All Set for BINIBINING PILIPINAS - Hannah Arnold

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full version of Queen Catriona Gray‘s at The Bottomline

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Mark Andrew Baron: An Interview

Happy Wednesday!

The last three days I was busy knee deep with my blog and of course hanging out with my friends and co-workers, so today's Interview  is made in response to a popular clamor and not to be ignored - the usual public vote. I think you'll indulge me this once when you see who I've chosen the Best Man to kick off our week.)

Mark Andrew Baron is a quadruple threat... a hunk, pageant candidate, a stunning male model and hold your breath .... he's the Philippine rep to Mr. Real Universe 2015 which will be held in Guayaquil Ecuador on October 4-17, 2015 . Today we celebrate him with an exclusive interview, and a gallery of his Facebook Selfies and Goodies.

If you want, you can follow/like him everywhere... Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr. He's sugar and spice and all things nice ... as he is handsome - so check out our Q&A below!

Fast Facts About Mark Andrew Barona. Name: Mark Andrew Baron b. Nickname: Baron, c. Age: 21 years old d. Height: 5' 11" e. Weight: 130 lbs f. Work/Occupation: High School Social Studies teacher g. Hobbies: Playing basketball & going to gym. h. Province/City: Navotas i. Pageants Joined: Mr. Real Universe 2015, Mister United Continents Philippines 2015, Misters of the Philippines 2014, j: Awards Won: Mr. Real Universe-Philippines 2015, Misters of the Philippines 2014-Top 9

Question 1.What is your favorite movie? 

Answer: I make sure I go out once in a while to check what ticks ... and what clicks. It would be a "downer" if a group of teachers or students in my school discussed how good a movie was and I don't have anything to say because I haven't seen them. There is no particular movie that I like but I enjoy every genre.

Question 2. What color best represent your personality and why? 

Answer: The color blue is the color of the sky and the sea. It has a calming effect for me, and it is easy to mix & match. As a teacher, I am easy to get along with.

Question 3. What makes a complete happy family to you?

Answer: A happy family is one where parents and children show their affection to each other without shame and limits.They reassured their love by way of words and cuddles. It is God- centered and the mother and the father are seen as pillars of strength.

Question 4. What do you think are your strength and weaknesses? 

Answer: I am determined and focused. I don't entertain any negative thoughts so I don't want to ponder on my weaknesses.

Question 5. Do you have previous pageant experience?  
Answer: I joined numerous pageants before. And thanks to them ... they have given me adequate pageant experience and exposures to make me a better if not the best rep to Mr. Real Universe 2015.

Question 6. What do you expect to gain by competing in pageantry?  
Answer: I want to develop my personality further and spread across the message of my advocacy which is Education to our youth.

Question 7. How have you prepared yourself for this pageant?  
Answer: Lots of diet and gym for my physique. I also study a little Spanish so that I won't get lost in translation. LOL

Question 8: What will you do if you are surrounded by Latinos, Asian and European candidates who don't speak English and communication becomes an obvious problem?
Answer: For as long as I can relay my message to them, I don't think it will be a hindrance. But if push comes to shove ... the last resort is the sign language . Hahaha! That comes very handy!

Question 9: Is this your first time going abroad?
Answer: Yes it is. I have to admit I have lots of trepidation ... feelings of fear that something may go wrong. This trip has lots of stop-overs, first there is Korea and then second New York where I have to stay for 10 hours waiting for my flight to Guayaquil. I did my homework though as I made research about what to do in airports in Korea and America. And with Facebook I was able to make friends and chat with fellow candidates. My constant communication with them taught me a lot. It doused off the embers of unease and apprehension fueled by the fact that it is "my first time".

Question 10. Do you have a girlfriend? What does she think about you competing in pageants?  
Answer: Yes I have and she is very supportive of me joining this pageant. She is a morale booster, a friend, adviser, and a cheer leader all rolled into one.

Question 11. Do your students know that you are leaving soon to compete at Mr. Real Universe in Guayaquil?
Answer: I don't think so. I decided not to. For one I don't want them to Google and search
for my swimwear photos ... hahaha. But it is just a matter of time ... and they will find out.

Question 12. Any students flirting with you?
Answer: Hahaha ... I can't believe you will ask that. Frankly ... nobody did. But I notice some of them are giggling once I am around. We don't need a rocket scientist to know what that means.

Question 13. What do you think about pageant fans who move heaven and earth to be close to you? 

Answer: I heard about that, and there are some who even went to the extent of stalking the candidates they like. Fans tagging along and making themselves regular fixtures where ever I go is just fine for as long as he/she knows his/her limitations and boundaries.

