s modern Filipino gentleman

MANILA, Philippines - At the 2013 Élan Awards, the first-ever online competition established by McJim Classic Leather, international singer and matinee idol Christian Bautista was recently awarded as Modern Filipino Gentleman.

McJim established the award to honor the best role models for style and elegance. The finalists were chosen from a lengthy list of entertainment, fashion, sports, music, and public service personalities. The winner was chosen by popular vote; the votes were cast via the official Facebook fan page of McJim Classic Leather.

Christian was awarded the prestigious Élan trophy, designed by contemporary Filipino artist Igan D’Bayan; P100,000; and a year’s supply of McJim Classic Leather products. The Élan Awards will also donate P100,000 to Bautista’s favorite charity, World Vision.

Bautista was picked from among 12 stellar finalists who were chosen by a panel of celebrity judges that included society columnist Tim Yap, actor and top male model Victor Basa, and radio and TV personality Sam YG based on elegance of style, refinement, and accomplishment.

McJIM Classic Leather executives say that the Filipino talent is respected around the world and is capable of great accomplishment — qualities that Bautista possesses as an international performer and recording artist.

“We are glad that Christian Bautista has been judged to represent the best in what is truly Filipino,” says 2013 Élan Awards project head Chris Cahilig. “As a singer, Bautista has an international fan base, proving that Filipino talent and passion has no bounds. He shows us that the Filipino stands proud and can hold his own with any other race or nationality. He is an inspiration to us all for his sense of style, his Filipino values and manners, and his drive to succeed.”

Cahilig added that the purpose of the award is to inspire Filipino men “to live the life and apply the values of a true gentleman of the Philippines.” He also said that they were overwhelmed by the response of Filipinos to the online search for the 2013 Elan Awards winner. “Filipinos from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and even across the globe, all responded by liking our page, nominating, and voting for their candidates.”