He’s ‘pogi’ and he knows it

MANILA, Philippines - We’ve all been there — smitten by someone purely on account of his audacity. In a culture where being humble (or pa-humble, if you can’t manage the real thing) is considered the desirable norm, it isn’t hard to see why Ramon Bautista effortlessly sticks out. When he says, “Bukod sa natural good looks tsaka animal appeal ko,” in a very matter-of-fact tone, it leaves little room for dissent. Whatever your actual opinions on the matter are, he’s already beat you to it. And really, what’s so bad about someone who thinks he’s the shit? Ramon is living proof that people really do take you at your own reckoning.

Part of Ramon’s self-reckoning that people eagerly lap up is being pogi (handsome). We shot him at a studio in Maginhawa, Quezon City, and personally witnessed how all the girls in the building went gaga for the Internet action star. Men can only watch in envy as this stud cozies up to the sexiest women in the country whether for TV or magazine covers. Add his wacky antics and sense of humor, and you’ve got yourselves a seemingly unassuming lady killer.

But Ramon is more than just a star who candidly admits to watching out for his face on TV. He’s the guy the average boys and girls can relate to when it comes to the everyday trivialities of life. Through his radio show, Boys Night Out, his Youtube series, Tales from the Friend Zone, and his recently published book, Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo, Ramon champions the cause of the romantically challenged and makes you feel a bit better about being tagged as a non-sexual entity by the person who sets fire to your loins.

But more than offering mere comfort, Supreme decided to ask Ramon all about his brand of pogi and what really brings all the girls to the yard — because if there’s anyone who milks all he has for what it’s worth and makes it work, it’s Ramon. So listen up, guys.

SUPREME: Are you pogi?

RAMON BAUTISTA: Anong gusto mong sagot, yung humble o yung honest? Well, dalawa lang naman ang klase ng Pilipino sa mundo… yung mga pogi, saka mga mas pogi. Obvious naman kung alin ako dyan.

What is pogi for you?

Pogi is not just a physical appearance. It’s a way of life. A pogi carries confidence, attitude, and best of all, a desire to make the world a better place.

What’s the secret to getting the girl?

Just be the best you can be. If you have to be a different guy, go for it. That’s putting your best foot forward when your other foot has alipunga.

Do pick-up lines ever work?

Yes, pero pampakilig lang. Ang gusto nating effect ay true love na tatagal ng six months to two years. Dyan pumapasok ang honesty at pagiging gentleman.

What do girls really look for?

Ang hanap ng mga babae, yung mga lalakeng pasasakitin lang ang ulo nila. We have to show them na ok din ang mga matitinong katulad ko.

Have you ever been turned down by  a girl?

Yes, of course. Anyone who says otherwise has never gone through courting a one true love kinda girl. Natutunan ko na kung anong sarap kiligin, doble ang sakit pag ikay kanyang bastedin.

Do you still get turned down?

Not anymore. Coz I don’t make ligaw na. I just apply the reverse psychology method na kunyari ayaw ko na and then wait for my pogi magic to do its job.

Does having a nice car add to one’s pogi points?

Of course, it’s important to have a nice ride. The world is experiencing climate change and we don’t want girls to wade in the floods and get osteoporosis… yun bang sakit na nakukuha sa wiwi ng rats.

Is it a waste of being pogi to stick to one girl?

Ang motto ko: “Gamitin ang kapogian para maging gabay sa kabataan, hindi sa panlilinlang ng kababaihan.”

What’s a pogi way to get out of the friendzone?

The only way to get out of the friendzone is to initiate the “Cobra” move. Bigla mong i-kiss yung nang friendzone sayo. Pag kinilig edi panalo, pag hindi, it’s friendship over. Either way, you escape the friendzone.

Are all pogi guys playboys?

Dyan nagkakaiba ang mga pogi sa mas pogi. Mas pogi yung stick to one (partner).

What do you say to guys who “collect” girls?

Yung mga lalakeng nangongolekta ng girls, maliit ang bird.

What is your advice to guys who aren’t physically pogi?

Sa mga hindi physically pogi, bumawi ka nalang sa attitude, sense of humor, intelligence, at kabaitan. Makakatulong din kung magpapayaman ka. Kaya galingan mo sa school.

Women are paranoid about men being cheaters. How honest were you answering these questions?

Bakit naman kita bobolahin, e ang ganda-ganda mo.

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Tweet the author @catedeleon.

RAMON’S TIPS:How to be ‘pogi’

I hope I don’t have to remind you… Shower everyday.

Wash your face daily.

Brush your teeth like someone is watching. Tagalan mo.

Shave, especially if your balbas doesn’t make you look like an espanyol-ish football player

Practice your non-wacky smile

Photos by MAU MAURICIO,Produced by DAVID MILAN,Grooming by AU MAURICIO