Question 14. Do you value your privacy? 
Answer: Yes of course. Privacy in simple terms is our "right to be left alone". It is a fundamental right, and I don't fell comfortable when one nosed around and interfere with my private and intimate life.

Question15. What do you think about pageant bashing? 
Answer. It is the ugly part of the competition. I really wondered how one spend a lot of his energies about ripping the candidate apart, when he or she doesn't even know the guy. Candidates join the pageant with all the good reasons, but that doesn't give the fans the license to tear down, ridicule and criticize them. The way I look at it it is tantamount to cyber bullying.
. 
Question 16. Why do you think fans resort to bashing? 
Answer: They probably want to give the other contestant the better edge by bashing the toughest competitor. Or they maybe are somebody you know who can't handle the fact that you are joining a pageant and is jealous how far you have achieve and their lives is going nowhere.
Question 17. Are you in Facebook? Do you have concerns about private information potentially affecting you negatively in the future.
Answer. I am doing my damned best that will not happen. I am very careful about my internet transactions, and I don't give my personal informations to anybody I don't know. Facebook should maintain the security and privacy of each of its members their utmost responsibilty, but at this day and age ... anything can happen.



Question 18 What are your views on sexual harassment in pageant competetions?  
Answer: That exist anywhere. whether you allow it to happen to you is one thing. You have other options not to be harassed and you can turn it down politely.

Question 19. Do you think the culture of Philippine pageantry being obssessed with youth and beauty can be changed?  
Answer: I think this has been deeply rooted in our culture. Our appreciation of what is good and what is beautiful is there and we just have to learn how to live with it. I, being a molato have had a hard time winning in a pageant but I persevered and luckily, I was chosen to represent our country for Mr. Real Universe 2015.

Question 20. What advice would you give a friend entering a Pageant?  
Answer: Just keep on trying. If you don't win it this time ... there's always another contest to join. Another advise would be "Honesty to oneself" You have to assess yourself and see your chances if a possible WIN is in the horizon. If the answer is NO ... then I will advise him to look in a different direction.

Question 21. Misconceptions have it that pageants are always fixed. What will you tell to the person who share the same belief?  
Answer: There are pageants like that and that is part of the game. Choose the right organizer and contest that you are joining.

Question 22. Why is it that people who are attractive tend to be successful? 
Answer: That is a misconception. I knew a lot of successful professionals and they have a face only their mother will love. I still think a person will still have to do his part and exert effort to be successful.

Question 23. What is your last message to you supporters before going to Ecuador?
Answer: Before I leave and compete at Mr. Real Universe 2015 (October 4-17, 2015), I would like to acknowledge and thank Mr. United Continent Philippines for the hard work and continuing support, to my fans and supporters who are with me thru thick and thin, to my parents and siblings and love ones ... "you will be my inspiration". 

I have a Herculean task ahead of me ... and I could not accomplish this without you. Please continue to support me and needless to say I also need your prayers. I don't want to promise anything ... but I will do my BEST.

By the way don't forget to vote for me. The link is: http://www.bellezavenezolana.net/2015/Septiembre/MrRealUniverse/votacion.htm

JM dela Cruz: Hardwork and Determination Is the Key to Success!

The candidates of Misters 2015 The Pageant are facing a whirlwind of activities in the next three weeks and as one candidate enthused he compared himself to a chicken without a head as call slips came one after another: Gym training here ... and TV appearances there. Photo shoot here ... and ambushed interview there. 

Talking about interviews, it seems like anybody can just conduct an impromptu and unscripted interview to the candidates ...  and more often than not, the questions used are the same old, tired and overused interview-formula of the '50's who don't challenge the brain cells of the candidates - flat and flaccid coloring ...no height and no depth , just the same old routine questions. Nothing really big that will shock the whole pageantopolis. So what else is new?  The candidates were asked worn out and outdated questions and the candidates answered them with nonchalant shrug and dismiss the question with tepid and insincere responses. Questions like "Why did you join the pageant and what do you think are your chances?"  abounds ... so cliche-answers like: "I joined because I want to help my family ... ad nauseam " were said repeatedly in an almost irreverent and profane timbre ... it invites derision and mockery. 

The candidates were inundated with  questions which were worded and dressed differently (if you are short-sighted you will think it is a different question) but if you put the questions under a microscope slide ... the thought bore similar intent and content. And the candidates fall prey to it. Can you imagine the candidates giving two different answer to one question given in two interview settings?. Talking about being consistent!

