MANILA—Filipinos will once again see scores of gorgeous men from around the world as the Mister International contest returns to the Philippines. The country last hosted the global competition in 2015.
Prime Events Productions Philippines (PEPPS) Foundation made the announcement at the send-off press conference for the country’s representative, Mister Filipinas-International Mark Kevin Baloaloa, at Hotel Benilde in Manila on Tuesday evening.
“The 2018 edition was supposed to be held in another country but there were problems. So the international organization discussed with us the possibility of having the contest in the Philippines once again,” PEPPS Foundation head Carlo Morris Galang said.
The current edition is the 13th staging of the global competition for “distinctly handsome” individuals.
The Philippines, so far, has one winner—police officer Neil Perez who won in 2014.
This year, the country will be represented by model Mark Kevin Baloaloa from Catanauan, Quezon.
“I believe we will take home the title once again because I wasted no time preparing for Mister International,” Baloaloa said in Filipino.
He said he has been hitting the gym six times a week ever since bagging the national title last year. He has also been eating healthy — choosing vegetables, chicken breast, and eggs over other food.
Baloaloa also noted the importance of getting enough sleep and rest to aid the body’s recovery.
He also underwent training with Lynn Bentsen Academy, particularly for walking, communications, and the crucial question-and-answer round, which he finds the most difficult.
“I plan to make friends with my fellow candidates and help them whenever they are in need,” Baloaloa said.
PEPPS vice president Richard Montoya, meanwhile, assured everybody that the Philippine representative will be treated the same way as the delegates from other countries.
“We will not give him special treatment. We will be fair and square,” Montoya said.
The 13th Mister International delegates will arrive on Feb. 14 and will stay at Hotel Benilde in Manila. They will also visit the province of Ilocos Norte. Over 40 international competitors are expected to participate.
The finals will be staged at One Esplanade in Pasay City on Feb. 24. /ee