Miss Philippines is crowned Miss Universe 2015

Mabuhay Miss Universe 2015! Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzback was proclaimed the 64^th Miss Universe on Sunday night, December 21, 2015 at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas Resort and Casino, USA. Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez was named 1^st Runner-up and Miss USA Olivia Jordan was 2^nd Runner-up.

In the top five are Miss Australia Monika Radulovic and Miss France Flora Coquerel. Breaching to the top ten are Miss Japan, Miss Thailand, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Curacao and Miss Venezuela while completing the top fifteen are Miss Mexico, Miss South Africa, Miss Belgium, Miss Brazil and Miss Indonesia.

Only the top five finalists advanced to the candidate-specific question and answer round, after which the top three finalists were selected and asked the same final question “Why should you be the next Miss Universe?” To which the winner, Miss Philippines answered, “To be a Miss Universe is both an honor and a responsibility. If I were to be Miss Universe, I will use my voice to influence the youth and I will raise awareness to certain causes like HIV awareness that is timely and relevant to my country, the Philippines. I want to show the world, the universe rather, that I am confidently beautiful with a heart.”

In an unprecedented Miss Universe crowning faux pas that many won’t forget anytime soon, Miss Colombia was crowned first by fellow Colombian Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega in what could have been a back-to-back win but had to take off the crown to place it on Miss Philippines.  This was when host Steve Harvey accidentally announced her as winner. He thereafter came back front stage, apologized, corrected himself, showed the results in the final elimination card for all to see and finally announced the rightful winner, needless to say, after inadvertently putting the two contestants in an unsettling situation.

Before clinching this year's Miss Universe crown, the Philippines had consistently placed as one of the top ten finalists in this pageant the last five years, four of which are in the top 5. This is the 3^rd Miss Universe crown for the Philippines after a lapse of 42 years. The two other titleholders are Gloria Diaz, Miss Universe 1969 and Margarita Moran, Miss Universe 1973. 

Something different about Mr. Universal Ambassador, the pageant

Something about Mr. Universal Ambassador sets it uniquely apart from other known mister pageants in the world today that follow the basic national costume, fashion, swimwear, formal wear and interview format. To some extent this pageant follows the same format but with a wee bit more than the usual, and a unique quality and flavor of its own.

This brand-new pageant just concluded its first edition in Surabaya, Indonesia November 3-13, 2015. And if you had followed the proceedings, you may have had noticed some discernible differences in its thrusts and mix of activities from other established pageants. Over and above the openly stated objectives and visible conduct of the pageant, something far more insightful and well known of Indonesia in character and perspective, governs this pageant.

Miss Philippines, Angelia Ong pulls off a back-to-back at Miss Earth 2015 in Austria

Cheers to Miss Philippines who won anew the crown of Miss Earth in a record setting first back-to-back win in the history of the pageant. Angelia Gabrena Ong succeeds fellow Filipina, Jamie Herrell after she bested 85 other women Earth warriors at the 15^th year edition that took place at the Marx Halle in Vienna, Austria on December 5, 2015. In what could be said was an upset victory, Miss Philippines outshone the rest of the finalists in the question and answer portion that saw her shot to the top of the judges’ scorecards.

Asked by one of the judges to come up with a slogan that could take the Miss Earth pageant through the next 15 years and could take the place of its existing slogan “Beauties for a Cause,” she replied: “We will, because we can. I want to let everybody know that everything is possible and everything is feasible if we work together. We will, because we can.”

Making up her elemental court are Miss Australia, Dayanna Grageda – Miss Earth Air (1^st Runner-up); Miss USA, Brittany Payne – Miss Earth Water (2^nd Runner-up) and Miss Brazil, Thiessa Sickert – Miss Earth Fire (3^rd Runner-up). In the top 8 are Austria, Chile, Colombia and Venezuela. While making it to the top 16 are Czech Republic, France, Guam, Hungary, Mauritius, Mongolia, Scotland and Ukraine. Countries and territories that made their debut in this year’s pageant are Armenia and New Caledonia.

The coronation show was hosted by Oli Pettigrew, Joey Mead King and Katia Wagner. The panel of judges included dignitaries from the United Nations and UNIDO, a European fashion designer, a European film director, the owner of Fashion TV (FTV), the chairwoman of the MEO and the first Miss Earth winner who is from Denmark.    