In the midst of the current interview merry-go-round ... there is one candidate that is consistently CONSISTENT with his answers to questions why he joined the contest. This candidate is: JM de la Cruz from Ilocos Norte. He has no qualms about  his answers, and when asked why he joined the contest he was too honest to say he wants to augment his fathers income and that he wants to help his mom who was sick right now. Give this question to another candidate ... with 80 percent probability the candidate will evade the question and will drop it like a hot potato. I know that for sure because it would be a BIG punch to the PRIDE ... something other candidates has in abundance with. Besides no one admits having financial struggles that easily. Not at this day and age when everybody lives in a world of make-believe.

JM  also admit that winning Misters 2015  and the formula getting the judges nod (and the prize money and the chance to compete in an international pageant abroad) is not sold in Rustan's or SM Store. He acknowledged that he has to work hard for it. Although it may seem difficult to reach the goal easily but given the chances the doors might start to open.

JM's motto in life is: " Lazy hands make a man poor ... but diligent hands bring wealth. "Hard work and determination doesn't  guarantee success, but it improves its chances," he added. Here is JM de la Cruz' interview.



Question 1: Introduce yourself. Who made the decision that you will join in this contest: Your manager ... your parents ... or yourself.
Answer: I am JM DELA CRUZ, 22 yrs old and I am representing Ilocos Norte for Misters 2015 The pageant. My manager encouraged me to join the pageant but I also want it too. I just need a gentle push .. hahaha. I made the decision to do this because this is a big event and I want to be a part of it. And if given the chance to win one of the titles, it will be an honor to represent our country in the international competition. What really influence me to join is my family. I did not come from a well-off family. I have 4 siblings who are still studying, my mother is sick and my father does not receive enough from his job. If I win ... it will be sweet, because I would be sharing them the money that I sweated for.

Question 2: What do you like most about yourself?
Answer: What I like most about myself is that I am very determined. When I want to accomplish something, I really put my whole heart and soul into it. I will stay focused despite the trials or challenges that come along my way. I am very dedicated and I hold on to my dreams. I do not let negative things drown what I want to achieve in life.

Question 3: What talent or skills do you have that makes you different from the rest of the candidate?
Answer: Honestly, I don't think I have special skills or talents that make me different from the other candidates. I can dance but I guess they can also do that. But what makes me distinct is my uniqueness. Nobody can be me. So that's it! I can go to farm and plant corn or rice... and they can't! Does that count??! Hahah!

Question 4: What is success to you?
Answer: Success for me is NOT measured by the big amount you have in your bank account and the material things you own nor the certificate of recognition posted on your wide wall. Success for me is contentment and true happiness that is felt from the heart. Also, success for me is having a happy family.



Question 5: What sacrifices did you make joining this pageant?
Answer: Sacrifices! Oh I had lots of that... (even before joining Mister Ilocandia where I was declared the winner)... and it's mainly MONEY problems. I had to ask help from my friends to assist me with my clothes and attire because looking good is a MUST in this side of town. Indeed staying FRESH and maintaining a spic and span and immaculately clean image (especially when you are with the other candidates and the production staff ) is a daily struggle in Manila, and that's what I get with commuting - the sun, the rain and the dust from smoke belching vehicles.  I really hate waiting in the flood of commuters in the trains ... besides it is sardines-packed. And you always have to play "patintero" with the buses and the jeepneys.

I also have invested a lot of time going to the gym to improve my physique. I was forced to give up my job as paralegal staff in a law office because I felt I was already neglecting them so I can stay focus for the competition. In Manila, I had to ask my friends working here to accommodate me since it's quite expensive to pay the rent. Another problem I encountered was that I am not familiar with the places here. I can easily get lost in this high rise jungle. It's good there are well meaning friends who are generous with their time and they have volunteered to accompany me to practice and tagged along in my appointments. The whole process was tiring and tedious, the traffic is shockingly dreadful... but I know it's all part of the journey. I just have to stay positive.

Question 6: Who would you want to convince that you deserved a WIN in this pageant: The Board of Judges ... or the audience?
Answer:  Can I say both? I want to convince both the judges and the audience that I deserve to win. The judges definitely will determine the winners and so I want to give them a good first impression. I want to represent our country in the international competetion and if I win ... it will open opportunities for me and in the process I help my family. I also want to convince the audience of my WIN because they will eventually become my supporters (thru thick and thin, come hell or high water) in my next endeavors. I want the audience to be proud of me.

Question 7: How do you see yourself ten years from now?
Answer:  Ten years from now, I see my self as a happy husband and father. I will be 32 by then. I also see myself having a good career (no matter where God would bring me) and I see myself a much responsible citizen by helping and inspiring others to the best of my ability.

