CEBU, Philippines — As a kid, John Nelson Duallo of Lapu-Lapu City did not venture out of his house often because of his strict parents.
As he grew up, he eventually met new people, though he isn’t the type to introduce himself right away.
The 20-year-old Hospitality Management student from the University of Cebu-Lapu Lapu and Mandaue Campus is a skilled basketball player who describes himself as shy, kind, and compassionate.
“I help others not only in minimal things but things that can uplift them. When my classmates need help, I respond to them and they would do the same when I need help,” he said.
When Duallo was given the chance to join Mister International Philippines 2023 – his first pageant – he saw it as an opportunity for character development.
“I want to go out of my comfort zone since I have stage fright and I am not really good at public speaking. That’s what I am aiming to develop before the finals. I want to inspire others to get out of their comfort zone and aim high,” he said.
While he thinks his runway skills is among his strengths, he is working on improving on his Q&A as public speaking isn’t his best suit.
At the sashing ceremony in Manila last April, he admitted feeling intimated with his fellow candidates. “I already expected that the competition would [have a good line-up] but when I was actually there, it’s like a new environment. The candidates, especially those from Luzon, have a lot of experience,” he shared.
The Mister International Philippines 2023 coronation night is happening June 28 finals at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila. This Saturday, June 10, Duallo and his fellow Cebu delegates – Nathaniel Tiu of Cebu City, Ashley Judd Reyes of Bantayan Island, and Michael Jhaye Jordan of Mandaue City – will be given a send-off ceremony, 4 pm, at the City Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu.
Fifty-five candidates are vying for eight titles at stake, seven of which are already confirmed, namely, Mister International Philippines (to compete in the Philippines), Mister National Universe Philippines (to compete in Bangkok, Thailand), Mister Earth International Philippines (to compete in Maracaibo, Venezuela), Mister Charm Philippines (to compete in the Philippines), Mister Globe Philippines (to compete in the Caribbean Island of Martinique), Mister Beaute International Philippines (to compete in Istanbul, Turkiye), and Mister Teen International Philippines (to compete in a yet to be announced Southeast Asian country).
Duallo, who is fond of going on adventure trips, believes male pageants defy expectations for men. “It not only empowers males, but it also tells them that they can do more than what is expected of them,” he said.