“We will, because we can!” We are beginning to like it. It is catchy, timely, strong, affirmative and inclusive. We hope the Miss Earth organization will actually adopt it as its new slogan for the next decade and a half.

Switzerland prevails! Pedro Mendes is Mister International 2015

The grueling wait is over. After religiously watching two weeks of nonstop pageant activities and finals that lasted close to five hours, the 10^th year edition of Mister International is finally over. In what could be the most frustratingly unpredictable edition of the pageant where picking the candidates most likely to win was everyone’s guessing game, the final crop of winners is out. The die is cast and everyone can now put behind the never-ending squabbling, heckling, guesstimating and recalculating of outcomes.

Now it can be told, Switzerland’s Pedro Mendes came out on top of the heap. He is Mister International 2015, taking over the helm from Mister International 2014, Philippines’ Neil Perez. In his trail are Brazil, Anderson Tomazini – 1^st Runner-up; Korea, Sang Jin Li - 2^nd Runner-up; Panama, Julian Javier Torres, 3^rd Runner-up; and Czech Republic; Jakub Kraus - 4^th Runner-up.

Miss Philippines baits Miss Scuba International 2015

Congratulations to Cindy Pacia Madduma who fished one more pageant crown for the Philippines this year after she was adjudged Miss Scuba International 2015 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia on Friday, November 27, 2015. She takes over the crown from Miss Scuba International 2014, Tabitha Lipkin of the United States. Members of her court are the sea nymphs from Venezuela, Kiara Aiello Holden; United States, Tessa Ptacek; Latvia, Ilzze Jankovska; and United Kingdom, Sarah Mariko Winterbottom in that order.

Recipients of special awards are Miss Philippines – Miss Marine Conservation and Best in National Costume, Miss Latvia – Miss Photogenic and Best in Talent, and Miss Venezuela – Miss Congeniality. The event was the 5^th edition of the pageant anchored on scuba diving and marine conservation while celebrating the inner beauty and courage of today’s women. Apart from the staple swimsuit, evening gown and interview portions, the candidates were also judged on marine conservation advocacy and safe diving practices. Way to go Ladies and all defenders of the Earth's seas.

Fantastic Five for Mister International 2015

In a flight of fancy, we came up with our fearless forecast of the winners in the title fight for Mister International 2015, actual results to be known five days from now. (L-R) Brazil, Anderson Tomazini – 3^rd RU; France, Bryan Weber – 1^st RU; Spain, Daniel Barreres – Mister International 2015; Switzerland, Pedro Mendes – 2^nd RU and Panama, Julian Javier Torres – 4^th RU. The following five will constitute the top ten: Puerto Rico, Philippines, Italy, Australia and the Dominican Republic. Tickle your fancy!  

How good grooming can do wonders to a candidate's pageant bid

Perhaps we are being overly simplistic or even nitpicky but sometimes basic grooming and neat appearance can spell the difference whether you make it or break it in pageant battlefield. Assuming that one is not hopeless in other respects, the look or style of the contestant can be crucial in judging. A pageant entrant’s look should not only catch the judges attention but more importantly match the pageant’s image and gain the judges approval. We suppose such was the case with our reigning Mr. Universal Ambassador, Daniel Christian Ortiz of Puerto Rico.

Before he successfully snatched this title, we saw him compete in Mister International 2014, February of this year in Ansan, South Korea where he made it to the top 15 semifinalists. He made a striking impression on viewers at that time.  It was hard not to notice him or spot him from among the crowd with him sporting that hulking Afro hairstyle with matching beard and mustache. And when showing himself in his scanty trunks, there’s no way you will miss the tattoo artwork adorning nearly every part of his sculpted body. He was making a statement indeed but not sure what statement he was getting across. Attention grabbing yes but also very likely ruining his chances at grabbing the title.

Going loco over Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is really showing off its pageant muscle, scooping up one mister pageant title after another - all in a single pageant year. The best we’ve seen so far. It’s not like winning one or two pageant titles one year after another. It’s record breaking in more ways than one. This is nuts!

Dumbfounded as we are, watchful eyes are now focused on Puerto Rico’s bet in Mister International 2015 as the competition is soon to unfold in Manila November 17-30, 2015. A big question mark is hanging over everyone’s head that seems to mirror what everyone is thinking - whether this next guy is going to keep the momentum and quadruplicate the feat of his compatriots. Weighty is the expectation for him to measure up to their achievements.