Acknowlegement: Thanks to: Macky Balisacan (Producer of Mister Ilocandia and Mentor of JM) for facilitating this interview and REDPHOTOWORX for the beautiful pictures.

John Edgar C. Adajar: Juggles Work, His Studies and Misters 2015 The Pageant

As an adult, you have obligations. You've got a job. You pay bills.  You may even have a family- a spouse and a baby. You need to work, but you'd also like to go back to school and achieve something greater.  It might seem impossible to balance and juggle all these responsibilities, but it can be done with a little ingenuity, a lot of planning, and the support of your loved ones.
One candidate in the Misters 2015 The Pageant who is in a similar plight and  predicament is John Edgar C. Adajar.  The guy is into mixed martial arts which to the uninformed is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, (muay thai, wrestling , jiu-jitsu,martial arts, etc) both standing and on the ground. And from the looks of it whatever sport and past time John is into right now has required him a great deal of  time for practice, exercise ... even rest can be a luxury to these MMA fighters!
John is also a pre-law student ... who frequent libraries and internet cafes for research... who burn his midnight candles in the wee hours of the morning. He also carry thick books (like dumbells and barbells) only Superman can handle. So what's this we heard he is joining Misters 2015? Haven't he heard how tedious and drawn-out and how strenous and draining the activities would be - photo shoots, social grooming. gym training, talent practice, press presentations and briefings,entertaining fans and supporters,  interviews, swimwear, formal wear and ethnic pictorials to name a few. 
Even this interview, I have to give him extra time and give him some breathing room... but one day I was just surprise John was knocking at my internet door with his answers. Tsk tsk ... only John can surprise me like that.  Where does he get his energy? And has he mastered the art of time management that he can be ubiquitous and omnipresent in all his meetings and engagements? Is he one person who love to self inflict wound to himself ... or is he one person who loves to accept Herculean responsibilities no matter how hard they were and proving to all and sundry that he can come out of it unscathed and eventually becomes the WINNER?
Judgement day will come in September.  It looks like John has all the aces up in his sleeves. Here's his interview:


Question 1: Introduce yourself. Who made the decision that you will join in this contest: Your manager ... your parents ... or yourself.
Answer: My name is John Edgar C. Adajar. I stand 6 feet tall. I'm 24 years old and I'm an MMA fighter and a student as well. I decided to join Misters 2015 for the reason that I believe that every experience is a gift and a learning tool that will help the people around me and assist me in taking charge of my life.

Question 2: What do you like most about yourself?
Answer: -I believe that hardwork beats talent everytime. I relish being resilient in life and having an optimistic and positive view.

Question 3: What talent or skills do you have that makes you different from the rest of the candidate?
Answer: -Being an MMA fighter as well as being a pre-law student at the same time I believe that sets me apart from the rest of the candidates. The physical demands of training martial arts and the mental need for school is something a very few people can deal with.

Question 4: What is success to you?
Answer: -Success for me is like science, It is a progressive refinement of achieved goals. Success is having the opportunity to learn new things and making my achievements meaningful.



Question 5: What sacrifices did you make joining this pageant?
Answer:-Time and diet. This pageant has been a whirlwind of activities and I had to miss some usual routines. I also have to cut a few pounds so eating whatever I want is no longer a viable option in order for me to look exceptionally good on stage.

Question 6: Who would you want to convince that you deserved a WIN in this pageant: The Board of Judges ... or the audience?
Answer: -It is important for me to establish a connection with both of course, but if i had to choose one, the audience/general population slightly outweighs the judges because they'll be the one to have a wider coverage in benefiting from my campaign.

Question 7: How do you see yourself ten years from now?
Answer: -Ten years from now I want to be a lawyer, not because I'm having difficulty with math and science but because of the intellectual challenge the profession will give me and then there's the opportunity to help others. I want to be in a position where i can affect change and have a positive impact in society. (End of Interview)

I have to admit I never thought that there will come a time that Misters 2015 will saw the birth of another Oscar de la Hoya in our midst. A handsome face ready to punch, I thought all the while muay Thai and karate doesn't blend well with glamour and finesse. It is like water and oil - but whether or not they will mix eventually the hunch and the suspicion I felt when Neil Perez won last year ... went positively in his direction. It became the FIRST... a policeman-beauty king ... and look at the burgeoning career of Neil right now. I cant help but ask will there be a REPEAT for John this year?