Three in a row for Puerto Rico as it captures Mister Model International 2015

Puerto Rico assumes supremacy in a stunning sweep of mister pageant titles this year. Melvin Roman captures yet another title for Puerto Rico as he emerged winner of Mister Model International 2015, coming on the heels of Daniel Christian Ortiz as Mr. Universal Ambassador 2015 and Jose Alfredo Galarza as Mister Tourism International 2015.

He won the top plum Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at Miami Theater Bar in Florida, USA against 20 other gorgeous male models from around the world. Phany Padaraju, India – 1^st Runner-up; Eduardo Ferreira, Brazil – 2^nd Runner-up; Jairo Zapata, Colombia – 3^rd Runner-up and Rabih El Zein, Lebanon – 4^th Runner-up; make up his royal court.

The rest of the Top 13 Semifinalists are Peru, Philippines, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Spain, Venezuela, El Salvador and USA. The winners of special awards are Philippines – Mister Photogenic and Mister Congeniality, Venezuela – Mister Elegance, Myanmar – Mister Social Media, and Puerto Rico – Mister Runway.

Puerto Rico cops Mr. Universal Ambassador 2015

Daniel Christian Ortiz of Puerto Rico becomes the first ever Mr. Universal Ambassador winning the 1^st edition of the pageant at Gedung Kesenian Cak Durasim in Surabaya, Indonesia on November 11, 2015. Members of his court are Brett Murray Stratton, Oceania Federation – 1^st Runner-up, Izuchukwu Anoelifo, Nigeria – 2^nd Runner-up, Jagjeet Singh, India – 3^rd Runner-up, and Reinukky Abidharma, Indonesia – 4^th Runner-up.

Included in the top ten semifinalists in ranking order are Alexis Francis Martinez – Philippines, Eduardo Quintero – Panama, Yith Meas Aussa – Cambodia, Krichada Jampakaew – Thailand and Nay Oo Kha – Myanmar.

Honduras' Kilber Gutierrez goes for the Globe

After not having placed in Mr. Real Universe 2015 in spite of being among the early favorites a month ago, Honduras’ Kilber Benjamin Gutierrez Ponce is not dampened as he sets sights on Mister Globe 2016 coming this November 14-22, 2015 in Paris, France. (Unlike many pageants, this one is an early bird. The winner of Mister Globe 2015 is Madagascar's Ismael Aiaz. See our March 26, 2015 post.) Nothing to be frowned upon, after all Mr. Real Universe 2015, Cristobal Alvarez Leiva from Chile was also a crossover candidate from Mister Global 2015. So who knows, things can turn up as brightly for him this time around.   

If you are a keen pageant observer, Kilber Gutierrez has been on a merry-go-round of national and international pageants, having joined many, placed in some, designated but failed to show up in a few. He has already participated in competitions for Mister World, Men Universe Model, Mister Tourism International, Mister Mesoamérica and Mister Jade Universe, obtaining this last title for his country Honduras in February last year.   

Miss Philippines is crowned Miss International Queen 2015

Hurray to Miss Philippines Trixie Maristela for gaining back the crown of Miss International Queen which three years ago topped the lovely tresses of another Miss Philippines, Kevin Balot, Miss International Queen 2012. She was flanked by Miss Brazil, Valesca Dominik Ferraz and Miss Thailand, Sopida Siriwattananukoon who were named 1^st and 2^nd runners-up respectively.

Miss International Queen is the largest, most prestigious and spectacular transgender beauty pageant in the world. It officially kicked off on October 30, 2015 at Central World, Bangkok and culminated on November 6, 2015 with the coronation night at Tiffany Theater, Pattaya, Thailand. A total of 27 candidates from 17 countries competed in this year’s pageant which took on the theme “Inside Out.”

Trixie is a graduate of European Languages from the University of the Philippines. In May this year, she also won the title of Miss Gay Manila. Her answer to the final question “How do you compare beauty inside and beauty outside?” sealed her victory in the pageant.

“Beauty from the inside comes from the heart but beauty from the outside is just physical appearance. In the end, what matters is for beauty inside to radiate outside because a true queen does not just own a beautiful face and a golden crown but a true queen also possesses a golden heart.” 

The case of the paired pageants

At the height of Mister Model International and Mister Universal Ambassador competitions which are simultaneously rolling in Florida, USA and Surabaya, Indonesia respectively, we veer off to take a cursory look instead at two little-known newly evolved mister pageants with almost identical names as the aforementioned two.  We are speaking of Mister Model Revolution International and Mister Universal World. Duh! Doesn’t that make you think they are close relatives of each other or clones of sorts?

Just like we said before, pageants have a way of reproducing by name mutation. At the rate pageants are springing up left, right and center; in no time we will be going bonkers figuring who is who in which is which pageant. So before that happens, let us acquaint ourselves with these newborn twin pageants.

Venezuela's most handsome

His name is Henry Yoel Licett, time and again referred to in Hispanic media as Venezuela’s most handsome man. A model, actor and singer, he hails from El Tigre, Anzoátegui state in Venezuela. He is very appreciated in his native Venezuela as a man who has transcended borders with the weapons of rigor and work well done; someone who has created his own brand and style.

While a good number of his adoring fans acknowledge him as someone beyond a sexy body and handsome face, there are those who are happy with just his physical attributes and easily extol him to high heavens. It is common to hear them describe him in extravagant terms: the most handsome not just in Venezuela but the world, an angel who has fallen from the skies, a man carved out by the gods of Olympus, or the modern day Adam. Like the rest appearing on our pages, his ticket to fame was a pageant… or more precisely, were pageants.

Jose Alfredo of Puerto Rico is new Mister Tourism International 2015

Jose Alfredo Galarza Vargas of Puerto Rico was proclaimed winner of Mister Tourism International 2015 on October 25 at Blue Bay City Hotel in Panama City, Panama. He was chosen from a field of 17 candidates from around the world. 

Ever Guzman of Mexico was 1^st Runner-up and Rasmus Kamael Pedersen of Denamrk was 2^nd Runner-up. In the top 5 were Judah Cohen of the Philippines who was also named Best International Look and Francisco Gil of Venezuela also named Best International Model. Rounding off the top 7 finalists were Oscar Emerson of Chile and Joseph Davis of the USA.

The winningest country in Mister International

This country is making a habit of winning in Mister International. It has the highest number of victories in this pageant with two winners and five finalists. All in all that makes seven placements in the hitherto nine editions of the pageant which started 2006. That is to say, it had earned a spot in the finals practically every year other than 2006 and 2009.

Mister International 2015 which is to take place in Manila this November is the 10^th edition and a critical year for this country to win back the title. Not a far-fetched idea considering that its current representative is utterly impressive. If the lucky streak continues, this country is romping off with the title every four years.

Cowboy cool Andrio Frazon

After featuring Mister Model International 2014 Victor Zanatta, we felt somewhat guilty not featuring his fellow Brasiliero Mr. Tourism International 2014 Andrio Frazon. They made it to pageant center stage in about the same time after winning their respective titles last year and both are in the final stretch of their reigns.

They must be really close buddies by now, gracing the international pageant circuit together during their term as spokespersons for their individual pageants and as ambassadors at large for Brazil. The two titlists had just attended the Grand Finals of Misters of the Philippines 2015 in Manila, joining up with Mr. International 2014 Neil Perez of the Philippines, where expectedly they created a bit of a splash.

Andrio revealed that he usually runs and does gym to keep fit, in addition to having a regulated diet. "Nevertheless, more people praise my mouth and my smile. I enjoy more my shoulders that are broad." Besides his being a pageant hunk, we know a freezing cool fact about Andrio Frazon, which we assume not many are aware of. 

Chile wins Mr. Real Universe 2015

The winner of Mr. Real Universe 2015 is Mr. Chile, Cristobal Alvarez Leiva. He bested 25 other contestants in the 2^nd edition of the pageant held at Plaza Rodolfo Baquerizo Moreno in Guayaquil, Ecuador on October 17, 2015. He was among the early favorites to win in the competition. Whereas early favorites Mr. Honduras, Kilber Gutierrez and Mr. Bolivia, David Fernando Suarez failed to make it to the top 13. Prior to his success in this pageant, Alvarez competed in Mr. Global 2015 where he placed among the top 13 finalists. He takes over the reign from the first winner of the crown Mr. Real Universe 2014 Gabriel Burgos of Ecuador.