And here's another fact. Internet-interview demands respondents to write their answers and send them back to the interviewee. In my entire writing career, this is the first time my interview with a candidate was published en toto. Nothing was change, and nothing was added or deleted.The man speak his mind and he worded and articulated his answers well. I think he can write too. If he will become a lawyer ten years from now, there will be no hesitation in my part. I can be his first CLIENT.

Church Hill Garcia: Dancing His Way To The Top

Lyrical hip hop dance is a recent development to the hip hop genre. Some people call it a different style completely, but most refer to it as a sub-style of hip hop dance. There are choreographers and dancers  who have been doing lyrical hip hop for a while. However it had not really been formally introduced until recent TV dance reality shows in America where it is starting to gain consciousness.

One of our candidate for Misters 2015 The Pageant is into lyrical hip hop dancing. His name is Churchill Garcia from Pampanga. I think he can explain it to us better, This is what he had to say:

"Lyrical dance is a style of dance that incorporates elements of various style from jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary without being any of them. Hip-hop is usually danced in relation to the beat with moves hitting the beats for effect. It is primarily about feeling the beat.So lyrical hip hop dance is a mix between the two." It has  elements and movements that are more free flowing, contemporary inspired movements all while telling a story."

Quite mind-boggling to the uninformed huh? Whatever the genre is the big question is ... will lyrical hiphop dancing bring Church Hill Garcia closer to the fans and the judges? And will it pave the way to his dancing his way to the top?  Your guess is as good as mine.

As promised here's Church Hill Garcia's responses to the questions:

Question 1: Introduce yourself. Who made the decision that you will join in this contest: Your manager ... your parents ... or yourself.
Answer: Hi I'm Church Hill Garcia, turning 21 this Aug.20. I graduated BS Accountancy at Holy Angel University and is currently working as a marketing assistant at Fortune Medicare Inc. I am very passionate when it comes to dancing and I'm also into playing the guitar. I am not a singer though. If you don't know it yet... I was a sports writer back then. All of us came to the decision that I will join the Misters 2015 The Pageant. I am doing this not just for myself but for my family, for the whole of Tarlac, and specially to God .
smile emoticondoing this not just for myself but for my family, for the whole of Tarlac, and specially to God up there.

Question 2: What do you like most about yourself?

Answer:  The best thing I like most about my self is my PATIENCE. I know that great things come to those who wait.

Question 3: What talent or skills do you have that makes you different from the rest of the candidate?

Answer: I am into dancing lyrical hiphop and i will be very happy to share what i am capable of doing.

Question 4: What is success to you?

Answer:  Success for me is not about the fame, the money or the things you are getting but rather the contentment with what you have, peace of mind, and the happiness you feel.

Question 5: What sacrifices did you make joining this pageant?

Answer: I do have a lot of sacrifices and they are too many to mention. I dont want this to be like MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya) . But one example of it is i gave up my work.

Question 6: Who would you want to convince that you deserved a WIN in this pageant: The Board of Judges ... or the audience?

Answer: I joined this pageant to share the beauty of my person inside and out and to celebrate what God gave us. This is for Him. God will give you what you deserve.

Question 7: How do you see yourself ten years from now?

Answer: Ten years from now i see myself as loving father,a caring son and a dedicated citizen who is willing to participate and contribute in the social welfare of the Philippines.

Red Bayron: Riding The Waves High and Low!

A person's job or hobby can tell us a lot about the person, at times it showcase our "true colors".It says more about what we like and what qualities and skills we possess. In short our favorite hobby and past time can provide a shorthand for what kind of personality we have. 

Our main man here in this interview is Red Bayron #Redsurfer from Mati Davao Oriental.  When he surfs ... he just ooze it. Red Bayron surfed like Red was- dauntless, confident, boisterous -stylish. His surfing has attitude and personality ... and when he is at it, you can't take your eyes off him, Watching Red surf, makes you want to go surf, because Red makes surfing look like the best thing ever.

Joining Mister 2015 The Pageant can be a turn around for him. Hello ... it is entirely a different world! With surfing you hit the waves ... in male pageantry if you are not careful you either "break a leg" or may end up with a bruised ego. Is Red prepared to show his wares in the swimwear competetion? I don't think that's a problem. With surfing he has comfortably shown his body as easy as counting 1,2,3 ... or singing A,B,C. Is Red prepared for the kleig lights and the camera? This area is not new to him. To the uninformed ... he is a professional photographer himself. How about the Q and A portion ... or the panel interview? Does he have a talent to show or  is he comfortable with the barong or a suit. Anything can be learned ... so they say!