Victor Zanatta and Fernando de Noronha

If you have never heard of those names before, who or what would you think are they? Perhaps because we are a pageant blog, you’d probably think they are two male pageant personalities from some Latin American countries. If you dig adventure-fantasy kind of stuff, you might imagine them to be some Old World seafaring heroes like pirates or explorers. And if you are fond of pocketbook romance and high society drama you might take a crack at - some illustrious gentlemen or possibly royal luminaries.  

If you made those guesses, you are not completely mistaken. Victor Zanatta is a public figure from South America and the reigning Mister Model International king. He will soon have to relinquish his crown so we are devoting some space to him here before he steps down. And who is Fernando de Noronha?

The friendly face off between Philippines and Lebanon

The dead set killer looks of Arcel Yambing, Philippines and Rabih El Zein, Lebanon will be put to litmus test this coming November 10 Miami Men's Fashion Week show and November 11 pageant finals at the Flamingo Theater Bar in Miami, Florida when they face off for the sought-after title Mister Model International 2015. These are just two exceptional specimens in a bevy of delectable hotshots in this year’s 3^rd edition of the pageant who in our assessment are safe bets and with odds-on chance at the crown.

Lebanon's Kamel Raad continues to make waves

From a country that produces searing hot men, comes another international titleholder. Kamel Raad, 28, from Beirut, Lebanon secured his place in mister pageant history as first ever Mister United Continents, marking the maiden edition of the Philippines’ first homegrown international mister pageant. He bagged the title Mister United Continents 2015 in a tightly contested finals night last May 29, 2015 in Manila, Philippines overcoming sixteen other delegates from across continents.

Months into his record win, Kamel continues to hug the limelight; gracing glossy magazines and centerfold spreads, making special guest appearances on TV, fashion shows and pageant programs, doing modeling and promotional photo shoots and especially going on many social missions for charitable and children oriented causes.

Sri Lanka's Daham Dias is first Mister Global Teen

Sri Lanka’s Daham Dias won Mister Global Teen 2015 at the inaugural launch of Mister Global Teen pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand October 5-11, 2015.  While Mister Teen Brazil, Kaio Juliani and Mister Teen Indonesia, Ryandi Anugerah Putera placed 1^st and 2^nd runners-up respectively.

Winners of special awards were: Josh Rawson Harris - Australia, Best National Costume; Htet Oo Htut - Myanmar, Mister Model; Daham Dias - Sri Lanka, Mister Photogenic; Ryandi Anugerah Putera - Indonesia, Mister Talent and Kunn Mokkhasamit - Thailand, Mister Congeniality.

Another reason to visit Panama besides the Canal

If asked why you should go to Panama, the first thing most people think of is the Panama Canal. It is an engineering marvel, considered the 8th wonder of the world. Panama is in Central America joining North America at the top and South America at the bottom. It is a narrow strip of land with Costa Rica at its northern end and Colombia at it southern end. The Canal was excavated through one of the narrowest areas of the land thereby opening a waterway uniting the Pacific Ocean at the west side to the Atlantic Ocean at the east side providing a passage and shorter route for vessels and cargoes transiting the two oceans. Hence, Panama is often known as “The Bridge of the World.”

The Canal has been instrumental in transforming Panama into a booming metropolis with soaring skyscrapers running for miles along its coastline. As important and famous as the Canal is, Panama boasts of many other attractions: outdoor adventures – bio-diverse tropical rain forests, mountains, miles of ocean; historic ruins and living Indian cultures; world-class infrastructure and tourism amenities. But there is yet another that we would consider an attraction but fewer may be aware of nor officially listed and promoted because to do so, will turn it into a case of the promoter being promoted. Can you think of that something?

Smoking hot Rogier "Moore" Warnawa

We can’t help but liken Men Universe Model 2015 Rogier Warnawa, who is Dutch to the famous James Bond actor of the 70’s and 80’s Roger Moore, who is British. Being a namesake of the actor immediately invites comparison. Although their fame belongs to different eras, we decided to put the two photos above side by side to discover similarities between the two and oddly the resemblance between them only magnified. 

There is so much hotness in the intensity of their stares, the upswept waxed-combed hair and their artistic use of that potent and often dangerous mix of smoke and alcohol. It is wise to remember though, that those trappings are not there to encourage others to drink and smoke. They are mere props to exude and evoke subliminal messages of virility and sophistication. It’s up to us to read into them. Here, they are furtively saying: “We are piping-hot as cigar and bitingly strong as liquor.” 

A Mister Pageantertainment cheer for Miss Globe 2015

Today Mister Pageatertainment wishes to pause for a tidy little sidelight to give a huge cheer for Miss Philippines Ann Lorraine Colis for clutching the Miss Globe 2015 title during the finals held on Thursday, October 8 (Friday, October 9 Manila time) at Rose Theatre Brampton in Toronto, Canada – continuing the trend for Filipina beauty queens. To a sultry, dusky, gracefully and graciously beautiful winner – Mabuhay!

Other winners in the pageant were representatives from Albania, first runner-up; Macedonia, second runner-up; China, third-runner up; and France, fourth runner-up. Well done Ladies, congratulations and a fruitful year ahead. 

Remember your dates with the International candidates

As a postscript to yesterday’s post, here is the calendar of events of the upcoming Mister International 2015 pageant to be held in Manila from November 17-30, 2015. There’s a lot of exciting and interesting activities lined up for the candidates, so check the dates and whereabouts. Be prepared for your eagerly awaited ones so you can be there to witness and experience the moment when they happen. Scroll to the bottom of the list for ticket prices and reservations.

And now for news on the "International" front

Of course, by that we mean no other than Mister International 2015 pageant which is about to take place in Manila, Philippines this November. So this bit of information, from our point of reference, makes it actually news from the home front.

It has been less than a year, February 14, 2015 to be exact, when the people of the Philippines jubilantly received the news about Mr. Philippines - Neil Perez winning the Mister International 2014 title in Ansan, South Korea. Next month he will relinquish his title to the new deserving titleholder. Grudgingly this means a shorter reign for Neil, but it also means that the pageant holding is right on track this time unlike the repeated postponements it underwent the previous year.

These guys are for Real

Wait. Hold back your gasps, shrieks or whispers of disbelief. These super-duper dudes are for real. In fact, you can catch a generous number of these drop-dead gorgeous guys live in person - if you are in Guayaquil, Ecuador from October 4-17, 2015. They are contestants in the ongoing 2^nd edition of Mr. Real Universe pageant.

Judging from this random selection of photos of the contestants, it is certain to be a tough and uphill fight for the crown. The guys are unbelievably sexy, equally impressive in looks and form so it’s rather hard to say who will be among the judges’ final selection.   

What on Earth is Mister Earth?

Miss Earth, Miss Earth, many have heard but what on earth is Mister Earth? If you haven’t heard, there is indeed Mister Earth Worldwide Pageant – the definitive crossbreed, male version of the better known Miss Earth.

Similar to its precursor Miss Earth, it is an international pageant highlighting fashion, beauty and manly virtues plus an ecological slant. It culminates in the selection of a spokesperson for the environment holding the title Mister Earth. He reigns together with his runner-ups aptly referred to as his elemental court – Misters Air, Water and Fire for a period more or less a year or until they are succeeded in the next run of the pageant. The main difference of this pageant is that there are two major titles at stake: Mister Earth and Mister Young Earth.  

Waging war for Indonesia's first international mister pageant title

Indonesia is a country with a unique and inviting rich culture, many scenic spots, lively entertainment scene and developing modern infrastructure. This is why it is fast becoming not only a favorite travel destination but also the choice for international pageant holdings.

The people are also captivated with pageants: doing and donning their best for such events. They must have set a record for those winning, meticulously created and spectacular national costumes their candidates wear in every international pageant. On the other hand, they have yet to capture a major title in the international male pageant category. It seems to us this is no longer a distant goal.

Anticipating Mister Africa International 2015

Mister Africa International is the foremost male pageant in continental Africa. It is oftentimes referred to as the “battle of Africa’s sexiest six packs” in the quest for the hottest and most desirable African male. From its ranks emerged top black models like Adonis O’Holi Williams Dabeat, Giuseppe Nkansah, Jaydon Anderson amongst others.

Now on its 4^th edition, it will be hosted outside of the UK where it was customarily held. Gaborone, Botswana will host this year’s pageant for the first time in Africa at the Grand Palm GICC on December 3, 2015. The Mister Africa International 2015 winner will take over the crown from last year’s winner Arnaldo Jose of Angola.

What's in a pageant name?

As wonderful as pageants are, we often wonder how they were created and why they noticeably have names all closely associated with another, connected by similarities and common source – the cosmos.