Indeed this is a big challenge for Red. Let us see if he can make  his playground -the waves and the sea-in the pageant stage. As we said when Red surfs ... he just ooze it ... so let's  see if he oozes it too when he models.  Let's wait if he can swim the Misters 2015 The Pageant- wave, stand up straight and do some air reverses. And let's see if he can maintain the attitude and the personality he learned in surfing - bold, powerful, stylish, inimitable... and translate all opportunities into a big Win.



Here is his interview:

Question 1: Introduce yourself. Who made the decision that you will join in this contest: Your manager ... your parents ... or yourself
Answer: I am Red Bayron, 21 years old, I represent Mati, Davao Oriental. I do surfing as a lifestyle and photography as a profession. I personally decided to join this competition, and was convinced by my manager's friend, named Junie.

Question 2: What do you like most about yourself?
Answer: What I like most about myself is that even though I grow up without a mother, I never felt incomplete. I don’t just rely with myself, I also depended on God and His blessings. It makes life easier and it made me stronger as a person knowing that.

Question 3: What talent or skills do you have that makes you different from the rest of the candidate?
Answer:  Right now I am still in limbo groping in the dark what makes me different from other contestants. I have no clue... because I haven't met them yet. But one thing is for sure, that everyone of us are unique individuals ... we may have our differences but all of us has potential to stand out in any way we can.

Question 4: What is success to you?
Answer:  For me, success is an achievement where the result and the benefits satisfies you and you don't mind your critics and the comments they say no matter how nasty or repulsive they are.




Question 5: What sacrifices did you make joining this pageant?
Answer: I sacrificed everything joining this competition, work and family included. Instead of working, or be with my family and friends, I spend my time on training and working out. However I don't consider it sacrifice at all, especially when you’re doing it because you love it.

Question 6: Who would you want to convince that you deserved a WIN in this pageant: The Board of Judges ... or the audience?
Answer: In order for me to win, I have to convince both the judges and the audience. Because if I have that mind-set, I won't fuss anymore on who I'm going please the most . Either way the audience are judging, and the judges are the audience too, so why not hit two birds in one stone?

Question 7: How do you see yourself ten years from now?
Answer: Ten years from now, I see myself as the kind of guy that I wanted to be. God-fearing, easy to be with, and loves to have a lot of friends, but with much more responsibilities.

Willan Pagayon: Good Communication Is The Key

Once you're bitten by a pageant bug, you're hooked.  This is what happened to Willan Pagayon, the friendly and outspoken hunk from Iloilo City.  He was Mr. Universe Philippines 2013 then he crossed over wanting to try his luck once more in Misters of Pilipinas 2015.

So what makes pageant candidates coming back for more?  Is it the money and the incentives? Is it the attention and the hossana he gets from fans and admirers? Is it the fame and the glamour and the fringe benefits that goes with it? Is it the drive that he can prove something more than what he has accomplished before? Or is it the adrenalin rush one gets when he is on stage where pageant candidates try to outdo each other. Whatever Willan's reasons are ...we hope ... this time ... it will be sweeter!  Here's Willans interview.

Question 1: Introduce yourself. Who made the decision that you will join this contest: Your manager, Your parents or Yourself?
Answer: My name is Willan my friends use to call me "WILL" I'm funny and outgoing type of person I love extreme sports and adventure, and I also love to travel in and out of the country. Cooking is one of my passion and my stress reliever. My sister and my girlfriend helped me decide to join Misters Of Pilipinas 2015.

Question 2. What do you like most about yourself?

Answer: Being optimistic ... My life's motto was, is and will always be: "Behind the clouds, the sun is still shining". When the storm is done ... I always believe that tomorrow is always a lovely day and you have nothing to be afraid of.

Question 3. What skills and talent do you have that makes you different from the rest of candidates.Answer: I wanna be honest with you. As a kid I don't think I have a single iota of talent in my body, but my mom always told me that I am special. It took me awhile to figure out what she meant. But now I know that my special skill is being a good communicator and I can easily get along with other people.

Question 4. What is SUCCESS to you?
Answer: SUCCESS is when your signature Changes to Autograph. Hahaha.. Or I better say SUCCESS Is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom.

Question 5. What sacrifices did you make joining this pageant?Answer: Sacrifices? Being away from my family and work. I want to focus to win and so a good chunk of my time is spent perfecting my craft and the preparation for the contest can be time consuming too. But it's not really a big deal because my family, friends, and my work especially ... understands. We're all in this together.

Question 6. Who would you want to convince that you deserve a WIN in this contest: The board of judges or the Audience?Answer: First I need to convince my self that I can win this competition. That mindset will give me the confidence and the strength to convince the judges and the audience as well. When silence turns to admiration, and admiration turns to audience applause and the judges nod ... that's the start!