We’re no pageant historian, we have no inkling when pageants first started or how or why they took on such galactic names. All we know is when we came into existence, we found ourselves in a pageant laden world with pageant names ranging from universe, world, earth, globe, planet, galaxy and so on.

More wondrous is how new pageants take on names not much different from their predecessors – like something that evolved from earlier species so that it’s always possible to come up with a different version of an existing pageant name. Take for example “Mr. World” and now, up comes another pageant with a name clearly belonging to the same family “Mr. Global,” a third wannabe pageant can come up with a name like “Mr. World Global” and a fourth one “Mr. Global World” and a fifth like “Mr. Globe Worldwide.”  Huh, thank heavens – with unlimited iterations a pageant name can take, we can have our fill of pageant cuisine in millennia. 

Neil vs. Nguyen - Getting from Average to Advantage

Many a man is gifted with above than average physical appearance, intellect, personality and sense of duty yet like many in the great mass of people remains obscure and unheard of. It isn’t that he has nothing worth noticing or commenting on, it’s just that he hasn’t come up onstage to be noticed.

So how does an ordinary, unheard of fellow shoot to the limelight in a jiffy? One of the surest ways is to take part in a world class event and emerge winner. Everybody loves a winner and the spotlight is on him. That is the same route many of our written, and talked about pageant misters had taken.

Here are just two dudes who had the courage to be their own man, who did what they should and showed up from the crowd. Check and compare them onstage in their skivvies.

The Irrepressible Dale Dizon

If there’s a search for one irrepressible male pageant contestant, we would bet our bottom dollar on Dale Franciscus Dizon. This guy has weaved himself in and out of countless endeavors any true-blue male pageant contestant can possibly be involved in.

In a short span of time, we have watched him reinvent himself over and over like we have never seen any other in the mister pageant arena. We will try to bring you up-to-date here on some of his many attempts at some new occupation or activity but we certainly cannot claim this to be an exhaustive account. In one way or another, the full range of his heterogeneous nature will surely escape us.

Two hotties gunning for Mister United Continents 2015

Larry Taveras, Dominican Republic and Kamel Raad, Lebanon are two contestants figuring prominently in the campaigns of the upcoming mister pageant Mister United Continents. The pageant is girding for its premier edition to unfold in Manila on May 30, 2015.

Larry was once scouted by photographer Bruce Weber and is now a model for Model Mayhem. He is ballyhooed for his stint for Larry Underwood in the New York Fashion Week. Kamel emerged 3^rd runner-up in the Mr. Lebanon 2014-2015 pageant and is a model for the modeling agency Nidal Bcherrawi. He is hyped for his volunteer work with the international humanitarian organization Red Cross.  

Of the two, who do you think holds an ace up his sleeve – the fashion plate or the humanitarian dude?  Well as far as we know Mister United Continents is looking for both admirable attributes in one person. Care to hazard a guess?  

Nomer Yuzon, Philippines - Vying for Mister Gay World 2015

You may be wondering who is the Philippine’s representative to Mister Gay World 2015 or if ever there is a representative at all. Well, there is, in the person of Nomer Yuzon. To those who have been following the national pageant, his name may ring a bell. Yuzon happens to be Mister Gay World Philippines 2009, second runner-up. Yuzon is a native of Mindoro and was based in the U.S. for a time as flight attendant for United Airlines. He is also a part-time model.

Mister Gay World 2015 finals moved from Cape Town to Knysna, South Africa

The Mister Gay World 2015 happening in South Africa April 26-May 3 suffered a setback after Cape Town authorities withdrew support of the pageant’s supposed grand finals at the Cape Town City Hall. In a press release, organizers of Mister Gay World announced that the City of Cape Town declined to host the finals or facilitate events to promote Cape Town to the expected 30 visiting international delegates.

The news presentation that won Andrew Wolff the Mister World 2012 Multimedia Challenge

Watch the video that bagged Mister World Philippines 2012 Andrew Wolff the Multimedia Challenge along with being Mr. World 2012 1st Runner-up in the five challenge events which fast-track winners to the final top-ten of the competition.

We decided to post it here than lay hidden to gather cobwebs in the catacombs of pageant history. We think it is view-worthy for its engaging and informative dig into the Church of England. Wolff made a sterling effort creating a comprehensive 15 minute guide to the Canterbury Cathedral, Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Founded in 597, you can imagine the immense wealth of history lying within there. 

Ismael Aiaz - Mister Globe 2015

If there is Global there must be Globe. Yes there is also Mister Globe pageant based in France and the first run was held only January of this year through internet voting. Ismael Aiaz, the representative from Madagascar emerged the eventual winner. Selection was 50% internet vote and 50% judges vote. Reportedly the internet voting resulted to a tie for the first place between Aiaz and French Thibault Marchand who was consequently awarded the title “Mister Model of the World 2015.” The other finalists were Toumi Taher of Tunisia and Rui Neto of Portugal. The contest was participated in by 24 contestants through “virtual” competition, including Philippine representative Paolo Lester Caballero.

Nicklas vs. Nguyen - Black and White Photographic Modeling

Nicklas Pedersen, Mister World 2014 and Nguyen Van Son Mister Global 2015 are unmistakably of contrasting looks and ethnicity, one is European the other Asian but in these black and white photographic modeling shoots, the two parallel each other in how they pose for the camera, what their angles are and how they show their best natural style. With the colors out, it’s purely about making that connection - how they talk to the camera and give you a feel of their personalities. Don’t you find the likeness a bit uncanny? 

Nguyen Van Son on the cover of MOT Vietnam

Nguyen Van Son, Mister Global 2015 lands on the April issue of MOT Vietnam. The magazine is Vietnam’s leading fashion publication that aims to bring Vietnamese designers’ and fashion entrepreneurs’ design ideas and creative talents to the forefront. It banners the tagline “Sân chơi Việt- tinh thần Việt- trí tuệ Việt - Vietnamese magazine – Vietnamese spirit – Vietnamese intelligence.”

Mister Dominican Republic Robbed and Killed

Luis Daniel Lora, a mister pageant winner of the Dominican Republic was robbed and shot dead on Friday, March 20 in Santo Domingo while he was about to get home after returning from work. The unknown attackers took his life after he resisted when they tried to strip him of his belongings. 

According to the police version, Lora and a companion Ronald Abreu Mejia were at the grocery store "Anabel " located on the street Baoruco when unknown assailants appeared and pointed a gun at them. Lora died of gunshot wound in left chest while Abreu Mejia was injured with a shot in the left leg.

 

Manhunt International Bracing up for a Major Comeback this year

Whew, finally we can heave a sigh of relief after worrying too much about what could possibly be amiss with our illustrious mister pageant - Manhunt International. We got word directly from Mr. Alex Liu, President of Manhunt International Organization of Singapore that Manhunt International pageant is going to push through this year. They are just in the process of inking some final agreements before they make the formal announcement. We hate to jump the gun on you guys, but we just can’t contain our excitement so we are spilling the beans.

Vietnam's First International Male Pageant Winner

Nguyen Van Son, Mister Global 2015 is not the first Vietnamese man to win an international pageant title. That distinction belongs to Ngo Tien Doan, Mister International 2008. Check him out in these photos that provide compelling arguments supporting his feat.

Get to know Men Universe Model

Men Universe Model is an international male model pageant indigenous to the Dominican Republic, in the Caribbean region where it has been held yearly from 2008 to the present. This year is the 8^th edition and is slated to take place in June in Santo Domingo, the capital and largest city in the country.   

Hankering for Manhunt International Pageant

We sorely miss Manhunt International after the 2014 pageant supposed to be held in Beijing, China was unceremoniously cancelled due to unclear reasons. This is very unfortunate as this longest-running mister pageant is the most anticipated annually. This whole situation leaves us feeling antsy.

World vs. Global - How do their trophies compare?

Aside from sporting comparable name versions of our planet – World and Global, these two mister pageants have strikingly similar pageant trophies if you’d notice. Both trophies are made of glass with a square base, a sloping body and an orb at the top. And need we say that if ever you have the good fortune of gaining one of these, the correct way to display it is with a firm two hands grip like our winners show us.  

In Helter-skelter for Helder Velazquez

Out there in the world of currently running mister pageants, some guys will most definitely capture your imagination for oozing and sizzling in testosterone hotness. If hotness is the only criterion for judging contestants in mister pageants, then this guy is in our parlance a "runaway winner" even before the contest has began.

Helder Velazquez is a professional model for Likuid Talent and Model Management and is Puerto Rico’s bet to Mister Universal Ambassador 2015 to take place in Bali, Indonesia in September. Make haste for Helder!