Question 7. How do you see yourself ten years from now?- Ten years from now I want to see a much improved- and a responsible Willan. Successful, happily married and enjoying my life with my family.

AR de la Serna: Believe In Yourself and Never Quit

There is one candidate in MISTERS 2015 The Pageant that is fast catching my attention. His name is AR de la Serna of Tagbilaran City. Boy the man is just so nice ... all his moves exhibits politeness and courtesy. Our conversations were punctuated with countless "po's " and "opo's"and he has a ready "Thank you" whenever something is said good about him or when you do him a favor. And when he fails to submit his responses to the interview on time ...  his words are pregnant with "I'm Sorry ..." niceties, you could feel the sincerity how bothered he was. 

I have resigned to the fact that young men right now are boisterous and rowdy, whose musings and broodings borders on narcissism and egocenticity: on how to develop biceps and triceps in one ... and what brand of soap helps make a fairer complexion in the other. Boy I was wrong. In the hook-up culture we now live its pretty obvious that "being nice" is dead. And then from out of the blue AR de la Serna came out to disprove me.

Here's what he said: Maybe my parents were just too old fashioned. Maybe growing up in a tightly-knit family from  Bohol, resulted a moral code of  chilvalry and etiquette in me. I was always told to be nice, kind and never talk badly about people. It took me awhile to understand what my native Tagbilaran traditions were trying to tell me.  But I do understand it now and live by them today."

Here's AR de la Serna  interview sans po and opo.  He also gave us answers in English, and from the looks of it ... he did his homework well.

Question 1: Introduce yourself. Who made the decision that you will join in this contest: Your manager ... your parents ... or yourself.
Answer: My name is Alberto Rodulfo de la Serna, You can call me AR for short. I am 22 years old from the city of Tagbilaran, Province of Bohol. I am a graduate of Bachelors of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management. Joining Misters 2015- The Pageant is my sole decision. I did it to broaden my experience and to meet new friends as well as to further my modelling career.  I am doing it for myself, my family as well as my province - Bohol!

Question 2: What do you like most about yourself?
Answer: .  You have to believe in yourself when no one does. If you believe in yourself and never quit ... you will be a winner. If you believe in yourself the rest will just fall into place. If you have faith in your abilities and then you work hard, there is nothing you can't accomplish. What I like about myself is my positive attitude. It's not only about finishing the race that matters, it's how I finish it.

Question 3: What talent or skills do you have that makes you different from the rest of the candidate?

Answer: The thing that makes me different from the rest of the candidates would be my experience in life (rosy or not) and using it as a guiding light to further my dreams. I will use this skills on how to deal with my day to day blessings and problems.

Question 4: What is success to you?

For me success is obtaining what you want, what you need and all that your heart desires and being contented at some point. Success is finding satisfaction in giving a little more than you take.

Question 5: What sacrifices did you make joining this pageant?
Answer : Joining a pageant gives a candidate a license to dream big - six pack abs, tight butts, lean and vibrant and flawless health. That's the image the pageant industry is selling. I am far from that and I know my body parts needs a complete overhaul. Do you wonder how much it cost to achieve that look? Getting into shape involves a painful, intolerable sacrifice, restriction and deprivation. So yes my sacrifices should include time, money and efforts I exert on it.

Question 6: Who would you want to convince that you deserved a WIN in this pageant: The Board of Judges ... or the audience?

Answer: Technically the judges would have to decide for the winner so I would want to convince them. I also need to convince the audience because they are judges themselves whose opinions and applause matter. Life goes on. If I win it ... fine... if I didn't so be it. I want to sleep peacefully at night.

Question 7: How do you see yourself ten years from now? 
Answer: By then I would be 32. Before getting married and have children I want to travel the world. Joining Misters 2015 I could say to my self that I was living the dream. Not all are given the chance to be a part of it. With the decisions I've made in my life, I'm pretty much sure I chose what would make me happy

Kevin John Fichera: The Best of Both Worlds

The half's have it.  If you don't know what I mean check the results of Binibining Pilipinas 2015 and you will know what I am talking about. And with the twin victories of  Christi McGary (Miss Intercontinental Philippines 2015 ) and Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (Miss Universe Philippines 2015) the question whether biracial candidates be allowed to represent the Philippines is creeping once again from the nay-sayers camp.
In Misters 2015 The Pageant , it's deja vu time because another half-Filipino-half-this-and-that-invasion is in the horizon what with 5 international communities being represented headed by Foreignoys  Kevin John Fichera of Italy, Ari Kane of Victoria, Rob Mcnamara of Australia, Siegfred Schmidt Bauer of Germany and Daniel Anthony Polbrat of Melbourne.
Among the locals in the competetion Marcel Stulir has Turkish blood, Karan Singhdole has Indian, Arcel Yambing has Chinese and the rest of the candidates may have Spanish or Indonesian blood in them. So what the heck are they grumbling about?
This has been an issue in the Philippines since time immemorial as critics keep on pounding the hallmark of Filipino beauty - black hair, tanned skin and a family name that is not too American or foreign sounding. But this line of thinking  is crazy ... nay PREPOSTEROUS ...  because Philippines is a melting pot of cultures and faces and I don't believe there is  a 100 percent pure Filipino anymore.
Having been colonized three times by Spain, America and Japan , and having trade partnerships  with China, India and Europe and don't forget Filipinos who are globe-trotting around the world ... what do we expect? Even the man sitting beside you who fit the standard black hair and olive skin mould may have Indonesian roots in them. 
And what's the big deal ...  even the powerhouse Venezuela and America have sent biracial candidates in international contests. Some of their winners have African, European even Mid-eastern pedigree. So who are we to complain?
I guess it is high time we have to change our opinion about what is 100 percent Filipino. It is not defined by the shape of their nose, or how they look or by their surnames. It should be defined by someone's love and passion for Philippines. That simple!
And having said that ... let us welcome Kevin John Fichera from the Filipino community in Italy.  Here's a short chat from Kevin.



Question 1. Introduce yourself. Who made the decision that you will join this contest: Your manager, Your parents or Yourself?

Answer: I am Kevin John Sawali Fichera, 20, born and raised in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy. My Mom is Filipina and is originally from Mabini, Batangas and my Italian Dad is now retired. I'm a shy type person at the first glance but when I get used to the person I am talking I can be talkative and funny. My Filipino side show a Kevin who loves to eat Filipino cuisine and do a lot of bonding with my cousins, My Italian side shows my biggest love and passion in playing football. I am also a big fan of A.S. Rome which is Rome's football team.

After winning the title of Mr. Bachelor Philippines-Italy 2015 last 31st of May, I knew I would be representing the Filipino Community of Italy to the upcoming Misters 2015 The Pageant. It is such a big responsibility for me to carry this title but it give me an enormous honor and pride. I am working hard with my preparation for the competition with the huge help from the Mister Bachelor Philippines-Italy Organization. Apart from that, there is a lot of support from my family, relatives, friends and different Filipino Communities here in Rome and around Italy. All of these are my greatest inspiration to do my best for Misters 2015 The Pageant.

Question 2. What do you like most about yourself?

Answer: What I like the most about my self is definitely being half Filipino and half Italian because both culture are very rich in their traditions. I find some similarities between the two... and I also saw the difference. So there are times I see myself vacillating from end of the spectrum to another. Quite challenging if I may add.

Question 3. What skills and talent do you have that makes you different from the rest of candidates.

Answer: What makes me different from other candidates in terms of skill or talent is that I am quite good at playing football. Being half Italian, I guess it's in our blood just like Filipinos like playing basketball. So yes, playing football for sure.

Question 4. What is SUCCESS to you?

Answer: For me success is happiness. When you are happy, you are successful. Whatever is your status in life ... as long as your are happy, that translates success in my memory bank..

Question 5. What sacrifices did you make joining this pageant?

Answer: I am actually not sacrificing anything big because I like what I am doing for the competition. But the preparation is eating about 80 percent of my time ... so travel plans and playing football were relegated to the side. It is summertime here in Italy and going to the beach with friends in some really nice places in southern Italy were the things I sacrificed and were sorely missed. I love travelling. Unfortunately I can't be with them at this time as I am busy attending my gym training and not to be ignored are the gatherings among the Filipino Communities I need to attend to.

Question 6. Who would you want to convince that you deserve a WIN in Misters of Pilipinas 2015 ... the board of judges or the audience?

Answer: I'd rather convince the judges because they are the very people who will decide my fate in the finals. That's what I did at the Mr. Bachelor Philippines-Italy 2015. I was not the crowd favorite at the time but winning the title is the start. And proving to everyone that I deserve it, the audience applause followed. It was extremely an amazing feeling to see the crowd clapping and shouting because I was the one who won.

Question 7. How do you see yourself ten years from now?

Answer: I prefer not to think that far. I live in the present, I bade goodbye to yesterday, and the future is still to come. I like living my life day by day but definitely I am preparing my self for a better future. I want to see myself ten years from now with a stable job, to be more prepared in putting up a family and be happy with what I am doing.

Well said Kevin!